College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences expands industry and community partnership initiatives in support of Clemson Elevate

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) continues to expand its footprint across South Carolina and beyond by establishing the Engaging and Partnering with Industry and Community committee to oversee industry and community partnership initiatives for the College.

Ed Bowers, CBSHS director of assessment and engagement, leads the committee and its efforts to provide meaningful opportunities for students and faculty to engage with industry and community partners.

The committee will explore new educational opportunities, foster workforce development and advance research partnerships to elevate the CBSHS student experience, double research outputs and transform lives statewide and beyond through educational and economic outreach.

“South Carolina is one of the fastest growing states in the country. With this influx of people – and as industries look to establish a footprint in the state – there are increasing engagement opportunities for students and faculty. CBSHS is equipped to meet the full range of industry needs from a well-prepared workforce to a healthy and positive work environment,” said Bowers. “However, this positive development in some areas is counterbalanced by communities across South Carolina still facing long-standing health and economic challenges. With our unique combination of disciplines, CBSHS is well-positioned to meet the wide range of needs of South Carolina citizens and industries.”

Currently, industry and community partnership initiatives include student and faculty talent development sessions, networking and outreach events and research collaborations that leverage the strengths and expertise of CBSHS faculty to address industry and community partners’ needs.

According to Leslie Hossfeld, CBSHS dean, the Engaging and Partnering with Industry and Community committee operationalizes the College’s strategic plan and its goals to deepen and expand educational, innovative and collaborative opportunities for students and foster strategic partnerships to transform local economies and strengthen communities throughout South Carolina.

“CBSHS faculty, staff and students are actively engaged with community and industry partners across South Carolina to address challenges, meet workforce demands and support innovation,” said Hossfeld. “The committee will provide an interdisciplinary, intentional and strategic approach to the College’s outreach efforts, support students’ academic and professional development and strengthen community and industry partnerships. This critical work aligns with Clemson’s land-grant mission and supports each of the strategic priorities of Clemson Elevate in a holistic way.” 

Additionally, the Engaging and Partnering with Industry and Community committee will build pathways for students, faculty, staff to connect with partners and a database of resources to support successful partnerships and collaborations.

The College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) was established in July 2016. CBSHS is a 21st-century, land-grant college that combines work in nine disciplines – communication; nursing; parks, recreation and tourism management; political science; psychology; public health sciences; sociology, anthropology and criminal justice – to further its mission of “building people and communities” in South Carolina and beyond.