Manning N. “Nick” Lomax ‘63, who held a variety of roles during a 31-year administrative career at Clemson University, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 3. Lomax was 84 years old. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sally, children Nick Jr. (Michelle) and Jeanie Bolton (Stephen), and grandchildren, Noah and Maddie.
A native of Abbeville, South Carolina, Lomax graduated from Clemson in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in education. A member of Clemson’s Army ROTC program, he commissioned as an officer following graduation and earned the rank of colonel in the Army Reserves. After the completion of his military service, he returned to his alma mater as a residence counselor with University housing.
Lomax went on to serve as director of housing for many years, prior to beginning his administrative tenure in 1980 as associate vice president for Student Affairs. He would go on to serve as vice president for Student Affairs from 1986-92. He finished his Clemson career holding a dual role as vice president for administration and secretary to the Board of Trustees before retiring in 1996.
Lomax was an instrumental figure in helping shape Clemson into the institution it is today. During his tenure, Clemson constructed and opened several residential communities still in use today, including the signature Bryan Mall high rises (Byrnes, Lever and Manning), Calhoun Courts and Lightsey Bridge. In his position as vice president for Student Affairs, he also supervised the director of athletics and helped oversee important investments in athletic facilities and student-athlete academic services.
In 2025, Lomax received the Bond Distinguished Athletes Award, which recognizes Clemson alumni athletes who demonstrate exemplary character, citizenship and service to their alma mater, community and family. A three-year starter in the outfield on Head Coach Bill Wilhelm’s baseball teams from 1961-63, Lomax played 70 games (freshmen were not eligible to play at that time) and batted .287 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs.
His best year came as a junior in 1962, when he was named Second-Team All-ACC and hit .292 with six home runs, a total that tied for the team lead. Clemson led the nation in home runs per game that year, one of just two Tiger teams to do that for a season. That 1962 team finished with a 17-8 record and likely would have been an NCAA Tournament team by today’s standards. In a May 8, 1962 game against South Carolina, the Tigers hit a still-school-record eight home runs in a 27-17 win over South Carolina. Lomax hit one of those home runs.
Lomax was active in the local community for years and was a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow. In 2007, he was honored by the Clemson Alumni Association as a recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor by the organization for alumni who have devoted their life to professionalism and public service, while also demonstrating a lifelong dedication to Clemson University.
