Now in its fourth year, CU Grow is preparing for its largest class to date. Thirty-two members from more than 25 departments across campus will participate in Clemson’s premier staff development program, which includes experiential learning, workshops, skill development and volunteer service.
“CU Grow fuels a continuous growth culture for Clemson staff, where shared experiences and customized training propel career progression to greater heights,” said program founder Jaz Hamilton-Allen.
This year’s program features an enhanced curriculum, a supervisor portal and a new partnership with the Rutland Institute for Ethics. Through activities included in the CU Grow curriculum, participants can graduate from CU Grow with an ethics Concentration.
“The partnership of the Rutland Institute for Ethics and CU Grow exemplifies the commitment of Clemson University to the holistic well-being of its staff,” said Bill McCoy, director of the Rutland Center. “By infusing the concepts of ethical decision-making and ethical leadership into an already carefully planned curriculum, this partnership takes staff development to a whole new thought-provoking level.”
The newly created supervisor portal will allow supervisors of cohort members to access valuable tools and resources to aid in their staff’s growth and development.
“By increasing supervisor involvement, we hope to foster candid conversations to help employees set goals that align with their strengths, aspirations, and the vision for their departments/divisions,” said Kristen Finley, talent and organizational development specialist.
2024 Cohort Members
Ryan Best, Police Officer II and K9 Handler – Clemson University Police Department
Penni Douglas, Accountant/Fiscal Analyst II – Office of Global Engagement
Mallory Mitcham, Benefits Navigator – Office of Human Resources
Shawna Fowler, Data Visualization Engineer – CCIT
Shay Vinson, Student Services Coordinator II – School of Architecture
Michael Alphonso, Software Development Architect – CCIT
Denise Sanders, Support Specialist II – Facilities
Jacob Miller, Senior Programmer IV – CCIT – ESA
Kristy Dickinson, Administrative Coordinator – VIPR-GS
Theodore Zee, Sr., Nursery Operations Coordinator – Plant Industry
Candace Weisner, Officer Manager – School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
Mary Erin Morrissey, Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives & Engagement – Finance and Operations
Anthony Herrera, Woodland Cemetery Superintendent – Land and Capital Asset Stewardship
Jake Grove, Senior Writer – Marketing and Communications
Angela Gambrell, Compliance Analyst – University Compliance and Ethics
Rachel Anderson, Associate Director – Peer Learning Support Programs – Academic Success Center
John Davis, Special Projects Coordinator – Facilities Landscape Services
Jill Williams, Student Services Coordinator II – College of Business Academic Advising Center
Sarah Edison, Associate Director of the Brooks Center – Performing Arts
Gabrielle Compton, Recruitment Marketing Coordinator – Marketing and Communications
Kathy Breffle, Manager of Financial Operations – Advancement: Finance and Administration
Jason Combs, Director, Emerging Scholars – College Preparation and Outreach
Stephanie Vitalis, Human Resources Service Manager – Office of Human Resources
Rooksana Noorai, Assistant Director of Bioinformatics – Biological Sciences
Rebecca Hedden, Reporting and Staff Development Coordinator – Cooperative Extension Services
Khristy Glover, Assistant Director of Operations and Strategic Development – Regulatory Services
Shaw Hipsher, Communications Coordinator – Advancement Marketing, Communications and Events
Lisa Robinson, Associate Director – Center for Career and Professional Development
Caren Kelley-Hall, Associate Director – Center for Career and Professional Development
Jodi Cox, Associate Director of the Visitors Center – Undergraduate Admissions
Melissa Webb, Assistant Supervisor – Facilities – Custodial
Aly Friend, Director of Engagement – Alumni Association