There’s a truth I’ve come to know deep in my bones: we were not created to do life alone. When I came to Clemson over 30 years ago as a reluctant student, I wasn’t sure Clemson was my place. It wasn’t my first choice in colleges. It felt too close to home. And like any teenager, at that stage of life, there were A LOT. OF. FEELS.
So, I made the decision as a practical choice (it was in-state and affordable, and I was accepted into my chosen major of nursing), and figured it was about the education — not the experience. Little did I know such a practical choice could turn into a sense of community and connection that’s been a huge part of my journey to this day. I find it interesting that in my personal journey as a Navy brat and then as an Army wife — a journey that on average saw me move about every two years for 48 years — one place that had a consistent feeling of home was Clemson University.
Honestly, it wasn’t about football and the fun of college. It was about the people and teachers who helped me grow into the person I am today. It was because this place is special and has a gift of creating community. And when I think about my vision of growing thriving individuals that transform the world, community isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential to the well-being of our faculty, staff and students to develop that sense of thriving.
What Is community?
Community isn’t just about proximity — it’s about purpose. It’s a group of people connected by shared values, goals, spaces or beliefs. And while the form it takes may differ — teams, student groups, churches, neighborhoods, workplaces — the function remains the same: a place to connect, to be seen, to grow.
In organizations, community looks like employee resource groups, cross-functional teams, or a culture that encourages collaboration and trust. On campuses, it’s found in residence halls, student clubs, mentorship programs and late-night study sessions over coffee. Regardless of the setting, true community provides a sense of belonging that grounds us.
The heart connection: Community and well-being
There is a profound connection between the strength of our community and the state of our wellness. When people feel connected, they’re more likely to flourish — mentally, emotionally, spiritually and even physically.
Community offers us psychological safety — a place to be our whole selves without fear of judgment. It reminds us we are not alone in our struggles or joys. It reduces the crushing weight of isolation and loneliness many carry in silence. It gives us a support system to weather storms and celebrate victories, big or small.
Why it matters for performance and purpose
When we cultivate community, we don’t just improve individual well-being, we unlock potential. In workplaces, teams bound by trust and mutual care perform better. They collaborate more effectively, innovate more freely and stick around longer. In academic settings, students who feel that sense of community and connection are more engaged, motivated and successful. They don’t just survive, they thrive.
But let’s not forget: the goal isn’t performance for performance’s sake. The real goal is creating spaces where people can live into their purpose. That starts with feeling connected and cared for. At Clemson, it means community and well-being are synonymous with the culture we are building. Do we have it all figured out? No, but there is a consistent commitment through the University leadership team, Clemson Well-Being Council, Wellness Ambassadors and others to continuously improve toward a vision of thriving we all share.
Building intentional community
If we want to foster well-being, we must be intentional about building community. It doesn’t happen by accident — it happens through deliberate design.
In organizations, that might look like leaders creating space for open dialogue, prioritizing trust and connection, and investing time in team development beyond the task list. In campus settings, it means empowering student leaders, fostering interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring faculty and staff are part of the web of support.
It’s the potluck lunch in the breakroom. The late-night conversations on the hall. The small group that meets every Wednesday. The mentor who checks in unprompted. The groups that come together to support hurricane response, stocking food pantry shelves and making dinner for peers who are in a season of struggle. These moments may seem small, but they are the building blocks of something profound and transformative.
Navigating barriers to connection
Of course, it’s not always easy. Digitally enculturated work and learning, cultural differences, burnout, high operational tempos and time constraints can all become barriers. But the answer isn’t to back away from the challenge — it’s to lean in with compassion and creativity.
We need to ask: Who’s missing from the table? What aren’t we addressing? Who’s not being seen or heard? Continuous improvement means asking the hard questions and the commitment to do something about it. Community requires courage — the courage to reach out, to listen deeply and to make room for others.
Creating a culture of connection
At the heart of community is love. Love shows up in action. In how we speak to one another, how we show grace, how we make space for rest and how we celebrate one another.
Leaders, students, faculty and friends — we all have a role to play. It starts by asking: How am I contributing to the well-being of those around me? How am I creating space for connection? It’s not about having a Chief Well-Being Officer or an office dedicated to well-being, it’s about how we all choose to make well-being a part of how we show up.
We must weave community into the very fabric of our organizations and campuses — not as an afterthought, but as the foundation of all we do.
Final thoughts: We belong to one another
If you’re reading this and feeling disconnected, I want you to hear this: you are not alone. You are not forgotten. You belong.
And if you’re in a place of strength, I invite you to reach out your hand. Create the spaces. Build the bridges. Share the table. That’s how we create communities that heal, empower and flourish.
Because when we build community, we’re not just creating better organizations or campuses. We’re nurturing the human spirit. And there is no greater work than that.