Haven Ross: Visual Arts graduate builds community through art and mentorship

When Haven Ross first visited Clemson, she hadn’t planned on staying long. A friend had invited her for a tour, and Haven, then a high school student studying at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, was tagging along. But a chance encounter inside the Department of Art changed everything.

“I got to visit the Department of Art. At the time, I was also at an art institution in Greenville called the Fine Arts Center, and I walked in, and an FAC alumna was sitting in there doing ceramics,” Haven said. “I hadn’t seen her since my first year as a student, and I was like, ‘It’s so good to see you!’ and she was like, ‘You’ll fit right in here.’

“Let’s find a way to make you feel like there’s a home for you here.” — Haven Ross ’25, BFA

That moment helped solidify Haven’s decision to come to Clemson, even as a first-generation college student facing financial uncertainty. It hasn’t always been easy, but Haven has made the most of every available opportunity. She’s thrown herself into her studies in Visual Arts with photography emphasis while participating in multiple Creative Inquiry research projects, including a summer artist residency in Tennessee and helping lead the University’s first Media Art Festival.

Outside the studio, Haven serves as a Residential Community Mentor and Leader, a role she’s held for three years across various residence halls on campus. The work isn’t just about policy or programming. It’s about people.

“The first-year students have made such an impact on me because I view them as myself… trying to find her way about campus and through life itself,” she said. “Some of them are like, ‘I don’t know how to register for classes,’ and others come to me and go, ‘I’m scared to go back home; what do I do?’ and I say, ‘OK, let’s talk about it. Let’s find a way to make you feel like there’s a home for you here.’”

Those personal connections, whether through art or mentorship, have shaped Haven’s Clemson Experience. Her internship with the Lee Gallery has introduced her to the business side of art, while her work at the Media Art Festival has given her experience in curation and collaboration. In all of it, Haven sees a common theme: building space for others.

After graduation in May 2025, Haven plans to continue that work as an educator and practicing artist. She knows firsthand how powerful it is to feel seen, supported, and welcomed.

“It’s OK to be scared,” Haven said. “I think it’s kind of good to be scared or have the feeling of something making you uncomfortable because it means you’re doing something new.”