Jones named Clemson Libraries Employee of the Year

Darius Jones, facilities manager, has been named the Clemson Libraries Employee of the Year. The award, which was established in 1987, recognizes a Libraries staff member for significant contributions and excellence in service, innovation and teamwork.

Jones has been on the staff at the Libraries since 2007, but moved into the facilities manager role in 2021. Prior to becoming facilities manager, he worked in acquisitions and then in the digitization lab at the Library Depot. His nominators cited his enthusiasm, work ethic and adaptability in the face of challenges as reasons why he was deserving of the award.

“In his new position as facilities manager, Darius has excelled through each challenge presented to him. Late COVID protocols, new and redesigned spaces, and a flood to top it all off, all of which were extremely well managed by Darius in a proactive and caring manner. His sense of urgency and attention to detail are invaluable and have not gone unnoticed around Cooper Library,” wrote one nominator.

Jones was one of the first Libraries staff members on the scene after a pipe burst caused flooding in Cooper Library over the holiday break. He quickly responded and worked to document the extensive damage, which helped the Libraries’ leadership manage the crisis. 

In addition to his role as facilities manager, Jones serves as one of Cooper Library’s building security coordinators. Other than responding to building emergencies, Jones oversees furniture placement and maintenance, is responsible for managing all keys to the building, manages work orders, assists with event coordination and just about anything else that might arise in the management of a 184,000-plus square foot building. He said he is still learning on the job every day.

“The best part about this job is being back in the building. I start in acquisitions on the third floor, now I’m back on the third floor. I like being in the middle of campus,” said Jones. 

A native of Calhoun Falls, Jones is a Clemson alumnus with a degree in fine arts. As a student, he was a member of Tiger Band and worked as the Tiger mascot. He has studied martial arts since he was a teenager and is a certified instructor in Cuong Nhu, a unique martial art style that blends elements and techniques from several other martial arts.