Finance and Operations; OUR Clemson

Kathy Bush Hobgood named associate vice president for Auxiliary Enterprises

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Recognizing her 16 years of excellence in working with Clemson’s students, Chief Financial Officer Rick Petillo has named Kathy Bush Hobgood associate vice president auxiliary enterprises, effective Jan. 16, 2022.

Since the June 30, 2021, retirement of Clint Carlson, Hobgood served as interim in the position, but Hobgood is no stranger to auxiliary – not by any stretch.

Auxiliaries on college campuses are a group of departments furthering the academic mission of their institutions by creating environments that support student engagement and success and provide important services to the broader University community, including staff, faculty and visitors. At Clemson, that large team led by Hobgood includes professionals working in housing, dining, the bookstore, the child development center, parking & transit services and vending operations. “If you’re on campus, you probably encountered somebody from our team or benefitted directly from their dedication,” said Chief Financial Officer Rick Petillo. “Auxiliary enterprises are such an important part of what creates a University environment, and it’s our team and our people that really helps make Clemson special.”

Kathy Hobgood of University Housing & Dining with President James P. Clements at PLI graduation in May 2019.
In 2019 Hobgood received her President’s Leadership Institute diploma from President Jim Clements.

Now with more than three decades experience in higher education, Hobgood’s career started at the University of Iowa where she spent two years gaining experience as a resident assistant. Western Illinois University, Albion College and the University of Florida have all benefited from Hobgood’s stewardship, and the broader higher education community continues to benefit from Hobgood’s experience and insight. In 2021, Hobgood was awarded the prestigious Association of College and University Housing Officers – International Presidential Service Award, which was a recognition of her enduring impact in the campus housing profession. Hobgood has also been a leader in her local community as well, leading many fundraising efforts for the Ronald McDonald House charities and the Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Greenville, South Carolina.

Prior to becoming interim and then associate vice president, Hobgood had been assistant vice president for student auxiliary for two years and prior to that had served in roles as director of residential life and as the assistant vice president for housing & dining.

Kathy Hobgood, director of University Housing & Dining, speaks during the 2019 President's Leadership Institute
Hobgood was named the the individual recipient of the 2021 Presidential Service Award by the Association of College and University Housing Officers – International.

“I am pleased that someone with Kathy’s leadership and genuine care and concern will be leading such an important, experienced team,” said Petillo.  “Kathy has proven herself to be an adept leader of the Clemson Home team that can help us deliver on and advocate for our student mission within the broader context of considerations, and I am grateful to have her as a part of our team. Certainly, Kathy’s contributions during the University’s navigation through COVID-19 have been remarkable, and our colleagues around campus continually remark at how she’s provided for Clemson’s students and parents with distinction.”