The Clemson University Ombuds office has named Michael Scott its new associate Ombuds. Scott previously served as a talent acquisition partner and the veteran employment program manager in the Office of Human Resources.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Michael to the Ombuds office, and I’m looking forward to working with him as he helps expand our impact on faculty, staff, and students,” said Tessa Byer, University Ombuds. “Michael’s passion for serving others is unparalleled, and I know he will ensure every voice is heard, every concern is valued, and every difficult situation heads toward a solution.”
Michael Scott’s hiring marks an expansion of the Ombuds office, which is a confidential, independent, neutral, informal, and safe resource where the Clemson community can go to process concerns, get information, and develop options for how to move forward in a difficult situation. The University Ombuds can provide education, conflict coaching, mediation, facilitation, and referrals to other resources across Clemson University.
“I’m very honored to be the new associate Ombuds,” said Scott. “I’m excited to be able to help the entire Clemson Family and continue the tradition of support and confidentiality that Tessa and Dr. Gordon Halfacre have provided.”
Scott joined Clemson in May 2021 following a United States Air Force career that spanned more than 20 years. As a First Sergeant and Flight Chief, he provided key unit and base leadership while offering coaching, mediation and facilitation to over 1,000 military and civilian employees across five organizations and three continents. His responsibilities included ensuring the wellbeing of employees and family members, covering finance, professional development and family support.
Scott’s distinguished work in the military and at Clemson has given him a diverse body of leadership, conflict management, coaching and mentoring experience that he brings to his new Ombuds role. As a talent acquisition partner, he traveled across South Carolina working with Clemson employees throughout the state—something he hopes to continue as associate Ombuds.
“I want to focus on getting out to people where they are and helping them feel like part of the Clemson family, because they are,” he said. “I want to help expand our outreach. We’re here to help.”
In addition to its confidential conflict resolution, mediation and coaching services, the Ombuds office offers a wide variety of training as well. Upcoming training sessions this semester include Emotional Intelligence at Work (September 20), Cultivating Resilience: How to Overcome Life’s Setbacks (October 25) and Giving Effective Feedback (November 15). The Ombuds website also maintains a list of Frequently Asked Questions, as well as self-help resources.