Sarah Winslow named inaugural dean of the Clemson University Honors College

After a nationwide search, Sarah Winslow has been named the inaugural dean of the Clemson University Honors College. Winslow, currently the College’s Senior Associate Director and Director of the National Scholars Program, begins her new position Nov. 15.

With growth in student numbers, the addition of new facilities, and renewed interest in national preeminence, the Honors College has justified the elevation of the lead administrative role to that of dean. Following a national search, Sarah’s appointment among four finalists is the result of her success in growing the quality and financial support for honors programs in her current role, and overwhelmingly positive feedback from faculty, staff and students following her campus interview.

Robert Jones, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost

The Honors College has more than doubled its enrollment over the last decade to more than 1,800 students representing 40 U.S. states. Clemson Honors students engage in a wide range of innovative and interdisciplinary learning experiences on campus, across America, and around the world. They are also encouraged to participate in or create their own applied learning opportunities, empowering them to apply their talents and abilities to making a positive impact.

In 2016, the University built a new, state-of-the-art residential college facility providing housing for nearly 400 students, an honors office space, and classrooms and study spaces.

“I wish to thank Bill Lasser again for his excellent service as executive director for the last 12 years, and for his continued contributions to Clemson and our students as a professor in the political science department,” said Jones.

Over the past eight years, Winslow has dedicated her work to the personal, academic and professional development of students across the university through her roles in the Honors College and National Scholars Program.

In her current role as senior associate director of the Honors College, Winslow leads curriculum development and innovation, experiential learning and inclusive excellence. As director of the National Scholars Program, she recruits, mentors, teaches and advises Clemson’s highest-achieving students, building an inclusive community of scholar-leaders who critically examine their place in the world and use their talents to serve.

She is deeply involved in the undergraduate experience at Clemson, previously serving as undergraduate coordinator for the Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice and faculty-in-residence for the Honors Living-Learning Community. Her research and teaching interests focus on social inequality, particularly how gender operates in a variety of institutions.

As Dean, Winslow will be an academic and administrative leader on campus, with a focus on ensuring the Honors College plays an even more prominent role in advancing Clemson University’s strategic goals.  

The Honors College challenges students to think in applied, interdisciplinary ways and fosters a community of engaged learners and leaders. This approach, which is directly connected to the University’s land grant mission, engages and focuses our students on making a difference – in their classes, on campus, in their communities and in the world. I’m honored to lead the College through its exciting next chapter and grateful to the Provost and the faculty, staff and students on the screening committee for their support.

Sarah Winslow, Inaugural Dean, Clemson University Honors College

The dean will also manage two offices that operate independently of the Honors College – the National Scholars Program and the Office of Major Fellowships, which launched in 2018 and led to Clemson’s growing prominence in competitive Rhodes, Truman, Marshall and other major scholarship program awards to Clemson students.