Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program celebrates 15th Anniversary

A history of success

The Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program has made a profound impact on our students during their time at Clemson and has shaped them to be vital and productive employees and citizens around the world. Tom ’65, and Karen Chapman’s thoughtful and intentional generosity has allowed Clemson University to create an exceptional program that has transformed the Clemson Experience for more than 180 students, nurturing their leadership skills and preparing them to make an impact in their communities.

This year, the program celebrates its 15th anniversary after being established in 2009 by Tom Chapman, former Chairman and CEO of Equifax Inc.in Atlanta, Georgia. Over his lifetime, Chapman has served as an exemplary business and community leader. While pursuing his bachelor’s degree in economics at Clemson, he excelled on the baseball diamond as an All-ACC pitcher. Upon graduation, he played professional baseball in the Philadelphia Phillies organization until April 1968, when his Army Reserve unit was activated and deployed to Vietnam, where he served with distinction. Drawing upon his experiences and lessons learned over his career, Tom worked with Clemson to establish the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program with an intent to support 10 business students per year who demonstrated outstanding leadership potential for a total of 10 years.  

With more than a decade of success and remarkable achievements in the program, the Chapmans graciously agreed to permanently endow the program with an additional investment, extending the leadership program to across Clemson University, selecting representatives from all colleges. The Chapmans also endowed the Thomas F. Chapman ’65 Distinguished Professorship in Leadership, one of the highest academic honors that can be bestowed on a faculty member. The Chapman Leadership Scholars Program is one of Clemson’s prestigious flagship programs.  Current students and alumni serve in leadership roles, both on and off campus, impacting the lives of others.

“From the very beginning of this program in 2009, Karen and I have been richly blessed by our association with wonderfully talented and engaged Chapman Leadership Scholars committed to enhancing their understanding of the principals, values and techniques of effective leadership. Our goal is to enrich their Clemson experience while enabling them to do their part in making our world a better place. With their knowledge of the essential roles that intellect, courage and heart play in their lives, we are confident that goal shall be realized.”

Tom Chapman ’65

Celebrating a new academic year

This fall, the Chapman Leadership Scholars Program continues to excel as it welcomes a new class of students.  This competitive program selects Clemson’s highest-quality first-year students who demonstrate leadership potential. The Class of 2027 includes Luther Bells, Nicky Burke, Benji Horton, Maddie Maurio, Will McPhail, Zuri Miller, Alice Parkes, Nicole Ray, Caroline Ruby, Eric Selquist, Julio Vallarino, Samantha Weiss, Samantha Willis and Griffin Wylie.

The Chapman Leadership Scholars Program also welcomes Amanda Cooper Fine, principal lecturer in marketing and Faculty Fellow for the Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute, to the leadership team. Additionally, the program is honored to have Lt. Col. Jimmy Mullinax (Retired) as the senior lecturer. He was recently named Executive Director of Military Affairs at Clemson University.

Mary Anne Raymond, the inaugural Thomas F. Chapman Distinguished Professor of Leadership and professor of marketing in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business highlights the value of the program.  “I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with incredible young people and alongside a great leadership team.  We are all very fortunate to engage and learn from Tom and Karen Chapman, both exceptional leaders and mentors. Their support, insights, and encouragement mean so much to me and our scholars. They have truly inspired me to be an excellent role model for intellect, courage and heart, the three pillars of Clemson University’s flagship leadership program.  Their vision and compassion for engaged learning is contagious.”

To commemorate the 15^th Anniversary of this outstanding program, the Clemson Alumni Association is sponsoring a tailgate for current and former Chapman Leadership Scholars, past and present members of the leadership team and other key supporters. The tailgate will be held during Military Appreciation weekend on Saturday, November 23^rd, three hours before the Clemson vs. Citadel football game.

A unique approach

The Chapman Leadership Scholars Program utilizes a challenging three-year curriculum centered on a leadership theme created by Thomas Chapman during his tenure as Chairman & CEO of Equifax. While facing the challenge of leading, unifying and advancing the global company, inspiration struck as he read The Wizard of Oz to his grandchildren. Based in part on the lessons taught through the allegory of the Lion, the Scarecrow and the Tinman, this program cultivates young leaders by demonstrating the importance of intellect, courage and heart. Just as the characters in the story discover, these qualities live inside each of us.

Sophomore Year – Chapman Leadership Scholars focus on developing intellect and defining leadership capabilities.

Junior Year – Chapman Leadership Scholars learn how courage and ethics enable one to make the best decisions.

Senior Year – Chapman Leadership Scholars focus on the heart, the importance of compassion and philanthropy by serving others.

Alexander Sauer, a finance and management double major in the Powers College of Business and President of the Student Senate at Clemson University, speaks to the impact of the program. “I can’t explain how much the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program has propelled my passion for leadership and shaped how I live my life,” Sauer explains. “Being a Chapman Leadership Scholar has allowed me to grow intellectually and emotionally as a servant leader and has continually equipped me to make a genuine, positive impact during my time at Clemson and post-graduation. I am beyond blessed to be supported by Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, the Chapman leadership staff and the incredible mentorship this program provides.”

Today, former Chapman Leadership Scholars are making a difference world-wide bringing their valuable talents and skills to a variety of industries including global corporations, non-profits, professional schools, and the United States government. They hold titles such as Vice President, CFO, Director, Analyst, Design Engineer, attorney and more. The legacy of Tom and Karen Chapman, through the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program is immeasurable. It continues to grow with each graduating class of outstanding and talented individuals committed to doing their part to make the world a better place.