Gary Mercer and Jim Kaplan were inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists, and Jie Huang, Thomas Kuckhoff and Toni Bloodworth Pence were celebrated as Outstanding Young Alumni in an April 16 ceremony at the Owen Pavilion.
Membership in the academy is the highest honor bestowed by Clemson University’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences. The Outstanding Young Alumni Award is reserved for graduates of the college who are 40 years old or younger and have made significant achievements to their profession or the welfare of society.
Anand Gramopadhye, the college’s dean, said all of the honorees have powerful stories.
“As we reflect on tonight’s honorees, it’s clear that the impact you’ve made in your careers and communities is truly inspiring,” he said. “We’re proud that your Clemson education has been part of that journey.”
Here is a look at each of this year’s honorees:
Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists
Jim Kaplan
Kaplan is a distinguished Clemson alumnus whose career, leadership, and service reflect the purpose of the academy. He earned a Bachelor of Science in ceramic engineering from Clemson in 1987 and later an MBA from the College of William & Mary.
Kaplan is the former president and CEO of Cornell Dubilier Electronics, where he rose from process engineer to lead the company for more than two decades. He guided its growth as a global manufacturer, culminating in its acquisition by Knowles Corporation in 2023.
His commitment to Clemson University and to expanding opportunities for future engineers and scientists have been extraordinary. Kaplan and his wife, Julee, have contributed more than $5 million to support scholarships. That includes establishing the Kaplan Family Scholarship Endowment and launching a dollar-for-dollar matching challenge to broaden access for students across South Carolina.
He has also strengthened Clemson’s research and talent pipeline through industry collaboration, direct engagement with faculty and students, and long-standing service to education and workforce development in the Upstate.
For his outstanding career, significant contributions to society, and lasting impact on Clemson and the engineering profession, Kaplan is highly deserving of induction into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists.
Nominators: Kyle Brinkman, John Ballato and Apparao Rao
Gary Mercer
Mercer’s more than 35-year career at GE reflects sustained excellence, strategic leadership and direct impact on the design and performance of advanced engineering systems.
He most recently served as vice president and general manager of engineering at GE Aviation. He retired in 2022 and then founded GDMercer Consulting to provide technology, safety, engineering and regulatory and leadership expertise to his clients.
But what makes Mercer especially deserving of induction is how he uses his experience to serve others. Since joining Clemson as an instructor in the Engineering Leadership Minor, he has treated teaching as an act of service.
He gives his time freely– meeting with students, offering guidance and helping them navigate academic and career decisions. Students leave his presence more confident, prepared and committed to leading with integrity.
In the classroom, Mercer brings real, applied insight. He helps students connect what they are learning to the realities of engineering practice, teamwork and ethical leadership.He is also known for his humility, generosity and authenticity. Students trust him, and they seek him out.
Mercer is exactly what this academy represents– a distinguished engineer, a dedicated mentor and a role model for future generations.
Nominator: O. Thompson Mefford
Outstanding Young Alumni
Jie Huang
Huang received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from Clemson in 2015 and went on to become an international leader in sensing technology and a clear example of what Clemson graduates can achieve. In less than a decade, he has built a world-class research program, securing over $40 million in funding and publishing more than 200 papers.
His work focuses on creating sensors that operate in harsh environments where traditional tools fail and helping industries such as steelmaking become safer and more efficient. He has also translated his research into real-world use, including licensed technologies now used in industry.
Beyond his technical achievements, he is a dedicated mentor and educator, preparing the next generation of engineers. Huang is currently the Roy A. Wilkens Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology and director of the Lightwave Technology Laboratory.
Nominator: Hai Xiao
Thomas Kuckhoff
Kuckhoff’s career exemplifies Clemson engineering at its very best: innovation, leadership, and service.
He has earned two degrees from Clemson: his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 2014 and his Master of Business Administration in 2021. He currently serves as a senior product manager at Omron Automation Americas, where he has led product development and corporate strategy, driving multimillion-dollar growth while bringing new industrial technologies to market.
A licensed Professional Engineer and inventor on multiple U.S. patents, Kuchoff’s work has also earned national recognition, including Product of the Year honors and multiple engineering achievement awards.
Kuckhoff’s impact extends well beyond industry. He helped establish Clemson’s Automation, Robotics, and Cyber Lab in Riggs Hall, giving students hands-on access to real-world systems.
He is also a Clemson Roaring 10 honoree, a member of the Clemson MBA Alumni Council, and a member of the Holcombe Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisory Board. He regularly returns to campus to mentor students, support programs, and connect education with industry.
Nominators: Hai Xiao and Hassan Raza
Toni Bloodworth Pence
Bloodworth Pence earned her Ph.D. and master’s degree from Clemson, both in computer science. She currently serves as chair of the Computer Science Department at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She is the youngest chair in department history and one of the youngest in the history of UNC Wilmington, reflecting her leadership capacity and the institution’s confidence in her vision.
Under her leadership, the department has expanded faculty hiring, and built advisory boards that engage industry professionals, alumni, and community partners.
Beyond the university, Bloodworth Pence is an active community leader and advocate for STEM access. She leads initiatives that promote inclusive pathways into computing, including outreach to local schools and programs that encourage more women to pursue careers in technology, helping broaden participation in the field.
Nominators: Brygg Ullmer and Brian Dean
