President Jim Clements
James P. Clements became Clemson University’s 15th president in 2013 after serving in the same capacity at West Virginia University. Clements is a nationally recognized leader in higher education who has served as president of a university in three different athletic conferences. Clements hold a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science as well as a master’s degree and Ph.D. in operations analysis from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also holds an M.S. degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University’s Whiting School of Engineering and was awarded an honorary degree as Doctor of Public Education from his alma mater, UMBC.
Welcome Message:
I am excited to welcome you to Clemson University! You are going to make lifelong memories with friends who will become family. You are also about to begin your academic journey at one of the best public research universities in the country where you will learn from our world-class faculty and engage with our amazing staff. I know this is a big adjustment for you, so I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities that await. Connect with your classmates, get to know your professors, go to class and ask questions, join a social organization, attend sporting events, and support your fellow Tigers. I look forward to seeing you around campus and, in a few short years, I can’t wait to present you with your class ring and then, before you know it, shake your hand at graduation. You are a member of the Clemson Family! Wear the Tiger Paw with pride knowing that you are the newest keepers of our values and traditions. Go Tigers!
To view President Clements’ complete bio follow this link
Robert H. Jones
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
Professor of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
Robert H. “Bob” Jones became Clemson University’s Chief Academic Officer and first Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost in 2014. He is responsible for all facets of undergraduate and graduate education, academic support programs, outreach, and research at over 170 sites across the state. A two-time Clemson graduate, Jones earned a B.S. in forest management in 1979 and a M.S. in forestry in 1981. He completed his doctorate in forest ecology from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse University in 1986.
Welcome Message: Dear future Clemson graduates,
I am very grateful that you are joining the Clemson community. You made an excellent choice! Clemson is one of the most exciting and impactful universities in the USA, with great upward momentum. I make these bragging points from my heart and with the experience of studying or working at six great American universities in my career, including Clemson where I was once in your shoes (Clemson classes of ’79 and ’81). I have returned to serve you as your Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, which has oversight over all academic programs, including teaching, research and outreach. Thinking about your success from the perspective of a former student, faculty member and administrator, I have two pieces of advice for you. First, please know that an incredible array of resources and people will be there for you whenever you need some guidance, have a question, or feel the need for help. Honestly, we thrive on working with students. Every inquiry you may have is important to us. Second, I encourage you to explore and engage inside and outside of the classroom. Clemson is known for “experiential” hands-on learning. Please take advantage of it! Enjoy the ride as you pursue your dreams! and GO TIGERS!
To view Provost Jones’ complete bio follow this link
Chris Miller
Chris Miller serves as the vice president and dean of students for Clemson University Division of Student Affairs. Miller was appointed to the full-time position in April 2021. In the 2020-21 academic year, Miller and his staff rose to the challenge of providing support services in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite a shift from traditional campus operations and a significant impact to the Clemson experience beyond the classroom, Student Affairs has continued to deliver quality, efficient and relevant programs and services for students and families. Miller earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and history from the University of North Carolina. He earned master’s and doctorate degrees from Arizona State University. He also earned a juris doctorate from Campbell University.
Welcome Message:
We cannot wait to begin the Fall 2021 semester. To our returning students, welcome home. To our newest Tigers, we cannot wait for you to begin your journey with us. The past year and a half has been immensely challenging, but we are so excited you are here at Clemson and know the 2021-22 academic year will be one to remember. Our entire team in the Division of Student Affairs is ready to support you as you embark on many endeavors beyond the classroom. We are privileged to be active participants alongside you in this journey. Do not hesitate to reach out to members of our team for help along the way — we are here for you. We are so glad you are part of the Clemson Family … Go Tigers!
Dan Radakovich came to Clemson with a wealth of experience after serving in significant athletic administrative roles at Miami, Fla; Long Beach State, SC; Louisiana State; American University; and Georgia Tech. He was named the 13th director for athletics at Clemson in 2012.
Welcome Message: Fellow Tigers,
Welcome home! On behalf of Clemson Athletics, I am excited to personally welcome you to the Clemson Family! The power of the paw has never been stronger, and I hope you will embrace the rich Clemson traditions and game day rituals that unify us beyond the athletic arenas. I want to thank you in advance for cheering us on in the stands! You give our programs a true home– field advantage, and make an enormous impact on our community and our University on game day. Go Tigers!
To view AD Radakovich’s complete bio follow this link
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Get to know your Dean
Nicholas Vazsonyi
Dean of Clemson’s College of Architecture, Art and Humanities
Dr. Nicholas Vazsonyi began his tenure as a dean at Clemson University on July 1, 2020. He served as chair of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures at the University of South Carolina, Columbia from 2013 until 2020. Vazsonyi first joined the faculty as an assistant professor of German and Comparative Literature in 1997. Vazsonyi earned a master’s degree in German in 1988 and a Ph.D. in Germanic Languages in 1993 at the University of California, Los Angeles. He graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Indiana University Bloomington in 1982 with a B.A. in German.
Welcome Message:
Welcome back to all the students and a special welcome to our incoming freshmen, and to those sophomores who are coming to campus for the first time. I feel for you because I was new last July 2020, so it’s been a weird ride so far and I expect it will feel like my first year here all over again. It’s very likely that you will be taking a course in our College no matter what your major is. Please know that we are here to help you in any way you need. Never be afraid to ask. Have a great time at Clemson. And maybe I will get a chance to meet you during your time here.
To view Dean Vazsonyi’s complete bio please follow this link
Keith Belli
Dean of Clemson’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
Keith L. Belli was named dean of Clemson University’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences in September 2018. Dr. Belli came to CAFLS from the University of Tennessee where he headed the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries. Prior to his time at Tennessee, he spent 18 years at Mississippi State University where he progressed from professor to Associate Dean of the College of Forest Resources.
Belli holds a Bachelor of Science in forest science from Pennsylvania State University, Master of Science in silviculture from Michigan State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in forest biometrics from the University of Minnesota, all three land-grant institutions.
Welcome Message:
Welcome to Clemson and the first year of the next exciting chapter of your life! In the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences we take pride in our “family” atmosphere and our welcoming environment. If you are already a part of our college, welcome to your new home. If you are enrolled in one of the other fantastic majors on campus, please stop by and enjoy some outdoor, quiet time in our McGinty Mall, or enjoy the world-class ice cream our students make for the ’55 Exchange. Go Tigers!
To view Dean Belli’s complete bio please follow this link
Christopher Cox
Dean of Clemson Libraries
Christopher Cox is Clemson University’s Dean of Libraries. As Dean, he is dedicated to collaboratively developing a vision for a world class research library that meets the needs of Clemson’s students, faculty and staff. Prior to coming to Clemson, Cox was Dean of Library Services at the University of Northern Iowa. Cox has also served as Dean of Libraries at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington. He has a BA in English from Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania, an MA in English from the University of Connecticut and a Master of Library Science from the University at Albany, NY.
Welcome Message:
Welcome, Tigers! I’m Chris Cox, your friendly neighborhood Dean of Libraries. The Libraries are here to make sure you can access the information, services and study spaces you need to succeed academically. We have plenty of books, but we are more than that. We have experts who can help you with research projects, cameras and microphones you can check out for video and audio projects, as well as instruction from the Adobe Digital Studio. We also offer all kinds of spaces where you can study individually or collaborate with other students.
I came to Clemson three years ago from the University of Northern Iowa. Going to a new place is strange, but, like you, I quickly made new friends and valued Clemson’s family atmosphere. I encourage you to explore the campus and community and use this experience to learn more about yourself and who you want to become. I was a first-generation college student and changed majors before I decided to become a librarian. I know you’ll enjoy your time here. If you’re ever in the library – and you better be if you know what’s good for you – stop by and say Hi!
Leslie Hossfeld
Dean of Clemson’s College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
Dr. Leslie Hossfeld joined Clemson as dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences in the summer of 2018. She loves guiding the work of approximately 200 faculty and 100 staff who serve 4,000-plus talented students who will change the world. Before coming to Clemson, she led the Department of Sociology, Criminology and Social Work at Mississippi State University and the Department of Sociology and Criminology at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She holds a Ph.D. in sociology from North Carolina State University, and her research expertise involves community and economic development, agrarianism, food security, and rural health disparities.
Welcome Message:
Welcome to the 2021-2022 academic year! To our new students, congratulations on making a great decision for your college career. I hope your time at Clemson is all you envision it will be and more. To our returning students, welcome back! We always miss you during the summer, and we look forward to a great year together. To everyone, I send my best wishes for a year filled with hard work, continued curiosity, smart decisions, and rich experiences. You are part of a special community – and we are so glad you are here. Go Tigers!
Wendy York
Dean of Clemson’s College of Business
Wendy York became the 15th dean and first female to lead business education at Clemson University in July 2018, following successful leadership roles in business and academia. Dean York oversees the strategic, academic and administrative functions of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and its more than 5,500 students, 200 instructional faculty and 90 staff.
Prior to joining Clemson, Dean York served as an associate dean at Stanford’s Graduate School of Business. Before that, she held executive-level positions in small and large non-profit and for-profit organizations, including employment with Bechtel Power Corporation and Bank of America. She started and/or led four early-stage technology and internet companies and spent five years as a venture capitalist, managing a private portfolio with a market capitalization of $100 million.
Dean York earned an undergraduate degree with High Honors and Distinction at Stanford University. She also earned an MBA with an emphasis on strategy and operations from Harvard Business School.
Welcome Message:
As Dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business, [I]t is my pleasure to welcome you to the next big adventure in your lives – to Clemson University, where we consider you family and treat you as such. You’ve made a smart decision in choosing Clemson, and no matter what college you’re enrolled in, I urge you to check us out. Our new, state-of-the art building in the center of campus will WOW you! It’s where the futures of the next generation of business leaders are being shaped. Work hard and have fun during your next four years. And know that while you’re here, and after graduation, you have the power of the Clemson Family behind you.
Cynthia Young
Dean of Clemson’s College of Science
Cynthia Y. Young became the Founding Dean of Clemson University’s new College of Science on Aug. 15, 2017. Under Dean Young’s leadership, the College developed an aspirational 2026 strategic plan, SCIForward, focused on excellence in scientific discovery, learning, and engagement that is both locally relevant and globally impactful. Dean Young and the Science Leadership Team are focused on three key goals: Strengthening the national and international prominence of our scientific discovery; Elevating the science learning experience; and challenging the status quo.
Prior to coming to Clemson, Young spent 20 years at the University of Central Florida (UCF) where she served in several leadership roles, including Vice Provost for Faculty Excellence and UCF Global, Associate Dean for the College of Sciences, Co-Founder of UCF’s EXCEL program, the NCAA Faculty Athletics Representative, and the Faculty Senate leadership team.
As an interdisciplinary scholar, Young developed mathematical models governing atmospheric effects in laser communication channels. Her scholarly impact has been recognized nationally by the Office of Naval Research with the Young Investigator Award, and she is a fellow of the International Society of Optics and Photonics. The author of more than 70 books and publications, Young secured continuous federal funding from 1999 through 2017 from the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. While at UCF, Young was named a Pegasus Professor and recognized through many research, teaching, and service awards.
Welcome Message: Dear Tigers:
Welcome home! Whether you are a first-time or returning student, the beginning of a new semester and academic year is always such an exciting time, especially at Clemson. As you follow the paws to campus, you are coming home to one of the top research and teaching universities in the country, with a student experience second to none. The Clemson Family is very special and very real—it connects all of us—one tiger with many stripes.
This last year and a half has been like no other in our lifetimes but know that Clemson University is a national leader in how we have navigated the pandemic—with science, data and grace.
As we gather in Clemson this fall semester, the magic in these hills will be palpable. On behalf of the College of Science and everyone across the university, welcome home.
Go, Tigers!
Anand Gramopadhye
Dean of Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
After earning his Ph.D. at SUNY—Buffalo, Anand Gramopadhye accepted an assistant professor position in the industrial engineering department at Clemson because of its reputation for being a student-centered university, and students and their success have been the focal point of his career. He was named the chair of that department in 2003 and was subsequently named the University’s associate vice president for workforce development in 2011. In that capacity he was instrumental in creating the Clemson University Center for Workforce Development, a center focused on developing and disseminating the educational resources needed for the 21st-century workforce. In 2013 he became dean of the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences, the largest college in the University. Under his leadership, the college has focused on cross-disciplinary research and creating a unique undergraduate and graduate experience in an inclusive and diverse environment.
Welcome Message:
As dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, I want to welcome you to campus for the fall semester and a new academic year. All of us in the college are glad you are here. In many ways this feels like more than just the beginning of a new school year, and we are excited at the opportunity to either see you once again or to meet you for the first time. I encourage all of you to take advantage of what Clemson and the college have to offer —make new friends, try a new activity, take an interesting new course. During your time here you will make friends and have experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. We want to make sure you have these experiences and are successful. Your advisors, faculty, and mentors are here to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us for advice and support. Again, welcome to campus for the new semester; explore, study hard, take pride in what you accomplish—and have fun. But at the same time, please take care of yourself and stay healthy and safe. You are our future.
To view Dean Gramopadhye’s complete bio please follow this link
George Petersen
Dean of Clemson’s College of Education
George Petersen has been a public school teacher, administrator and university faculty member. Prior to this appointment with the College of Education, he served as dean of the Graduate College of Education at California Lutheran University. He was the chair of the Department of Graduate Studies at the California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo and co-director of the University of California-Santa Barbara and Cal Poly Joint Doctoral Program in Educational Leadership. He was a tenured professor at the University of Missouri-Columbia, and served as associate director of the University Council for Educational Administration, a national research and policy organization.
Welcome Message:
Welcome to a new academic year at Clemson. I hope you had an enjoyable summer. I especially want to extend a warm welcome to the newest members of the Clemson Family. We are so glad that you are here! All of us are eager with anticipation and bolstered with renewed energy at the arrival of the fall semester and the exciting year ahead! We know that moving in, meeting new roommates and classmates, finding the location of your classes and the best place to grab something to eat is both stressful and exciting. But take a deep breath and enjoy this unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience and opportunity! The COVID pandemic has presented numerous challenges, but I am proud to say that Clemson University continues to successfully navigate these challenges and is recognized as one of the world’s finest teaching and research universities – so rest assured you have made the very best decision to attend this world class university and all it has to offer! I can confidently say that everyone in the College of Education and Clemson University is ready to assist you in achieving the goals you have set for yourself. So get ready! You are in for a memorable and enjoyable college experience. Wishing you all the best.
Good luck and Go Tigers!
