The Tiger connected with leaders across Clemson, asking them for letters written to the class of 2029. The Tiger collected 14 letters from 14 different leaders, from the University’s executive leadership team, to the dean of each college and even the city of Clemson’s mayor.
Clemson is a special place to each of these leaders, and I hope their letters to you provide some advice and insight on how their department, college or field can shape your journey as a Tiger, which begins in just a few short weeks!
Letters from Clemson University’s Executive Leadership
Clemson University President — Jim Clements
I am excited to welcome you to Clemson University, where you will have an amazing experience and make lifelong memories with new friends. We received more than 64,700 applications for the Class of 2029, and I am so glad you are here!
You are about to begin fiercely moving forward in 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 dedicated staff. We are all dedicated to providing the #1 student experience, so I encourage you to take advantage of the many opportunities available to you. Interact with your classmates, get to know your professors, go to class and ask questions, learn about all of the resources available to you, join a social or service organization, connect with Clemson through social media, attend sporting events and—most importantly—support each other as fellow Tigers.
While some weeks and months may seem long, the years will go by fast. Before you know it, I will be presenting you with your class ring and then shaking your hand at graduation.
You are a valued member of the Clemson Family and the greater Clemson Community, so wear the Tiger Paw with pride knowing that you are the newest keepers of our values and traditions.
I look forward to seeing you at New Student Convocation. Until then, enjoy the rest of your summer, and Go Tigers!
Vice President for Student Affairs — Doug Hallenbeck
To the Class of 2029:
On behalf of our team in Student Affairs, welcome to Clemson University!
Clemson is one of the nation’s premier academic institutions and our goal in Student Affairs is to create transformative experiences to enhance the incredible learning that takes place inside the classroom. We do this by creating a culture of care — this means supporting your holistic well-being, providing you with a strong sense of community and helping build lifelong connections that lay a foundation for success.
Prospective students are interested in attending Clemson more and more each year. This admissions cycle, over 64,000 students want to be in the spot you’re sitting in — so be proud of the fact you’re now part of this prestigious University. While we’re incredibly proud of this unprecedented growth, we’re even more excited by the fact students want to stay at Clemson and graduate. We retain 93.5 percent of our students after their first year and graduate 71 percent of our students in four years. Both figures easily surpass the national average. Why? It’s because of our culture and because the student experience is unparalleled.
Ensuring you are prepared for excellence beyond your time at Clemson is also important. Clemson has more than 500 student organizations, so there are many ways to get connected with your peers. We believe strongly in the development of critical life skills through service-learning and leadership opportunities. These experiences aid in your personal and professional growth as you navigate college.
Your introduction to student life begins immediately upon Move-In and continues throughout Welcome Week with a full schedule of programs and activities prior to the start of Fall classes. We want your Clemson transition to be seamless, so take advantage of the opportunities to engage with each other and with campus!
We are grateful you chose Clemson as your home and are excited for the future. We can’t wait to see you soon. Go Tigers!
Director of Clemson Athletics — Graham Neff
Dear Clemson Newcomers,
My name is Graham Neff, and I serve as the Director of Athletics.
On behalf of the Athletic Department, I am proud to welcome you to the Clemson Family! Our University is incredibly unique, and whether you’ve grown up a Clemson fan or are experiencing it for the first time this fall, you’re in for something special.
Our department’s mission is simple: we strive to grow people and community by creating life-changing experiences through athletics.
Varsity athletics at Clemson is a tradition that goes back 130 years, and our rich history and vibrant offerings are a central piece of the student experience. We are dedicated to enhancing the experience for all students at Clemson University. We know that a thriving athletics program helps create a tremendous campus atmosphere.
Our athletic events provide a unique opportunity to showcase our collective spirit, unity, and pride. They offer us a chance to cheer on our dedicated student-athletes, experience unforgettable moments, and create lasting memories. The energy and enthusiasm you bring to our stadiums, fields, and arenas make a significant impact and contribute directly to our teams’ performances.
As Clemson students, you have the privilege of attending regular-season home athletic events for free. This amounted to more than 120,000 individual student admissions to our athletic events this past season. This is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate your Tiger pride, build community, and enjoy some of the nation’s best collegiate sports competition.
Clemson is a place where students not only receive an exceptional education but also have the opportunity to support an athletics program that is recognized nationwide. Our teams, across all sports, are known for their commitment to excellence, discipline, teamwork, and leadership – qualities we believe align with the values of Clemson University.
The past year has been marked by outstanding achievements on and off the field. Some of the highlights include:
The Football program won its eighth ACC Championship and competed in its seventh College Football Playoff – the second-most of any school in the country – and Clemson led the nation in retention, setting up a memorable fall.
ACC Championships in Women’s Indoor Track and Softball.
NCAA Tournament appearances in: Men’s Soccer, Gymnastics, Men’s Basketball, Men’s Tennis, Women’s Tennis, Lacrosse, Baseball and Softball.
Our Gymnastics program competed in its second season, making the NCAA Championships in each of their first two seasons.
Clemson ranked in the top 15 nationally in attendance in six sports – football, lacrosse, gymnastics, men’s soccer, baseball and softball.
National top-25 rankings in football, men’s basketball, men’s soccer, baseball, softball, women’s track and field, men’s tennis, lacrosse.
A school-record 27 wins in men’s basketball coming off an Elite Eight season in 2023-24.
A 91 percent increase in attendance in women’s basketball.
We are one of just four schools in the nation to have our baseball, men’s basketball and football programs finish the regular season ranked.
Our passion should always be displayed in a respectful manner that honors our opponents, officials, and fellow fans. In the spirit of creating the best environment possible, I urge each of you to uphold the highest standards of sportsmanship and class. Our conduct reflects not only on ourselves but on the entire Clemson community.
Remember, we are not just spectators, but ambassadors of our University. Clemson is not only known for excellence in academics and athletics but also in character and respect.
We can’t wait to see and hear you in our venues this fall.
To get the latest information on our 21 varsity programs, download the ClemsonTigers app, follow our teams on social media, and check your email often.
We hope you’ll also consider joining the IPTAY Collegiate Club, one of the most engaged student groups in the nation. The membership includes benefits such as a football ticket benefit, access to Clemson+, priority points upon graduation, and more.
Thank you for your support, and welcome to Clemson! I look forward to seeing you at our upcoming athletic events. Go Tigers!
Go Tigers!
Letters from the Deans
Dean of the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences — Leslie Hossfeld
Welcome, Class of 2029!
I am delighted you have chosen to continue your academic journey at Clemson University! This is the beginning of an exciting new chapter filled with personal growth, academic exploration and meaningful relationships — and I look forward to the role the College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences (CBSHS) will play in your Clemson Experience.
Clemson upholds a standard of excellence – and over the next four years, you will be challenged and encouraged to step out of your comfort zones for your personal and professional benefit. I encourage you to take advantage of experiential learning opportunities, explore new interests and build connections with your professors and peers. The University is more than an academic institution, it is a community where you will build a foundation for your future.
Many of you will take courses in CBSHS during your time at Clemson, and my hope is that you feel supported, inspired and equipped to accomplish your goals as we build people and communities together.
Best of luck — and go Tigers!
Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences — Matt Holt
Dear New Tigers,
Welcome to the College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences (CAFLS) at Clemson University! We are thrilled to have you join our vibrant academic community. You are beginning your journey during an exciting time filled with new opportunities to learn, grow, and explore your passions.
As you embark on this journey, remember that you are not just students; rather, you are the future leaders in agriculture, forestry, and life sciences. Our dedicated faculty and staff are here to support you every step of the way, providing you with the tools and
knowledge to excel in your chosen field.
Take advantage of our resources, engage with your peers, and immerse yourself in hands-on experiences that will shape your future. We encourage you to embrace challenges, ask questions, and seek new and bold experiences. Welcome to CAFLS! We can’t wait to see the incredible contributions you will make to Clemson University.
Go Tigers!
Dean of the College of Education — Kristin Gehsmann
Dear Class of 2029,
Welcome to Clemson University and the College of Education. We are thrilled to have you join our community — a place where passion meets purpose and where your journey to transform lives and communities through education, leadership, research and service begins.
In the years ahead, you’ll dive into dynamic learning experiences, collaborate with inspiring professors and build lasting friendships with classmates who share your drive to make a difference. You’ll find countless opportunities to lead, serve and grow — in the classroom, across campus, and beyond. Your energy, talents and commitment will enrich our community — both inside and outside of the classroom — and, of course, while cheering on the Tigers.
At the College of Education, we believe education is a powerful, life-changing force — and we know you have the power to be that force. Our graduates are leaders in schools, higher education, business, athletics, nonprofits and communities across the globe. We can’t wait to see where your Clemson journey takes you and the impact you’ll make.
It is an honor to welcome you to our College. We look forward to supporting you along your journey.
Welcome home — and Go Tigers!
Dean of the College of Science — Cynthia Y. Young
Fall is an exciting time at Clemson University as our classrooms and labs fill once again with students. Amid the eventful start of the semester, we reserve particular enthusiasm for welcoming our first-year and transfer students — those of you just embarking on your Clemson journey.
Whether your future plans involve research, teaching, or caring for your community in the health professions, we’re proud to welcome you to the Clemson University College of Science. We look forward to helping you learn and grow by supporting you with world-class faculty tackling the big scientific challenges of tomorrow and preparing the next generation of scientists to continue their groundbreaking work (that means you!).
The College of Science is committed to providing students the opportunity to combine discovery, learning, and engagement by participating in one of our high-impact, signature learning experiences through research, internships, entrepreneurship, and global engagement through study abroad programs.
I encourage you to get involved with research alongside our faculty. Intern with one of our industry partners. Invent something for the Catalyst competition (think “Shark Tank”). Study abroad and expand your worldview. Connect with peers through COSMIC — our award-winning peer-mentoring program, or in SCISAB, my student advisory board.
Whatever path you choose, the College of Science is ready to help you get there. Welcome — and go Tigers!
Dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences — Anand Gramopadhye
Dear students,
Welcome to Clemson University and the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences! We are thrilled you have chosen to launch into the next phase of your life with us.
At Clemson, you will find a wealth of opportunities to learn, explore and create. Our students are working on real-world challenges that range from designing smarter workouts and sharpening the capabilities of artificial intelligence to advancing space exploration and developing sustainable energy solutions.
Now it is your turn to join them. We are here to provide the tools, mentorship and community that will help you tailor your own journey and can help bring your dreams to reality. The majors we offer can be challenging, but you aren’t alone.
Faculty members, tutors, advisors and fellow students can help when you are stuck. Form study groups — they can help get you through the toughest material and are a great way to make lasting friendships.
I encourage you to dive fully into the Clemson experience. Take on new challenges. Build connections with your classmates, the faculty and mentors. Try new activities, join clubs, attend sporting events and find what sparks your passion. Students who get involved tend to get the most out of their undergraduate years. The relationships you build here and the experiences you have can shape your future and stay with you for a lifetime.
As engineers and scientists, you will have the power to solve real-world problems and improve lives. The work you do will help meet some of the world’s greatest needs, such as providing clean water and electricity to parts of the world that need it most. This is a tremendous responsibility, but also an incredible opportunity.
Your time at Clemson will be transformative, not just academically, but personally and professionally. Study hard, ask questions, take pride in your work and most importantly, enjoy the journey. We are glad to have you as part of the Clemson Family and look forward to seeing the impact you will create on the world.
Exceed our expectations.
Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities — Nicholas Vazsonyi
Dear Incoming Class of 2029:
Welcome to the College of Arts and Humanities, where our motto is “meet the world.” That is what we wish for you during your time with us. We encourage you to travel abroad at some point during your studies, and we also try to bring the world to campus. We emphasize writing and ethics in our courses, and several of our departments focus on pre-law pathways to prep you for the LSAT and law school. Many of our faculty come from Ivy League and other top-flight graduate schools and have become internationally recognized scholars. We bring artists from around the globe to perform at the Brooks Center, and we support Clemson’s first international living-learning center, Passport, to foster language learning and cultural interaction. If you have musical talents, please come join one of our choirs or instrumental groups, or even Tiger Band. It’s a chance to express yourself and connect with fellow students outside your major. Also, be sure to make space in your course schedule for classes in the humanities — such as literature, languages, history or philosophy — that will help you learn not only how to thrive in your career but to examine how you intend to live your life and make a positive difference in the world.
Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction — Ece Erdogmus
Dear Incoming Class of 2029,
Welcome to the College of Architecture, Art and Construction! As a student in our School of Architecture, Department of Art, or Nieri Department of Construction and Real Estate Development, you are joining a creative community of people who shape our built environment.
We are born in, work in, and live in buildings. In fact, humans spend 90% of their time indoors. In our college’s many degree programs, we perfect both the science and art of making our spaces beautiful, functional, and healthy. We develop expertise in the design of subjects as small as a work of pottery and as large as whole cities, and we are leaders in design research that supports public health.
From Lee Hall to our Fluid Campus locations abroad, student wellness is integral to the Clemson Experience. That’s why I’m excited to announce that we will have an embedded counseling program available to our entire college this year.
You’ve made an outstanding choice to become a Clemson Tiger. Through teaching, mentoring, and friendship, we will support you as you build what generations of students have built here before: a life of significance.
Go Tigers!
Dean of the Honors College — Sarah Winslow
Welcome to Clemson, Tigers! We’re excited to have you join our community, and I want to extend a special welcome to our incoming Honors College students. We look forward to seeing you at the Honors orientation events designed just for you.
College is a time of discovery, growth, and opportunity — and Clemson has countless ways for you to get involved. As you begin your first year, give yourself the space to settle in. Start with one or two things that interest you, then build from there as you get a feel for your academic load and how to manage your schedule effectively.
If there’s one piece of advice we hope you take to heart, it’s to step outside your comfort zone. Try something unfamiliar and engage with people who help you look at the world in different ways. Those experiences might just take you down a different path than you had originally expected – and sometimes the path that you didn’t expect becomes the one that leads to the most growth!
And while you’re exploring, please also remember to take care of yourself. Success is built on a foundation of good health, meaningful relationships, and balance. Stay connected, sleep enough, eat well, and find time for what brings you joy.
If you’re not currently in the Honors College, there are pathways to join after you start your classes. I encourage you to explore the opportunities we offer — from interdisciplinary courses to research and travel grants, service-learning options, and a vibrant, close-knit community of scholarship and support — by visiting our website for details about how and when to apply.
Dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business — Wendy York
We are excited to welcome you to Clemson University and the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business as we start this new academic year! Congratulations on taking this next important step in your academic careers. You should be proud of yourself and all you have accomplished to get to this moment.
Clemson is a unique, special place that will support you throughout your time here with a priority to ensure that each student has the best experience possible at the Powers College of Business, we do this by offering business – relevant academics, experiential learning, innovative Signature Programs, and professional development.
Though the path to graduation is not easy, we’re here to support your success. I encourage you to make the most of your time at Clemson and embrace learning opportunities, make connections and enjoy these next years as a student. Welcome to the Clemson Family!
Go Tigers!
Dean of Clemson Libraries — Christopher Cox
Welcome to Clemson, Class of 2029! During your time on campus, I hope you take time to visit the R.M. Cooper Library — voted the #1 study spot on campus for many years running — but we also have five other libraries to serve you: the Gunnin Architecture Library in Lee Hall, the Education Media Center in Tillman Hall, Special Collections and Archives in the Strom Thurmond Institute, and branch libraries at the CU-ICAR campus in Greenville and the Charleston Design Center.
Our collections and online resources are available to you 24/7 on our website (libraries.clemson.edu), and our dedicated team of research librarians is happy to help you find what you need, learn how to conduct and cite research, visualize data, and more. We have more than 3 million physical and electronic items in our collections, from books to journal articles to presentations and papers, and if we don’t have what you are looking for, chances are we can get it for you through Inter-library Loan.
Want to save money on textbooks? We have those, too, with a collection of more than 100 commonly used textbooks that you can check out for free. We also have a collection of more than 400 technology items available for checkout, such as cameras, recording equipment, tripods, and more, and our Adobe Studio and Makerspace (on the fifth floor of Cooper) has the expertise and the equipment to help you make all of your creative projects a reality.
Your academic success is our top priority, so please do not hesitate to ask questions and seek help — that’s why we’re here! We can’t wait to meet you as you begin your Clemson journey. See you soon! Go, Tigers!
Letter from the city of Clemson
Mayor of Clemson — Robert Halfacre
Welcome to Clemson!
Orientation marks your first step into the Clemson family. We’re so excited to have you here, and I hope you’re every bit as excited to embark on this journey. Remember, no matter where you start out, the Tiger Paws lead all of us back home to Clemson.
As you familiarize yourself with campus, you’ll find incredible opportunities and you’ll see changes and improvements everywhere. The same is true for our city! There is an enormous amount of activity and so much “good” happening around town. I do hope you’ll notice. Here are a few things you can look out for now and when you return in the Fall:
Recreation: Our parks have made a number of upgrades, including the addition of pickleball courts at Nettles Park (a partnership with the University) and construction at Clemson Park on a new skate park. Improvements also continue on Abernathy Park as well as the Green Crescent Trail. A more walkable, bike-friendly Clemson is on its way!
Arts/Culture: The Clemson Area African American Museum is open for visitors to see the Sincerely, Daniel exhibit, celebrating African American athletes at Daniel High School through the years. The Arts Center had a summer packed with creative art camps and is now diving into their fall classes. And mark your calendars, because Pumpkinpalooza is making a comeback this year — bigger and better than ever! We’ve also been busy sprucing up the city with more public art for you to discover.
Traffic: We have partnered with Clemson University, the Greenville-Pickens Area Transportation Study and several surrounding counties to complete a Regional Traffic Study with a final goal of improving our transportation systems.
Downtown: Safer. Vibrant. Walkable. Soon, all will be a reality for our downtown. We’re not only fixing sidewalks and building a new structure; we’re implementing the community-driven plan for a more accessible, pedestrian-friendly space downtown. As you may have noticed, construction of the new building is already underway and expected to be completed by year’s end, while the second phase of this project will take place in 2026. Pardon the progress when walking around downtown, Tigers!
Orientation is a busy time, but I hope you will take a few moments to explore the City. Then, when you officially move in this Fall, make sure to carve out some afternoons to really explore. As you do, I ask you to practice good stewardship of these amenities and respect for your surroundings as well as all of the families who proudly call this place home year-round. It is all of our responsibility to take care of our city and the people who live, work, and play here.
Most of all, be safe, Tigers, and best of luck this school year!
