Effective Dec. 31, James P. Clements, president of Clemson University, will step down following 12 years of service in the role.
“I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step aside and allow the University to begin its next chapter. I have shared with the Board of Trustees my decision to retire,” Clements said in an email sent to the Clemson community on Tuesday.
In his message, Clements voiced his gratitude toward “the Board of Trustees for their trust and confidence, to my executive team for their dedication and friendship, and to the entire Clemson community for making this University such a special place.”
Clements went on to reflect on the milestones Clemson has achieved since he became the University’s president in 2013, including Clemson’s R1 research status, as well as two college football championship titles.
Clements also announced that the Board of Trustees “will be announcing plans to begin the process of selecting the next president of Clemson University.”
Clements did not give an explicit reason for his retirement, only citing that “There comes a time when health and family must take precedence,” he said in his email. “Life moves quickly, and I don’t want to miss what truly matters — the major milestones and the quiet, everyday joys. Those are the moments I want to experience and hold close.”
Soon after, Clemson’s Chair of the Board of Trustees, Kim Wilkerson, sent an email outlining the future plans for selecting the next president.
Wilkerson emphasized that the board is “Deeply grateful for his servant leadership and tireless dedication. President Clements has been more than a leader — he has been a mentor, a friend and an advocate for every member of the Clemson Family.”
Wilkerson also announced that the Board of Trustees would meet this Wednesday to appoint an interim president, where she recommended Provost Bob Jones. According to Wilkerson, Jones has agreed to serve until a successor is named.
Earlier this year, Jones announced that he would be retiring after spending 10 years with Clemson. Jones’ successor, J. Cole Smith, will enter the role of Provost on Jan. 1, 2026.
Wilkerson also said she plans to ask the Board to create a “Presidential Search Committee … with the goal of having a new leader in place by the fall semester.”
The Board of Trustees’ meeting will be available to watch live on ClemsonTV, and Clemson plans to launch a dedicated website to keep the community of Clemson “informed and engaged throughout the presidential search process.”
Zachary Freeman, student body president, reflected on Clements’ time at Clemson. He told The Tiger that the president has “provided steady visionary leadership to Clemson University” while in his role.
He continued to say that Clements has given the University “tremendous growth” while still maintaining the “Clemson Family at the center of every decision” he made.
While recalling his student leadership at Clemson, Freeman said it “has been a privilege to work with him and get to know Mrs. Beth and their entire family.”
“Seeing firsthand how he leads with unwavering passion for this university has been incredibly impactful, and I am thankful for the example he has set for all of us who love Clemson,” he continued.
This is a developing story. The Tiger will update this article with information as it becomes available.
