When James P. Clements retired suddenly in December after serving as Clemson University’s president for 12 years, it shocked the community.
Another campus president remains affected by his monumental leadership and resignation.
Zach Freeman, president of Clemson Undergraduate Student Government, is an individual who represents the interests of all 23,000 undergraduate students on campus.
In addition to this role, he serves as a Wilbur O. and Ann College of Business recruitment ambassador, is a member of the IPTAY Student Advisory Board and is a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, where he has been recognized for academic excellence through the Order of Omega.
In these positions, Freeman has come to understand the pressures that active leaders face, and explained that Clements’ longevity as the University’s president is unusual.
The average length of a college or university president’s service is around six years, according to the University of Arkansas, and depends on both personal and professional factors.
Clements said that his heart is with the broader Clemson family, but feels that his immediate family and health are where he needs to devote most of his time.
In a LinkedIn post, Clements expressed his gratitude for his time at Clemson and acknowledged its special nature. He also made sure to note the successes the University has seen over his time.
Although he feels the need to step away from the presidency, Clements confirmed that he will return to Clemson as a professor after a one-year sabbatical.
Currently, former Provost Robert Jones is serving as interim president. The board of trustees opened a formal Presidential Search Committee in December 2025, led by Trustee Cheri Phyfer, ‘93, and has partnered with Funk Associates, an academic leadership recruitment firm, to assist in the search.
CUSG President Freeman and his partner, Vice President Maya Khaskhely, initially campaigned on a platform emphasizing goals such as amplifying the student voice, expanding student spaces and accessibility and strengthening town-gown relations.
Although this is still at the forefront of their mission, the two have made adjustments to prioritize the ongoing presidential search.
Freeman has directly supported the Presidential Search Committee by conducting over 30 hours of constituent interviews with student leaders across the University. He asked each student three questions regarding the qualities of a future candidate that would make them most fit to assume the role and all the challenges and opportunities that come with it.
From these interviews, Freeman has been able to analyze patterns across the various feedback he’s received, he told The Tiger.
Student leaders are looking for the University’s next president to be student-centered, service-oriented, financially acumen and transparent.
Additionally, students highly value Clemson traditions and would like to see a leader who embraces the University’s historical and traditional spirit.
Currently, the search committee is working to develop a persona and portfolio for a potential candidate for the position, and the board of trustees has emphasized the importance of student involvement and input in the search process.
