Clemson University President James P. Clements Announces Retirement

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Following 12 years of transformational leadership, Clemson University President James P. Clements announced his decision to retire as president, effective Dec. 31.

He shared the news with the Clemson community in a heartfelt letter.

“After much consideration and prayer, 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 as President of Clemson University, effective Wednesday, December 31,” said Clements. “Serving Clemson University has been one of the greatest privileges of my life.”

He added, “But there comes a time when health and family must take precedence. Clemson has been my home and passion, yet my greatest love is for my wife, Beth, and our children and grandchildren."

He continued, "I am deeply grateful to the Board of Trustees for their trust and confidence, to my executive leadership team for their dedication and friendship, and to the entire Clemson community for making this University such a special place. Your energy and vision will continue to carry Clemson to even greater heights."br Board of Trustees Chair Kim Wilkerson also shared a letter with campus, expressing appreciation for Clements’ leadership and outlining next steps.br “We are incredibly grateful for Jim’s extraordinary leadership and tireless dedication,” said Wilkerson. “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. While we will certainly miss his guidance and enthusiasm, we also deeply respect and understand his decision to focus on his priorities.”br The Board will meet via teleconference on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. to honor Clements’ enduring legacy and begin shaping Clemson’s next chapter including naming interim leadership, forming a Presidential Search Committee and taking steps to engage an executive search firm.br The Board of Trustees meeting will stream live at http://tv.clemson.edu/live2.

Clemson University Presidents

Years

Duration (years)

H. Aubrey Strode

1890-1893

4

Edwin B. Craighead

1893-1897

5

Henry S. Hartzog

1897-1902

6

Patrick H. Mell

1902-1910

9

Walter M. Riggs

1911-1924

14

Enoch W. Sikes

1925-1940

16

Robert Franklin Poole

1940-1958

19

Robert C. Edwards

1958-1979

22

Bill L. Atchley

1979-1985

7

Walter T. Cox

1985-1986

2

A. Max Lennon

1986-1994

9

Philip H. Prince

1994-1995

2

Constantine W. Curris

1995-1999

5

James F. Barker

1999-2013

15

James P. Clements

2013-present

12