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Office of Institutional Excellence

Strategic Prioritization

With the launch of Clemson Elevate in April 2023, the Clemson University Board of Trustees set an expectation that the University would create a structure to execute the strategic plan.

Our team recognized the need for an implementation and prioritization system to increase the value and alignment of individual efforts across all colleges and divisions while ensuring broad and transparent communication both vertically and horizontally throughout the University. The Clemson University Board of Trustees provided the following guiding principles for developing a strategic prioritization framework.

Guiding Principles

Structured yet Flexible

Allows for agility to respond to new and unexpected opportunities.

Transparent Communication

Efficient with both horizontal and vertical integration.

Inclusive

Ensures buy-in and thorough vetting by soliciting broad expertise.

Action and Results Oriented

Drives action and accountability for continuous improvement.

Clemson Elevate Pillar Teams

Three Pillar Teams were formed as self-governing committees to support Executive Leadership and charged with:

  1. Reviewing enterprise risks or institutional-level challenges and barriers that will prohibit the success of Clemson Elevate. Pillar teams are tasked with identifying and supporting projects related to and mitigating identified risks. This will help ensure success in aligning University priorities and limited resources.
  2. Understanding colleges and divisions' strategic plans to help identify potential areas of collaboration across the University.
  3. Monitoring and reporting on institutional-level strategic projects to leadership.

Pillar Champions lead pillar teams by bringing an institutional lens and communicating with the designated pillar. They will also lead and review all communication as it relates to the progress of the Clemson Elevate priorities. Their names are in bold below. 

  • #1 Student Experience
    • Sean Brittain - Dean, Undergraduate Learning
    • John Lopes - Dean, Graduate School
    • Chris Miller - Vice President, Student Affairs, Dean of Students
    • Sarah Winslow - Dean, Honors College
    • Denise Anderson - College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
    • Abby Baker - QEP – Experiential Learning/Academic Affairs
    • Michelle Cook - College of Education
    • Dhaval Gajjar - College of Art, Architecture, and Construction
    • Mandy Hays - Student Affairs
    • Thompson Mefford – College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
    • Kimberly Poole - Student Affairs
    • Darbi Roberts - College of Veterinary Medicine
    • Melissa Smith - College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
    • Timothy Stanfield - Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access
    • Marieke Van Puymbroeck - Graduate School
    • Calvin Williams - College of Science
    • Kyle Young - Athletics
  • Research Ascension
    • Tanju Karanfil - Senior Vice President Research
    • Amy Lawton-Rauh - Academic Affairs
    • Dan Noneaker - College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
    • Paula Agudelo - College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences
    • CC Bates - College of Education
    • Amit Bein - College of Arts and Humanities
    • Stephen Creager - College of Science
    • Bryan Miller - College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
    • Winnifred Newman - College of Art, Architecture, and Construction
    • Windsor Sherrill - PRISMA Associate Vice President, Health Research
    • Jennifer Siemens - The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
    • Kendra Stewart-Tillman - Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access
    • Tracy Walters - Grants and Contracts Administration
  • Transforming Lives
    • George Askew - Academic Affairs
    • Julio Hernandez – Community Engagement
    • Angie Leidinger - Vice President, External Affairs
    • Scott Baier - The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
    • Ed Bowers - College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
    • Lara Browning - College of Art, Architecture, and Construction (Architecture)
    • Michelle Cook - College of Education
    • Tom Dobbins - Public Service Activities
    • Dianne Dunning - College of Veterinary Medicine
    • Lili Gehring - College of Science
    • Anand Gramopadhye - College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences
    • Leslie Hossfeld - College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
    • Amber Lange - Community, Engagement, Belonging and Access
    • Carolyn Phinizy - College of Arts and Humanities
    • Loir Rennert - College of Behavioral, Social, and Health Sciences
Organizational chart describing where the pillar teams fit.

Annual Prioritization Process

An annual prioritization process supports the strategic planning and execution framework for the University. This process includes front-line engagement through the Pillar Teams and Executive Leadership.

Clemson Elevate has 35 actions, and to provide the best results, pillar teams and leadership set priority focus areas on an annual basis. These priorities cascade down to operational plans within Colleges & Divisions to ensure alignment of individual activities. Below is an infographic of this timeline.

Learn How Our Team Can Help

Our team tailors solutions to drive your unit’s goals while aligning with Clemson Elevate’s strategic vision. We understand the University’s individual needs and adapt our approach accordingly, promoting transparency with both vertical and horizontal integration. Contact us at InstExcellence@clemson.edu to discuss how we can help you ensure that your unit's goals align seamlessly with Clemson Elevate's strategic direction.