About the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program
The Yellow Brick Road may be one of the most well-known paths to a desired destination, but for select Clemson University students, the road to success is undoubtedly paved with orange. In fact, the Land of Oz has proven to be the perfect training ground on which Clemson can offer leadership growth and development opportunities to some of its highest quality students - all thanks to the vision and extraordinary generosity of Tom and Karen Chapman.
In 2009, the Chapmans established the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program with a gift of $1 million to develop a small group of students from what is now the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. The three-year program combines leadership lessons based on critical values with an academic scholarship to encourage participating students to invest in growing their leadership skills, like the characters from The Wizard of Oz.
- In year one, Leadership Scholars focus on developing intellect and defining leadership
capabilities (the Scarecrow). - Year two Leadership Scholars learn about courage and ethics (the Lion).
- Year three Leadership Scholars focus on heart by serving others in their communities (the Tin Man).
The Chapmans' most recent gift of $4 million, establishing them as Clemson's inaugural Cornerstone Partner for Academics, will expand the program to include students from all colleges and also creates the Thomas F. Chapman ’65 Distinguished Professorship in Leadership in the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. As Cornerstone Partners, Tom and Karen join a special group of bold and visionary donors whose leadership lays the foundation at Clemson for future generations.
"The Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars program is an amazingly successful and forward-thinking leadership initiative that is changing the lives of our students at Clemson University," said President James P. Clements. "We are grateful to the Chapmans for allowing us to expand this transformational leadership experience to every college within the University." Building upon the impressive group of 92 students who have benefited from being Chapman Leadership Scholars, the expanded program will include 14 scholars per year, eight from the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business and one from each of the other colleges. The Thomas F. Chapman ’65 Distinguished Professorship in Leadership will further enhance the reputation of the program and recognize an outstanding faculty member who will influence future leaders of our state and nation. The expansion of the program will extend the leadership values of intellect, courage and heart across campus and advance Clemson's ability to develop not only graduates competent in their fields but confident in how to lead throughout their lives.
"We desperately need more effective leaders, and it will take compassionate and dedicated individuals to help us move this country forward - that's why intellect, courage and heart drive the program," Tom Chapman said. "Karen and I are honored to be actively engaged with the program. My Clemson education provided me a springboard into a life of many blessings. We made a commitment to give back to the programs and causes that are making a difference. The return on investment is for each of the Chapman Leadership Scholars to make the world a better place."
The Chapmans are personally involved in the program offering their time, talent, and resources to support and mentor these outstanding students. Thanks to their example, the Clemson family is inspired by what generosity and leadership can accomplish - and where the path paved with orange can lead.
To learn more about the Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholars Program, view our Program Description information.
