History of Clemson University’s Emeritus College

Recorded in a 10 year history of the Emeritus College written by Del Kimbler, Fred Sias, and Deborah Thomason is a conversation between Dr. Doris R. Helms, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost and Dr. Jerry Reel, former Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies and University Historian. Dori called Jerry to her office and said “that in the next few years 300 faculty would retire…She noted that it was a chance to change Clemson for its new future of service. But, what a loss in college memory, and a loss of talent. She wondered about starting a Clemson emeritus society.” She asked Jerry to compile a list and create a club for them.” The outcome of that meeting was a concept paper for an Emeritus College. A place to encourage and facilitate creativity, continued engagement, and crossing boundaries among and between disciplines.

In the spring of 2003, approximately 200 retired Clemson faculty were invited to a meeting to learn about the Emeritus College concept. Over fifty faculty attended and represented faculty who had just retired to those who had been retired for a decade or more. By the end of 2003, another 100 emeritus faculty had been identified. Fast forward over 20 years, The Emeritus College is the academic home for over 800 emeritus faculty ranging in age from 55 to 100. The college provides a variety of programs, seminars, outings, social and special interest groups. We average 130 events annually with over 2000 participants across the range of programs. With the addition of hybrid programming, the college is able to reach and engage faculty across the United States and internationally.

In April 2023 the college celebrated its twentieth anniversary, and as part of the celebration the Emeritus College published Moments and Memories: Reflections of Emeritus College Faculty, a collection of 80 essays written by Clemson’s emeritus professors.

We thank those emeritus faculty who have led the college over these twenty years: Directors Jerry Reel, Diane Smathers, Chip Egan, Dwaine Eubanks, Dan Warner, and Debbie Jackson. We thank all the members who have served in leadership roles, donated to the college, and continue to contribute to the university and community. We thank the University leadership who support the College. We look forward to our next twenty years.