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Office of the President

Previous PLI Classes

The President's Leadership Institute began in 2016 under President Clements as a professional development opportunity for faculty and staff at Clemson University. Each of the cohorts was carefully selected to participate in PLI. Upon graduating from PLI, they have continued to excel as leaders both here at Clemson and beyond, and we celebrate their professional growth and accomplishments.

  • 2023 Cohort
    • Josh Barnes, Executive Director, Center for Student Leadership & Engagement
    • Tessa Byer, University Ombuds
    • Kelly Caine, Professor, School of Computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    • David Clayton, Assistant Vice President, OCPSI and Executive Director, CU-ICAR
    • Shamella Cromartie, Associate Dean, Organizational Performance and Inclusion, Clemson Libraries
    • Monique Everroad, Policy Program Manager, Office of University Compliance and Ethics
    • Joe Galbraith, Associate Vice President, Strategic Communications for Marketing and Communications
    • Corrine Grant, Director of Alumni Relations and Development, Division of Inclusive Excellence
    • Kristen Lawson, Director of Strategic Initiative, Finance and Operations
    • Dan Lewis, Director of Digital Accessibility, CCIT
    • Renee Lyons, Director, Science Outreach Center
    • Michael McManus, District Extension Director, Pee Dee
    • Nathan McNeese, Associate Professor, School of Computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    • Michael Neault, Director of Livestock Poultry Health and State Veterinarian
    • Brandy Page, Executive Director of Development, Parent Philanthropy, Student Affairs and University Wide Initiatives
    • Lior Rennert, Associate Professor, Department of Public Health Sciences and Director, Clemson Center for Public Health Modeling and Response
    • Donna Roberston, Senior Director of Institutional Excellence, Strategic Execution
    • Kaifa Roland, Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of Global Black Studies
    • Amanda Rumsey, Associate Professor, Department of Education and Human Development, College of Education
    • Jose Sagarnaga, Clinical Assistant Professor and General Management Area Coordinator, Department of Management, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
    • Jasmine Townsend, Associate Professor and Fellow, Robert H. Brooks Sports Science Institute and PRTM and Director, Clemson Adaptive Sports and Recreation
    • Erica Walters, Program Manager, ClemsonLIFE
    • Danny Weathers, Professor, Department of Marketing, Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business
    • Daniel Whitehead, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
    • Kevin White, Deputy Director of Athletics
  • 2022 Cohort

    Fadi Abdeljawad, Dean’s Assistant Professor, CECAS/Department of Engineering and Department of Materials Science and Engineering
    Morgan Allen, Director of Academic Services for Enterprise Applications, CCIT
    Bill Baldwin, Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, College of Science/Department of Biological Sciences
    Kyle Barrett, Associate Professor of Wildlife Conservation, CAFLS/Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation
    Savannah Bock, Business Officer, College of Education
    Lisa Claxton, Senior Associate General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel
    Kelly Collins, Chief of Staff and Operations, CECAS
    Shelia Cotten, Provost’s Distinguished Professor and Associate Vice President for Research Development, Office of Research Development
    Khristy Glover, Accountant/Fiscal Analyst III, PSA/Regulatory Services
    Sara Hanks, Director of the Emerging Scholars program, Division of Inclusion and Equity/Office of Preparation and Outreach
    Katie Hildebrand, Director of the Erwin Center for Brand Communications, Wilbur O. and Anne Powers College of Business
    Kevin James, Professor and Director, School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, College of Science
    Ale Kennedy, Chief Human Resources Officer for Clemson University
    David Kuskowski, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Offices in Enrollment Management
    Jason Lucas, Associate Professor, CAAH/Nieri Family Department of Construction Science and Management
    Dana Morgan, Associate Executive Director of Marketing and Special Initiatives, Clemson Alumni Association
    Corliss Outley, Professor and Director of the Race, Ethnicity, Youth & Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory, PRTM
    Noelle Paufler, Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education Systems Improvement Science, College of Education
    Lesslie Pekarek, Medical Director for Student Health Services, Division of Student Affairs
    Harrison Pinckney IV, Assistant Professor and Associate Director of the Race, Ethnicity, Youth and Social Equity (REYSE) Collaboratory, PRTM
    Amanda Richardson, Associate Athletic Director of Compliance, Athletic Compliance Office
    Philip Sikes, Communications Director, Division of University Relations/Division of Student Affairs
    Chad Sosolik, Professor and Undergraduate Program Coordinator, College of Science/Department of Physics and Astronomy
    Deveraux Williams, IT & Training Manager, Division of University Relations
    Cairen Withington, Director of Program Review and Effectiveness, Graduate School
  • 2021 Cohort
    Andrew Hurley, Associate Professor, Food, Nutrition, & Packaging Sciences
    Anthony Bernarducci, Associate Professor of Music & Director of Choral and Vocal Studies, CAAH/Performing Arts
    April Purvis, Legal Counsel & Corporate Secretary, Clemson University Foundation
    Arthur Leonard, Audit Manager, Office of Internal Audit
    Beth Bell, Director of Advocacy, Office of Governmental Affairs
    Brenda Burk, Head of Special Collections, Libraries/Special Collections
    Celeste (CC) Bates, Professor of Literacy; Director - Clemson Reading, College of Education/Education and Human Development
    Dustin Foxworth, Chief Business Officer, Office of the Provost & Academic Affairs
    Johnell Brooks, Associate Professor, CECAS / Department of Automotive Engineering
    Ken Robinson, Associate Professor, CBSHS/Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
    Mandy Hays, Assistant Vice President for Campus Life, Division of Student Affairs
    Marissa Shuffler Porter, Associate Professor, CBSHS/Psychology
    Matt Lombardi, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Services, Athletics
    Matt Hersom, Director and Professor, CAFLS / Piedmont Research & Education Center
    Matt Chambers, Executive Director of Visual Analytics, CCIT
    Meredyth Crichton, Executive Director, Energy Innovation Center
    Mikah Jones, Director of Finance, SCI/Dean’s Office
    Nathan Long, Executive Director, IT Customer Services, CCIT
    Nicole Davis, Associate Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator, CBSHS/ Nursing
    Rodney Jones, Industry Project Manager, Engineering, Computer and Applied Sciences
    Ryan Mullins, J. Daniel and Nancy Garrison Professor - Associate Professor, The Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business/Marketing Department
    Saara DeWalt, Professor and Chair, Science/Biological Sciences
    Sarah Custer, Director of Emergency Management, Public Safety
    Shontavia Johnson, Associate Vice President for Entrepreneurship and Innovation/Faculty, Office of the Provost, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences and Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice
    Tracy Arwood, Associate VP & Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer, University Compliance & Ethics
  • 2020 Cohort

    Thompson Mefford, Associate Professor, Materials Science and Engineering
    Natasha Croom, Assistant Professor of Higher Education and Student Affairs, College of Education
    Mariela Fernandez, Assistant Professor, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Carter McElveen, Senior Lecturer; Alumni Master Teacher, College of Business
    Lori Dickes, Associate Professor; Associate Chair, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Suzanne Rook Schilf, Head of Information & Research Services, Clemson University Libraries
    Valerie Zimany, Chair and Associate Professor, Ceramics, Department of Art
    Kevin Finneran, Professor, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences
    Sean Brittain, Department Chair and Professor of Astronomy, Physics and Astronomy
    Allison Whaley, University Ombuds for Staff
    Nalinee Patin, IRB Administrator, Research Compliance
    Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Liliana Gehring, Chief of Strategy and Operations, College of Science
    Amber Lange, Executive Director College Preparation and Outreach, Inclusion and Equity
    Kryssa Cooper, Director of Corporate & Community Relations, Student Affairs
    Laura Stoner, Director, Land and Capital Asset Stewardship, Real Estate Development
    Lee Currington, Director of Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery, CCIT
    Liz Bartges, Director of Digital Strategy, University Relations Marketing
    Tommy Fallaw, Director of Landscaping and Custodial Services, Landscape Services
    Jon Clayton, Executive Customer Success Manager, CCIT
    Jonathan Gantt, Marketing & Public Relations Executive, Athletics
    Steve Warner, Associate Vice President for Corporate Partnerships, Clemson University Restoration Institute
    Steve Cole, Director of Regulatory & Public Service Programs, Corporate Partnerships and Strategic Initiatives
    Kyle Shields, Director of Premium Seating/Major Gifts Officer, IPTAY

  • 2019 Cohort
    Phebian Davis-Culler, clinical assistant professor, College of Business
    Brian Dean, assistant professor of computing, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Tania Houjeiry, senior lecturer and director of Research Experience for Undergraduates program, College of Science
    Hans Klar, associate professor and assistant department chair, College of Education
    Joseph Mazer, chair, department of Communication, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Veronica Parker, alumni professor and director of the Center for Health Disparities, school of nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Srikanth Pilla, associate professor, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Hugo Sanabria, associate professor, College of Science
    Katherine Weisensee, chair, department of sociology anthropology and criminal justice, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Tom Zagenczyk, professor, College of Business
    Eric Lapin, director of artistic initiatives-Brooks Center, College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
    Abbie Abbott, director of healthcare information security, CCIT
    Michelle Cato, director of talent and organizational development, Office of Human Resources
    Elliott Charles, associate athletic director, compliance, Clemson Athletics
    Jim Grieger, director of research safety, Research
    Christopher Harrington, lieutenant, Clemson University Police Department
    Julio Hernandez, chief of staff, Office of Inclusion and Equity
    Lisa Knox, director of strategy and operations, Finance and Facilities
    Blake Lanford, district extension director, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
    Rock McCaskill, associate registrar, Registrar’s Office
    Londan Means, director of advising, biological sciences, College of Science
    Katie Miller, director of academic initiatives, Office of the Provost
    Jessica Owens, assistant director of academic support services, Undergraduate school
    Tara Romanella, strategic communications director, external affairs & development, University Relations
    Sarah Wilbanks, plant industry program manager, Public Service and Agriculture
  • 2018 Cohort
    Carla Bennett, director of academic finance, Office of Academic Affairs
    Crystal Bennett, content integration specialist, Marketing and Creative Services, University Relations
    Meg Bishop, program coordinator II, College of Business
    Brian Callahan, Ph.D., associate director for field operations, Cooperative Extension
    Bobby Clark, director of CCIT procurement, CCIT
    Kelly Cloyd, senior director of development, Office of Development
    Cynthia Deaton, Ph.D., associate professor – teaching and learning, College of Education
    John DesJardins, Ph.D., associate professor – bioengineering, director of bioengineering abroad programs, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Tia Dumas, Ph.D., assistant dean, Graduate School
    Talitha Ellington, executive assistant and partnership coordinator, CU-ICAR Partnership Office
    Kristin Foster, centers and institute specialist, Office of Sponsored Programs
    Lisa Gagnon, senior HR director, Office of Human Resources
    Carlos Garcia, Ph.D., professor – chemistry, College of Science
    Erin Goss, Ph.D., associate professor – British literature, College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
    Daniel Harding, associate professor, director of graduate architecture programs, director, community research and design center, School of Architecture
    Kathy Hobgood, assistant vice president for student affairs, executive director of university housing and dining, Student Affairs
    Natalie Honnen, associate athletic director, student-athlete services and performance, Athletic Department
    Jermaine Johnson, Ph.D., assistant general counsel, Office of General Counsel
    Rick Petillo, director of debt and capital financing, Finance and Operations
    Jennifer Siemens, Ph.D., associate professor – marketing, College of Business
    Joseph Thames, instructor and academic advisor, College of Science
    Kristine Vernon, Ph.D., associate professor – 4-H youth development program team, Animal and Veterinary Sciences Department, College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
    Narendra Vyavahare, Ph.D., professor – bioengineering, Hunter Endowed Chair, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    John Whitcomb, Ph.D., professor, director, undergraduate programs in nursing, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Sarah Winslow, Ph.D., professor, director of National Scholars Program, College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
  • 2017 Cohort
    Beshah Ayalew, Ph.D. Professor of Automotive Engineering Graduate Program Coordinator College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Todd Barnette Interim Chief Facilities Officer Office of Executive Vice President, Finances, Operations and Facilities
    Jeffrey Brown Associate Dean of StudentsDivision of Student Affairs/Student Transitions and Family Programs
    Julia Brumaghim, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry College of Science
    Beth Crocker Associate General Counsel Office of General Counsel
    Barry Garst, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Youth Development LeadershipCollege of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences/Parks, Recreation And Tourism Management
    Anne Grant Instruction Coordinator, Education Reference Librarian Cooper Library
    Christine Green Executive Director of University Marketing University Relations
    Patricia Guerra-Marcondes Research Associate, Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
    Shanika HollandAudit ManagerOffice of Executive Vice President, Finances, Operations and Facilities
    Tracy Kelly Administrative Coordinator College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Deon Legette District Extension DirectorClemson University Extension Service
    Oliver Myers, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering College of Engineering, Computing And Applied Sciences
    Jennifer Ogle, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Civil Engineering College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Margaret OwenSenior Director of Development
    Matthew Powers, Ph.D. Associate Professor and Director of Landscape ArchitectureCollege of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
    Vladimir Reukov, Ph.D. Research Assistant Professor of Bioengineering College of Engineering, Computing And Applied Science
    Joseph Ryan, Ph.D.  Stanzione Distinguished Professor of Clemson Life College of Education
    Kevin Stone Systems Architect CCIT
    Kendra Stewart-Tillman, Ph.D. Director for Diversity and Inclusion Office of Inclusion and Equity, Gantt Multicultural Center
    Mary Von Kaenel, Ph.D. Director, Bridge to Clemson and Transfer Programs Division of Undergraduate Studies
    Kuang-Ching Wang, Ph.D.Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Patrick Warren, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Economics College of Business
    Sarah White, Ph.D.  Associate Professor of Plant and Environmental Science College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences
    Kyle Young, Ph.D. Associate Athletic Director of Administration Department of Athletics
  • 2016 Inaugural Cohort
    Ann Marie Alexander Assistant Vice President of Strategic Partnerships, External Affairs
    Sez Atamturktur, Ph.D. Provost’s Distinguished Professor, Assistant Vice President for Research Development College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Michelle Cook, Ph.D. Interim Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, Science Education College of Education
    Mark Cothran Associate VP, Government Affairs
    Latoya Daniels Human Resources Manager
    Delphine Dean, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Bioengineering College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
    Steve Duzan Associate Athletics Director of Academics and Student Athlete Development Athletics
    Stephanie Evans Director, Student Services
    Julia Frugoli, Ph.D. Alumni Distinguished Professor, Associate Chair, Genetics and Biochemistry College of Science
    Leigh Haltiwanger, Ph.D. Interim Executive Director of Field and Clinical Partnerships and Outreach, Senior Lecturer, College of Education
    Carl Hollingsworth, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Accounting College of Business
    Winston Holton Field Coordinator, Call Me MISTER®
    Peter L. Laurence, Ph.D. Associate Professor, School of Architecture College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
    Jessica Martin Director, Advising Center College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities
    Jean McKendry, Ph.D. Coordinator of Grant Development and Interdisciplinary Collaborations
    Julie K. Northcutt, Ph.D. Professor, Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Extension Program Team Leader, Food Safety and Nutrition Program Cooperative Extension Service
    Kimberly Poole, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Students Division of Student Affairs
    Uttiyo Raychaudhuri, Ph.D. Director, Study Abroad
    La’Toya Ritter-Maddox, Ph.D. Fiscal Manager
    Nathan Smith, Ph.D. Professor of Agribusiness Production, Extension Economist Cooperative Extension Service
    Helen Diamond Steele, Ph.D. Director, Office of Student Enrichment College of Business
    Rhonda Todd Administrative Coordinator, Office of Undergraduate Studies
    Khoa Dang Truong Associate Professor, Public Health Sciences College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences
    Marieke Van Puymbroeck, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management Recreational Therapy Coordinator College of Health, Education and Human Development
    Andrew Wesolek Associate Librarian, Head of Digital Scholarship University Libraries
Johnell Brooks leading tour of automotive engineering facility

“Participating in PLI was a phenomenal experience. It opened my eyes to areas of the university I was unaware of, and I met amazing individuals who are now dear friends. PLI showed me how special our university is and laid the foundation for the next phase of my career.”

Johnell Brooks
Professor
Automotive Engineering