Skip to content

Student Affairs

Honoring the Best and Brightest

Students walking on main campus

Student Affairs Awards Program

The Division of Student Affairs honors outstanding students each spring for positively impacting the Clemson experience. These students are leaders on campus, in the classroom, in the workforce, in residential communities and within registered student organizations. Nominations are open in early spring of 2025 and Student Affairs carefully chooses award recipients.

Students at Spring Tiger Prowl on campus

Walter T. Cox Graduate Student Award

The Walter T. Cox Graduate Student Award is bestowed upon a first-year graduate scholar exemplifying excellence within the Clemson community. This accolade recognizes individuals who demonstrate notable leadership qualities, contribute significantly to the holistic academic experience, and demonstrate a steadfast commitment to fostering community and belonging among their peers. Eligibility for this esteemed honor necessitates completing a minimum of 9 credit hours, maintaining a commendable Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, and having an affiliation with the Division of Student Affairs.

Students at the South Carolina State House

R.C. Edwards Outstanding Graduate Student Award

The RC Edwards Outstanding Graduate Student Award is conferred upon an exemplar of graduate scholarship who embodies a profound dedication to their respective department's overarching mission, vision, and objectives. This distinction is reserved for individuals who consistently surpass their prescribed responsibilities, exhibit an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and contribute positively to the Clemson community. Eligibility criteria for this prestigious award stipulate a minimum tenure of one full academic term at Clemson University and a commendable Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.25 or above.

Students at graduation

Almeda Jacks Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award

The Almeda Jacks Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award honors an exemplary undergraduate student who epitomizes Clemson University's Core Values, demonstrates a high scholarly pursuit, and actively engages in diverse facets of campus life. Recipients of this esteemed accolade must be junior or senior undergraduates with a demonstrable record of academic excellence, having completed a minimum of two terms at Clemson University with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Students celebrating on Bid Day in 2023

Rising Star Award (Undergraduate)

The Rising Star Award is presented to an emerging leader within the Clemson University community, recognizing their burgeoning engagement in leadership and service endeavors and their active pursuit of future leadership roles. Eligible candidates for this distinction must be in their first or second year of study, having completed a minimum of 15 credit hours at Clemson University with a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.

Previous Award Recipients

  • 2024

    Almeda R. Jacks Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
    Jackson Grant, John Shoemaker

    R.C. Edwards Outstanding Graduate Student Award
    Mandy Vitale

    Walter T. Cox Graduate Student Award
    Luke Hall

    Rising Star Award
    Rylie DeWeese

    Matt Locke Leadership Award
    Elizabeth Caldwell

    Frank A. Burtner Scholarship
    Kellan Fenegan, Gino Vitelli

  • 2023

    Almeda R. Jacks Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award
    Matthew Murdaugh

    R.C. Edwards Outstanding Graduate Student Award
    Christopher Davis, Robert O'Hara

    Walter T. Cox Graduate Student Award
    Lia Fiore

    Rising Star Award
    Bella Huston

    Matt Locke Leadership Award
    Micah Jordan

    Frank A. Burtner Scholarship
    Chisom Emetu, Allison Jennings, Laura Lothridge, Ruxi Xia

Division of Student Affairs
Copyright © Clemson University
Division of Student Affairs | 202 Sikes Hall, Clemson, SC 29634
|