Inside Clemson

Harold ‘Hal’ Harris, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Applied Economics and Statistics – March 4, 2024

Harold “Hal” Harris, Jr., Professor Emeritus of Applied Economics and Statistics, passed away on March 4, 2024 at the age of 84.

Harris was hired on October 20, 1975, where he taught and worked with farmers in Extension service. He retired in June 2003 but returned to work in various positions from 2003 through 2018, totaling 43 years with the University.

His honors included the Award for Faculty Excellence, the Distinguished Public Service Award, and induction into the Dairy Hall of Fame.

Harris arrived at Clemson after spending five years as an associate professor at Virginia Tech. He graduated Pi Kappa Phi from Auburn University and then entered the United Statss Army, where he served in the 7th Cavalry division as a first lieutenant. He completed his education at Purdue University, earning a doctorate in Agricultural Economics.

A celebration of his life and achievements will be held later in March, date to be announced, in the Chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central, S.C.

His obituary is available online.

Paul Holmes, Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences – March 4, 2024

Paul Holmes, Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences, passed away on March 4, 2024 at the age of 88.

He was hired on August 16, 1970 and taught for nearly 32 years before retiring in July 2002. He served with the Emeritus College from June 2015 until his passing. 

After graduating from Washington State with a master’s degree, Paul earned a Doctorate in Mathematics from Stanford University and taught at Purdue University (four years) and Rutgers (three years) before his Clemson career.

Visitations will be held Saturday, March 9, from 12-2 p.m. at the Patrick Square Clubhouse, Keller Blvd, Clemson, S.C and Sunday, March 10 from 3-5 p.m. at the Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community (Guinyard Mansion), 1 Still Hopes Dr, W. Columbia, S.C. There will be a private family service held at a later date. Casual attire is requested.

His obituary is available online.

Employee Shout-outs – March 5, 2024

Lisa Ruggiero Wagner, Lecturer, Biological Sciences

“Lisa invests a lot of time and effort into creating fun and engaging activities for her students. She is an amazing instructor and great colleague!” Kelly Willemssens, Lecturer, Biological Sciences


Vonda Marcengill, Administrative Coordinator, Agricultural Sciences

“Vonda is the calm during the storm. She is the hand always willing to reach out and help. She is the smile that greets you each day. The department could not run efficiently without her.” – Anonymous


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form!



Employee Shout-Outs – February 27, 2024

Gregg Moore, Information Systems Business Analyst III, CCIT

“Gregg is the real MVP. Not only does he happily answer all of my questions, but he is extremely knowledgeable, kind, and I know I can always count on him.” – Kelsey Loftus,  Information Systems Business Analyst III, The Graduate School


Andrew Poling, Director of Strategic Planning, CECAS Business Office

“Congratulations to Andrew on his well-deserved promotion to Director of Strategic Planning! His dedication, teamwork, and uplifting spirit make him an invaluable asset to the CECAS Business Office, and we’re thrilled to see him continue to positively impact our team’s success.” – Anonymous


Cari Latimer, Call Center Director, Office of Research and Organizational Development

“Cari is dedicated, hard-working, and incredibly kind. She is a servant leader and inspires everyone who knows her to have a joyful and grateful mindset, no matter the situation or task at hand. Clemson University Learning Institute is so fortunate to have her on our team!” – Catherine Moore, Director of Training, ThinkShops and smartEDGE


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form!



Employee Shout-outs – February 22, 2024

Aarti Malhotra, Program Ops Coordinator, Academic Success Center

“Aarti Malhotra is diligent, detail-oriented, and delightful 100% of the time. While her role is quite complex and requires full attention and concentration, Aarti never misses an opportunity to give full attention to people. She brightens the day of every single person she interacts with–faculty, staff, or student. She has the heart of a true leader!” – Anonymous


Alexis Jennings, Policy Studies Program Coordinator

“Alexis goes above and beyond for the Political Science department. Thank you for always finding a way to make every day marvelous!” – Anonymous


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form!



Employee Shout-outs — February 20, 2024

Jeannette Carter, Accountant/Fiscal Analyst II – History and Geography, College of Arts and Humanities

“Thank you, Jeannette, for your cheerful attitude and willingness to help anyone in need. You are always pleasant, smiling, and a pleasure to work with every day.” – Anonymous


Amy Craft, Associate Director, Annual Giving

“Amy goes above and beyond for us and every department that the Annual Giving office partners with—we couldn’t do it without her leadership!” – Anonymous


Shawna Cass, Communications and Engagement Director, Honors College

“Shawna goes above and beyond for the Honors College and all of its students and staff. She displays kindness and professionalism as she stays attuned of the happenings in all Honors departments, doing her best to engage our students in the beneficial programming and opportunities provided.” – Anonymous


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form!



Emily C. Stansell, student

Emily C. Stansell, 22, passed away on Feb. 12, 2024. She was a junior parks, recreation and tourism management major from Easley, South Carolina.

“Today our campus community mourns the loss of Emily,” says Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Chris Miller. “The Clemson Family extends condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling to students. Any student who wants to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451. After-hours counseling is available by calling 864-656-2451 and selecting option 2 from the menu.

Counseling services are also available to faculty and staff through ComPsych, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, at 866-365-0813.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Marathon Church in Powdersville, South Carolina, preceded by a reception of family and friends. View the full obituary online.

Clemson University Obituaries

Obituaries for active employees, retirees and current students are issued by Inside Clemson once we are able to confirm the information. Since faculty and staff live and work throughout the state, we depend on university departments, colleagues or friends to notify us of the deaths of active employees and retirees.