James Reaves, an accounting major from Florence, South Carolina, is also pursuing minors in management information systems and criminal justice. Expected to graduate in December 2027, he has made the most of his time at Clemson by combining academic excellence with leadership and service.
Driven by a curiosity about how systems work beneath the surface, Reaves has intentionally sought experiences that connect learning with real-world application. He is a member of Clemson’s accounting departmental honors program and Beta Alpha Psi, demonstrating a commitment to professional growth and learning.
Reaves has also earned recognition for leadership and service beyond the classroom. He is an Eagle Scout and a Congressional Award Gold Medal recipient, honors that reflect years of dedication and community involvement. For his Eagle Scout project, he organized a food drive with a local food bank and led volunteers in collecting more than 500 pounds of food. He also earned first place in the EY x Clemson Tax Policy Competition, where he and his teammates presented a tax policy recommendation to EY professionals.
Outside the classroom, Reaves has shared his passion for education through the Clemson University Learning Institute, serving as an instructor and counselor for Camp Voyager, Camp Adventure and C-CATS. He also participates in Cantorei, takes voice lessons and contributes to Clemson Players set construction.
Reaves’ interest in accounting began through conversations with his father, a manufacturing controller. Those early discussions sparked an appreciation for the role accounting plays in business operations. After graduation, he plans to pursue a Master of Accountancy and earn CPA and CFE certifications as he prepares for a career in forensic accounting.
