For generations, Clemson University faculty have shaped the lives and careers of thousands of students through mentorship, innovation, and dedication to teaching and research. Professor Tom Keinath has been one of those individuals whose commitment to students and to the advancement of our field has left a lasting mark on our community.
To honor Professor Keinath’s legacy and ensure that his spirit of excellence continues to inspire future generations, we are working to establish the Keinath Distinguished Professorship Endowment at Clemson University. An endowed professorship allows the department to attract, retain, and support outstanding faculty who will continue advancing education, research, and student mentorship in the same tradition that Professor Keinath exemplified.
We invite alumni, colleagues, friends of Clemson, and supporters of the department to join us in this effort. Our goal is to fully fund this $500,000 endowment so that it can permanently support faculty leadership and student success.
Every contribution makes a difference. Gifts of any size are welcome and deeply appreciated, and together they will help us reach the level required to activate the endowment. We have already raised over $300,000 for this fund, but we’re still short of our goal. Whether large or small, your support is a meaningful way to recognize Professor Keinath’s impact and invest in the future of Clemson students.
By contributing, you are helping ensure that Clemson continues to provide exceptional education, groundbreaking research, and transformative opportunities for generations to come.
Thank you for helping us honor Professor Keinath and strengthen the future of our Clemson community.
About Dr. Keinath
Born in Frankenmuth, Michigan, Dr. Keinath dedicated his life to academia and the pursuit of knowledge. He attended the University of Michigan, earning B.S.E., M.S.E. and Ph.D. degrees in Civil, Sanitary and Water Resources Engineering.
In 1969, he joined the faculty of Clemson University as an Assistant Professor of Environmental Systems Engineering, focusing on wastewater treatment technologies. He rose through the ranks at Clemson, becoming Head of the ESE department in 1977 and eventually Dean of Engineering in 1992. While Dean, Dr. Keinath oversaw the consolidation of the Colleges of Engineering and Science into a combined entity, and the establishment of the International Center for Automotive Research. After retiring as Dean in 2006, he remained with Clemson as a special advisor to CU-ICAR until his full retirement in 2012. In 2008, he was inducted into the Thomas Green Clemson Academy of Engineers and Scientists.
Beyond Clemson, Dr. Keinath was very active in service to national and international professional organizations. He served two two-year terms as President of the International Water Association, President of the Association of Environmental Engineering Professors and a three-year term as Chair of the Program Committee of the Water Environment Federation. Additionally, in 1980, he was appointed a UNESCO Expert Lecturer and invited to spend several months lecturing at Tsinghua University in Beijing.
With Gratitude,
Debora Rodrigues
Chair, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences Department
dfrodri@clemson.edu
