At the 2025 End of Year Celebration, Clemson IE recognized five outstanding alumni with its Inspiring Excellence Alumni Awards. These awards celebrate graduates who exemplify leadership in their professions, service to their communities, and a lasting commitment to the department.
This year’s recipients include accomplished innovators, executives, and emerging leaders. Their careers reflect the wide-reaching impact of industrial engineering across many industries.
Distinguished Alumni of the Year
Clark Cheng (Ph.D. 1999)
Clark Cheng has spent nearly 30 years at Norfolk Southern, where he built and led the largest operations research group in North American rail. A nationally recognized innovator in locomotive optimization and rail operations, his work has earned multiple awards, including the INFORMS Railway Applications Distinguished Member Award. He has held leadership roles within professional organizations and is known for mentoring emerging professionals, supporting academic research, and maintaining a strong, decades-long partnership with Clemson University.
Rachan Rele (M.S. 2005)
Rachana Rele is a trailblazing product executive shaping the future of design and emerging technologies. As Vice President of Design for Gen AI and Emerging Products at Adobe, she leads innovative, design-driven growth across next-generation experiences. With over 20 years at leading tech companies including Adobe, Citrix, PayPal, and Oracle, she’s known for turning bold ideas into global impact. A champion of inclusive, high-performing teams, Rachana also serves on the Board of Trustees for the San Jose Museum of Art and is pursuing her MBA at UC Berkeley. Rachana continues to support Clemson through mentorship and academic outreach.
Kevin Yates (B.S. 1994)
Kevin Yates is CEO of Trulite Glass and Aluminum Solutions and a visionary executive known for driving strategic growth, operational transformation, and purpose-driven leadership across the manufacturing, energy, and building materials sectors. He previously held senior roles at Siemens, where he led successful integrations and revitalized underperforming units. Kevin also serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for Clemson’s College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences and is a cabinet member of the Fiercely Forward Campaign. A dedicated mentor and servant leader, he remains committed to supporting the next generation of Clemson engineers.
Young Alumni of the Year
Luke Mixon (B.S. 2019)
Luke Mixon is a versatile product manager making a strong impact in the tech industry and the Clemson community. At Deposco, he has led the development of shipping and integration solutions, earning recognition as Newcomer of the Year in 2022 and Product Manager of the Year in 2023. As a student, Luke graduated cum laude, captained the Clemson Club Tennis Team, and was named USTA’s Leader of the Year. He currently serves on the IE Board of Young Alumni and represents the adaptability and innovations that define Clemson IE graduates.
Sam Sedory (B.S. 2016)
Sam Sedory is a dynamic leader whose career spans operations, engineering, and global strategy. As Product Portfolio Value Manager at Clariant Corporation, he drives international commercial growth and mentors sales teams worldwide. He earned two U.S. patents, launched Wastequip’s first automated production cell, and completed an MBA with distinction from Warwick Business School. A founding member of the IE Board of Young Alumni, Sam also launched a refugee hiring program that reflects his deep commitment to social impact and inclusive leadership.
Congratulations to out 2025 award recipients! Their achievements embody the values of Clemson IE: innovation, service, and lifelong excellence.
