Jerry Whitmire, Professor Emeritus of Languages (Spanish), passed away on December 21, 2024.
Service time to the University will be shared when available.
A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. His obituary is available online.
Inside Clemson
Jeannine Varenhorst, retiree – January 14, 2025
Jeannine Varenhorst, retired accountant/fiscal analyst with Accounting Services, passed away on January 14, 2025.
Varenhorst began her Clemson career on June 23, 1978, and retired on March 30, 2006, totaling more than 46 years of service with the University.
Her online obituary will be shared when available.
Employee Shout-Outs – January 16, 2025
Karen Parker, Team Lead Consultant, CCIT Customer Support Services
“Karen consistently demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude, and she goes above and beyond to provide exceptional support for all IT-related needs within our department.” – Bryson Toole, Accnt/Fiscal Analyst II, English
Candice Heatherly, Administrative Officer/CAFLS
“Candice is always ready to help and will find a way to assist! Her positive attitude helps us all.” – Donna Purvis, Admin Coordinator
Aubrey Steele, Police Officer, Clemson University Police Department
“Officer Steele is always a positive person to be around and lifts morale throughout the department through his interactions. He accepts new projects and opportunities with a smile. Most importantly, I appreciate how much care he shows toward others and this profession.” -Steven Kennedy, Sergeant, Clemson University Police Department
Michael Pursley, Professor Emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering
Michael Pursely, Professor Emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering, has passed away.
Pursley served Clemson University for more than 41 years in a variety of roles, most notably as the Holcombe Chair and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering. He was hired on August 15, 1992 as the Holcombe Chair and retired on June 30, 2018. He then joined the Emeritus College in retirement and also served as a professor in the School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences for nearly three years.
Pursley served for more than six years in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering as well.
Pursley arrived at Clemson from visiting faculty positions at UCLA and Caltech, after serving as professor for several years at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Purdue, and his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California.
His service information and online obituary will be shared when available.
Employee Shout-Outs – January 9, 2025
Catherine (Cathy) Moore, Director of Training, Clemson University Learning Institute
“Cathy led an amazing session, “Navigating Conflict and Difficult Conversations,” at our annual conference in October, and the session attendees provided rave reviews. In addition to being a great trainer, Cathy is consistently optimistic and kind, and she never fails to pitch in to help team members when she sees a need.” – Kristie Marr, Project Manager, Clemson University Learning Institute
Benjamin Bottoms, University Facilities
“Ben is the best, always there when you need him and super knowledgeable of the Clemson campus. Ive really enjoyed working with him thus far and look forward to the future working with him.” – Anonymous
Jevencia Hill, Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agent, Richland County Extension Service
“Jevencia guides those enrolled in her diabetes classes to fully understand thier diagnosis, adapt behaviors and connect with local resources. Her quiet and kind guidance creates positive life changes for all those she touches.” – Rhonda Matthews, Program Team Leader, Cooperative Extension Service
Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!
OUR Clemson Editions – January 2025
Donald P. Miller, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy – December 19, 2024
Donald P. Miller, Professor Emeritus of Physics and Astronomy, passed away on December 19, 2024.
Miller began his Clemson career on September 1, 1963, and retired on May 16, 1991, totaling more than 27 years of service with the University.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 11 a.m. at St. Andrew Catholic Church in Clemson.
Robin A. Cobb, retiree – December 31, 2024
Robin A. Cobb, retired printing equipment operator with the BPA Service Center, passed away on December 31, 2024.
Cobb began her Clemson career on October 9, 1986, and retired on April 7, 2006, totaling more than 19 years of service with the University.
Roger Dale Arflin, retiree – December 31, 2024
Roger Dale Arflin, retired locksmith with University Facilities, passed away on December 31, 2024.
Arflin began his Clemson career on January 11, 1993, and retired on February 1, 2024, totaling more than 21 years of service with the University.
Kaitlyn McNally, student
Clemson University was notified of the death of Kaitlyn McNally, 19, on Friday, Dec. 20. McNally was a sophomore financial management major from Long Valley, New Jersey.
“We are incredibly saddened to hear about Kaitlyn’s passing,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Doug Hallenbeck. “She was an active member of our University community and will be deeply missed. We send our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Students who need assistance over Winter Break may contact Counseling and Psychological Services at 864-656-2451 and select option 2 from the menu for phone-based support. Normal operations, including in-person University services, will re-open following Winter Break on Monday, Dec. 30. Counseling services are available to faculty and staff through ComPsych, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, by calling 866-365-0813.
Her obituary is available 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.
