Inside Clemson

Employee Shout-outs – January 23, 2025

Posted on January 23, 2025January 22, 2025 by Colby Lanham

Megan Bolt and Staci Koonce
(Bolt) Academic Advisor, College of Education, Undergraduate Studies; (Koonce) Direction of Teach Fellows & Strat Rcmt, College of Education, Undergraduate Studies

“Both provided unwavering support during a time of transition and a willingness to take on additional responsibilities to ensure that students within the College of Education have what they need, all while maintaining a positive demeanor.” – Anonymous

Lynn Asbill, Data Engineer, Ent. Data Services

“Lynn is incredibly nice, fast, and helpful! I could not do my job without her!” – Stacey Marcus, Manager of Advising and Student Success Initiatives, Academic Success Center

Posted in Shout-outsTagged Academic Success Center, College of Education, faculty, staff

Jerry Whitmire, Professor Emeritus of Languages – December 21, 2024

Posted on January 16, 2025January 16, 2025 by rreal

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.

Posted in Obituaries

Jeannine Varenhorst, retiree – January 14, 2025

Posted on January 16, 2025 by rreal

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.

Posted in Obituaries

Employee Shout-Outs – January 16, 2025

Posted on January 16, 2025January 15, 2025 by Colby Lanham

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

Posted in Shout-outs

Michael Pursley, Professor Emeritus of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Posted on January 15, 2025 by rreal

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.

Posted in Obituaries

Employee Shout-Outs – January 9, 2025

Posted on January 9, 2025January 9, 2025 by Colby Lanham

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