Inside Clemson
Verne House, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology – September 13, 2024
Verne House, Professor Emeritus of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology and extension specialist, passed away on September 13, 2024.
House began his Clemson career on February 1, 1989 and retired on June 30, 1998, total more than nine years of service to the University.
Employee Shout-Outs – September 26, 2024
Emily Arrowood and Melinda Thomas, HRIS Business Analyst and HR Assistant
Emily and Melinda have been indispensable assets during the Fall hiring season. Emily processes all of the student hire change requests, and Mindy is the I-9 guru! Thank you for all you do behind the scenes to get our employees set up in the system!! – Allison Root, HRPL – College of Education
Gretchen Waugaman, Student Services Coordinator and Lecturer in Nieri Department of Construction, Development and Planning
Gretchen goes over and beyond to connect with faculty, staff, and students. She’s a positive light and support to all! – Shay Vinson, Interim Director of Student Services for CAAC
Emily Coe, Scholarship Coordinator, Student Financial Aid
Emily manually processes hundreds of graduate fellowships and awards by herself every term, and I don’t think she receives the credit or recognition she deserves. Grad students wouldn’t get their money without her. Thank you so much, Emily! – Anonymous
Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!
Employee Shout-Outs – September 19, 2024
Melissa McLane, Post Award Accountant, College of Scie
Melissa is incredibly professional, prompt, helpful! Being new to the Clemson family, Melissa has been a consistent resource and help to me. She is an asset to her team and to Clemson! – Meredith Williams, Grants Administrator, Office of Sponsored Programs
Kelsey Loftus, Business Analyst, Dean of the Graduate School
Kelsey knows her job inside and out. She is a perfect example of someone who goes out of their way to help in any way possible! – Anonymous
Christie Ackerman, Executive Assistant to the Dean, College of Education
Christie is the definition of helpful. She is always anticipating the needs of our COE faculty and staff and works tirelessly to support College initiatives. Christie consistently puts the needs of others first and should be recognized for her efforts. – Valerie Oonk, Director of Undergraduate Student Services, College of Education
Tonya Bledsoe, Office Manager, Materials Science and Engineering
Tonya is always so willing to step up and help out. She is always smiling and wonderful to work with. – Dana Simpson, Admin Coordinator I, Dean’s Office, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences
Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!
Renu Chakravarti Laskar, Professor Emerita of Mathematical Sciences – September 17, 2024
Renu Chakravarti Laskar, Professor Emerita of Mathematical Sciences, passed away peacefully on September 17, 2024.
Laskar began her Clemson career on August 16, 1968, and retired from the School of Mathematics and Statistical Sciences on March 1, 2006, totaling more than 37 years of service.
Born in Bihar, India, she received the highest score in the state of Bihar when taking the exam to earn her four-year bachelor’s degree. She earned a Fulbright Scholarship and became the first female Indian to earn a doctorate from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in 1962.
After three years at the Indian Institute of Technology (where she became the first female faculty member) and another three at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, she came to Clemson with her husband, renowned physics professor Amulya Lal Laskar.
Laskar was profiled last year in “Women in science: How 5 women with Clemson ties are making a difference.”
A celebration of life is planned for October 19, 2024, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Alameda Family Funeral and Cremation in Saratoga, Calif. Her obituary is available online.
James F. Hodges, retiree – September 8, 2024
James F. Hodges, retired senior extension agent, passed away on September 8, 2024, at the age of 72.
He began his Clemson career on November 3, 2000, and retired on February 14, 2020, as a senior extension agent for the Greenwood County Extension Office. He served more than 19 years with the University.
Raymond Noblet, retired professor – August 6, 2024
Raymond Noblet, retired professor of entomology, passed away on August 6, 2024. He is survived by his wife Gayle Noblet, Professor Emerita of Biological Sciences.
Noblet began his Clemson career on March 1, 1970, retiring in on March 1, 2000, after 30 years of service. He served as president of Faculty Senate and helped establish The Institute for Wildlife and Environmental Toxicology (TIWET) at the University.
Henry Rack, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science & Engineering – September 11, 2024
Henry Rack, Professor Emeritus of Materials Science & Engineering, passed away on September 11, 2024.
He began his Clemson career on January 7, 1985, and retired under the TERI Retirement Plan on January 1, 2010. He resumed his role as a professor until the end of 2014, capping a nearly 30-year career with the University.
His online obituary and memorial service information will be shared when available.
Employee Shout-Outs – September 12, 2024
Emily Golden, Vendor for University Facilities, Custodial Recycling Services
Emily Golden consistently works hard to provide a welcoming and clean space for Samuel J. Cadden Chapel visitors. Her work portrays her integrity, responsibility, respect, and compassion and we are thankful for her!
– Anonymous
Stewart Gordon, Housing Res Facilities
Stewart’s dedication to their role and team is an inspiration to us all. Your hard work, day in and day out, doesn’t go unnoticed. Thank you for your consistent efforts! – HSP Team
Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!
Employee Shout-Outs – September 5, 2024
Casey Ford, Matthew Boudreauz and Jordan Worrell (Orientation Leadership Team)
“Thank you to this amazing team for their tireless work over the summer coordinating an amazing Orientation experience and Welcome Week for our students! Thank you for setting our students up for success as they come to Clemson!” – Mary Erin Morrissey, Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives and Engagement, Finance & Operations
David Johnson, Custodial Inspection Supervisor
“David is an amazing leader within University Facilities who is always pushing those around him to pursue excellence in all areas. David always goes above and beyond to make University Facilities a great place to work!” – Mary Erin Morrissey, Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives and Engagement, Finance & Operations
Terasa Lott, Midlands District Extension Director
“Terasa is an example of a true leader that puts her staff’s interest at the forefront. She is very professional, always willing to assist, and has a very positive attitude. She is to be commended on all of her hard work, dedication, and ultimate display of integrity within the organization.” – Anonymous
Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!
