Inside Clemson

Erick Ross, student

Erick Ross, 25, has passed away. He was enrolled as a Ph.D. student in mathematical sciences, the same program he earned his master’s degree in last December. The Greenville, South Carolina native was a graduate teaching assistant as well.

“The Clemson Family is heartbroken by the loss of Erick,” says John Lopes, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School. “We hope his family, friends and loved ones find solace in the cherished memories of time they spent with Erick. He will always be remembered.”

Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) is providing grief counseling to students. Any student who wants to speak to a counselor should contact CAPS at 864-656-2451. After-hours counseling is available by calling 864-656-2451 and selecting option 2 from the menu.

Counseling services are also available to faculty and staff through ComPsych, the University’s Employee Assistance Program provider, at 866-365-0813.

A funeral service will be held at Faith Baptist Church in Delco, North Carolina, on Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m., followed by a private interment with family. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 at University Baptist Church in Clemson to celebrate his life. A full obituary is available online.

Employee Shout-outs – September 9, 2026

ServiceNow Case Teams

“The responsiveness and customer service of those responding to ServiceNow cases has been phenomenal. Their patience and kindness is greatly appreciated!” – Anonymous

The Clemson Home Team

“The Clemson Home team did an exceptional job coordinating another ‘best ever’ move-in and welcome home last month! They know that the #1 student experience starts with a smooth arrival and did everything in their power to ensure that both families and students felt welcomed & cared for!” – Kathy Hobgood, Senior AVP, Student Affairs

Campus Reservations & Events

“Huge KUDOS to the team for all their efforts in ensuring that August graduation ceremonies went off without a hitch! The many MANY logistics, details and needs that were taken care of – while making it all look easy – are beyond impressive. Thank for ensuring a great day for families!” – Kathy Hobgood, Senior AVP, Student Affairs

Charlie Poole, Electrician, University Facilities

“I have worked with Charlie for about 20 years now. He is an outstanding man. Always consistent in his work.” – Vicki Durham, University Facilities

Jeff Haley, Director, Littlejohn Coliseum

“Jeff has been a tremendous partner and contributor to Clemson Commencement success, but he’s also the behind the scenes person who ensures other schools have a wonderful venue for their celebrations as well. In addition to ensuring that Commencement ceremonies are special times of celebration, he also has a huge hand in Ring Ceremony and Convocation traditions too. Jeff deserves our highest praise and appreciation!” – Callie Bunyea, Associate Director of Events

Amber Dees, Director of Residential Living

“Amber was everywhere during move-in helping to solve problems and keep staff morale up. She is an exemplary leader!” – Anonymous

Employee Shout-Outs – September 1, 2026

Elizabeth LeCroy, Account/Fiscal Analyst II, Controller’s Office

“Elizabeth provided exceptional training for campus users across the state during the Workday transition. During a chaotic time marked by fiscal year changes and new systems & procedures, Elizabeth remained approachable & available to everyone. Her trainings were user-friendly; she welcomed questions and followed through by circling back to users with specific needs. She has continued to provide timely assistance & support, while showing her colleagues patience and understanding. Thank you!” – Anonymous

Donnie Lloyd, Director, Auxiliary Planning & Support

Forever grateful that you’re always willing to jump in, solve problems, and help get things done—even when the path forward needs a little “concrete” thinking and creativity behind the scenes. Appreciate you greatly. Mission accomplished!” – Brianna Lombardozzi, Director, Housing Operations

Jaquetta Ross, Director, Graduate Student Success, Graduate School

“Jaquetta is extremely helpful, brings a burst a joy to any space, and makes Clemson a better place for grad students, staff, and faculty!” – Anonymous

Alexis Shepard, Training/Onboarding Specialist FIN | Human Resources

“Alexis is a fantastic Workday training session (Finance: Gifts & Endowments) instructor!” – Shelly Geer, Assistant Director, Internal Operations, Athletic Academic Services

McKenzie Betfort, Fiscal Analyst II Payroll Support, Finance & Operations

“McKenzie makes a positive difference. She goes above and beyond to support students and faculty in the SOC Department with kindness, professionalism, and a willingness to help. Her caring attitude and dependability make her someone we can always count on. Thank you, McKenzie, for your dedication and the positive impact you have on the department.” – Anonymous

Anne Grant, AI Literacy/Instruction Coordinator & Humanities Research Librarian, University Libraries

“Anne has assembled a diverse team of faculty, staff, and students to develop and organize resources that advance AI literacy across campus. Her collaborative leadership and ability to distill complex information into clear, practical guidance will help our University better understand the rapidly evolving world of AI and its role in academic settings.” – Kellie Marlatt, Administrative Coordinator

Employee Shout-Outs – August 17, 2026

Levis Holden (Customer Service Specialist) and Candice Gleason (Accounts Payable Coordinator), Procurement

“You bring your absolute best to every interaction, turning challenges into smiles and building deep trust with your customers. Your patience, empathy, and quick problem-solving don’t just resolve daily issues; they create lifelong advocates for Clemson. Thank you for going the extra mile, listening with genuine care, and representing Clemson with pride.” – Vivian Watson, Director of Training, Development and Retention, Office of Human Resources

Jodi Cox(director of Visits, Events and Orientation), Matthew Boudreaux (Associate of Orientation), Averie Johnson-Walls (Assistant Director of Orientation)

“I want to give a huge shoutout to this incredible team! Thank you for your dedication, energy, and countless hours spent creating a welcoming and memorable experience for every new student and family. Your hard work, teamwork, and commitment have made a lasting impact all summer long. We couldn’t do this without you, and I’m so grateful for everything you’ve poured into Orientation. Thank you for all that you do!” – Norma DeLuna, Assistant Director of The Visitor Center

Extension Statewide County Office Administrative Assistants

“A huge shout-out to our amazing county office admins for stepping up and carrying the team through our transition to Workday. Your patience, flexibility, and commitment have made a complicated change feel manageable. You have answered countless questions, solved problems behind the scenes, kept important details moving, and supported everyone. Even as you learned new processes yourselves, you remained the steady, dependable resource the entire office could count on. This transition would not have gone as smoothly without your hard work, positive attitude, and willingness to help. Thank you!!” – Anonymous

Employee Shout-Outs – August 4, 2026

Michael Parrish, Assistant Director of Fraternity & Sorority Housing

“Michael is always available to help with IT questions and needs in our office. He is patient and supportive and we are very grateful for his role on our team.” – Fraternity and Sorority Life team

The Clemson University Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine team

“As Clemson University prepares to welcome the inaugural Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Class of 2030, the faculty and staff of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine have accomplished something truly remarkable. While recruiting faculty, staff & students, developing curriculum, establishing clinical partnerships, hiring, and preparing to move into a brand-new campus, this team has worked tirelessly to build Clemson’s newest college from the ground up. Their collaboration, resilience, and unwavering commitment are creating a legacy that will impact veterinary medicine and generations of Clemson students for decades to come.”

Tori Charles, Director of Applied Research, Clemson’s Learning Institute

“Tori consistently goes above and beyond for her team, always making herself available to support others even during her well-deserved time off. She is an exceptional leader, mentor, and colleague who generously offers feedback, lends a helping hand, and encourages the professional growth and success of everyone around her.” – Alexis Sales, Research Associate, Clemson’s Learning Institute

Mitch Day, Executive Talent Partner, Office of Human Resources

“Mitch and his team have been integral to keeping my transition to using Workday smooth. Mitch provided exceptional support and timely updates regarding my questions. It was a pleasure working with him.” – Anonymous

Emily Arrowood, HRIS Business Analyst, Office of Human Resources

“Emily has been a standout support during the Workday transition! Her knowledge, problem-solving superpowers, and patience are unmatched. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with Emily.” – Anonymous

Employee Shout-Outs – July 27, 2026

Barbara Ramirez, Faculty, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS)

“Barbara comes into work each day waiting to encourage and assist faculty, staff and students on proposals, dissertations, ABET reports, articles for publications, help graduate students on personal statements to grad schools, government grants and a plethora of other things. She is above and beyond, but for her, “it’s just fun.” She is amazing and needs to be celebrated.” – Tracy Dodson, Administrative Coordinator

Ken Marcus, Robert Adger Bowen Professor of Chemistry, Department of Chemistry

“Ken has been a remarkable mentor to junior faculty in the Department of Chemistry over the last several years. His leadership and mentoring have directly resulted in sustained excellence by assistant professors, evidenced by numerous major NIH and NSF awards.” – Anonymous

Dave Lee (Assistant Vice President, CECAS Promotion) and Tim Crain (Director of Design, CECAS Promotion)

“Dave Lee and Tim Crain helped the Department of Mechanical Engineering upgrade the innovation lab space. The improvements will help enhance the ME brand to people who visit and use the space. We appreciate Dave and Tim working with Dr. Todd Schweisinger to promote the department. The new space looks amazing! Students, faculty and visitors will love it!” – Anonymous