Category: Inside NOW

J. Cole Smith, Clemson’s associate provost for academic initiatives, will become dean of the Syracuse University College of Engineering and Computer Science Oct. 1. He previously was chair of industrial engineering for the past five years.

“We are fortunate to bring to campus a forward-thinking academic leader, an energetic visionary and an accomplished innovator of his stature and experience,” said Syracuse Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Provost Michele G. Wheatly.

“Syracuse University is lucky to get Cole,” said Bob Jones, Clemson’s executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. “His success in academics, research and student recruiting as chair of industrial engineering speaks for itself and he added to that record as associate provost for academic initiatives. We are sorry to see him go, but we are proud of his accomplishments at Clemson.”

“What stood out for us was Cole’s strong track record as a highly accomplished researcher, educator and administrator,” said John Liu, the Syracuse vice president for research, who chaired the search committee. “In a short period of time, he significantly increased the student population, enhanced the research portfolio and elevated the stature of his department at Clemson. His vision and passion, experience and strong communication skills will allow him to lead our College of Engineering and Computer Science to a new level.”

In its announcement of his appointment, Syracuse University noted that as chair of industrial engineering at Clemson, Smith implemented several initiatives to encourage and support innovative and relevant research that would attract undergraduate and graduate students and new funding, and to improve diversity and international distinction. The undergraduate population grew 50 percent over four years.

Smith identified new sources of revenue to support departmental growth and opened a new building that was funded through online program revenue. He demonstrated his personal commitment to graduate education and research by serving as adviser on 22 dissertations and helping to place graduates in tenure-track positions at Michigan, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Arkansas, the U.S. Naval Academy, Wichita State and Bogazici University in Turkey.

Smith was inducted as a fellow of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) in 2019 and has been recognized with awards for research publications and presentations.  He has served in many leadership roles in his profession, including president of the Association of Chairs of Operations Research Departments (2016), chair of the Council of Industrial Engineering Academic Department Heads (2017), chair of the INFORMS Computing Society (2018-2019), member of the board of trustees for the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineering (2018-2020) and member of the board of directors for the Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (first term encompassing 2019-2020).

Prior to Clemson, Smith was a professor in industrial and systems engineering at the University of Florida (where he also served for one year as interim chair before leaving for Clemson) and the University of Arizona. He received his Ph.D. in industrial and systems engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematical sciences from Clemson.

Clint Carlson has been named interim associate vice president for auxiliary services and will oversee the University’s housing, dining, bookstore, and parking and transportation operations.

After receiving his MPAcc from Clemson University in August 1997, Carlson spent 15 years at the executive level managing financial and auxiliary operations at two regional institutions in Alabama. Carlson’s team oversaw the construction, renovation and maintenance of housing operations, managed contracted food and bookstore operations, and implemented a transportation system. He returned to Clemson University in March 2013 and successfully directed the Accounting for Related Organization team supporting the nine related organizations of Clemson University.

Carlson’s position became effective Sept. 16.

Last year’s required training for information security awareness (ISA) and conflict of interest (COI) achieved 100 percent faculty and staff participation. Starting Oct. 1, all faculty and staff will renew their required training, which is intended as a proactive measure to protect the institution and those who work here.

Next Steps Beginning Oct. 1

1. Visit Tiger Training and log in.
2. Be alert to system-generated email notifications and reminders.
3. Complete the required online training listed specifically for you before all deadlines. Participation by the noted deadline is required in all training that is listed for you when you log into Tiger Training.

Deadline

By Nov. 12, 2019, the University is expected to report that all faculty and staff have completed their required training. Tiger Training reminders and login alerts will keep faculty and staff members who have not completed training informed as the Nov. 12 deadline nears.

For more details, visit the Conflict of Interest Knowledge Center or the Cybersecurity Knowledge Center.

Ratan Tata to speak to Clemson community

Clemson University will welcome Ratan Tata to the Brooks Center on Wednesday, Sept. 25 at 2 p.m. for the Inaugural Global Leaders Forum. The forum will feature Mr. Tata answering questions from students about global impact, philanthropy and business.

Due to limited seating, priority for entrance will be given to Clemson students, faculty and staff, and a valid Clemson ID will need to be presented upon entrance. Doors to the Brooks Center open at 1 p.m., and parking is recommended in lots P-7 and P-5 off of Highway. 76, where shuttle service will be in effect.

Mr. Tata is an industrialist, investor and philanthropist. He was the chairman of the Tata Group (1991-2012, 2016-2017), a Mumbai-based conglomerate. The Tata Group of Companies is the leading corporation of India and has more than 90 operating companies in seven business sectors: communications and information technology, engineering, materials, services, energy, consumer products and chemicals. They currently operate in more than 80 countries with more than 395,000 employees worldwide.

Mr. Tata received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Cornell in 1962, completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 1975 and received an honorary doctorate of automotive engineering from Clemson University in 2015.

The government of India honored Mr. Tata with its second-highest civilian award, the Padma Vibhushan, in 2008.

Presentations of scholarly research or outreach activities related to closing the achievement gap will be considered for the Clemson-organized Men of Color Summit to be held in Greenville, S.C., March 3-4, 2020.

The summit has garnered national attention though its unique combination of technical/scholarly and outreach activities, inspirational presentations by nationally renowned speakers, and substantial involvement by the community, government and corporate leaders.

The deadline to submit a proposal is Sept 20. Submit a proposal.

Since 1949, Clemson University has selected a Mother of the Year.

The Student Alumni Council is currently seeking nominations for the 2019 Mother of the Year. The award recipient will be honored during next season’s Homecoming football game.

The Mother of the Year application asks for details about how the nominee loves Clemson, shows a great passion for the community and lives a life that exemplifies the Clemson spirit.

Tim Boosinger has been named interim dean for the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities while the University continues its search for permanent dean.

His six-month appointment begins September 1, 2019.  To lead the college, Boosinger will draw from his previous experiences as an interim dean of Clemson’s College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences and as vice president and provost of Auburn University.  His area of expertise is veterinary pathology and he served previously as dean of Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine.

Boosinger is tasked with continuing the college’s positive momentum.

Faculty and staff interested in serving on the planning committee of the 2020 International Festival are asked to sign up before September 12, 2019.

The 27th Annual International Festival, planned for Sunday, March 29, 2020, on Bowman Field,  celebrates identities and cultures from around the world.

A highly anticipated event for campus and the greater community, the festival includes culturally-based foods as well as entertainment and activities for all ages.

In addition, the event features local craft and non-profit vendors as well as a children’s area to make it a well-rounded, family-friendly event.

Rush D. Holt, the former leader of the world’s largest multi-disciplinary scientific and engineering membership organization, will present “Science and the Citizen,” a seminar hosted by the College of Science.

The event, open to faculty, staff and students, is scheduled on September 10 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Madren Center Ballroom and will include a reception.

Dr. Holt became the chief executive officer of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals in February 2015, leading in the role until his retirement in July 2019.

The event is free, however registration is required.

Mark your calendars for a celebratory drop-in gathering to mark the retirement of Charles Tegen, Clemson University’s associate vice president, enterprise risk management.

Tegen has provided exemplary service and leadership to the University for more than four decades.

The drop-in reception is planned for August 13, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Martin Inn, Suite 430.

More information.