Category: Shout-outs

Taylor Casey, Community Director, Residential Living within Student Affairs

“Taylor just completed her first year back at Clemson after finishing her undergraduate degree in 2021. She has been a welcomed member of our team and provides laughs, structure, and discipline in the work she does!” – Anonymous

Michael Scott, Associate Ombuds, University Ombuds

“I am thankful to have spent a few hours with Michael recently, training on digital accessibility, assistive technology, and making PowerPoints accessible. The University Ombuds provides invaluable education, conflict coaching, mediation, facilitation, and referrals to other resources across Clemson University. I’m excited to continue working with Michael and Clemson’s Ombuds as they create training sessions and educational materials from which all employees benefit.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Kyle Phillips, UX Architect, Marketing and Communications

“Kyle is a proactive, kind and knowledgeable colleague and collaborator. Her dedication to updating sites and creating new ones for the many offices, units and divisions across the University is truly appreciated.” – Anonymous

Makayla Kirkley, Program Assistant, Student Accessibility Services

“Clemson’s Student Accessibility Services has a new sensory-friendly study space, and we were excited when Program Assistant Makayla Kirkley asked for assistance in making their open house flyer accessible. Makayla came to us with a PDF designed in Canva, an authoring tool that cannot produce an accessible file.

In just one hour, Makayla mastered the advanced skill of Adobe Acrobat remediation. With no prior knowledge of digital accessibility or assistive technology, Makayla agreed to test our team’s draft ‘Guide to PDF Digital Accessibility‘ to successfully revise the digital flyer to conform to WCAG 2.1 criteria. Makayla, we are thankful for your willingness to test our document before publishing and excited about your partnership in digital accessibility and document remediation.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Shannon Lattimore, Administrative Coordinator, Center for Human Genetics
“A huge shout-out to Shannon, our incredible administrative coordinator, whose positivity and dedication make her an absolute joy to work with. Her consistent willingness to go above and beyond in supporting staff, students, and faculty is truly invaluable, and we are so grateful for her outstanding contributions!” – Anonymous

Melissa Aderhold, Accounting/Fiscal Analyst II, Payroll
“Melissa is extraordinary, without her help we’d all be ‘punched in’ but ‘not punched out.’ Keep those minutes in line, Melissa, you’re the real GOAT of time! #TickTockTigers.” – Anonymous

Vanessa Weston, (Sr. Assoc. Dir Parking Ops with Parking Services); Celena Webb (Fiscal Technician I with parking Services), Bridget Cobb (Fiscal Technician I with Parking Services); Heather Chun (Fiscal Technician I with Parking Services)
“Shoutout to Vanessa, Celena, Bridget, and Heather for all their hard work, help, and expertise with parking for events across campus! You all are the best!” – Anonymous

Shayla Brown, Project Management Coordinator, Facilities (Planning Design & Construction)

“Shayla goes above and beyond in her role to build our team relationships and morale by hosting fun events (Super Bowl appetizers, chili competition, surprise wedding shower). She and the entire PMC team are such an asset all around.” – Anonymous

Candice Gleason, Accounts Payable Coordinator, Procurement and Business Services

“Candice is unfailingly patient with those of us confused by Buyways and its processes. Her incredible knowledge has taught me so much more in Buyways than I could have ever imagined. Thank you!” – Susan Keck, Fiscal Analyst II/AP&R Accountant, CAFLS, Department of the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs

Toni Becker, Student Services Mgr I

“Toni’s demeanor exemplifies respect and kindness towards everyone she encounters in the academic environment. Toni’s office is known for its welcoming atmosphere, where both students and faculty see her dedication to providing guidance and assistance, reflecting her commitment to graduate program excellence.” – Anonymous

Shannon Lattimore, Administrative Coordinator, Center for Human Genetics

“A huge shout-out to Shannon, our incredible Administrative Coordinator, whose positivity and dedication make her an absolute joy to work with. Her consistent willingness to go above and beyond in supporting staff, students, and faculty is truly invaluable, and we are so grateful for her outstanding contributions!” – Anonymous

Kelsey Wylie, Exec Assistant to Senior Associate Provost- Academic Affairs/Faculty Affairs

“Kelsey keeps a complex set of “trains” running on time and headed in the right directions! We’re grateful for your service-oriented approach and pleasant professional demeanor!” – Anonymous

Dani Brewer, Faculty Systems Coordinator, Office of the Provost
“Dani is always willing to pitch-in, even when (perhaps especially when) it requires learning new things. We’re grateful to have a talented team and Dani adds much with her talent and commitment!” – Anonymous

Jessica Serrao, Metadata Librarian for Digital Collections
“Jessica plays a crucial role in our Metadata Services unit by creating descriptive metadata for digital collections and managing workflows and partnerships across departments. She mentors early career faculty, is always ready to help, and is a kind-hearted and inspiring colleague.” Tomeka Jackson, Resident Librarian , Collections and Discovery 

Dave Sargent, Counselor and Director of IT, Center for Career and Professional Development
“A huge thank you to Dave Sargent! For seven years, Dave has been a steadfast supporter of our JCPenney Suit-Up events and Career Clothes Closet. He generously gives up his Sunday afternoons to ensure our technology runs smoothly and even helps transport clothing—whether by golf cart or truck. His dedication, long hours, and ever-positive attitude make a lasting impact. We appreciate you, Dave—thank you for always coming through for us!” – Caren Kelley-Hall, Senior Associate Director – UPIC/Clemson Career Clothes Closet

Ryan Real and Colby Lanham, Institutional and Operational Communications
“This (and every) issue of OURClemson is digitally accessible thanks to the calculated work of Ryan Real and Colby Lanham. They intentionally use high-contrast colors, descriptive link text, and accessible structure elements like headings and bulleted lists, and they check (and double-check!) image alternative text on photos. Ryan & Colby, the Digital Accessibility team at Clemson appreciates your commitment to providing internal news that everyone can access.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Pablo Unda, International Employment Manager; Jennifer Blyden, HR/Payroll Liason

“International Employment Manager Pablo Unda and HR and Payroll Liaison for the College of Science Jennifer Blyden have always carved out time in their busy schedules to actively participate in the fifteen ERP project team’s design and development stakeholder meetings they’ve been invited to. Both continue to provide key insights that will result in a much more impactful ERP Workday design at Clemson.” – Kelly Collins, Associate Vice President for Financial Operations

Vickie Byko, Administrative Assistant, Forestry and environmental Conservation

“Vickie is such a blessing to have at Clemson. She is warm and friendly, always helping others without complaint.” – Anonymous

The CU-GARS Team

“This cross departmental team brought together candidates from across the country for a weekend of learning about all CU has to offer. While they compete their Masters degrees they will do assitantships across campus in mentoring, advising, teaching, programmatic and administrative roles – helping to create the #1 Student Experience!” – Anonymous

Christopher Creamer, Ag/Animal Assoc., Simpson Beef Cattle Farm, PREC

“I would like to thank Chris Creamer for his dedication to the Simpson Beef Cattle Farm for 26 years.” – Anonymous

Noelle Granger, Accnt/Fiscal Analyst, Department of History & Geography

“I would like to commend “Noelle Granger” in her first few weeks in her new position in our department. She has done an amazing job thus far and we are very appreciative that she has joined our team!” – Sheri Marcus, Administrative Coordinator 

Sharon Weaver, Insurance Program Assistant, Risk Management

“Huge shout-out to Sharon! Over the past few weeks, she has guided me through three risk management tasks for my program with incredible efficiency. She responds quickly, provides accurate information the first time, and leaves me with total confidence that everything is in good hands. She never lets us down! Sharon, if you’re ever in Charleston, be sure to look us up!”– Jacob Beach, Program Manager, Department of Plant Industry

Claire Garrett/Katie Jennings/Jenni Tonkin, Procurement and Business Services
“I’m offering an enthusiastic shout-out to Claire Garrett, Katie Jennings, and Jenni Tonkin, who are in Procurement and Business Services! Kudos to you for learning and applying digital accessibility best practices for the resources you provide all of us! Your desire to produce user-friendly digital reference material is praiseworthy and only bested by your confidence and enthusiasm to make it happen. I’m excited to continue working with you as you create accessible resources that help every Clemson University employee.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Andrea Conner, Health and Safety Specialist, Occupational and Environmental Safety

“The Digital Accessibility team is excited to introduce another skilled advocate for document accessibility – Andrea Connor! After an orientation to digital accessibility concepts, Andrea worked quickly and thoroughly to apply new knowledge about WCAG 2.1 standards to Occupational and Environmental Safety factsheets. Thank you, Andrea, for advocating for accessibility and working to ensure that all Clemson students and employees can access these critical safety resources.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Angela “Angee” Pearson, Financial Business Manager – Provost & VP Acad Affairs

“Kudos to Angee who is always willing to go the extra mile to help out fellow colleagues! You are SO appreciated!! THANK YOU!!!” – Anonymous

Skylar Powell, Acct/Fiscal Analyst II, Bioengineering

“Skylar has proven to be a truly valuable addition to our department. She has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to mastering the details of her position and consistently goes above and beyond expectations. Her dedication to her work is evident in everything she does, and her vibrant, bubbly personality infuses the office with a positive and energetic atmosphere.” – Anna Hart, Acct/Fiscal Analyst II, Bioengineering

John Whitcomb, Chief Academic Nursing Officer, Director, Professor, School of Nursing

“John Whitcomb was traveling to a nursing conference in San Diego earlier this month and rendered emergency medical care on the flight to a young man with autism, unable to communicate and traveling with his grandfather, who was experiencing diaphoresis. Dr. Whitcomb stepped into action and successfully treated this individual – just one example of many that demonstrates the dedication of nurse leaders like Dr. Whitcomb that deserve a HUGE THANK YOU!” – Anonymous

Karen Parker, Team Lead Consultant, CCIT Customer Support Services
“Karen Parker exemplifies excellence in the work she does. She is a person with great intellectual capacity and has the speed and remarkable charisma to help.” – Maureen Zamora, Senior Lecturer of Spanish Department of Language

Jonathan Windham, Extension Associate/Greenhouse Manager, Pee Dee Research and Education Center
“Jonathan Windham created a comprehensive dashboard through ArcGIS O so Pee Dee REC researchers can view field history, historical satellite imagery, soil types, and drone footage to use for land allocation and production decisions. This incredible tool, developed with existing Clemson resources and a lot of input from Jonathan and Farm Services, replaces unwieldy paper field maps, and will expand to PDREC forest acreage to the delight of all working at the REC. This ever-evolving, data-rich, easily shareable dashboard is available due to his hard work and diligence, including walking field perimeters with a GNSS receiver attached to his hat.”  – Anonymous

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

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