Dear Clemson:
It’s good to be back. On Friday, I notified the Chairman of the Board of Trustees that I am concluding my medical leave and resuming the duties of chief executive, effective immediately. Thanks to a great team of doctors and the support of both my nuclear family and Clemson family, I am ready and eager to get back to work. Clemson University has important issues and opportunities that require the attention of a full-time president and a full-time provost.
The words of encouragement from faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends have played an important role in my recovery. Words can’t express how much Marcia and I appreciate the thousands (literally) of emails, cards, letters and messages posted on the Clemson website from well-wishers. I also want to thank all of you for giving Provost Dori Helms your support while she managed two very demanding jobs. We all owe her a great debt of gratitude.
During my convalescence, I truly recognized the value of technology in remaining connected and informed from a distance, and I hope to continue using those tools to keep the lines of communication open even when I can’t be there in person. I made a pledge to update my blog more often, so that I can continue to communicate without interrupting your email inbox quite as often. Today’s blog offers some perspectives on the Clemson enterprise legislation that has generated some media interest recently. I hope you’ll check it out and let me know what you think. https://blogs.clemson.edu/barkers-blog/
Thank you again for all you do for Clemson.
Sincerely,
–Jim Barker
