Clemson University mourns the death of George Cavender, associate professor in the Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences.
“Dr. George Cavender was an exceptional faculty member and a steady, compassionate presence in our Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences (FNPS) department,” said Ramesh Babu Jeganathan, chair of the Department of Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences. “His deep commitment to teaching, his expertise in food science and his genuine care for students shaped the lives of countless young scientists. George approached every aspect of his work with sincerity, humility, and a quiet strength that earned the respect and gratitude of colleagues, students and industry partners alike. His sudden passing leaves a profound void in FNPS and the Clemson community, and we will remember him with great admiration and heartfelt appreciation for all he contributed.”
Cavender began his Clemson career in July 2021 as an assistant professor and was named an associate professor in 2025.
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 celebration of life will be held at St. Paul Methodist Church, 14 Martin’s Ford Rd., in Dahlonega, Ga., on Sunday, December 14, at 2 p.m. George Cavendar’s obituary is available online.
Clemson University Obituaries
Obituaries for active employees, retirees and current students are issued by Inside Clemson once we are able to confirm the information. Since faculty and staff live and work throughout the state, we depend on university departments, colleagues or friends to notify us of the deaths of active employees and retirees.
