Inside Clemson

Employee Shout-Outs – June 22, 2026

Ian Cummings, Lab Specialist II

“Ian works hard to keep the microbiology labs running as smoothly and well-maintained as possible; he plays a key role in giving Clemson Students the best possible lab experience offered.  He is a valuable member of the Department of Biological Sciences!” – Anonymous

Susan “Su” Cole, Grants and Contracts Administration, Division of Research

“Su is a ray of sunshine and goes the extra mile! In my time at Clemson, she’s pushed an ice cream cart around the office while playing ice cream truck music and wearing popsicle sunglasses, led lunchtime crafts, and more! She is a joy to those around her and is much appreciated!” – Meredith Williams, Grants Administrator, Sponsored Programs

Laura Eicher, Director of Teacher Residency and Strategic Initiatives, College of Education

“Working so hard to submit a Department of Education grant!” – Anonymous

Employee Shout-outs – December 15, 2025

Helen Diamond Steele, Executive Director of Strategy & Campus

Helen’s kindness and caring make her a credit to Clemson and a friend to everyone that she works with. She will help anyone, no matter who they are or what they need.” – Cindy Roper, Research Associate, Houston Center

Tina White, Director of Video Services, Marketing and Communications

Tina is a true gem here at Clemson. She is often behind the scenes (or a video lens), but the work she does and helps produce is nothing short of true masterpieces. Flexible, always makes people laugh and puts them at ease, creative, thoughtful – I could go on and on, but she is an outstanding teammate. I am grateful that I get to work with her regularly. If you’ve ever seen any of the amazing video content we put out (think of even many of the videos that go on social), that’s Tina and her team. I’ve worked at a few universities during my career so far, and almost immediately upon arriving at Clemson several years ago, I said our video team is one of the best I’ve ever seen, and that remains true. Tina helps our team excel and she elevates the brand of the Tiger Paw through her work every day. ” – Porscha Elton, Executive Director, Presidential Communications

Lori Brierre, Assistant Director of Operations Procurement and Business Services

“Forward thinking and innovative and anticipates trends. Always seeking ways to improve processes so that others have a pleasant experience.” – Anonymous

Michelle Marchesse, Administrative Coordinator, Student Services, Landscape Architecture

“Michelle has a wide range of responsibilities in Landscape Architecture and performs each one with dedication, kindness and care. She consistently goes above and beyond to help everyone who walks through her door!” – Anonymous

Elise Eggert, Lead Procurement Coordinator, CAAC

“Thank you for being such an uplifting and generous colleague in Lee Hall!” – Anonymous

Shay Vinson, Student Services Coordinator, Richard A. McMahan School of Architecture

“Shay is an amazing asset to the School of Architecture and a highly valued team member! She is a tireless advocate for students and provides outstanding support to not only the students but to faculty and staff as well.” – Anonymous

Matt Breed, Attending Veterinarian

“For standing up for animal welfare and tirelessly advocating for all animals on campus.” – Anonymous






















Employee Shout-outs – August 25, 2025

Anthony Harvey and University Facilities team

Faced with challenges across campus, Anthony and his team attack them head-on with professionalism, an excellent level of communication and a work ethic that is to be commended. Anthony and team have worked tirelessly to ensure that our campus facilities are ready to welcome students and faculty back.” – Anonymous

Amber Dees, Director of Residential Living, Clemson Home

“Amber led the team that welcomed home all 7,500 students during move-in. She was responsive and supportive to all staff, students, and families that arrived home!” – Anonymous

Su Cole, Grant Administrator IV, Division of Research

Su is the absolute best supervisor. She looks after all of us on her team and we all feel like a family. Her leadership and guidance is much appreciated.” – Anonymous

Kim Bartholomew-Neptune, Office Manager of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences

She has had exceptional dedication and support in training me—through her guidance, I’ve grown in confidence, skill, and purpose. Her patience, expertise, and unwavering encouragement have made a lasting impact on both my development and my success.” – Claire Hallancia, Assistant Administrator

Vicky Bertagnolli, Consumer Horticulture Extension Agent Aiken County and the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC)

Vicky works tirelessly behind the scenes to make the horticulture team successful. She supports every single agent on our team with her technological prowess and still remains the passionate bug geek and Making It Grow star!” – Amy Dabbs, Statewide School & Community Gardening Coordinator, Clemson Extension TEACH Center

Kerry Howard, Project Manager, Center for Public Health Modeling and Response, Department of Public Health Sciences

Kerry is such an amazing go-getter and leader! She goes above and beyond when we are on tight deadlines. She is great at delegating and being patient as we navigate multiple grant submissions, publications, and diverse projects. Thank you for being our guide and leading us professionally! We appreciate you!” – Anonymous





















New employee spotlight: Elizabeth Chapman

The Clemson Family welcomes Elizabeth Chapman to the Division of Research.

A new Clemson employee attending new employee orientation
Elizabeth Chapman attending her new employee orientation in the Office of Human Resources just after joining the Division of Research

Elizabeth Chapman, a 2003 Clemson University alumna, returns to Clemson as an export control analyst and assistant facility security officer. “My family and I are very excited that I am working at Clemson again,” Chapman said. “I always consider Clemson home, and I am thankful for the opportunity to return.” Before joining Clemson in this new position, Chapman worked for Behavioral Health Services of Pickens County as a researcher and therapist. Previously, Chapman had conducted research at Clemson through various research grants. She leverages 15 years of experience in the addictions field and more than 10 years of research experience. She earned a B.S. in therapeutic recreation from Clemson, a master’s degree in professional counseling from Liberty University and various certifications and licenses in addictions and professional counseling.

Chapman has lived in South Carolina her entire life. She grew up in Pickens, S.C., and she now commutes from Easley, S.C., where she lives with her husband, two sons and two cats. She is extremely proud of her various educational and career accomplishments in counseling and research, as well as her family who inspires her every day.