Inside Clemson

Employee Shout-Outs – March 24, 2026

Jennifer Dunigan, Executive Assistant, Marketing and Communications

Jennifer always has an eye out for anyone who might need a hand and jumps in to help (and is great at it!). She’s the best kind of colleague to have.” – Anonymous

Sheri Marcus, Administrative Coordinator, Department of History & Geography

Sheri has an excellent response time and is always kind and respectful. She is always willing to help and is an essential asset to the History Department. Thank you for all that you do, Sheri!” – Taryn Turner, Academic Advisor, History

Bruce Kesler, Facilities and Fleet Management, Forestry and Environmental Conservation

As our department prepares to move into a new building, Bruce has been an essential player in coordinating the transition. From equipment inventory to lab clean out, Bruce has shown tremendous leadership and consistent communication with the department. We couldn’t do it without him!” – Kyle Barrett, Interim Department Chair, Forestry and Environmental Conservation

Heather Tomlinson, Student Services Manager, Department of Automotive Engineering

Heather has done a great job transitioning into her new role and serving the department.” – Anonymous

Madison Polyasko Ballard, Assistant Business Officer, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences (CECAS)

Maddy exemplifies fiscal stewardship and service excellence within CECAS. She brings clarity to complex financial matters, ensures compliance while remaining solutions-focused, and consistently supports departments with professionalism and integrity. Her responsiveness, technical expertise, and calm leadership during high-volume reporting periods make her a trusted resource across the College. We are fortunate to have someone so dedicated to both accuracy and collaboration.” – Stone Tracy, Financial Business Manager, CECAS

Employee Shout-Outs – March 17, 2026

Yuki Kihara (Associate Director of the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad), Keith Walton (International Health, Safety, and Risk Manager) and Meredith Wilson (Director of the Pam Hendrix Center for Education Abroad) Global Engagement

Thank you to Yuki, Keith, Meredith and the Global Engagement team for all your hard work in bringing students studying abroad home. We appreciate your commitment to our students’ safety and well-being.” – Anonymous

Kasi Hubbard, Graphic Designer; April Pelt, Director of Online Education

I offer a round of enthusiastic applause to another amazing pack of accessibility-minded content creators and advocates. Kasi Hubbard and April Pelt organized a document accessibility workshop for forty-some faculty and staff in the College of Education who now have the skills needed to produce digital resources that their students can access. Your investment in learning to provide accessible files to students truly equips them for lives and careers that make a difference. Attendees, you are too many to list here, but thank you for prioritizing digital accessibility in the learning resources you provide to Clemson students.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

CECAS Office Managers

Shout-out to the Office Managers in CECAS, who play a critical role in ensuring the College’s content meets high accessibility standards. Their efforts to understand and apply digital accessibility concepts in their work contribute to a more inclusive Clemson and directly align with Clemson’s mission to create the No. 1 student experience. You are too many to name here (a good “problem” to have), but you are rock stars. Great work and thank you!” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations













Employee Shout-Outs – March 10, 2026

Olivia Boice, Lecturer, School of Nursing

Olivia has done an incredible job moving our nursing fundamentals lab manual online and updating the nursing skills checkoffs to a new format this semester. It has been a smooth and efficient transition; thank you, Olivia!” – Andrea O’Dell, Lecturer, School of Nursing

Caleb McGill, Assistant Director, Global Engagement, College of Science

Caleb works diligently to inform, plan, and provide global engagement experiences to students in the College of Science. He sees students back-to-back most days, and his role positively impacts Clemson Elevate directly.” – Serenity Wolf, Assistant Director, Recruitment & Retention – College of Science

Cari Latimer, Call Center Director, OROD – Clemson University Learning Institute

Cari is incredible. Her impact is felt daily. Her work ethic is unmatched, and everything she produces is thoughtful, thorough, and truly top-notch. Beyond her talent, she leads with heart. She is empathetic, supportive, reliable and deeply trustworthy. She embodies servant leadership in the truest sense by consistently putting others first while holding herself to the highest standards. Working alongside her is both an honor and a joy.” – Cathy Moore, Director of Training, ThinkShops – Clemson University Learning Institute

Joni Adams, Curriculum and Training Specialist, ThinkShops – Clemson University Learning Institute

Joni is amazing. Her excellence shows up in both big-picture thinking and day-to-day impact. Her work ethic is exceptional, and the quality of her work consistently elevates our program. She develops new processes that improve efficiency and is gifted at anticipating challenges before they arise and preparing thoughtful solutions. She is selfless by nature and is always willing to step in, support others, and do what is best for the whole. Getting to work alongside Joni is truly a delight.” – Cathy Moore, Director of Training, ThinkShops – Clemson University Learning Institute

Lori Frager, Director, Research Data Analytics – Office of eRA

Lori needed a Doctoral Dissertation template created in DocuSign, for which I am the Engineer. She was a pleasure to work with, as she quickly responded to questions and requests for information, and tested and approved the design. Thanks, Lori, for making this collaboration easy!” – Denise Boyter, Workflow Engineer, CCIT

Ashley Jones, Director of Photographic Services, Marketing and Communications

Met her doing faculty and staff headshots and had a wonderful experience. She took the time to make sure the photos looked great. She was professional and the process went smoothly.” – 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 – September 2, 2025

Ellie Cahill, Coordinator for Advising and Coaching, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Ellie and the student leaders of Clemson Panhellenic planned and executed a record breaking recruitment that welcomed 1,626 students into sorority life!” – Trish Robinson, Interim Director, Fraternity and Sorority Life

Christie Johnson, eResources and Serials Specialist, Clemson University Libraries

Huge THANK YOU to Christie for helping me out on a recent project. It’s great to have amazing teammates across campus!” – Jenni Tonkin, Marketing/Communications Mgr., Procurement and Business Services

Marketing and Communications Graphics Designers

We love it when professionals seek out accessibility training! Big thanks to Jesse Godfrey for teaming with Clemson’s Digital Accessibility team to provide a 9-hour InDesign accessibility workshop series for Clemson’s Graphic Designers. I had a blast teaching this creative, collaborative group. Well done and shout out to Daniel Austin, Bea Bates, Christen Couch, Tim Crain, Baker Gallimore, Jesse Godfrey, Logan Hickey, Kasi Hubbard, Jen Jefferson, Tina LeMay, Pete Martin, Grayson Miller, Christine Prado, Katie Smithson, Tara Stone, Matt Swank, Chris Waldrop, Liz White, and Ben Wyland.” – Walker Massey
Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Teresa Sharpe, Office Manager, Dept. of Psychology

Teresa goes above and beyond in her role and offers outstanding customer service to faculty, staff and students. She is incredibly responsive and has a wealth of knowledge. She is delightful to work with and will always get things done both efficiently and effectively. Her work ethic is second to none! She is greatly appreciated!” – Anonymous

Coleman Scroggs, Farm Manager, Piedmont REC

Coleman is doing a great job, and deserves a huge shout out! He is passionately managing the Restoration Agriculture Farm in the historic bottoms. He pours his heart into improving the land, water and ecosystem habit through tending to the trees in the agroforestry demonstration to growing the most beautiful sunflowers, right off perimeter for all to enjoy!” – Anonymous

Walker Massey, IT Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Walker Massey is a fantastic addition to Clemson! Her trainings on digital accessibility are fantastic and very approachable. I love her style!” – Anonymous






















Employee Shout-outs – August 11, 2025

Susan Chapman, Faculty, Biological Sciences

Dr. Chapman goes above and beyond to get research dollars. She is in the news for her efforts.” – Anonymous

Biological Sciences Undergraduate Advising Team

The team has had a amazing year working with larger than normal cohorts of students and made it through a large first session Summer Orientation rush. Their teamwork is amazing and they support one another and their students each day.” – Brad Jones, Director, Undergraduate Advising / Biological Sciences Dept.

Todd Barnette, Associate Vice President, Chief Facility Officer

Todd Barnette and University Facilities have had an incredibly demanding period, including some exceptionally busy weekends. Their hard work and unwavering dedication are truly commendable! Their efforts are crucial to the university’s continuous function and overall success.” – Kimberly Spears-McNatt, Associate Vice President for Public Safety

Lara Armstrong, Senior Consultant, University Facilities

Lara went above and beyond to ensure that University Facilities employees and their families had a memorable experience watching the Light the Lake Fireworks (in July). Despite the heat, she worked tirelessly to make sure everything ran smoothly. Her dedication, attention to detail, and positive attitude truly made the event special for everyone involved. She was absolutely amazing!” – Anonymous

Shawn Haney, Assistant Director of Presidential Communications, Marketing and Communications

“Shawn does an incredible job supporting the University President and works closely with individuals across Clemson and externally. She never asks for recognition and is often behind the scenes, but her impact at Clemson is significant – a special shoutout to all that she does to elevate Clemson each and every day.” – Porscha Elton, Executive Director of Presidential Communications, Marketing and Communications















Employee Shout-Outs – March 31, 2025

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




Employee Shout-Outs – March 10, 2025

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






Employee Shout-outs – November 7, 2024

Ashley Romero, Office Manager, Honors College

“Ashley began at the Honors College in May of this year and has been an incredible asset to our team. Over the last couple of weeks with our admissions deadline, she has dove into the madness with such positively and worked very hard to learn the ins and outs of our admissions process to best serve our next cohort of Clemson’s best and brightest students!” – Jenny Wirtz, Business Manager


Danielle McFall, Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Associate

“Danielle goes above and beyond to get the job done. She is a natural leader that encourages all around her.” – Michelle Altman, Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Associate


Mike Posey, Marketing and Engagement Strategist, The Graduate School

“Thank you for your hard work with the Stay A Tiger fair! Our marketing and communications were top-notch and we could not have pulled off a successful event without you.” – The Grad Admissions Team


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!



Employee Shout-outs – June 12, 2024

Jess Weaver, Assistant Director, Event Services, Campus Reservations and Events

“Jess’s dynamic leadership in organizing student staff for Spring 2024 Graduation was key to the success of six ceremonies, in addition to two Doctoral Hooding Ceremonies. Jess continually encourages student staff to excel in professionalism and service to others. Her dependability is unmatched, and the success of graduation events were undoubtably due to her commitment to Clemson.” – Anonymous


Rushawnda Olden, Director, 4-H Pinckney Leadership Program

“Rushawnda is one of the most passionate youth advocates in Extension. She works extremely hard to carry on the legacy of the late Senator Clementa Pinckney by instilling values and skills in youth through mentoring, leadership activities, and exposure to positive experiences.” – Anonymous


Donna Bowen, Executive Director, Marketing and Communications – College of Agriculture, Forestry, and Life Sciences

“Since Donna has been in her new role, the communications within the College has spiraled and has been recognized across in Extension and the College. Though she has a new and small staff, she has directed them to do the best media coverage through social media, stories, videos, and others to make the college and Extension stand out!” – Anonymous


Kyle Phillips, UX Architect, Marketing and Communications

“Today marks two very large websites going live. A BIG shout out to Kyle Phillips in Marketing and Communications for her tremendous attention to detail, ADA knowledge, skills to drive user adoption, project management and pleasant, winning personality. Thanks too to the large team supporting Kyle in her work!” – Anonymous

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Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form!