Category: Retention

By: Beth Anne Johnson

For Brad Buncomb, Industrial Engineering Class of 2017, Clemson has always felt like home. Growing up in North Augusta, South Carolina, Brad spent countless weekends attending Clemson games with his family. But it wasn’t until a spring visit for SEE Clemson—a campus tour and mentorship day—that he felt the true pull of the Clemson Family.

“I remember Mrs. Sue being there,” Brad recalls with a smile. “Everyone was so warm and welcoming. It really helped me feel like I belonged.”
Sue Lasser served as PEER & WISE Executive Director for many years and mentored Serita Acker, who later followed in her footsteps as Executive Director. That legacy of mentorship and community became a cornerstone of Brad’s Clemson Experience.

Brad joined the Math Excellence Workshop—now the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—where he found both friendship and focus. “There were only about 12 of us, and we became really close,” he says. “That experience helped me come out of my shell, manage my time, and learn how to use the many resources Clemson offered.”

Through his years in PEER & WISE, Brad built habits that continue to serve him in his career. Now an Operations Strategy Manager at Home Depot, he works on implementing new technology in stores and improving operational processes. “If I can make something better, I want to,” he says. “What excites me most is seeing the impact—not just on the business, but on people’s everyday experiences.”

Outside of work, Brad finds joy in sports, family, and maintaining the friendships that shaped his Clemson journey. “There’s always more work to do,” he reflects, “but it’s important to set boundaries and prioritize what matters—family, friends, and community.” Brad also gives back through Emerging 100, a mentoring and leadership organization in the greater Atlanta area.

His advice to current students? “Stay connected. Keep your network strong. That Clemson Family lasts well beyond graduation.”

By: Beth Anne Johnson

When Preston thinks back on his Clemson story, he can trace it to a single moment—before he was even a student.

“My mom and I were on campus visiting my brother, Kendal, when I met Mrs. Lisa. She already knew who I was and told me about PEER & WISE. She invested in me before I even stepped on campus, and that was really special,” he remembers. Preston also credits Mrs. Serita, as a lifelong mentor and a community leader from his hometown, with showing him what it means to serve others.

Those introductions set the stage for Preston’s Clemson Experience. Through the PEER WISE Experience (PWE)—even though it was online at the time—he began building friendships. “It was super nice to meet folks virtually, and even better when I saw them in person for the first time. Some of us are still friends today.”

Finding His Place at Clemson
Like so many Tigers, Preston says some of the most memorable moments came from simply being part of the community. “Experiencing Clemson in all its grandeur—sports, the cheers, the way the whole community comes together—that unity is something you never forget.”

Welcome Week was another milestone. Even though his first year looked a little different, he encourages current students to show up, no matter what. “Even if it’s your second year, keep going. You never know who you’ll meet or what connections you’ll make.”

Through PEER & WISE, Preston discovered opportunities to lead and serve. He remembers helping run the LEGO competition during Next Engineers, working STEM Day, and serving on student panels. “I loved seeing younger students’ curiosity—watching how their brains worked when they tinkered with something new. It reminded me why I chose engineering in the first place.”

Challenges that Shaped Him
One of the accomplishments Preston is most proud of is learning to code in MATLAB, something that didn’t come easily at first. “It was tough. I used the tutoring service from 7 to 10 every night to get the hang of it,” he says. “But once I figured it out, it gave me confidence. Later in my senior design project, and even now in my career, I can use that skill to solve real problems.”

If he could change one thing about his Clemson journey, it would be how he approached the career fair. “I had my list of target companies, and I stuck to it. This kind of research is important, but looking back, I wish I had branched out and talked to more employers. You never know what opportunities you might find.”

Building Skills for What’s Next
Preston credits PEER & WISE with sharpening the skills that set him apart after graduation. “Planning, organizing, public speaking—those soft skills matter. They’re what make you stand out when it’s time to step into the professional world.”

Listening to guest speakers, working in groups, and learning to lead with empathy also shaped his outlook. “Hearing other people’s stories taught me a lot about understanding where others are coming from. That’s something I use every day.”

Life Now
Today, Preston works in Charlotte as a Junior Reliability Engineer with JLL, where he focuses on asset validation and maintenance systems for various client accounts. “It’s exciting to see how the concepts I learned in school translate into real-world problem solving.”

When he’s not at work, Preston makes time for the people who matter most. “Family comes first. I love being able to spend time with them and finding community here in Charlotte.”

He also finds joy in watching his older brother Kendal thrive in his own career journey. “Seeing Kendal succeed has been incredible. He’s a tremendous networker, and I’ve been able to learn from the way he makes decisions and tries new things.”

Words of Advice
For current and future Tigers, Preston keeps it simple: “Try new things. Push yourself to go to one more event on campus. Go by yourself if you need to. You’ll be surprised by the connections you make and how much you’ll grow.”

Ready to experience the same award-winning program as Preston? Drop by Freeman 158 and meet the team!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

This summer, members of the GE Next Engineers PEER & WISE team at Clemson University traveled to Lisbon, Portugal, for a global gathering of educators, industry partners, GE volunteers, and implementation managers from FHI 360. The training and collaboration event united colleagues from South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the University of Cincinnati—all committed to advancing the GE Next Engineers curriculum and inspiring the next generation of innovators.

The sessions focused on the vital link between K–12 education and workforce development, highlighting how early exposure to engineering can help meet the growing global demand for skilled professionals. The Clemson team was proud to share lessons learned from our own programs while also gaining insight from the successes of international peers.

“This work is so important because it creates a pipeline of young people who see themselves in engineering and have the confidence to pursue it,” said Serita Acker, Executive Director of PEER & WISE. “By collaborating globally, we ensure our students are better prepared to step into careers that drive innovation and strengthen communities.”

The GE Next Engineers program continues to be a powerful catalyst, connecting classrooms to careers and giving students the tools they need to imagine—and achieve—a future in engineering.

Big exams can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to prepare alone. PEER & WISE is here to support you with Common Exam Study Sessions—designed to bring students together, share resources, and build confidence before the big test.

If you’re enrolled in CHEM 1010/1020, MATH 1060/1080, or PHYS 1220/2210, these sessions are for you. Held in Freeman Hall, our study nights are led by experienced tutors who know the material inside and out. You’ll have the chance to review key concepts, work through practice problems, and learn strategies that make exam time less stressful.

More than just tutoring, these sessions are about community—cheering each other on and reminding every Tiger that success is within reach.

Location: Freeman Hall 102
Time: 7:00–10:00 PM
Dates: See the poster below for this semester’s schedule

Bring your notes, your questions, and your determination. We’ll take care of the rest. Let’s tackle common exams together—because when Tigers study as a team, we all win.

At PEER & WISE, we know that success in engineering and science comes with the right support. That’s why our free tutoring program is open Sunday through Thursday, 7:00–10:00 p.m. in Freeman 102. Whether you’re tackling a tough homework set, preparing for an exam, or just need a fresh way of looking at a problem, our tutors are here to help you find your stride.

Tutoring is open to all students in the College of Engineering, Computing, and Applied Sciences. You’ll find a welcoming environment, patient guidance, and peers who understand the challenges of your coursework. It’s not just about solving equations — it’s about building confidence, finding community, and knowing you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Check out our tutoring schedule below to see when help is available for your classes. Bring your questions, bring a friend, and let’s work through it together.

Freeman Hall | Sunday–Thursday | 7–10 p.m. | Open to Everyone!

By: Beth Anne Johnson

The PEER WISE Experience (PWE) is a four-week summer program designed for incoming Clemson students to get a head start—earning college credits before their first fall semester begins. This award-winning program is known for its excellence, with a 100% retention rate that speaks for itself. PWE sets the foundation for success, connection, and confidence—long before classes officially start.

This July, kicked off another great season of the PEER WISE Experience as we welcomed over 30 incredible students to campus—our newest members of the Tiger family!

If you weren’t able to join us in person, don’t worry—this blog series is for you. We’re sharing a few (not all!) of our time-tested tools for success so you can start applying the PEER WISE mindset from wherever you are.

Each post gives you a glimpse into what makes PWE special—and how you can put these strategies into practice, self-application style. And as always, we’re cheering you on every step of the way.

Let’s get started.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s tackle a myth that trips up even the most outgoing students:
“Community just happens organically.”

The truth? Sometimes it does. You might meet your best friend in a lab, at a study session, or walking across campus. But more often than not, real community doesn’t just “happen”—it takes intention.

One of the things I always tell our PEER WISE students is this: You have to show up. Not just for class or for grades, but for people. Community is built when you take the risk to say “hi” at a club meeting. It’s built when you stay after an event to help clean up and end up laughing with someone who becomes a friend. It’s built when you come back, again and again, even when you feel unsure.

Yes, there are organic moments—those unexpected connections that make you feel like you belong. But those moments often start because someone made a move: they invited, welcomed, asked a question, offered a smile, or created a space.

That’s what we do at PEER WISE. We don’t leave community to chance. We plan gatherings, mentor meetups, workshops, and study groups on purpose. We send the emails. We open the doors. We encourage students to invite a friend. We create space so those organic moments can actually happen.

So if you’re sitting on the sidelines wondering when your people will find you—this is your nudge. Show up. Say yes. Try again. The students you’re looking for? They might be looking for you, too.

Community takes time. But it’s worth the effort. And you don’t have to build it alone.

By Serita Acker, Executive Director, PEER WISE at Clemson University

Let’s clear something up right now: You don’t need to be a straight-A student to succeed in engineering.

This is one of the biggest myths I hear, and it holds too many brilliant students back. Engineering is challenging, yes—but it’s not about perfection. It’s about perseverance, problem-solving, and finding your own rhythm.

Over the years, I’ve seen students graduate and go on to do amazing things in the world of STEM—not because they never made a B (or a C), but because they didn’t give up when things got tough. They asked questions. They got help. They learned how to learn.

What matters most in engineering—and in life—is grit. The ability to get back up after a hard test. The humility to go to office hours. The courage to raise your hand when something doesn’t make sense. Those are the things that carry you through.

I want students to know: Your GPA doesn’t define your potential. It’s just one part of your story. If you’re passionate about building things, solving problems, or helping people through innovation, you belong in engineering.

At PEER WISE, we surround our students with support, community, and the belief that they are capable—no matter where they start. We believe in meeting you where you are and helping you grow from there.

So if you’ve ever felt like you weren’t “good enough” for engineering because of a grade, let this be your sign: You are more than a number.

Stay focused. Stay curious. Keep showing up.

We’re here for you—every step of the way.
—
Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University

By: Serita Acker

Each summer, I think about how the rhythm of campus life shifts. The energy is quieter, but that doesn’t mean it’s idle. In fact, I believe summer is one of the most strategic seasons for growth — not just for students, but for alumni and educators too.

Whether you’re about to step onto campus for the first time or reflecting on your journey as an alum, summer offers one critical gift: space. Space to prepare. Space to explore. Space to give back.
Here’s how I encourage our students, staff, faculty and extended PEER WISE family to make the most of it:
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INCOMING STUDENTS:
Use this time to get curious. Learn your campus culture, connect with mentors, and build your confidence before your first day. These early steps are often where belonging begins.

CURRENT STUDENTS:
Don’t wait for the school year to build your résumé. Intern, volunteer, start a creative project, or rest intentionally. Growth doesn’t always happen in a classroom — sometimes it happens at a community center, a summer job, or in the quiet of reflection.

GRADUATING STUDENTS:
This is your moment to transition with purpose. Revisit your goals. Seek out alumni. Sharpen your professional presence. And yes — celebrate how far you’ve come.

ALUMNI:
We need you. Students don’t just need advice; they need to see what’s possible. Whether it’s mentoring, speaking, or simply checking in — your presence matters more than you know. Your story is someone else’s blueprint.
________________________________________

We often treat summer like a pause. I see it as both a pause and a pivot — a season where intentional moves set the tone for what’s next.

To our students: take initiative.
To our alumni: stay engaged.
To my colleagues in education: let’s continue creating the conditions for thriving, not just surviving.

Summer is not a break from learning. It’s a bridge to becoming.

Let’s walk it together.
— Serita Acker
Executive Director

#Leadership #HigherEd #StudentSuccess #CollegeToCareer #MentorshipMatters #MakeTheMostOfSummer

By: Serita Acker

As we enter the final stretch of the semester, I want you to hear this from me, loud and clear: I believe in you. With every fiber of my being.

I’ve walked alongside students at Clemson for over three decades, and I’ve seen firsthand what you’re capable of. I’ve seen students push through long nights, bounce back from setbacks, and achieve things they once thought were out of reach. So if you’re feeling the pressure right now, that’s okay—but don’t let it convince you that you can’t finish strong. You can. You will.

Now is the time to double down on the habits that serve you. Stick to a routine. Get enough sleep. Reach out to your professors, coaches, and mentors. If you’re struggling, speak up. The help is here—but no one can support you if they don’t know you need it.

Take breaks. Drink your water. Say “no” when you need to protect your time. Most importantly, remember why you started. Your goals matter, and every assignment, exam, and study session brings you closer to them.

At PEER WISE, we’re not just cheering you on from the sidelines—we’re right here with you, every step of the way. My door is always open, and this community was built to support you through moments just like this.

So take a deep breath, square your shoulders, and finish what you started.

You were built for this.

With pride and belief in you always,
Serita Acker
Executive Director, PEER WISE
Clemson University