Serita earned her bachelor’s degree from Lander University and a Master of Education in Human Resource and Development from Clemson University. Before becoming the PEER/WISE director in August 2015, Serita Acker was Director of the Women in Science and Engineering program. Additionally, she has more than 25 years of experience in higher education, both in the areas of student support services, mentoring, and diversity programs. She is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator and Life Coach.
Serita Acker sees the PEER/WISE main role as providing student success programs and services that can equip students with the resources they need to excel at Clemson University and achieve their educational goals so that they are prepared for success after graduation.
She has won several State and National Awards: Thomas Green Clemson Award, Woman of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Mountains to Midlands, the James E. Bostic Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award in 2017 as a diversity champion at Clemson University, Clemson University Woman of the Year, Martin Luther King Jr. Award, Clemson University Board of Trustees Award, Women in Engineering Pro-Active Network Distinguished Service Award, Career Communications Magazine College Level Promotion of Education Award, National Association of Multicultural Engineering Advocates Award, Upstate Diversity Award, Calder D. Elhmann Outstanding Individual. As well as being featured on the cover of Insight into Diversity.
She also served as MentorLinks Consultant for the American Association of Community Colleges in Washington DC and sits on many state and national boards to help promote STEM. She currently serves as the National Society of Black Engineers Student Chapter campus advisor at Clemson University. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and traveling.
What her co-workers have to say about her:
“She is my BBE – “BEST BOSS EVER”. She leads by example and is a true and loyal advocate for our students.” – Francene Thomas
“She is always looking for ways to help others.” -Lisa Jackson
“Ms. Serita shines bright! When she speaks, her words of encouragement uplift and inspire me to perform my very best! As a leader, she is a fantastic coach that listens and cares deeply. Without a doubt, she brings out the best in our students and our PEER WISE team. I am so honored to have Serita as my own mentor to help guide me and facilitate my success in all future endeavors. Thank you for all you do, Ms. Serita!” – Beth Anne Johnson
