Category: President’s Report

Dear Clemson Staff, 

As I’ve stepped into my role as Staff Senate President, I’ve been reflecting on just how much happens across our campuses each semester and how much of it is made possible because of you. Even as we move into the summer months, that important work continues, often in new and evolving ways. While change can sometimes feel uncertain, it also creates opportunities for growth, innovation, and renewed energy. 

As President John F. Kennedy once said, “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future.” This sentiment feels especially relevant as we navigate several important developments together. 

One of the most significant changes on the horizon is the transition to Workday. This is a major step forward in how we manage and support many of our essential processes, from HR to finance and beyond. While transitions like this can come with a learning curve, they also pave the way for more streamlined systems, improved access to information, and enhanced efficiency in our day-to-day work. 

As we move through this implementation together, I encourage you to be aware of upcoming cutover deadlines and to take advantage of available trainings, local resource groups, ask questions, and most importantly, support one another. Change is always easier when we approach it as a community, and I am confident in our collective ability to adapt and succeed. 

We are also entering a new chapter in our university’s story with the announcement of our new university president, Kevin Guskiewicz, Ph.D., who will become Clemson’s 16th president. As staff, we play a vital role in supporting this transition and helping to shape the culture and direction of the university moving forward. 

Dr. Guskiewicz brings a strong track record of collaborative, people-first leadership. At his previous institutions, he made a point to listen deeply, meeting with teams across campus to understand their experiences and help shape a shared path forward. He is also widely recognized for his commitment to student success, access, and connecting the work of the university to the broader community. I’m excited about the perspective and energy he brings, and I look forward to seeing how we, as staff, can help support his vision and continue building a strong and connected Clemson community. 

Moments of change remind us of the strength and resilience within our Clemson community. Every day, Clemson staff across the state contribute to the foundation that allows our staff, students, and faculty to thrive. That work remains constant, even as systems, leadership, and strategies evolve. In the months ahead, Staff Senate remains committed to listening, advocating, and supporting you through these transitions. Your voices matter, and we will continue working to ensure they are heard. 

As always, we invite you to stay engaged with Staff Senate and join us at our upcoming meeting featuring Blake Robinson speaking about Clemson’s Ergonomics program, Kristing Lawson with updates on Workday, and a message from Sr. VP for Finance and Operations and CFO Rick Petillo. 

• Date: Thursday, June 11 

• Time: 2:30 p.m. 

• Location/Link: In person: Watt 106, Virtually: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511 

Thank you for your continued dedication and for the important role you play during times of change. Together, we will navigate these transitions and continue to make our university a place where we can all succeed. 

Wishing you a productive and positive month ahead! 
Victoria Perry 
Staff Senate President 

In today’s newsletter, Staff Senate President Victoria Perry welcomes a new season and new Staff Senators. Plus, the upcoming events from the South Carolina Botanical Garden, this month’s Clemson Champion, Ombuds report and more!

Join us Thursday, May 13 at 2:30PM in the Watt Center room 106 or virtually (https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511) for the May Staff Senate meeting.  

Letter from the President, May 2026

Meet Emily DaBruzzi, Clemson Champion

What Does it Mean to be Impartial?

Entrepreneurship 101 Bootcamp is Back, Summer 2026

2026 Summer Events at the SC Botanical Garden

CORE Launches Summer Pilot Program for Staff and Faculty Outdoor Adventures

CAPS providing virtual workshop series for faculty and staff

Dear Clemson Staff, 

As we close the chapter on the spring semester, I want to take a moment to reflect on the energy, dedication, and resilience that each of you has brought to Clemson over the past several months. Spring is always a busy yet rewarding time, and your contributions continue to make a meaningful impact on one another, our students and faculty. 

With summer kicking off this week, we also welcome a new season. One that often brings a slightly different pace with new opportunities for growth and hopefully some time to recharge. Whether your summer will be filled with ongoing projects or a well-deserved break, I hope it is both productive and refreshing. 

This month, I am excited to introduce our newly elected Staff Senate officers and senators. These individuals stepped forward to serve, represent, and advocate for staff across our institution, and we are grateful for their willingness to lead. 

New Officers: 

• President: Victoria Perry 

• Vice President: Ryan Real 

• Secretary: Haley Cox 

• Treasurer: Candice Heatherly 

• Vice Secretary: Aubrey Baldwin 

• Vice Treasurer: Marjorie Cambell 

New Senators: 

• Ashley Persson – Athletics 

• Barbara Howard – CCIT 

• Benjamin Williams – Finance & Operations 

• Cody Rathbone – CCIT 

• Donna Scruggs-Buss – College of Science 

• Erica Allgood – Finance & Operations 

• Katie Daily – Facilities 

• Levi Roach – CECAS 

• Mac Dye – College of Business 

• Marcus Robinson – CCIT 

• Matt Amerson – Provost 

• Matt Howle – PSA 

• Penny Reid – Finance & Operations 

• Shannon Burkhalter – CBSHS 

• Steve Duzan – Athletics 

• Tara Stone – Marketing & Communications 

• Tommy West – CAFLS 

• Tommy Tsimbinos – Athletics 

• Toni Becker – CAFLS 

• Trina Krieger – Student Affairs 

We look forward to the ideas, perspectives, and enthusiasm they will bring as we continue our work together. 

May is also a time of celebration, and I want to extend heartfelt congratulations to all staff who were recognized with end-of-year awards. Your excellence and contributions to Clemson do not go unnoticed and these honors are well deserved. 

In addition, I want to extend congratulations to the many staff members who earned degrees, graduating this spring. Balancing work, life, and education is no small feat. You are all truly inspiring. 

We invite all staff to join us at our next Staff Senate meeting: 

• Date: Thursday, May 14 

• Time: 2:30 p.m. 

• Location/Link: In person: Watt 106, Virtually: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511  

Your voice matters, and these meetings are a great opportunity to stay informed, share ideas, and connect with staff across campus. 

As we transition into summer, I encourage each of you to take pride in what you’ve accomplished this semester and to look ahead with optimism for what’s to come. It is an honor to serve as your Staff Senate President, and I look forward to working alongside all of you in the months ahead. 

Wishing you a wonderful start to the summer season! 

 
Victoria Perry 
Staff Senate President 

Dear Fellow Staff,

It’s hard to believe that it’s March and we are halfway through the Spring Semester. Fun fact: Before 153 BC, March was the 1^st month of the year in the Roman Calendar. So, if that’s the case and you haven’t continued with your New Year’s Resolutions, start a new one.

March is also a time at Clemson when a portion of our Staff are being evaluated and are developing planning stages with their supervisors. Please take this time for your development and think broadly about the next steps in your career.

So, what have Staff Senators been up to during February and March? Your President-Elect, Victoria Perry, and I represented you at Clemson Day held at the S.C. State House. We were honored to be invited by External Affairs. Past President, Jeff Anthony, represented Staff Senate at the Degree Attainment Luncheon, sponsored by Clemson University Human Resources. This event honors staff and faculty who earned degrees in the past year.

Staff Senate honored two of our own at the luncheon: Ryan Real and Levi Roach. Congratulations to all the honorees.

Thank you to all who donated to the Battle of the Senates. We ended in a tie, so we plan to hold a runoff for a couple of days. Next week, be on the lookout for the article in Our Clemson. We need your help to pull the staff through as the winner. No matter the winner, this is a great cause. Your donation helps us endow the Staff and Faculty Emergency Fund to support your Clemson University neighbors for years to come.

Elections are here. Everyone should have received a ballot to vote, unless the seat was not contested. Please take time to review the nominees and vote; your vote and voice matter to Clemson University.   

Please let me know if you ever have any questions or concerns by reaching out to me via email at smille3@clemson.edu or by contacting your local senator, who can be found on the website below: https://www.clemson.edu/faculty-staff/staff-senate/contact-us.html.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 12, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Watt Center, room 108. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.  

As always, stay kind, Tigers and take care of yourself and those around you.

Go Tigers!

Dear Fellow Staff,

Happy New Year! I hope you had a wonderful holiday break and are recharged for an exciting new year.

In mid-December, I had the opportunity to attend and celebrate with our Clemson University graduates. There are many Staff who play vital roles in students’ lives. Thank you for all that you do for our students.

We also had multiple staff who earned degrees. Congratulations! I would also like to give a shout-out to one of our very own Senators, who earned his master’s degree, Levi Roach.

A couple of updates: We have received concerns about Staff representation for the Presidential search. The Staff Senate Executive Team will meet with a couple of B.O.T. members who are part of the search committee to gain insight into the needs of the staff and their expectations of a Presidential candidate for Clemson University. Staff Senate and I will remain engaged during the search process and continue to advocate for all Staff across the University. Thank you to Chair Kim Wilkerson for including Staff Senate during these important and exciting next steps at Clemson University.  

This year is an election year, so our holiday schedule will not include an optional holiday. This is a requirement by law to ensure that all employees can vote during a major election. Please see the Clemson University Holiday Schedule for 2026.
CU HR Website: https://www.clemson.edu/human-resources/benefits/leave-and-holidays/holiday.html   

Staff Senate Strategic Priorities:

• We Champion– Recognize the impact of current challenges and model leadership and service.
• We Empower – Promote feedback and maintain regular communication with constituents.
• We Uplift – Listen actively, report concerns, and ensure timely responses.

Please let me know if you ever have a question or concerns by reaching out to me via email: smille3@clemson.edu 

Or, by contacting your local senator, who can be found via the website below:

https://www.clemson.edu/faculty-staff/staff-senate/contact-us.html

Again, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate each one of you.

We hope you can attend our next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, January 7, 2026, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Watt Center Auditorium. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.  

As always, stay kind, Tigers, and take care of yourself and those around you.

Go Tigers!

Dear Fellow Staff,

The holidays are here, and I hope you can take a moment to spend time with family and friends. Let’s remember those we lost or who were unable to join us for the holidays.

I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for what I am thankful for: I’m thankful to work with staff, faculty, and students like you. Each day brings hope, joy, and purpose to everything that we do. I am thankful to have Clemson Leaders and an S.C. Legislative Body that believes in the work we are doing to help each student at Clemson grow into the person we know they can be, and to give back to South Carolina, as well as other states around the country and the world.

You see, it takes all of us to drive this car called Clemson University. So, drive it with meaning and direction to help others, as well as those who may be less fortunate.

Last month Staff Senate was hard at work, thanks to our Activities Committee and Military Engagement, and we were able to honor our fellow Tigers who have served or are currently serving in the military at the Military Appreciation Luncheon. Jason LeMay was our guest speaker. If you haven’t had a chance to listen to his story, please look it up; it’s very inspirational and shows the perseverance and determination that our Tigers have, and the kindness of our fellow Tigers – There really is “Something in these Hills”.

What has Staff Senate done this past quarter, and how do we continue to advocate for you?

• We continue to do blood drives, which save lives in the Upstate.

• Fundraise: We continue to fundraise for the Staff Senate Scholarship, Employee Emergency Fund, and the Employee Emergency Fund Endowment. Be on the lookout for the Battle of the Senates starting in February to support the Employee Emergency Fund, which helps Staff and Faculty who are experiencing financial hardship.

• We address concerns received through the constituent feedback form by engaging directly with University leadership and providing timely responses.
• We enhance partnerships and communication between Staff and Clemson University Leadership.
• We recognize Staff by sending out service milestones cards to Staff members who have hit 10, 20, or 30 years of service at Clemson University.
• Continue to advocate for the Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance.
• Community Engagement by food drives for the Nook, which provides resources for all employees in need at Clemson University. Please donate if you are able.
  • The Nook is solely funded by donations. Please consider making a one-time donation through the Clemson Giving portal or a recurring donation through payroll deduction (select “Other: The Nook, B4890”).

Our Mission is to strive to meet the following priorities in the Staff Senate Strategic Plan.

• We Champion – Recognize the impact of current challenges and model leadership and service.
• We Empower – Promote feedback and maintain regular communication with constituents.
• We Uplift – Listen actively, report concerns, and ensure timely responses.

Please let me know if you ever have a question or concerns by reaching out to me via email: smille3@clemson.edu 

Or, by contacting your local senator, who can be found via the website below:

https://www.clemson.edu/faculty-staff/staff-senate/contact-us.html

Again, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate each one of you.

We hope you can attend our next meeting, scheduled for Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 2:30 to 4:00 PM at the Watt Center, room 106. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.  

As always, stay kind, Tigers, and take care of yourself and those around you.

Go Tigers!

Stacey Miller
President 2025-2026

Dear Fellow Staff,  

As the campus comes alive with the energy of a new academic year, we are reminded of the incredible community that makes Clemson University a place of excellence, innovation, and heart. Students return with fresh hopes and ambitions, and behind every successful journey stands a dedicated team of staff members whose work often goes unseen but is always deeply felt. 

From administrative coordinators to facilities teams, advisors, and support staff, each role contributes to the foundation of student success. You are the steady hands that guide, support, and uplift our students—ensuring they have the resources, encouragement, and environment they need to thrive. 

At Clemson, we don’t just prepare students for the future—we invest in it. I am honored to work alongside so many leaders in higher education. You are the people who make a difference in the lives of students, faculty, and other staff.  

One way staff stay engaged and informed is through the Clemson University Staff Senate, which meets monthly to discuss issues, share updates, and advocate for staff interests. Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month (except July) and are open to all staff—whether attending in person or joining online. This is a valuable opportunity to stay connected, voice ideas, and help shape the future of our University. To learn more or get involved, visit the Staff Senate website. 

As we begin this new chapter, let’s remember to be patient with one another, lend a helping hand, and share a smile. Whether it’s assisting a student who’s lost on their way to class or offering support to a colleague, small acts of kindness go a long way in building a welcoming campus. 

“You are about to begin your academic journey at one of the best public research universities in the country, where you will learn from our world-class faculty and engage with our dedicated staff. We are all focused on providing the #1 student experience.” — Jim Clements, President of Clemson University 1 

Here’s to a successful, inspiring, and transformative academic year. Thank you for being part of the Clemson story—and for helping write its next chapter. 

Go Tigers! 

Dear Fellow Staff,  

Welcome to summer! The campus is buzzing with excitement as camps are in full swing and prospective students are visiting the campus. 

Take this time for you and your family; I hope each of you can take a vacation or staycation. Remember to visit the HR and Library websites for employee benefits, such as discounts on theme parks and passes to SC State Parks.  

I am super proud of the caring campus that we have. In May, Staff Senate held its first golf tournament since 2009 to support the Employee Emergency Fund Endowment. Your Staff Senators worked tirelessly to coordinate the event and worked with many partners across campus. If you are able, please consider helping us care for others by donating to the Employee Emergency Fund or The Nook.  

Again, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate each one of you.  

We hope you can attend our next meeting scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2025. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.   

As always, stay kind and care for yourself and other Tigers,  

Go Tigers! 

Stacey Miller 
President 2025-2026 

Dear Fellow Staff,

Greetings! First, I would like to thank Jeff Anthony, your ’24-25 Staff Senate President, for his hard work and dedication to the Clemson staff this past year. Jeff’s commitment to Clemson has created a great foundation to start my term as your ‘25-26 Staff Senate President. Jeff was instrumental in advocating for the Staff, and I will continue to lead the same way. If you see Jeff around campus, thank him for his service.

Staff Senate is already hard at work; we are meeting with leadership, fundraising for the Employee Emergency Fund endowment, and recognition through service letters. 

It’s hard to believe we are at this academic year’s end. May is the perfect time to reflect on the past year; your fellow senators and I would like to thank each of you for your hard work and dedication to Clemson.

Let’s take a minute to talk about the impact that you had on students. Every role at Clemson touches lives; you are instrumental to the success of our students and the effect Clemson has on the State of South Carolina. As a staff member, your role is vital to the success of Clemson Elevate and Clemson University. It significantly impacts student success and experiences, and changes lives across the state. For that, we applaud you.

For many of us, summer is when we catch up on projects we overlooked throughout the year. Take this time to breathe; go out to lunch with a co-worker across campus ($5.00 Fridays, at the dining halls are a perfect time to catch up with friends.)

Again, thank you for all that you do. We appreciate each one of you.

We hope you can attend our next meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, 2:30-4:00 PM, Riggs, room 305. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.  

As always, stay kind and care for yourself and others, Tigers.

Take care of yourself, Tigers; you matter to us!

Go Tigers!

Stacey Miller
President 2025-2026

Dear Fellow Staff,

Greetings; I’m Stacey Miller, your Vice President for Staff Senate.

A new year is a time for renewal. Taking care of yourself is the greatest gift that you can give yourself. I recently had the opportunity to complete a workshop called “Struggle Well/Learning to Thrive.” This workshop was hosted by Dr. Anna Courie (Clemson’s Chief Well-being Officer) and Clemson’s Well-being Council. One takeaway from this training is that we all struggle, but it’s about struggling well. Did you know…One of Staff Senate’s missions is to advocate for your well-being in the workplace. My wish for you this new year is for you to invest in yourself, take a walk, breathe, or catch up with a co-worker over coffee.

We hope you can attend our next meeting scheduled for Thursday, February 13, 2025, 2:30-4:00 PM, Riggs, room 305. Reminder: If you would like to ask a question, please request to speak during the open comment period by contacting our office or relaying your questions to your senators.  

Giving back is the greatest gift that you can give yourself and others. There are a few opportunities to give back this month.

The battle of the Senate 2.0 will be held February 3-15, 2025. Please consider donating; all proceeds go to the Employee Emergency Fund, which supports your co-workers who may need additional kindness through financial assistance.

Staff Senate Blood Drive, scheduled for February 21, 2025.

Take care of yourself, Tigers; you matter to us!

Go Tigers!

Stacey Miller
Vice President 2024-2025