Category: Staff Senate News

This fall, Clemson University launched the Staff Professional Development Fund, providing financial support for learning and development opportunities that strengthen staff capabilities, advance career development, and address critical skills gaps and evolving workforce needs. 

Clemson’s Office of Human Resources will manage this program in collaboration with representatives from Staff Senate and the Office of the President. 

“Our staff bring talent, dedication and care to Clemson every day, and this program allows the University to invest in their continued growth,” said Ale Kennedy, chief human resources officer. “This fund is about creating opportunities for our people to learn, build new skills and take the next step in their careers. Just as importantly, we want our staff to know we value not only what they contribute today, but also what they envision for their future.” 

The Staff Professional Development Fund is meant to create pathways for professional growth and career advancement for staff members across the University. Staff may receive up to $5,000 per fiscal year. Eligible activities may include professional certificates, continuing education and specialized training.  

To apply, staff must complete the Staff Professional Development Fund application via Microsoft Forms. The application will be automatically routed to the applicant’s supervisor to confirm support. Eligible applications will be considered by the review committee and sent to the Office of the President for final decision. Applicants will be notified once decisions are made. 

The SC Botanical Garden is a hidden gem right off Clemson’s campus. Whether visitors choose a guided tour or a self-guided visit, spend an entire day or an hour exploring gardens- it is a place to discover plants and experience the natural world. The Education team provides programs for adults and for school/children’s groups that can include a tour to visit the Bob Campbell Geology Museum, Fran Hanson Visitor’s Center & Art Gallery and specific areas of the Botanical Garden.

They are so passionate and really hold together most of our outreach and education programming. They bring natural resource education not only to our university community, but the entire Upstate community.  In FY25 our educators offered 42 educational programs and conducted 46 guided tours, providing education to 4200+ participants!

• Shannon Barrett, Director of Planning and Engagement

Meet the Team

James Wilkins – Environmental Education and Natural Resource Coordinator

I love sharing the natural world and the Garden with everyone, and I’m lucky to help lead tours for the University community, visiting schools, and groups of all ages. My monthly programs (bird walks and Friday Forays) are favorites, along with our Junior Naturalist and summer camp programs.

I maintain and monitor our bluebird boxes and bird-feeding and observation station. I also support our invasive plant management efforts through seasonal workshops and by working with volunteers. These efforts help keep my hands dirty and my days well-rounded.

Over the past year my family has grown to include three horses, nine chickens, and one rooster. I’m loving the learning curve that comes with putting sustainable land management into practice in our pastures and woodlands.

Sue Watts – Education Program Coordinator

I create and implement environmental education programs for all ages. In spring and fall, I run Garden Sprouts (3–5-year-olds) and Junior Naturalists (6-11-year-olds); for families, I hold a Nature Center Open House once a month on a Saturday afternoon. My goal for this program is to have hands-on and interactive activities for all ages based on a monthly theme. In the summer months, I hold three camps, each with a different theme. In addition, I administer the South Carolina Native Plant Certificate Program. This is a partnership between the Botanical Garden and the South Carolina Native Plant Society to educate people about native plants, plant communities, sustainable landscaping practices and more. In addition, the educators conduct tours for school groups and other interested parties throughout the year.

I also produce the Garden’s newsletter and some of the educational signage. I love to write and produce educational material for several local organizations. 

I was born in England and as an adult have had the good fortune to be able to travel and live in several countries, including Canada and New Zealand. I now live in Pendleton but still have itchy feet to travel. I recently visited Florence and am planning a trip to Venice in the new year. I have two grown children, and I am an animal lover.

Allison Jones, Education Program Coordinator

As an Education Program Coordinator for the South Carolina Botanical Garden, I design and lead a variety of educational programs. This includes monthly classes like Tot Tales & Trails for preschoolers and parents, Homeschool Days for elementary and middle school students and learning guides, SCBG Nature Journaling Club for adults. I also offer a variety of Garden Creativity classes (arts and crafts- Join us for the upcoming Wintry Wreaths classes on Dec. 3 and 4!) and Discovery classes (varied nature-based classes for families). Along with my team members, I guide garden tours, give presentations for local garden and community clubs, host annual summer camps, and participate in other community outreach. I also administer the SCBG Events Calendar and program registration systems.

In my spare time, I enjoy thrifting and antiquing, nature journaling, and spending time outdoors with my husband, our two daughters, and our Papillon.

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The Clemson Champion is Staff Senate’s spotlight for exceptional staff and teams at Clemson. Stay tuned and meet more Clemson Champions in future posts.

Dear Clemson Staff, 

As we move into November, many of us begin looking ahead to the holiday season. While this time of year can bring moments of celebration, connection, and gratitude, it can also bring full calendars, increased responsibilities, and added stress. Amid the busyness, November offers us an opportunity to pause and reflect on what truly matters: our well-being, our relationships, and the communities that support us.  

As I reflect on the past semester, I continue to be inspired by the care and resilience I see in Clemson staff every day. It is something I am always thankful for and part of what makes Clemson such a special place. Every day, staff across our university invest their time, talents, and energy into creating an environment where individuals can thrive. Wherever your work happens, your contributions make a meaningful difference. 

This month, I encourage each of us to find simple ways to express our appreciation. Send a note to a colleague, recognize a team member for a job well done, take a moment to acknowledge someone whose work often happens behind the scenes, or even nominate them for a shoutout in OUR Clemson. Small gestures have a way of strengthening relationships and reminding others that their efforts are valued. 

As the semester enters its final stretch, it can be easy to put our own well-being on hold. Between year-end projects, approaching deadlines, family commitments, and holiday preparations, many of us feel pulled in multiple directions. Remember, taking care of yourself shouldn’t be a luxury; it’s essential. Whether that means stepping away from your desk for a few minutes to take a walk outside, connecting with friends and family, or prioritizing sleep, investing in your well-being allows you to show up as your best self both at work and at home. 

If you find yourself struggling this season, it’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate stress and life’s challenges alone. Clemson offers a variety of well-being resources designed to support you and your families throughout the year.  

• The University Well-bring Resource Hub provides a centralized location where you can explore resources related to mental and emotional health, physical well-being, financial wellness, work-life balance, connection and belonging, and crisis support. 

• Clemson’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), provided by ComPsych, faculty and staff have access to confidential counseling, emotional support, financial and legal resources, work-life assistance, and other services at no cost. 

• The Nook, Clemson’s employee-focused pantry, provides food, household items, toiletries, and other essentials for faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity or financial hardship in a confidential and welcoming environment. 

• The Employee Emergency Fund offers short-term assistance for employees facing unexpected financial hardships such as housing expenses, food, healthcare costs, dependent care, and emergency home repairs. 

As the demands of the season increase, I encourage you to take advantage of these resources, check in with colleagues, and make time for the activities that help you recharge. Just as important, let’s continue to look out for one another. A simple check-in or kind word can have a meaningful impact on someone who may be navigating challenges we cannot see. 

This month I want to show my gratitude to Staff Senator LaShanda Scott and Dean Marks of the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine for inviting us to host our November Staff Senate meeting at their beautiful new campus. This month’s meeting will feature remarks from the University’s Marketing and Communications brand team, Tracy Arwood on behalf of the Nook, and Interim Vice President for Finance and Chief Financial Officer Kelly Collins. We hope to see you there! 

Date: Thursday, November 12  

Time: 2:30 p.m.   

In Person Location:  

Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine – Room 230 Address:  

Virtual Link: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511  

As we enter this season of gratitude, thank you for all that you do for Clemson and for one another. I hope you find moments of rest, joy, and connection in the weeks ahead. 

Victoria Perry   

Staff Senate President 

As we look forward to President Ayers joining us for our upcoming Staff Senate meeting, we encourage staff to watch the recently recorded Conversation with President Ayers. The conversation covers a variety of topics and provides an opportunity to hear directly from President Ayers about his vision and priorities for Clemson.

During the Staff Senate meeting, we will ask President Ayers several questions submitted by staff and Senators. While we will not be able to address every question, some of the topics submitted have already been discussed during the recorded conversation.

Dear Clemson Staff, 

One of the things I appreciate most about Clemson is the way our community comes together during both moments of remembrance and celebration. September gives us the chance to do both, as we honor the past and embrace time-honored Clemson traditions. 

Each year, September 11 provides a chance to reflect on the unity that emerged during one of our nation’s most challenging times. While many members of our campus community have personal memories of that day, others know it only through the stories shared over the past 25 years. 

Participating in campus remembrance events offers an opportunity not only to honor those we lost, but also to reflect on the values that continue to bring us together: service, compassion, and a commitment to supporting one another. In a world that often feels divided, these moments remind us of the strength and resilience we find in community. 

This year, Clemson will honor the 25^th anniversary of 9/11 through several events. On September 11, Military & Veteran Engagement will host the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Littlejohn Coliseum, a tribute honoring those who lost their lives and the first responders who answered the call that day. Participants will climb the equivalent of the 110 floors of the World Trade Center towers, symbolizing the courage, sacrifice, and determination displayed all those years ago. If you’re interested in joining this event, you can register online through Eventbrite. If you cannot make it to the MVE Stair Climb but still want an opportunity to pay tribute, Campus Recreation is hosting a partnership stair climb on the Stairmasters inside of Fike Recreation Center. This partnership event is open to all Campus Recreation members, who can register on their website.   

On September 10 and 14 Clemson will host its inaugural Tigers Meal Pack for 9/11 Day, bringing together the Clemson community to pack and distribute meals for local families facing food insecurity. The event is part of the nationally recognized September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance and reflects the idea that one of the most meaningful ways to honor those we lost is through giving back. If you’d like to help pack meals or deliver them in the community, you can sign up online through Eventbrite.  

These events remind us that the Clemson family is built not only through celebration, but also through shared acts of service and support for one another. In a world that can often feel divided, these moments bring us together and remind us of the values that unite us. 

That same sense of connection can also be found in the traditions that bring us together throughout the year. This month some of the traditions that make Clemson such a special place are back! From the First Friday Parade to the excitement of our first home football game against Georgia Southern, these events serve as reminders of the spirit and pride that connect generations of Tigers. This year, Staff Senate will be walking in the parade, to promote awareness of the Employee Emergency Fund and Endowment and invite members of the community to contribute. If you can’t make it to the parade but would like to donate to the fund or endowment, you can do so by signing up for a one-time gift or a recurring gift through payroll deduction.  

Whether you’re lining the parade route, cheering on our Tigers in Death Valley, or simply enjoying the excitement across campus this month, these traditions create lasting memories. They remind us that Clemson is more than just a workplace or a university; it is a community built on shared experiences, traditions, and relationships. 

To continue fostering those relationships, I encourage you to start a new tradition for yourself and join us for our monthly Staff Senate meetings. This month will feature remarks from President Ayers, an introduction to Clemson’s new Chief of Staff Alton Standifer, and exciting information from our HR partners on staff performance in Workday, updates on open enrollment, and a general Q&A. 

• Date: Thursday, September 10 

• Time: 2:30 p.m.  

• Location/Link: In person: Watt 108 (the auditorium), Virtually: https://clemson.zoom.us/j/98701587511 

Wishing you a successful start to the fall semester and a great year ahead! 

Victoria Perry  

Staff Senate President 

In today’s newsletter, Staff Senate President Victoria Perry welcomes the new semester and faces on campus including the new President of Clemson Univeristy, Dr. Benjamin Ayers. Plus, meet this month’s Clemson Champion- Todd Cochran, read the Ombuds letter and more!

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

Letter from the President, August 2026

Meet Todd Cochran- Clemson Champion

Separate Hopes and Expectations

National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) Contest

Participate in 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb Events

Can you tell the difference between a red-eyed vireo call and an American robin call? Can you tell me what a northern bobwhite eats? High schoolers from across the country can and will get to showcase these talents this July.

Often, our Clemson Extension program teams work together to conduct programs for the state and even the country.  A great example of these team efforts is the Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP), where the Clemson Extension Natural Resources, 4-H, and Agriculture Education Teams work together to host our annual State Contest.  This past July, Clemson Extension took these efforts one step further. Clemson hosted the National Wildlife Habitat Education Program (WHEP) National Contest, a program for 4-H and FFA high schoolers to learn more about wildlife management and wildlife biology.   

Staff Senator and Membership Committee Co-Chair, Mallory Maher, currently serves as the WHEP National Committee Chair and led the efforts to host 18 teams in South Carolina at the South Carolina FFA Leadership Center in Cherry Grove, SC.  This was the first time South Carolina has hosted the National contest in almost 30 years.

During the contest, youth had the opportunity to meet and interact with professionals from the wildlife industry at a fun, hands-on education day, and then put their wildlife knowledge to the test through various activities, ranging from a wildlife ID contest to writing a wildlife management plan.  This program is truly one of the most hands-on and applicable programs in existence, giving youth a glimpse of what a potential career in wildlife or natural resources might look like.

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We are excited to welcome a regular contribution to the Staff Senate Newsletter from the Extension Senate President, Charley Maxwell. Visit the Extension Senate blog at https://blogs.clemson.edu/ces/.

Meet Todd Cochran, Space Auditor and Move Manager, Capital Projects

Can you tell us about your role here at Clemson?

As Clemson University’s Space Manager and Move Manager, I assist with the planning, coordination, and management of campus space to ensure it is used efficiently and effectively. I work with departments across the university to allocate and optimize space, support strategic planning initiatives, and coordinate office and departmental relocations. My role involves balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders while ensuring moves are well-organized, minimally disruptive, and aligned with the university’s operational goals. 

What is something fun we might not know about you?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors, tackling DIY projects, and finding new ways to improve or fix things. I appreciate opportunities to stay active and spend time with family and friends. 

What brought you to Clemson?

I was drawn to Clemson by the opportunity to contribute to a university with a strong sense of community, collaboration, and tradition. What I enjoy most about Clemson is working with people across campus to help create spaces that support learning, research, and student success. It’s rewarding to be part of an institution where the work we do behind the scenes has a meaningful impact on the daily experience of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. 

Is there anything you would like for people to know about your department?

The Planning, Design & Construction department plays a vital role in shaping Clemson’s campus for today and the future. Our team works collaboratively to plan, design, and deliver projects that enhance the university’s learning, research, and work environments. Whether we’re managing renovations, new construction, space planning, or departmental moves, our goal is to create functional, sustainable, and welcoming spaces that support Clemson’s mission. We value collaboration, thoughtful planning, and open communication to ensure projects are completed efficiently and with the needs of the campus community in mind. 

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The Clemson Champion is Staff Senate’s spotlight for exceptional staff and teams at Clemson. Stay tuned and meet more Clemson Champions in future posts.

Dear Clemson Staff, 

The excitement and energy that the start of a new academic year brings is really something special. For many of us, the start of the fall semester feels kind of like New Year’s Day. It’s an opportunity to welcome new faces, embrace new possibilities, and begin another chapter in the important work we do every day. Whether your role places you directly in front of students (I see you, Clemson Home!) or behind the scenes (we couldn’t do it without you Student Financial Services!), your efforts help create the Clemson experience that makes this university such a remarkable place to learn, work, and grow. Clemson staff are the “something in these hills” that folks talk about.  

Speaking of new faces and new possibilities, we have a new President! I had the pleasure of meeting President Ayers last week and appreciated his candor regarding communication, partnerships, and his values-driven decision-making process. I am excited about the energy and experience that he brings to Clemson and look forward to partnering with him as we continue to support staff, faculty, and students. If you are interested in getting to know our new President, I highly encourage you to attend the upcoming Presidential All Staff meeting on Tuesday, August 18 at 3:30 p.m. in Memorial Auditorium (Tillman 160). Please submit any questions for President Ayers using this staff submission form on the Office of the President website.

As we are kicking off the fall semester, I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to look back on the end of our summer semester. Last Friday I had the honor of being a member of the stage party for the summer commencement ceremony. The excitement that fills commencement ceremonies is contagious because it reflects not only what has been accomplished, but also the opportunities that lie ahead. This ceremony is the culmination of months and years of dedication, perseverance, and hard work. For Clemson staff, attaining a degree is balanced alongside full-time careers, family responsibilities, and countless other commitments. This summer, Staff Senate handed out staff stoles to 25 individuals who were proudly receiving their bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to all of you! I truly believe that learning is a lifelong journey, and each of you embodies that commitment every day. 

As we begin another academic year together, Staff Senate remains committed to supporting and advocating for all staff as we continue to learn, grow, and succeed as a community. I encourage you to stay involved in the conversations and initiatives that help shape the staff experience at Clemson by joining us at a Staff Senate meeting. This month will be featuring Mitch Shue introducing the CU AI Initiative, and Kristin Craft with an overview of CU Grow. 

• Date: Thursday, August 13  

• Time: 2:30 p.m.  

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

Wishing you a successful start to the fall semester and a great year ahead! 

Victoria Perry  

Staff Senate President 

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