Bio Details

Dr. Clements' experience as past President of two universities makes him uniquely skilled with deep knowledge regarding the operation of a complex organization and consideration of different stakeholder groups. In addition to his leadership in higher education, Dr. Clements has extensive knowledge in the field of information technology. Dr. Clements brings extensive knowledge in the areas of leadership, strategic planning, project management, computer science, and information technology to the Board.

Career Highlights

Dr. Clements served as Clemson University's President from 2013 until his retirement in 2025. Prior to becoming Clemson University's President, Dr. Clements served as the President of West Virginia University.

Dr. Clements is a nationally recognized leader in higher education. Dr. Clements currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Council on Competitiveness, the Special Olympics International Board, the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Council of Presidents for the Commission on Higher Education. Previously, he served as the chair of the Board for the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities ("APLU") and on the executive committee of APLU's Commission on Innovation, Competitiveness, and Economic Prosperity. Dr. Clements also served on the Council of Presidents for the Association of Governing Boards and on the Board of Directors of the American Council on Education ("ACE"), including serving as a chair of the ACE Commission of Leadership.

Dr. Clements was the only university president selected for the 15-member Innovation Advisory Board to the U.S. Department of Commerce. He also served as the co-chair of the National Advisory Committee for Innovation and Entrepreneurship 2.0, serving as the only university president. He was nominated for, and participated in, the 81st Joint Civilian Orientation Conference through the U.S. Department of Defense where he was one of only a few dozen people selected in the country. Dr. Clements previously served on the Executive Committee of the Board for the Business Higher Education Forum.

Dr. Clements has published and presented more than 75 papers in the fields of higher education, leadership, strategic planning, project management, computer science, and information technology. He also served as principal investigator or co-investigator on more than $15 million in research grants. His Successful Project Management book is now in its seventh edition and is published in multiple languages and used in numerous countries.

Education

Dr. Clements earned a master's degree and Ph.D. in operations analysis as well as a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County ("UMBC"). Dr. Clements also earned a master's degree in computer science from Johns Hopkins University's Whiting School of Engineering and was awarded an honorary degree as a Doctor of Public Education from his alma mater, UMBC.