Trustees Rename Honors College
Board also requests authority to restore
original name of Tillman Hall
During their scheduled June meeting, the University’s Board of Trustees approved changing the name of the Honors College to the Clemson University Honors College, effective immediately. The college has been named the Calhoun Honors College since 1982. The trustees also approved a resolution requesting authority from the South Carolina General Assembly to restore Tillman Hall to its original name of the Main Building, commonly called “Old Main.” The building was renamed by the trustees in 1946.
“Clemson University has a long-celebrated history of tradition and excellence, but we must recognize there are central figures in Clemson’s history whose ideals, beliefs and actions do not represent the University’s core values of respect and diversity,” said Smyth McKissick, chair of the board. “Today’s action by the board acknowledges that now is the time to move forward together as a more unified Clemson Family in order to make our University stronger today and into the future.”
The actions taken were consistent with a deliberative process set in motion in 2015 when the board of trustees established a history task force to tell the full and complete history of Clemson. During the past few years, the task force has erected historical markers, documented Clemson founders’ biographies, and updated historical signage to better reflect the complete history.
“Our Trustees’ leadership today sends a clear message that Clemson University intends to be a place where all our students, employees and guests feel welcome,” said President Clements. “Our work in this area is far from finished, but we are committed to building on the progress we have made in the areas of diversity and inclusivity as we strive to serve our entire state and the nation.”
