Gilbert honored as Presidential Endowed Chair

Professor Juan Gilbert has been named the first Presidential Endowed Chair in Human-Centered Computing. The Presidential Endowed Chair recognizes the accomplishments and dedication of current faculty at Clemson University.
“The inaugural Presidential Endowed Chair selection was particularly important because it sets the standard for all other presidential endowed chairs,” President Barker said. “We believe Juan Gilbert sets these standards at a very high level in his teaching, research, mentoring and service.” Gilbert is a professor and chair of the Human-Centered Computing Division in the School of Computing. At the forefront of his research is what Gilbert calls “innovative solutions to real-world problems.” His work addresses societal issues and integrates people, technology, policy, culture and more.
“This is a huge honor for the School of Computing and for me personally,” Gilbert said. “The funds I receive from the Endowed Chair will enable me to purchase equipment, fund students, travel, some faculty and/or post-doc salaries and more. We can do cutting-edge research at the moment of conception, and that gives us an edge.”
Researchers in Gilbert’s division gained national and international attention for multiple solutions-based technologies, including Prime III, an electronic, accessible voting system. This year, Prime III researchers put the system to use in official and mock elections around the country. Gilbert could tout many career accomplishments, but he is most proud of his students. About 10 percent of the nation’s African-American computer science faculty and Ph.D. students are at Clemson.
Provost Dori Helms said, “Endowed chair faculty stimulate the academic environment of the entire campus. They initiate, encourage and support the development of ideas and innovations that improve both social and economic well being of citizens in our state, region, country and even our world.”

Read more about Juan Gilbert’s current research at clemson.edu/media-relations/4629/clemson-university-graduate-students-solution-may-solve-voter-wait-time-issue/.