<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div>
\nF<\/span>or the first time in 14 years as Clemson\u2019s president, the volume of mail I received this semester was so great that I could not even consider answering all of it. So forgive me if I use this space in Clemson World<\/em> in a very personal way \u2014 to say thank you to alumni and others who sent messages of support, encouragement and gratitude, and to reflect on what I learned during my \u201cmedical sabbatical\u201d and return to duty this spring.<\/p>\nLessons learned<\/h3>\n
First, I learned that the \u201cClemson Family\u201d is very real. After my heart surgery in January, Marcia and I received literally thousands of cards, letters, emails and posts to a special \u201cget well\u201d blog. And when I say \u201cliterally,\u201d I mean it in the classic not ironic sense \u2014 literally thousands! These messages were a vital part of my recovery.
\nSome were heartfelt and touching. Others were funny. Many alumni welcomed me to membership in the \u201czipper club.\u201d They shared stories of their own or a family member\u2019s improved health and well-being after the same surgery.
\nSecond, I learned that it is humbling and healthy for a pilot to step out of the cockpit and into the passenger cabin once in a while. When you do, you quickly learn there are many people capable of flying the plane.
\nTo paraphrase something former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O\u2019Connor once said: When you think you are important or essential, stick your hand in a bucket of water and then pull it out. The hole you leave behind is how much you will be missed.
\nClemson University is and always has been larger than the individuals who serve her at any given point in time.
\nToday, we have many, many dedicated and able folks working for Clemson\u2019s success \u2014 faculty, staff, administrators, Trustees and volunteer leaders. So I am also grateful to Chairman David Wilkins, Provost Dori Helms and all others who stepped in to keep the University machine running smoothly in my absence.
\nFinally, I learned that though my arteries were blocked, my heart was and is very strong.
\nEight weeks after my surgery and two days after this picture was taken, Marcia and I left for a trip to Germany and Italy. I met with BMW\u2019s Board of Directors in Munich, and we attended the 40th anniversary celebration of our architecture center in Genoa. It was a wonderful trip in a beautiful place. We were happy to be there, and even happier to be home.<\/p>\nChanging majors<\/h3>\n
I returned from my medical leave on March 29 and two weeks later asked the Board of Trustees to begin its search for the 15th president of Clemson University. I will remain in office until the new president is found and begins work. After that, I will begin preparing for the next phase of my Clemson career as a faculty member in the School of Architecture.
\nThis is a transition I had always planned to make, and it is not directly related to my surgery. I feel good, have a high level of energy and plan to remain engaged. [pullquote align=’right’ font=’chunk’ color=’#3A4958′]The personal journey I have taken in the first half of 2013 led me to conclude that this is the right time to \u201cchange majors\u201d from the president\u2019s office to Lee Hall simply because Clemson University is in such good shape.[\/pullquote]
\nWe have a high demand for everything about Clemson. We\u2019re attracting great students, faculty and staff. We are blessed with alumni support and a capital campaign that has been very, very successful. We are financially healthy; in fact, we are in better shape financially than we were before the Great Recession. And we have a plan that has broad support by our alumni and, most importantly perhaps, by our Board of Trustees.
\nWe are on an upward path, and I pledge to do everything I can to continue this positive momentum.
\nIt has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve as your 14th president, and I will always be grateful to Clemson students, faculty, staff and alumni for giving me a chance to serve my alma mater in this special way.
\nThank you very much. Go, Tigers!
\n<\/div>
\nJames F. Barker<\/em>, FAIA
\nPresident<\/p><\/div>
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