As I prepare to step away from this role, I do so with a heart full of gratitude.
It has been the greatest honor of my professional life to serve as Clemson’s provost – and even more meaningful to serve the institution that shaped who I am.
Over the past decade, I’ve worked alongside brilliant minds, courageous leaders, dedicated staff and passionate students. Together, we’ve celebrated achievements, tackled challenges and built a future grounded in purpose and possibility to support our land-grant institution.
Leadership, at its core, is not about personal recognition – it’s about the people you serve and the legacy you help create. I leave this position deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished and profoundly hopeful about what’s still to come.
To those stepping into leadership roles, I encourage you to lead with integrity, invest in others, stay rooted in your values and never lose sight of the bigger picture. You may not always see the full impact of your work – but trust that it matters.
To our students – past, present and future – watching you embrace the Clemson Experience has been, and will always be, a profound source of pride and joy. As members of the Clemson Family, we share a deep bond, and I am incredibly proud of how you represent us as Tigers.
Thank you, Clemson, for the opportunity of a lifetime. I’ll always be cheering you on.
Forever a Tiger,
Bob
Provost Jones,
I just wanted to thank you so much for your years of support for the Clemson Herbarium. Your leadership, vision and determination led the way in developing the Clemson Herbarium (marking its Centennial this year!) into a first-class research facility and asset to the University. The fresh momentum and important work surrounding the herbarium today is a testament to your faith in our institution and people.
With great gratitude,
D.Z. Damrel
Retired Curator, Clemson Herbarium
Thank you for printing the O’Cain story
Which so well represents Clemson. As a resident of Clemson in the 40’s and 50’s my friends and I loved watching the cadets March on Bowman field. From my father’s business in town, the orders and rifle commands were clearly heard. Just one, among many, wonderful experiences of living in Clemson. I hope to read more similar stories like the O’Cain’s.