Clemson President James P. Clements announces retirement

Clemson University President James P. Clements has announced his decision to retire as president, effective Dec. 31.

He shared the news with the Clemson community in a Dec. 9 letter.

Clements’ contract was extended by five years in October 2024 by the university’s board of trustees.

“After much consideration and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step aside and allow the university to begin its next chapter. I have shared with the board of trustees my decision to retire as president of Clemson University, effective Wednesday, Dec. 31,” Clements said in the letter.

“Serving as president of Clemson University has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” the letter reads. “After 17 years as a university president, I have reached a point where health and family must come first. I’m looking forward to spending more time with my wife, Beth, and our children and grandchildren. Clemson is more than a university to me — it is home. I am profoundly grateful to the board of trustees, our leadership team and the entire Clemson family for their trust, support and friendship throughout this incredible journey.”

Board of Trustees Chair Kim Wilkerson also shared a letter with campus, expressing appreciation for Clements’ leadership and outlining next steps to replace him.

“We are incredibly grateful for Jim’s extraordinary leadership and tireless dedication,” Wilkerson said in her letter. “President Clements has been more than a leader — he has been a mentor, a friend and an advocate for every member of the Clemson family. While we will certainly miss his guidance and enthusiasm, we also deeply respect and understand his decision to focus on his priorities.”

The final months of Clements’ time as president will be marked by his association with the development firm United Housing Group. He and Nikki Haley, former governor and U.N. ambassador, served on the board of the company, and that firm shares ownership with another company at the center of a controversial proposed housing project in Oconee County. Clements, Haley and the rest of the board resigned and the company’s stock plummeted, according to news reports at the time.

In the history of the Clemson University, which was founded in 1889, only 15 presidents have led the institution. Clements was hired after James Barker retired in 2013 after 15 years at the helm.

The board will meet via teleconference on Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. to honor Clements’ enduring legacy and begin shaping Clemson’s next chapter including naming interim leadership, forming a presidential search committee and taking steps to engage an executive search firm.