Clemson University president out By Andrea Kelley Dec 10, 2025 Facebook CLEMSON — Clemson University President Jim Clements will be retiring at the end of the year.
Clements announced in a Tuesday email he was retiring effective Dec. 31, which he said was exactly 12 years since he began serving as president.
“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,” he wrote. Clements detailed the “incredible milestones” the university achieved during his tenure, including “record applications and R1 status” to “advancing strategic plans and celebrating championship titles.”
“These accomplishments reflect the passion and commitment of our faculty, staff, students, alumni and supporters,” he wrote. “I will treasure each of those moments — and each of you who made them possible.”
Clements said serving as president has brought him “immense purpose,” but “there comes a time when health and family must take precedence.”
“Clemson has been my home and passion, yet my greatest love is for my wife, Beth, and our children and grandchildren,” he wrote. “Life moves quickly, and I don’t want to miss what truly matters — the major milestones and the quiet, everyday joys.”
He said his commitment to higher education and the university’s mission “remains strong.”
“Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving you,” Clements said. “It has truly been an honor of a lifetime.”
Next steps
Board of Trustees Chairwoman Kim Wilkerson sent out an email 15 minutes after Clements’ addressing his decision.
“For the past 12 years, he has led Clemson University with vision, energy and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” she wrote. “His extraordinary leadership not only advanced our academic reputation but also strengthened our sense of Clemson community and pride.”
Wilkerson also expressed gratitude for Clements’ “servant leadership and tireless dedication.”
“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. His enthusiasm and drive will continue to inspire us for years to come.”
The board called a meeting for 2 p.m. today via teleconference to set the next steps in motion.
The first is to appoint an interim president. Wilkerson said she plans to recommend Provost Bob Jones for the position.
“Though he was scheduled to retire, he has graciously agreed to serve until a successor is named,” she said.
The board will also establish a presidential search committee and discuss engaging an executive search firm to find the university’s next president.
The university will also soon be launching a dedicated website for the presidential search process to keep the public informed, according to Wilkerson.
“As we prepare for this transition, I am reminded that Clemson’s strength has always been its people,” Wilkerson said. “Together we will continue building on the incredible foundation President Clements helped create. Thank you for your support and commitment as we begin this new chapter in Clemson’s story.”
Durham’s response
The announcement comes two months after Oconee County Council Chairman Matthew Durham made claims Clements and Trustee Nikki Haley, a former South Carolina governor and former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, were connected to developer East Shore South, LLC, which operates out of the same address as United Homes Group.
East Shore South was the developer named in a since-failed project that was forecasted to build 5,200 homes on an “approximately 600-acre Nettles-Newry site in Oconee County.”
At the time, Clements sat on the UHG Board of Directors and served on the Compensation Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, while Haley was also on the board and served on the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.
Shortly after, Clemson University spokesman Joe Galbraith told The Journal the two Clemson officials were not connected with the project and were “making no financial gains” from it.
Durham later pointed out both Clements and Haley make roughly $350,000 a year for their positions on United Homes Group’s board, which includes stock options.
“They may not profit directly from the Newry project or any single project, but the more profitable United Homes Group becomes, the more valuable those stock options are,” Durham said.
A few weeks later, Clements and Haley — along with four of the other five members — resigned from the UHG board.
Multiple national law firms have since launched investigations into the company.
Durham told The Journal on Tuesday Clements’ announcement was a “significant development” but called for further investigation.
“For weeks, Clemson issued public denials, even publicly calling me a liar by name, that do not match their own internal emails,” he said. “The land transfers, LLC structures, board entanglements surrounding Clemson, and the FOIA records we’ve uncovered showing active coordination with United Homes Group, where President Clements and University Trustee Haley serve on the corporate board, raise serious conflict-of-interest concerns involving the university and the surrounding development.
“The public deserves a full, independent investigation,” he added. “If any wrongdoing is discovered, there must be accountability.”
| 
