Clemson elects new trustee

by CU Athletic Communications - Thu Oct 24 15:01:36 GMT-04:00 2013

CLEMSON — Charlotte business leader Mark Richardson, a class of 1983 alumnus who played on Clemson University’s football championship team, has been named to the Clemson board of trustees, effective immediately.

Since August 2009, Richardson has served as manager and owner of MAR Real Estate, LLC, a commercial real estate company that specializes in single tenant, build-to-suit projects in the quick-serve restaurant and educational center categories in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Alabama. He is co-owner of the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Thunder Road Marathon and more than 50 Bojangles’ restaurants in North Carolina and Virginia.

Richardson was the first employee of the Carolina Panthers and helped build a solid financial base for the team after it entered the NFL in 1993, helping the team build a regional fan base, guiding the development and construction of a stadium and developing innovative business models for television and radio contracts.

“Mark brings to the board keen business and marketing insights, a commitment to excellence, and a passion for Clemson University,” said Board Chairman David Wilkins.

Richardson earned his undergraduate degree in business administration from Clemson in 1983 and an MBA from the University of Virginia in 1987. While at Clemson, he was a student-athlete who played on the 1981 ACC and national championship team.

He has been active in numerous community organizations and currently serves as a member of Clemson’s College of Business and Behavioral Science Advisory Board.

“Clemson is a special place and provided me with a tremendous education. I look forward to serving Clemson to ensure that future students receive the same educational opportunities that I did,” said Richardson.

Richardson succeeds Bill L. Amick of Batesburg, who is retiring after serving on Clemson’s board for 30 years. Amick, a 1966 Clemson graduate, is chief executive officer of the Amick Company and a real estate developer, and has a long list of business, civic and community service recognitions and achievements. He served as chairman of Clemson’s board from 1991 to 1995 and has been awarded Clemson’s Distinguished Service Award. He was inducted into the S.C. Business Hall of Fame in 2012.

“It is hard to describe in words how much Bill Amick has meant to Clemson University. His vision, leadership and commitment to excellence have been an integral part of the university’s success in its pursuit to be among the very best universities in the country. He has constantly demonstrated a genuine and tireless devotion to Clemson, to the community and state of South Carolina,” Wilkins said.

Richardson was selected by Clemson’s successor trustees to fill the seat vacated by Amick, according to terms established in the will of Thomas Green Clemson.

Richardson and his wife, Kathryn, reside in Charlotte, NC with their four children: Ace, Raven, Grayson and Nina.