Clemson trustees act to improve campus facilities, infrastructure

by Press Release - Fri Oct 10 16:19:47 GMT-04:00 2014

CLEMSON – Clemson University trustees approved measures to improve campus facilities and infrastructure and heard enrollment, fundraising and administrative reports during their fall quarterly meetings on campus.

President James P. Clements outlined his top three priorities: to fill key leadership positions with high-quality employees, push for increased resources and continue to upgrade facilities.

In action, the trustees approved:

the concept for construction phase 1 of an Advanced Technological Education Center;

replacement of the central energy facility boiler;

construction of a new energy plant on west campus;

issuing a series of athletic facilities refunding revenue bonds;

disposition of forest property in York County, with the money to be invested in youth education programs;

name changes for Clemson University Press and the Graduate Certificate in Clinical and Translational Research; and

the FY2015 internal audit information technology audit plan.

On behalf of the board, Chairman David Wilkins presented a resolution in memory and honor of the late Asbury Francis Lever, a former Clemson trustee and U.S. Congressman, for his contributions to the university, the state and the nation. Lever family members attended the meeting and accepted the recognition from the trustees.

Among many accomplishments, Lever co-sponsored legislation that established the Cooperative Extension Service network. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act.

Clemson alumnus and longtime employee Marvin Carmichael of Seneca, who served as financial aid director and chief of staff for the university president during his career, was presented a resolution from the trustees upon his retirement.

Wilkins, too, was honored when in his committee report Trustee David Dukes announced the future naming of a plaza at the university’s tennis center in the honor of the board chairman.

As a Clemson student, Wilkins was a three-year letter winner in 1966-68 for the men’s tennis team and claimed ACC titles at No. 2 doubles in 1966 and No. 6 singles in 1967. Upgrades to the Hoke Sloan Tennis Center and the construction of the plaza to be named for the Greenville native are part of a comprehensive facilities plan that has received pre-concept approval from the trustees.

Wilkins attended Clemson on a full athletic scholarship and served as captain of the tennis team. He graduated from Clemson with a degree in history.