Inside Clemson

Employee Shout-Outs – November 26, 2024

Sherri Rowland, University Controller

Sherri was so helpful with an issue – she was quick and direct in getting me the answer I needed to solve my problem. I really appreciate her willingness to ensure that assistance was provided!” – Anonymous

Jen Jones, Metadata Specialist, Clemson Libraries

“Jen is an amazing co-worker who helps our Metadata Services Team stay updated on the latest AI tools we can integrate into our workflows. Jen is also pursuing a PhD in Digital History and regularly shares new insights with the team. Additionally, she is the creative force behind our library’s Halloween Pumpkin Contests, where we won in two categories!” – Tomeka Jackson, Library Resident

Cassie Gregory, Lab Tech, Bioengineering

“Cassie goes above and beyond every day for the department. If anyone needs help, she is the first one to say yes. We had five events on November 1st and without her, I would have never been able to get it all done. She is the true definition of what Teamwork is. We have worked together for 16 years. She is a pillar in the department, and we are all very blessed to have her.” – Leigh Humphries,Executive Assistant to the Department Chair/Office

Latasha Chappell, Early Childhood and Elementary Placement Coordinator

“Latasha consistently goes above and beyond to support early childhood students in their field placements. She actively problem-solves, offers guidance, and responds promptly to their needs.” – Koti Hubbard, Lecturer of Early Childhood Education

Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!

Employee Shout-outs – November 21, 2024

Jaime Pohlman, County Extension Agent – McCormick

“Jaime does a fantastic job an Extension Agent and County Coordinator in McCormick County. She also takes many of the photos and videos that are posted on social media for the Extension Emerging Leadership Initiative (EELI), Natural Resources team, and SC Women in Agriculture.” – Anonymous

Katie Cato, Associate Business Officer, College of Education

The first person I can always count on to know their stuff, support and cheer on others, and be so incredibly kind to those around her. Katie sets the bar for her position and perfectly exemplifies the Clemson Family mentality.” – Anonymous

Sherri Rowland, University Controller

Sherri was so helpful with an issue – she was quick and direct in getting me the answer I needed to solve my problem. I really appreciate her willingness to ensure that assistance was provided!” – Anonymous

Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!

Employee Shout-Outs – November 14, 2024

Katie Smithson, Director of Communications, HR and Payroll 

“The Digital Accessibility team is excited to shout out another talented advocate for document accessibility – Katie Smithson! Katie worked quickly and thoroughly to apply new knowledge about WCAG 2.1 standards to Clemson’s New Employee Handbook. Thank you, Katie, for advocating for accessibility and ensuring every new Clemson employee can access these helpful resources and information. I’m excited to continue working with you as you create documents from which all employees will benefit.” – Walker Massey, Digital Accessibility Specialist, CCIT Internal Operations

Wayne Orego, Web Developer for CAFLS, Marketing & Communications

Wayne has worked on numerous projects for CAFLS Academic Affairs, including a complete overhaul of the CAFLS Advantage websites last summer and now an extensive project reviewing and updating all Academic Affairs webpages. Wayne’s attention to detail, patience, and promptness make him an excellent co-worker! I am so appreciative of all his work to help us.” – Lillian Essaf, Administrative Coordinator, CAFLS Academic Affairs

Nick Baldwin, Library Specialist, Clemson Libraries

He is always willing to lend a helping hand and always learning. He has done a great job with getting more students involved with the Data Viz Lab in Cooper Library!” – Anonymous

Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!

Margaree Seawright Crosby, Professor Emerita of Curriculum and Instruction – Nov. 8, 2024

Margaree Seawright Crosby, Professor Emerita of Curriculum and Instruction in Health Education and Human Development, passed away on November 8, 2024.

Among her many accomplishments, Crosby was the first Black woman tenured professor at Clemson University and the first Black female Professor Emerita. She earned a master’s degree in education from Clemson in 1976 before joining the College of Education as a faculty member on August 15, 1977. Crosby retired on January 24, 1996, with more than 18 years of service to the University.

Service information will be updated in her online obituary when available.

Employee Shout-outs – November 7, 2024

Ashley Romero, Office Manager, Honors College

“Ashley began at the Honors College in May of this year and has been an incredible asset to our team. Over the last couple of weeks with our admissions deadline, she has dove into the madness with such positively and worked very hard to learn the ins and outs of our admissions process to best serve our next cohort of Clemson’s best and brightest students!” – Jenny Wirtz, Business Manager


Danielle McFall, Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Associate

“Danielle goes above and beyond to get the job done. She is a natural leader that encourages all around her.” – Michelle Altman, Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Associate


Mike Posey, Marketing and Engagement Strategist, The Graduate School

“Thank you for your hard work with the Stay A Tiger fair! Our marketing and communications were top-notch and we could not have pulled off a successful event without you.” – The Grad Admissions Team


Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!



R. Judd Diefendorf, McAlister Professor Emeritus of Ceramic Engineering – October 24, 2024

Russell Judd Diefendorf, McAlister Professor Emeritus of Ceramic Engineering, passed away peacefully on October 24, 2024, at the age of 93.

Diefendorf began his Clemson career on May 17, 1990, and retired on June 26, 1997, totaling more than seven years of service with the University. His many honors and achievements included the American Ceramic Society’s James Mueller Memorial Lecturer award and the Ishikawa Prize from the Japanese
Union of Scientists and Engineers.

Diefendorf earned degrees from the University of Rochester and the University of Toronto.

Friends and family are welcome to a Celebration of Life to be held at the Inn at Patrick Square in Clemson on Saturday, November 9, 2024, from 12-2 p.m.

His obituary is available online.

Employee Shout-outs – October 31, 2024

Anna Craft-Hart, Communication Outreach, Fiscal Analyst II – Bioengineering

“I have only been in my position for 3 months but I could not do my job adequately without Anna. Anna has gone above and beyond to make sure I am acclimated to my work environment. Anna is a hardworking, angel of a human and I am thankful for all of her guidance and support with learning my job. She is truly a vital piece of the Bioengineering Department.” – Skylar Powell, Fiscal Analyst II – Bioengineering


Michael Mavis, Account Fiscal Analyst III, Accounting Services

“I don’t think people realize how much Michael does for this institution and goes out of his way to take care of things and do them properly. He is such a joy to work with, responds quickly, and remains dependable – I would be lost without him!” – Anonymous


The Campus Recreation Operations Team

“This team pulled together to open our facilities and preserve recreational opportunities for Clemson students and staff in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. This allowed students and staff without power/water not just to come in and work out, but to also take a hot shower and charge their devices, maintaining a small sense of normalcy in their day. This is truly and amazing team. Thank you Ben, Megan, Darius, Lauren, Liz, Tayllor, and Jasmine for all you do!” – Anonymous


Shea Mazique, Student Services Coordinator

“Shea is incredibly professional, competent, organized and helpful! She continually goes above and beyond to create a welcoming environment and help the students! She is an asset to our department and Clemson University.” – Anonymous

Want to shout-out a colleague for their great work? Fill out our short nomination form and visit previous editions!