Beginning July 1, 2025, several auxiliary units previously under the Division of Finance and Operations will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Division of Student Affairs at Clemson University. This shift marks a strategic effort to better align student-facing services with the university's overarching mission of improving campus life. The departments involved include Clemson Home (Housing & Dining), the University Bookstore, the Phil & Mary Bradley Early Childhood Education Center, and Parking and Transportation Services. Originally moved to Finance and Operations in 2019, these units are now returning to a structure that prioritizes student engagement and support. The decision follows recent leadership changes and reflects Clemson’s broader commitment to fostering an inclusive, responsive, and innovative environment for all students.
The relocation of these essential services is part of Clemson University's larger vision to create a more cohesive and student-centric operational model. By placing these auxiliary teams under the Division of Student Affairs, the university aims to enhance coordination and responsiveness to student needs. These departments play a crucial role in shaping daily campus experiences, from housing and meals to transportation and early childhood education. Administrators believe this realignment will allow for more seamless integration of services, ultimately contributing to a more supportive academic and living environment.
Leaders within the Student Affairs division expressed enthusiasm about the transition. Kathy Bush Hobgood, associate vice president for student affairs, highlighted the importance of auxiliary services in cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for students, faculty, and staff alike. She emphasized that each unit contributes directly or indirectly to fulfilling the university's academic and community-oriented goals. Doug Hallenbeck, vice president for student affairs, added that this move supports Clemson Elevate, the institution's strategic plan aimed at delivering what it hopes will become the premier student experience nationwide. He noted that every student interaction—whether through dining, housing, or transportation—should reinforce a sense of belonging and success.
This administrative shift underscores Clemson University's ongoing commitment to refining the student experience through strategic organizational design. By consolidating auxiliary services under Student Affairs, the institution seeks to foster greater innovation, collaboration, and efficiency among departments that directly influence campus life. The change reflects a broader institutional priority to ensure that both academic and non-academic aspects of university life work in harmony to support student growth and satisfaction. As Clemson continues to evolve, such reorganizations aim to strengthen its mission of providing a holistic, engaging educational journey.