Clemson Provost Bob Jones Announces Retirement After a Decade of Leadership

CLEMSON, S.C. — Robert H. (Bob) Jones, who has served as Clemson University’s Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost for over a decade, announced plans to retire later this year. His tenure has been marked by significant growth and development within the university’s academic framework.

Jones will remain in his role until a successor is appointed, ensuring a smooth transition as the university embarks on a national search for new leadership.

Since stepping into the position in September 2014, Jones has played a pivotal role in elevating Clemson’s academic standing, witnessing improvements in enrollment figures, standardized test scores, retention and graduation rates, and research funding. His leadership also led to the reorganization of colleges and the establishment of new academic programs, including South Carolina’s only College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Bob Jones is an amazing and brilliant scholar and leader, and his contributions to Clemson are numerous,” said Clemson University President Jim Clements. “In particular, his passion and forethought to ensure the future of Clemson’s Experimental Forest will preserve and protect that storied land for generations.”

President Clements acknowledged Jones’s commitment to the welfare of Clemson’s community during challenging times, particularly throughout the pandemic. “While I will miss working with my dear friend and colleague, I’m excited for Bob as he begins this next phase of his life,” Clements added.

A proud alumnus of the university, Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in forest management (1979) and a Master of Science in forestry (1981) from Clemson. He completed his doctorate in forest ecology at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse University, in 1986.

Before returning to his alma mater, Jones served as dean of the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences at West Virginia University and held various positions, including department head and professor of biological sciences at Virginia Tech.

“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve as the provost at my alma mater,” Jones said in a statement. “Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed the amazing passion and contributions of our faculty, staff, and students as we’ve steadfastly worked to fulfill the mission of Clemson University.”

Jones expressed confidence in the future of Clemson: “While I will soon end my service as Provost, I will continue to watch closely the extraordinary achievements yet to come.”

The search for Clemson’s next provost will commence immediately, with updates to follow as the process unfolds.