Clemson University Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Clemson University has 10 executives leading key functions including administration, operations, foundation strategy, and academic leadership.

Committed to excellence in research and education, Clemson University advances science and engineering through a land-grant mission that fosters innovation and academic growth across diverse fields of study.

Leadership Roles at Clemson University

  • Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation - April Purvis
  • Chief Operating Officer - Jason Eichelberger
  • Club Basketball President - Dylan Serafini
  • Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of - Catherine Owens
  • President - Isabella Marusich
  • Chief of Staff - Toby Kirkland
  • Operations Chief of Staff - Lisa Taylor
  • Chief of Staff & Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine - Darbi Roberts
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clemson Computing & Information Technology - Carla Rathbone
  • External Relations Liaison - Daniela Demas
  • April Purvis - Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation

    April Purvis, the Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation at Clemson University, directs the philanthropic efforts and asset management strategies that fuel the institution's research and educational growth. By cultivating relationships with donors and managing the foundation's endowment, the Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation ensures that the university possesses the financial resources necessary to advance its science- and engineering-oriented mission. April Purvis oversees the strategic investment of funds to support scholarships, faculty research, and campus infrastructure development. This leadership role involves collaborating with the Board of Directors to align fundraising initiatives with the university's long-term academic priorities. By expanding the foundation's reach and impact, the Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation secures the financial stability required for sustained innovation. The position demands a focus on donor engagement and fiscal responsibility, ensuring that all contributions directly enhance the university's ability to provide world-class education and research opportunities.
    April Purvis

    Jason Eichelberger - Chief Operating Officer

    Jason Eichelberger, the Chief Operating Officer at Clemson University, directs the daily operational functions that sustain the university's expansive research and educational infrastructure. Overseeing facility management, resource distribution, and campus-wide logistics, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that all physical and digital assets support the institution's science- and engineering-oriented research goals. Jason Eichelberger implements scalable systems to improve institutional efficiency, directly impacting the quality of the academic environment. This leadership role involves managing large-scale budgets and coordinating with department heads to align operational output with the university's strategic vision. By optimizing supply chains and infrastructure maintenance, the Chief Operating Officer provides the necessary foundation for faculty and students to excel in their respective fields. The position demands a focus on long-term sustainability and operational resilience, ensuring that the university maintains its status as a premier research institution through disciplined management and strategic oversight of all campus resources.

    Dylan Serafini - Club Basketball President

    Dylan Serafini, the Club Basketball President at Clemson University, directs the organizational and operational activities of the club basketball program. By managing team logistics, scheduling competitions, and overseeing budget allocations, the Club Basketball President ensures that the program provides a high-quality athletic experience for students. Dylan Serafini coordinates with university officials to maintain compliance with institutional policies while fostering a competitive environment. This role involves recruiting members, organizing practices, and representing the club in regional athletic associations. By promoting student engagement and physical activity, the Club Basketball President contributes to the vibrant campus culture that defines the university experience. The position requires strong leadership and organizational skills to manage the day-to-day operations of the team effectively. Through dedicated management, the Club Basketball President ensures that the program remains a successful and inclusive outlet for students, aligning with the university's broader commitment to student development and well-rounded educational opportunities.

    Catherine Owens - Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of

    Catherine Owens, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of at Clemson University, oversees the administrative functions and leadership activities within the office. By managing daily operations, scheduling, and internal communications, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of ensures that the office functions efficiently to support the university's broader goals. Catherine Owens coordinates with various departments to facilitate the execution of administrative tasks and strategic projects. This role involves maintaining organizational standards and ensuring that all office activities align with the university's mission of research and educational excellence. By streamlining administrative processes, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of enhances the productivity of the office staff and leadership. The position requires a focus on organizational detail and effective communication, ensuring that the office remains a well-managed hub for university operations. Through dedicated coordination, the Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of supports the university's commitment to operational efficiency and academic success.

    Isabella Marusich - President

    Isabella Marusich, the President at Clemson University, provides the overarching strategic vision and leadership for the entire institution. By guiding the university's academic, research, and operational priorities, the President ensures that the institution remains a premier land-grant university focused on science and engineering. Isabella Marusich collaborates with the Board of Trustees, faculty, and administrative leadership to advance the university's long-term goals and commitment to educational excellence. This role involves representing the university to external stakeholders, managing institutional growth, and fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. By setting the strategic direction, the President drives the university's efforts to address complex global challenges through research and high-quality instruction. The position requires a focus on visionary leadership and fiscal stewardship, ensuring that the university continues to thrive as a major research institution. Through decisive action and strategic planning, the President secures the university's future as a leader in higher education and research.

    Toby Kirkland - Chief of Staff

    Toby Kirkland, the Chief of Staff at Clemson University, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates strategic initiatives across the institution. By facilitating communication between executive leadership and various academic departments, the Chief of Staff ensures alignment with the university's land-grant mission. This role involves overseeing complex projects that support the research-oriented goals of the university. Toby Kirkland maintains rigorous standards for operational efficiency while navigating the unique requirements of a major science- and engineering-focused environment. Through careful planning and resource allocation, the Chief of Staff optimizes internal processes to support faculty and student success. The position requires constant collaboration with university stakeholders to advance long-term institutional objectives. By streamlining decision-making protocols, the Chief of Staff strengthens the overall administrative framework, ensuring that the university remains a leader in higher education and research excellence within the competitive academic landscape.

    Lisa Taylor - Operations Chief of Staff

    Lisa Taylor, the Operations Chief of Staff at Clemson University, coordinates the operational activities that underpin the university's research and educational programs. By managing cross-departmental projects, the Operations Chief of Staff ensures that administrative functions remain synchronized with the institution's science- and engineering-focused objectives. Lisa Taylor facilitates the execution of strategic plans by bridging the gap between operational teams and academic leadership. This role involves monitoring performance metrics and refining internal workflows to enhance productivity across the campus. Through the implementation of data-driven strategies, the Operations Chief of Staff supports the university's commitment to academic excellence and research innovation. The position requires a deep understanding of the university's operational scale, ensuring that all departments function cohesively to meet institutional goals. By fostering collaboration and maintaining operational transparency, the Operations Chief of Staff drives continuous improvement, ultimately strengthening the university's capacity to deliver high-quality educational experiences to a diverse student body.

    Darbi Roberts - Chief of Staff & Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine

    Darbi Roberts, the Chief of Staff & Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine at Clemson University, manages the administrative and operational functions specific to the veterinary medicine program. By overseeing clinical operations, academic scheduling, and resource management, the Chief of Staff & Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine ensures that the college meets its research and educational mandates. Darbi Roberts coordinates with faculty and staff to streamline processes that support the college's specialized science-oriented curriculum. This role involves managing the college's budget and ensuring that all facilities meet the rigorous standards required for veterinary research and training. By optimizing operational workflows, the Chief of Staff & Operations, College of Veterinary Medicine enhances the college's ability to deliver high-quality instruction and clinical services. The position requires a focus on operational excellence and strategic planning, ensuring that the college remains a vital component of the university's broader mission to advance science and engineering through specialized academic programs.

    Carla Rathbone - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clemson Computing & Information Technology

    Carla Rathbone, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clemson Computing & Information Technology at Clemson University, architects the digital infrastructure and computing services that support the university's research and educational activities. By overseeing cybersecurity, network reliability, and data management systems, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clemson Computing & Information Technology ensures that the university's technological environment remains robust and secure. Carla Rathbone leads initiatives to integrate advanced computing tools into the curriculum, directly supporting the university's science- and engineering-oriented research goals. This role involves collaborating with IT leadership to implement scalable solutions that meet the evolving needs of faculty and students. By optimizing the university's digital footprint, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Clemson Computing & Information Technology enhances the efficiency of academic and administrative processes. The position requires a focus on technological innovation and operational stability, ensuring that the university maintains a competitive edge in the digital age through reliable and advanced computing services.

    Daniela Demas - External Relations Liaison

    Daniela Demas, the External Relations Liaison at Clemson University, manages communication and partnership strategies with external stakeholders to advance the university's mission. By facilitating connections between the university and community organizations, industry partners, and government entities, the External Relations Liaison ensures that the institution maintains a strong public presence. Daniela Demas coordinates outreach programs that highlight the university's science- and engineering-oriented research achievements. This role involves developing strategic messaging and managing public relations campaigns that enhance the university's reputation. By fostering collaborative relationships, the External Relations Liaison supports the university's goal of driving regional economic and social development. The position requires a focus on effective communication and relationship management, ensuring that the university's contributions are recognized and valued by the broader public. Through proactive engagement, the External Relations Liaison strengthens the university's network, creating new opportunities for research collaboration and community involvement that align with the institution's long-term strategic objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Clemson University Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Clemson University?
    Clemson University is led by April Purvis (Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation), along with executives such as Jason Eichelberger (Chief Operating Officer) and Dylan Serafini (Club Basketball President).
    Who is part of Clemson University’s executive team?
    The executive team of Clemson University includes leaders such as April Purvis (Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation), Jason Eichelberger (Chief Operating Officer), Dylan Serafini (Club Basketball President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Clemson University have?
    Clemson University has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Clemson University’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Clemson University includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Clemson University Foundation, Chief Operating Officer, Club Basketball President, Administrative Coordinator & President, Office of, President.