On October 24, 2025, Clemson University announced that J. Cole Smith will become the new executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. This decision came after the compensation committee of the board of trustees approved his appointment. Dr. Smith takes the place of Robert H. Jones, who has been serving as provost for 11 years.
University president Jim Clements expressed excitement over Dr. Smith’s return, praising him as a respected faculty member and researcher. “We are enthusiastic about welcoming him back to Clemson,” he said. Clements also acknowledged the efforts of the search committee and the contributions of Dr. Jones during his tenure.
Windsor Sherrill, who chaired the search committee, noted the high interest in the position, highlighting the caliber of candidates that applied.
Before returning to Clemson, Dr. Smith was the dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at Syracuse University. He previously held roles at Clemson, including associate provost and chair of the Department of Industrial Engineering. His academic journey includes a PhD from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree from Clemson.
Sarah White, president of the Clemson faculty senate, praised Dr. Smith’s collaborative leadership style. “We look forward to working with him to support faculty and enhance the university’s mission,” she said.
As Clemson’s 10th chief academic officer, Dr. Smith will focus on enriching the learning experience and advancing Clemson’s role as a leading public research institution.
Dr. Smith shared his enthusiasm for returning to Clemson, calling it a dream to lead the university’s academic agenda. “Clemson has a unique opportunity to inspire students with practical education and innovative research,” he noted.
Clemson University is known for its rigorous academic environment, serving over 20,000 undergraduates and nearly 6,000 graduate students. It continually ranks high among public universities, being placed 24th by U.S. News & World Report. The university offers over 80 majors and maintains a student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1.
Funk Associates, the executive search firm that facilitated the appointment, specializes in higher education leadership roles. The firm is recognized for breaking barriers in recruiting diverse candidates for senior positions, including efforts to recruit more women and minorities in higher education. R. William Funk, the firm’s founder, has been recognized in major publications for his significant contributions to college executive recruitment.
This appointment comes at a crucial time for Clemson as it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of higher education and student needs. In a world where student engagement and innovative research are paramount, Dr. Smith’s leadership is anticipated to steer Clemson toward new successes.
For more about current trends in higher education and leadership, you can check data and insights from the U.S. Department of Education.
