College of Arts and Humanities Annual Report 2023-2024

Shaking the Southland

Courses Taught

The Heart of the

NO. 1 STUDENT EXPERIENCE Clemson’s academic core Beyond our degree programs, CAH embraces its role of providing general education and service courses across the University student body, ensuring that every student is equipped with a strong foundation paired with professional and technical skills.

Summer 2024 190 Sections

More than 750 students joined performing arts groups hosted by the Department of Performing Arts in 2023-2024, led by the 350 members of the Tiger Band. Through groups ranging from the Clemson Players to the Clemson Symphony Orchestra to Cantorei, students foster both their artistic talent and a sense of belonging. Tony Stapleton ’76, a founding member of the CU Tiger Band Association (CUTBA), expressed the importance of the band to his Clemson Experience at this year’s CUTBA reunion. “I had some things happen in my personal life and I considered dropping out – but being in that band, having a purpose, being around all those close friends, really helped guide me through,” Stapleton said. The impact of Tiger Band on Clemson culture was also reflected this year when the Clemson University Alumni Association named Tiger Band Director Mark Spede an Honorary Clemson Alumnus. In a letter of support for Spede’s nomination, President Emeritus Jim Barker wrote, “Very few people arrive on our campus as a Tiger. Mark Spede is one of the few. His energy, commitment to excellence and his skills as a teacher have shaped thousands of Tiger Band members and Clemson Alumni.” “I’m convinced that if I hadn’t been in Tiger Band, I would have never graduated Clemson…”

1,615 *

Fall 2023 710 Sections

Spring 2024 715 Sections

*Excludes individual instruction, such as private lessons and dissertation courses

International job fair unites languages, business and engineering More than 150 Clemson University students attended the German and Spanish in International Business and Engineering Conference in Spring 2024 for networking opportunities, panel discussions and a job fair. BMW Principal Lecturer of German Lee Ferrell continues to serve as the lead organizer and founder of the event, which has been running for 13 years. The deputy Consul General of Mexico and the Mexican ambassador to Germany offered remarks.

17th Clemson Literary Festival Mojave American Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Natalie Diaz headlined the 17th annual Clemson Literary Festival in March, celebrating Clemson’s rich literary scene organized by students in the Department of English. It remains the only entirely student-run literary festival in the U.S., according to festival director John Pursley. The festival featured a book fair and readings from students, faculty and visiting writers.

Emmy-award winner enhances choral experience Emmy Award-winning composer Jake Runestad’s residency with the Department of Performing Arts in April was a resounding success, providing students with numerous learning opportunities through teaching clinics ahead of Clemson University Singers and Cantorei premiering his new choral piece “El Aire Baila” in concert. In Fall 2023, the Choral Program commissioned a new work from Runestad for Cantorei and the piano. The department arranged for him to work with students through guest lectures, a masterclass and rehearsals before the CU Singers and Cantorei concert.

Women’s leadership class transforms into empowerment movement An idea in a women’s leadership class has transformed into an effort to promote empowerment across the Clemson University campus. People Advancing Women’s Empowerment (PAWE) was recognized as an official University club in Spring 2024. The club hosts a speaker series of professional women in leadership roles, networking events with other women’s organizations at Clemson and community work with area service organizations. Any Clemson student can join PAWE. Emmy Award-winning composer engages students in one-of-a-kind

No. 1 Student Experience

No. 1 Student Experience

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