Our Mission
The Pearce Center promotes effective communication as an integral part of the learning process throughout Clemson University undergraduate and graduate education. The Center offers undergraduate client-based internships, professional development for graduate teaching assistants and faculty writing workshops. The Center has plans for a revitalized professional editing service and recently introduced a new Visual Information Design internship to help Clemson students with visual projects. Our work is thoroughly and consistently interdisciplinary, collaborative and project-based.
Our History
Mr. Roy Pearce (1919-2004), President of Clemson University’s class of 1941, maintained that his professional success was directly related to his effectiveness as a communicator. Most noteworthy was his involvement in a family business that became one of the largest businesses in South Carolina. However, his legacy lives on through the creation of the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication.
After graduating from Clemson in 1941, Pearce went on to stay very active in the Clemson community. He used his communication skills to serve as President of the Clemson Alumni Association and Clemson Foundation Board. He received the Distinguished Service Award, an honorary doctorate and the Clemson President’s Award. In 1991, he received Clemson’s highest honor: the Clemson Medallion.
Outside of Clemson, Pearce served as vice-chairman of the South Carolina State Development Board, President of the Rotary Club and Director of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. Pearce attributed his success in these roles to his ability to communicate effectively.
Pearce held a firm belief that all students should have an opportunity to become effective communicators. He envisioned a center whose mission was to prepare students for the communication challenges they would face as professionals in their chosen disciplines. In 1989, in recognition of Clemson’s contribution to his development as a communicator, the Pearces established the endowment for the R. Roy and Marnie Pearce Center for Professional Communication at Clemson University.
Our Goals
WAC/WID Initiatives:
- Enhancing communication and Writing Across the Curriculum at Clemson through student-driven initiatives such as the Grad WAC Fellows and Client-Based Programs
- Supporting faculty across campus that are teaching or conducting research in communication and Writing In the Disciplines
- Sponsoring funded projects that emphasize writing to learn as well as oral, visual and digital communication
Student Initiatives:
- Giving students experience writing, editing, designing and producing print and digital publications
- Providing space and technology in the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication that allows for collaborative work
- Encouraging the use of multimodal technologies to enhance teaching and learning
Sponsorship Initiatives:
- Offering workshops designed to improve the communication abilities and skills of students and faculty members who teach writing and communication
- Securing resources through foundation grants, private gifts and corporate partnerships
Have a question or want to talk to the Pearce Center staff about a potential project?