The ’41 Studio
The Pearce Center is housed in the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication, an innovative space for learning, teaching and research. The Studio’s goal is to bring together the study and practice of the communicative arts in new and exciting ways.
Tour the Studio
About Roy Pearce
Roy Pearce (1919-2004), President of Clemson University’s Class of 1941, always maintained that his professional success was a direct result of his communication skills. Throughout his life, Pearce was a leader in the Clemson community, serving as President of the Clemson Alumni Association and of the CU Foundation. Clemson awarded him an honorary doctorate, the Distinguished Service Award, the President’s Award and in 1991, the Clemson Medallion, the University’s highest honor. Pearce strongly believed that all students should have an opportunity to develop effective communication skills.
In 1989, he and his wife, Marnie, established the R. Roy and Marnie Pearce Center for Professional Communication at Clemson. The Pearces envisioned a center whose mission was to help prepare students for the communication challenges they would face as professionals in their chosen fields. In 2001, Pearce’s graduating class endowed the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication, which opened its doors in Daniel Hall in 2004.
Speakers and Colloquia
The Pearce Center for Professional Communication is committed to enhancing the cultural and intellectual climate of Clemson University. To this end, the Pearce Center regularly sponsors visiting speakers and series that expose Clemson students and faculty to nationally and internationally recognized figures in all fields of humanistic inquiry and multiple professions including communications, education, government, journalism, marketing, public relations and publishing.
Alan Alda Center Faculty Workshop
In March 2021, the Pearce Center hosted a virtual faculty workshop through the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science called “The Essentials.” The three-hour workshop focused on effective communication strategies and techniques; it was particularly designed for faculty who need to present science research to non-specialist audiences, including grantees, collaborators in other fields and public audiences. Aimed at research scientists and practitioners who want to help others explore science and its significance, attendance was limited to 16 participants who were nominated to apply with at least one faculty member from every college on campus.
Doctoral Writing Workshop
In July 2020, the Pearce Center partnered with the Graduate School to host a virtual three-day workshop on writing for doctoral students. Keynote speaker Joli Jensen gave a presentation on the myths that often hinder writing, the importance of establishing daily writing habits and the benefits of writing groups. Three Pearce Center representatives – Dr. Bushnell, Phil Randall and Megan Pietruszewski – gave presentations on revision strategies, writing with concision, peer revision, conclusions, abstracts and voice and tone in writing. Each day concluded with a writing workshop in which students set personal writing goals and implemented the tips from the day in their writing.
14-Day Writing Challenge
In collaboration with the Graduate School, the Pearce Center hosted a 14-Day Writing Challenge that provided an opportunity for students and faculty to experiment with daily writing in a supportive environment. Inspired by the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, the goal is to write for at least 30 minutes every day for 14 days. At the end of that time, everyone is encouraged to evaluate whether the challenge increased or decreased productivity and if participation in a community challenge impacted personal enjoyment of the writing process.