Fifth cohort of CU Grow graduates from staff development program

In a room full of CU Grow graduates and their supporters, you can likely pick out Ryan Best. He's the lone cohort member in uniform as an officer and K9 handler with the Clemson University Police Department.

Best was one of 24 2024 CU Grow cohort members to graduate from the program on November 5 at the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex.

"I'm still very much an introvert, but [this program] has pushed me to be more extroverted," said Best. "It is a good cohort, and it was easy for us to bounce ideas off each other."

The University recognized the cohort for their year of accomplishments during a graduation ceremony, where speakers included President Clements and chief human resources officer Ale Kennedy.

President Clements addressed cohort graduates, along with Ale Kennedy, chief human resources officer, and Dr. Bill McCoy, director of the Rutland Institute for Ethics.

"Each of you has unique talents that help to make Clemson a great University," said President Clements. "CU Grow has given you a chance to develop your talents, and I appreciate all of the work that you have done to further develop your talents so you can better understand how to best use them in the workplace and make an even greater impact in the world."

As part of the event, graduates participate in a "project showcase," presenting the culmination of a year of hard work to those in attendance.

Best spent his year collaborating with the ClemsonLIFE program. He was already the liaison officer for the program and its students but decided to use his CU Grow project as an opportunity to support them in new ways.

While Best is familiar with the program and its students, many of his fellow officers don't have daily interactions with that population, and he recognized an opportunity for an enhanced relationship.

Through his partnership, he was able to make three immediate impacts.

He partnered with ClemsonLIFE students and their families to capture important information about each student in the CUPD system so officers responding to calls involving ClemsonLIFE students are better equipped to support them and their needs.

He also developed in-house training for CUPD officers so they are better equipped to support the needs of students across campus. He hopes to expand that training and relationship-building opportunities to outside agencies in the future.

"We've gotten feedback from parents that were really appreciative, and we also got a lot of positive feedback from our officers [after the training]," said Best.

"Officer Best's dedication and support have transformed the ClemsonLIFE program, fostering a safe and inclusive environment for our staff and students," said Erica Walters, ClemsonLIFE's program director. "His commitment to building relationships and encouraging personal growth has not only enriched our campus but has also empowered our students to thrive. Through his guidance, we've seen remarkable progress, making Clemson University a place where everyone feels safe, valued and supported."

One of many benefits of the CU Grow program is the exposure and involvement of units and team members from across the University's many departments and teams.

This year's cohort brought together individuals from 20 departments across divisions and colleges. Representing a myriad of skillsets, CU Grow cohorts are an exciting picture of the breadth of talent present across Clemson University.  

"One of the most powerful aspects of CU Grow is how it bridges connections across departments-strengthening collaboration among established partners and creating new opportunities between those that might not otherwise work together," said Kristen Finley, talent and organizational development specialist in the Office of Human Resources. "Through these partnerships, participants like Ryan bring fresh perspectives to their roles, driving meaningful change that truly impacts the Clemson community."

As a member of CUPD, Best's day job looks different than many of his classmates, but the exposure to others around campus allowed him to stretch himself personally and professionally.

"When I did the Public Safety Leadership Development Series, I was with members of the fire department, law enforcement, emergency management…all with the same mindset. We see scenarios the same," said Best. "I've had to do a lot more thinking how I can apply this to my job."

Reflecting on the yearlong program, Best says it stretched and challenged him, allowing him to do what the program's name truly suggests: grow.

 "There was a lot involved and a lot of juggling with my day-to-day [responsibilities]," said Best. But, he said, "My buddies have made notes that they can tell I've been listening in my classes."

2024 CU Grow Graduates

• Michael Alphonso - Software Development Architect, CCIT

• Rachel Anderson - Associate Director - Peer Learning Support Programs, Academic Success Center

• Ryan Best - Police Officer and K9 Handler, CUPD

• Kathy Breffle - Manager of Financial Operations, Advancement

• Gabrielle Compton - Recruitment Marketing Coordinator, Marketing and Communications

• John Davis - Special Projects Coordinator, Facilities Landscape Services

• Kristy Dickinson - Administrative Coordinator, VIPR-GS

• Shawna Fowler - Data Visualization Engineer, CCIT

• Angela Gambrell - Compliance Analyst, University Compliance and Ethics

• Khristy Glover - Assistant Director of Operations and Strategic Development, Regulatory Services

• Rebecca Hedden - Reporting and Staff Development Coordinator, Cooperative Extension Service

• Anthony Herrera - Woodland Cemetery Superintendent, Land and Capital Asset Stewardship

• Shaw Hipsher - Communications Coordinator, Advancement Marketing, Communications and Events

• Caren Kelley-Hall - Associate Director, Center for Career and Professional Development

• Job Miller - Senior Programmer, CCIT - ESA

• Mallory Mitcham - HR Service Manager, Office of Human Resources

• Mary Erin Morrissey - Director of Inclusive Excellence Initiatives and Engagement, Finance and Operations

• Rooksana Noorai - Assistant Director of Bioinformatics, Biological Sciences

• Lisa Robinson - Associate Vice President of Operations, Clemson University Foundation

• Shay Vinson - Student Services Coordinator, School of Architecture

• Stephanie Vitalis - Director of Strategic Academic Initiatives, College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

• Melissa Webb - Assistant Supervisor, Facilities - Custodial

• Candace Weisner - Office Manager - School of Computer Engineering and Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences

• Theodore Zee Sr. - Nursery Operations Coordinator, Plant Industry

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