CLEMSON — Big News coming from Clemson University on Tuesday.

Clemson University President Jim Clements announced his retirement effective on Dec. 31. In a letter to his Clemson Family, Clements wrote:

“Serving Clemson University has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. I am deeply grateful for the trust and friendship you have shown me and my family over the years. I have been reflecting over the past several months about our accomplishments and my time here as president. After much consideration and prayer, I have come to the conclusion that it is time for me to step aside and allow the University to begin its next chapter. I have shared with the Board of Trustees my decision to retire as President of Clemson University, effective Wednesday, December 31.”

Clements became Clemson University’s 15th president on Dec. 31, 2013 after serving as president of West Virginia University. Since his arrival, the value of the Tiger Paw has never been higher, driven by the University’s elevated academic reputation and the exposure from Clemson University’s athletic success on the national stage.

The Clemson BOT will host a emergency meeting on Wednesday afternoon to approve an interim president for the rest of the school year.

Under Clements’ leadership, Clemson has raised the bar in academics, admissions, enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, research and fundraising. Through championing Clemson’s bold, strategic plan, Clemson Elevate, Clements is also continuing to elevate the student experience, doubling research and transforming lives across the state of South Carolina and beyond. Clements has also led the way Fiercely Forward in helping to raise nearly $3 billion in private funds during his career, including more than $2 billion since he arrived at Clemson.

Clements is a nationally recognized leader in higher education who has served as president of a university in three different athletic conferences, Big East Conference, Big 12 Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference, where he served as the 2016-17 Chair of the ACC Council of Presidents. He currently serves on the board of directors for the ACC and as one of eleven members on the College Football Playoff Board of Managers.