GREENWOOD, SC--Clemson University has received a $2 million pledge from a private foundation to help fund an endowed chair in human genetics. But, it comes with a challenge: University officials and state leaders will have to work together to address the needed state match requirement in order to receive the gift.
The Self Family Foundation envisions the Greenwood area as a genetic economic cluster, offering businesses genetics expertise, skilled research personnel and research park resources.
The goal is to develop Greenwood Genetics Center as a magnet campus that will attract health-related industries with an education and research component similar to CU-ICAR in Greenville.
“Clemson’s relationship with the internationally recognized Greenwood Genetic Center presents an excellent opportunity to attract a prominent geneticist-scientist in human genetics to fill an endowed position,” said Virginia Preston Self, (middle left photo) foundation chair.
“Over the years we have seen Clemson transform into one of the nation’s leading research universities and are excited about the economic impact our ties with the university and this investment could have on Greenwood and South Carolina.
“It was my late father, Jim Self, who understood the enormous potential of genetics research that led him to help Dr. Roger Stevenson establish the Greenwood Genetics Center over 35 years ago. We hope our pledge will help realize his dream of diversifying Greenwood’s economy and forging an ever stronger relationship between two institutions he deeply cared for.”
Clemson University and the Greenwood Genetic Center are long-time partners in research, education and economic development.
Contact: Peter Kent, pkent@clemson.edu
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