Clemson University Youth Development Leadership

04/30/2026

Congratulations to the 2026 YDL Student Award Recipients!

The Graduate Student Awards of Excellence recognized outstanding students for their academic achievements, community service, and perseverance. This year’s recipients were (from left) Margaret Middleton, Rachel Gonsalves, Tavaghn Monts, and Emily Goodyear.

The Dean Lawrence R. Allen Professional Contributions to the Field of Youth Development Leadership Award was presented to Tavaghn Monts for his exceptional service in promoting the field of Youth Development.

The M.S. Youth Development Leadership Award, voted on by peers, honored Rachel Gonsalves for her positive influence and communication within the YDL cohort.
Well done to all the award winners! Your hard work and dedication were truly inspiring!

04/30/2026

We recently welcomed our YDL Second Year Cohort back to campus for their culminating visit—and it was another inspiring couple of days!

Students shared presentations highlighting their applied evaluation projects, demonstrating the real-world impact of their work in youth-serving organizations and communities across the country.
The visit also included sessions focused on developing ePortfolios to showcase students’ learning, skills, and growth throughout the program. One of the highlights each year is hearing from YDL alumni about ePortfolio development—this year, Courtney Foster brought it to life with examples and strategies for telling a compelling story of growth and impact.

A central component of the visit was the YDL Awards Banquet, where we had the opportunity to recognize outstanding student accomplishments and hear from YDL alum Sharice Johnson. Her reflections on leadership, persistence, advancing excellence, and navigating the field offered both inspiration and practical insight as students prepare for what’s next.

We’re proud of all this group has accomplished and excited to see them finish strong this summer as they move toward graduation later this year.

04/24/2026

It begins…..!

03/16/2026

03/04/2026

Clemson University Youth Development Leadership graduate Chris Gibbons received the Jack Weiner Leadership Award at the American Camp Association National Conference in San Diego. The award recognizes young professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership in the camp community and in their local ACA offices.

Chris serves as a camp director at Camp Nor'wester in the San Juan Islands of Washington, where he oversees daily operations for staff and campers and helps create a transformative, inclusive camp experience. 🏕️🛶

He also gives back as an ACA volunteer, serving as Emerging Professionals in Camping Chair for the Northwest Local Council of Leaders and as an Accreditation Visitor.

11/18/2025

🌟 Congratulations to Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson, the 2025 recipient of the Youth Development Teaching Award! This award recognizes one outstanding instructor in the Clemson University Youth Development Leadership (YDL) M.S. Degree Program, the YDL Graduate Certificate Program, or the Youth Development Studies minor. Supported by the William H. Quinn Faculty Excellence Fund, it honors exceptional teaching and supports continued professional development.

Dr. Kimberly P. Johnson is a dedicated educator and accomplished children’s book author in the Clemson University College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences. She has written more than 25 children’s books, including No Fear for Freedom: The Story of the Friendship 9 and H.O.M.E. (Hear Our Message Everyone), a collaborative project with students to raise awareness about homelessness.

In YDL courses such as Creative Activities for Youth and Delivering Effective Youth Programs, Dr. Johnson inspires students through her creativity, her commitment to service learning, and her passion for youth development.

We’re proud to have Dr. Johnson shaping the next generation of leaders here at Clemson! 🐅

08/20/2025

Orientation for the 2025 YDL MS cohort included youth development sessions, writing workshops, and team-building at the Clemson Outdoor Lab. 🌿📚🤝

08/17/2025

Introducing the new Clemson YDL Cohort! More pics from the 2025 YDL Orientation coming soon. Go Tigers!

07/25/2025

Meet Rachel Gonsalves, a graduate candidate in our Clemson University Youth Development Leadership MS program.

Rachel will be presenting at the National Family Engagement Summit in Richmond, Virginia, taking place October 29–31. Her session, "Rooted in Relationships: Culturally Responsive Engagement with Immigrant and Refugee Families," will explore how Henrico County Public Schools is building bridges with families through intentional, equity-driven outreach. From community-based initiatives to family advisory councils, Rachel is spotlighting how trust and connection can transform systems of support. 💜

Join us in cheering her on as she shares her important work on a national stage!

06/13/2025

Marian Robinson, PRTM Community Outreach Coordinator was recently honored with the Dr. Beatrice Thompson Legacy Award by the African American Leadership Society (AALS) of United Way of Anderson County. This award celebrates pioneers making lasting change through dedicated advocacy. 🌟

Join us in congratulating Marian as she receives this honor at the Dream Celebration on June 20, 2025.

To learn more, please visit: https://bit.ly/4kKfQvR.

05/13/2025

Congratulations to the 2025 YDL Student Award Recipients!

The Graduate Student Awards of Excellence recognized outstanding students for their academic achievements, community service, and perseverance. This year’s recipients were Elisa Lemack, Christopher Gibbons, Heidi Spohn, and Abbey Linder.

The Dean Lawrence R. Allen Professional Contributions to the Field of Youth Development Leadership Award was presented to Christopher Gibbons for his exceptional service in promoting the field of Youth Development.

The M.S. Youth Development Leadership Award, voted on by peers, honored Elisa Lemack for her positive influence and communication within the YDL cohort.

Well done to all the award winners! Your hard work and dedication were truly inspiring!