James H. Stovall ’51
The Clemson Alumni Association presented James H. Stovall of Greenville with the 2017 Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor for a Clemson graduate.
“Jim Stovall sets an extraordinary example of what a Clemson graduate can accomplish,” said Clemson University President James P. Clements. “He was a pioneer and leader in his career, he is a dedicated public servant who gives back tirelessly to his community, and he is a loyal and devoted Clemson supporter. We are exceedingly proud to call him part of the Clemson family.”
Stovall graduated Clemson in 1951 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and, after serving with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in Korea, went on to receive one of the first master’s in environmental engineering from Georgia Tech. A pioneer in air pollution control and environmental engineering, Stovall has also volunteered significant time and talents to charitable organizations in Greenville and Anderson, as well as served his alma mater.
Active in the Clemson Alumni Association since graduation, Stovall served on the Golden Tiger Reunion Class’ finance committee. He is an avid supporter of Clemson’s military traditions: he joined the Clemson Corps; was on the committee that created Military Heritage Plaza; chaired the committee responsible for Basketball Military Appreciation Day; has organized the ROTC Seniors’ Recognition Dinner; and contributes to a scholarship for Army and Air Force ROTC.
Stovall’s community service is rooted in a passion for Christian education and helping those who have less. He was a Boy Scout Troop Leader and District Commissioner for Upstate South Carolina. He volunteered at the Greenville Salvation Army for many years, including as chairman of the advisory board and capital campaign leader, and helped raise funds to build the Ray & Joan Kroc Community Center.
Stovall is a lifetime trustee at Anderson University, where he has served as chairman of the board of trustees, vice chairman of the presidential search committee and member of the committees that built the Thrift Library and Student Center. Additionally, he has led dozens of church mission trips, served as a deacon in many Baptist churches and served on the executive committee of the S.C. Baptist Convention.
The prestigious Clemson Alumni Distinguished Service Award is based on three main criteria: personal and professional accomplishments; dedication and service to Clemson University; and devotion to community and public service. Members of the Clemson family nominate potential winners, who are then selected by the Clemson Alumni Association as outstanding alumni, public servants and examples to others.
“Jim Stovall’s technical acumen, visionary leadership and professional service have had a positive impact on the lives of residents of the state of South Carolina, the Southeast and nationally. He is most deserving of the recognition of the Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award,” wrote retired Greenville-based architect F. Earle Gaulden (’51).
Stovall and his wife, Gloria, live in Greenville. They have three children: Beth, Jim Jr. and Steven, and five grandchildren, including twins who will be attending Clemson this August.