Max Allen Named Honorary Alumnus

The Clemson Alumni Association recognized Max Allen with the designation of Honorary Alumnus of Clemson University. The Honorary Alumnus/a designation is a special recognition reserved for unwavering supporters of Clemson whose passion for the university is undeniable, even though they never officially attended Clemson.

Max Allen, a retired Navy Lieutenant Commander, currently serves as the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff for Clemson University. Since joining Clemson in 2015, Allen has consistently gone above and beyond in his service to the university, stepping into various leadership roles as needed and making significant contributions to the institution’s growth and success.

Allen’s leadership extends to managing the President’s Advisory Board and the President’s Leadership Institute, a nine-month program designed to foster professional and personal leadership within a diverse and inclusive community of faculty and staff. Allen also serves as a CU Grow mentor, a program created to support the development and retention of outstanding staff at the University. Additionally, he oversees the President’s Leadership Circle Fund which assists current undergraduate students experiencing financial hardships with support in finishing their Clemson degree. Allen also created, planned, developed and directed the opening of the Brook T. Smith Launchpad, Clemson’s entrepreneurship hub for faculty, staff, and students.

During his tenure, Allen has filled several key positions, including Interim Vice President for Marketing and Communications, where he led the initiative to establish a stand-alone division for the office. He also served as Interim Vice President for the Division of Inclusion and Equity and coordinated the Board of Visitors from 2017 until 2022. He has recently been asked to serve as the Interim EEO Officer, which also oversees Title IX/ADA. He is leading the way in establishing a new division to house these responsibilities.

Wil Brasington, CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association (CAA), praised Allen’s dedication to Clemson: “In just a decade, Max has made an immeasurable impact on Clemson. He not only steps up when called upon to help make the university a better place, but he has also embraced Clemson as his passion and his home.”

His commitment to service is further demonstrated through his involvement in various committees and councils, including the CU/Prisma Steering Committee. Allen is a staunch advocate for the Clemson Military and Veteran community. He is a member of the 100 Black Men of the Upstate, a member of the Sigma Pi Phi (Delta Beta) fraternity, and has served as past president and board member for the National Association of Presidential Assistants.

“Max Allen is the definition of what it means to be ALL IN for Clemson University,” said University President Jim Clements. “He is an incredible leader with a servant’s heart, and he goes above and beyond every day for our Tigers. I couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award than my Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff, and my dear friend, Max Allen. The Clemson Family is better because of his outstanding loyalty, dedication and commitment to our great University.”

Wil Brasington, CEO of the Clemson Alumni Association (CAA), Ben Moody, Chair of CAA’s Honors and Awards Committee and President Jim Clements personally presented Max with the honorary alumnus designation in Charlotte.

Honorary alumni are carefully selected by the Alumni Association board of directors based on their exceptional service, lifelong devotion, and unwavering loyalty to Clemson University or the Clemson Alumni Association. Nominations for the 2026 Honorary Alumnus/a designation will open in October. To nominate a deserving individual, review past honorees, or access award guidelines, visit the Clemson Alumni website at alumni.clemson.edu/honoraryalum.