Thomas C. Alexander

The Clemson Alumni Association has recognized Thomas C. Alexander of Walhalla as one of four recipients of the 2014 Distinguished Service Award, the association’s highest honor.

Distinguished Service Award honorees demonstrate a dedication to enhancing the value of the university for future generations; professional and public service; and personal accomplishments that serve as a model for present and future Clemson students.

Alexander graduated from Clemson in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in economics. He has served as the senator for South Carolina Senate District 1 since 1994. Prior to that, he served in the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1987 to 1994.

Alexander chairs the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee, as well as the Public Utility Review Committee. He also chairs the Health and Human Services Subcommittee and serves on the Senate Finance Committee, the Medical Affairs Committee, the Banking and Insurance Committee and the Joint Bond Review Committee. He holds multiple leadership positions in the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Alexander is also an entrepreneur, owning Alexander Office Supply in Oconee County.

During his Senate career, Alexander has been a strong supporter of Clemson through legislative initiatives to provide funding for Public Service Activities, the Wind Turbine Drivetrain Testing Facility at the Restoration Institute in North Charleston, new research facilities through the South Carolina Research University Infrastructure Act and endowed faculty positions through the SmartState Center of Economic Excellence Program.

He has been recognized with numerous awards over the years, most recently receiving the S.C. Lions Foundation Award, the S.C. Chamber of Commerce Business Advocate Award, the S.C. Commission for the Blind Foundation Legislator of the Year Award and an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from MUSC. In 2012, he received the Legislative Leadership Award from the Clemson Board of Visitors.

Alexander is a member of Walhalla Presbyterian Church and is involved in many local civic organizations, including the Walhalla Chamber of Commerce and the Walhalla Lions Club. He and his wife Lynda have three daughters and 10 grandchildren.