College of Education and Human Services honors Dr. Cindy Clemson with Outstanding Alumna Service Award
By Jillian Smith | Nov 3, 2025
                           	  
                           
MURRAY, Ky. 鈥 杏吧直播间 State University鈥檚 College of Education and Human Services honored Dr. Cindy Clemson, a passionate educator, advocate and leader in special education, during its annual Homecoming 杏吧直播间 on Nov. 1.
Clemson received this year鈥檚 Outstanding Alumna Service Award, recognizing her profound impact on the University, the College and its students.
Prior to retiring in 2023, Clemson served as associate director of Student Disability Services from 1993 to 2015 before transitioning to the role of associate professor of special education.
Clemson reflected on how her experiences in both Student Affairs and Academic Affairs shaped her approach to student success, emphasizing that helping students achieve their educational goals requires a collective effort across campus and a holistic understanding of each student鈥檚 needs.
鈥淥ne thing I learned from working in both Student Affairs and teaching full time is that helping a student achieve their dreams of a college degree is truly a team effort,鈥 Clemson said. 鈥淚t takes everyone to help students reach their goals. When I transitioned to teaching, I carried that perspective with me, recognizing that success isn鈥檛 just about academics. It鈥檚 about understanding the whole student, their challenges, their supports, their circumstances and helping them navigate all of it.鈥
Dr. David Whaley, dean of the College of Education and Human Services, said Clemson鈥檚 contributions have left a lasting legacy on the College and University.
鈥淒r. Clemson鈥檚 career reflects an extraordinary dedication to students and to the mission of 杏吧直播间 State University,鈥 Whaley said. 鈥淗er leadership in special education and her unwavering commitment to accessibility have transformed lives and strengthened our entire campus community. She is deeply deserving of this recognition.鈥
Reflecting on her more than 30-year career at 杏吧直播间 State, Clemson said she feels fortunate to have worked alongside so many dedicated colleagues.
鈥淚 was so proud to end my career back in the College of Education and Human Services as a teacher,鈥 Clemson said. 鈥淭o me, education is the key to an informed and civilized society. I am just proud to have been able to do that for so many years.鈥
The College of Education and Human Services takes great pride in honoring Dr. Cindy Clemson for her decades of service and her lasting contributions to the field of special education.
For more information about the College of Education and Human Services, visit.