Clemson joins Space Force in new university program to enhance research and recruitment
The Space Force made its way to South Carolina as Clemson University became an official member of the branch's University Partnership Program on Monday.
The sixth and newest branch of the military was founded in 2019 and established the program to identify, develop and retain a diverse, STEM-capable workforce to further its mission to protect U.S. and allied interests in space.
Clemson President Jim Clements said that the university has the ability to be a part of cutting-edge research and advancements that are critical to the Space Force's core mission requirements.
"Partnering with the Space Force will provide our students with the opportunity to engage in a new frontier of military service," Clements said.
"As a research one university, we have a strong focus on STEM. We know the importance of innovation, finding creative solutions."
The partnership program is designed to continue to develop advanced technology and capabilities, ensure that the branch is developing space leaders needed for both the Space Force and the nation and to continue to provide an opportunity for the nation's citizens to grow and develop inside areas of science, technology and engineering.
Universities are selected based on four criteria: the quality of its STEM degree offerings and space-related research laboratories and initiatives; its ROTC program; a diverse student population; and degrees and programming designed to support military, veterans and their families in pursuing higher education.
Clemson's emphasis on space technology and its strong military background contributed to it being selected as a member of the program and the Space Force is no stranger to the university.
Its ROTC program has produced tens of thousands of officers including Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John Raymond and two Air Force generals assigned to Space Force.
Vice Chief of Space Operations General David Thompson said the research and technology created through the partnership will have an impact outside of the military.
"A big part of that challenge involves educating, recruiting and equipping the next generation for service — and that’s why we are here today," Thompson said.
"Any knowledge gained from the Space Force and Clemson working together is ultimately for the benefit of our nation."
Thompson said that some of the specialties that Clemson specifically has to offer are its expertise in space physics, photonics, space environment, space weather and energy storage.
The selected universities include Arizona State University, MIT, Georgia Tech, Purdue University, the University of Texas at Austin/System, The University of Texas at El Paso, Howard University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University the University of North Dakota and the University of South California.
Alexis Hamilton is a Beaufort, SC native covering higher education in the Upstate. Reach her at 727-514-5734 or ahamilton@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Space Force announces partnership with Clemson University
