A few weeks ago, recently appointed WVU president, Jim P. Clements, was named one of UMBC's Top Alumni for 2009. This award, presented annually by UMBC's Alumni Association, considers its candidates on the basis of professional and personal achievements. The Retriever Weekly was lucky enough to be able to interview President Clements about this great honor, before the October 15 reception rewarding Clements and other the other alumni recipients.

The Retriever Weekly: First of all, how did you feel when you heard you were chosen as one of the top alumni at UMBC?

Jim P. Clements: I was thrilled! It's a great honor. UMBC is such a great university, and I'm very proud of my award and my education that I've received.

TRW: As president of WVU, how did UMBC contribute to your success if it did at all?

JPC: Oh, absolutely. UMBC taught me many things- how to think critically, how to be creative, and how to write and communicate. I applied everything I learned at UMBC at my former position in Towson, and these same skills played a major role in getting me where I am today.

TRW: How does it feel to be president of a University?

JPC: Honestly, it feels awesome. In addition to having a great [student body], WVU also possesses top-notch academics, athletics, and has an all around [positive] atmosphere. Basically, I just love what I'm doing.

TRW: Did you ever think you would receive such an honor during your time at UMBC?

JPC: No, not at all! In fact, I was shocked when I got the call! It never crossed my mind. I'm very humbled and thrilled that I was chosen.

TRW: What are your feelings about UMBC being named (by U.S. News & World Report) as one of the top up and coming national universities?

JPC: Dr. Freeman Hrabowski is an excellent leader, so I think it's very well-deserved. He set a vision, which the campus stepped up to meet, and it's done nothing but gotten better [over time]. It makes me feel as if the value of my degree has been raised.

TRW: What initially drew you to UMBC? What made you decide to go there?

JPC: Growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money, so my choices were limited to staying in state. UMBC is an institution with a strong suit in their academic and science programs, and their computer science track seemed like a perfect fit for a guy who was interested in that sort of thing. The school has wonderful professors, and I received a great education, so I have nothing but good things to say.

TRW: What did you plan on majoring in? What did you actually major in?

JPC: As an undergrad, I majored in computer science at UMBC. I earned three of my four degrees here; a B.S. in computer science, and a M.S. and Ph.D. in operations analysis, even though I think it goes by a different name now.

TRW: What about the fourth degree?

JPC: For my masters, I focused on computer science at Johns Hopkins.

TRW: What was you favorite thing about UMBC while attending?

JPC: I loved everything about UMBC: The top-notch professors, being in environment where people cared, but I guess my favorite thing would be the education that I received in the classroom.

TRW: What is the hardest thing about being University President?

JPC: The hardest thing about being a university president is that WVU is a very big, very complex place. We have a medical school, a law school, and a dental school, so because I'm fairly new to both the area and the school, it takes some getting used to. I'm still trying to learn more about the institution.

TRW: Well, what is the easiest?

JPC: There isn't really an easy thing about being university president, but I really enjoy the people aspect of my job. I love working and listening to the people, taking suggestions on how to improve the university. The goal here is to transform lives [so that], students who were thinking of dropping out can graduate, go to medical school, earn a PhD, etc. I was very lucky [to have] Dr. Hrabowski as a great mentor and UMBC president, and will continue to emulate his leadership skills [throughout my time] here at WVU.

TRW: Any advice for the students here at UMBC?

JPC: Yes: think big, dream big, and believe in yourself in whatever you do. Have fun, but work hard. If you keep all of these things in mind, nothing can stop you.