Clemson University. Athletic Council

The Athletic Council began in 1903, although its powers were not defined by the Board of Trustees until 1927. Over the years the size of the council increased from five to twenty-one members, some appointed by the President of the University and others elected from the nine Colleges. Chairmen of the Council whose papers are represented in this series are B.J. Skelton, 1982-1986; Steven Wainscott, 1987-1989; Cecil Huey, 1989-1991; and David Senn, 1991-1993.

In 1902-1903 the Southern Inter-Collegiate Athletic Association, an association of colleges to which Clemson College belonged, recommended that an Athletic Council be formed. Established about 1903, the Council assumed the athletic responsibilities held by the President and distributed them to nine members: two (the president and secretary) elected by students; three faculty representatives chosen by faculty, and four students selected by the President or the faculty. The powers of the Athletic Council were officially defined in the By-Laws of the Board of Trustees in July 1927. The Council had the authority to consider matters pertaining to athletic business, including the power to select coaches, approve budgets, and formulate playing schedules. It also held the authority to award athletic honors. The representation was changed to four students elected by the student body, three members of the faculty appointed by the President; and two alumni appointed by the Alumni Association.

During the 1950's the composition of the Council changed to five members appointed by the President, the Business Manager and Registrar as ex-officio members, and two members elected by the Alumni Association. The Council was given power to elect and define the duties of the head coach, and to set salaries for athletic employees. By the early 1980's the Council consisted of twenty-one members, the majority appointed by the President.