Clemson University has announced the appointment of Dhaval R. Gajjar and Weichiang Pang as the inaugural holders of the Wilbur O. “Billy” and Ann W. Powers Distinguished Professorships. This prestigious recognition follows the transformative gift of $60 million from the Powers family in 2020, marking the largest academic donation in the university’s history. Their contribution aims to enhance the educational landscape and foster faculty excellence across the institution.
The newly established professorships are instrumental in attracting and retaining top academic talent, providing essential support for research, teaching, and outreach initiatives. They also play a vital role in elevating Clemson University’s profile within the academic community and advancing innovation that positively impacts students and the wider community.
Distinguished Professorships Enhance Collaboration
Dhaval R. Gajjar, who will serve as the Wilbur O. “Billy” Powers HD ’04 and Ann W. Powers HA ’25 Distinguished Professor in Construction Science and Management, leads the Center for Roofing Innovation and Leadership. His research emphasizes construction workforce development, sustainability, and industry innovation. Gajjar has successfully secured significant external funding for research, published multiple journal articles, and delivered numerous invited presentations.
“This distinguished professorship provides the support and visibility needed to deepen our partnerships with industry and academia,” Gajjar expressed. “It allows us to pursue innovative research, share knowledge through conferences and collaborations, and work across disciplines to address critical challenges in construction. By connecting education, research, and industry, we can honor the Powers family’s vision by preparing the next generation of construction leaders to build a more sustainable and resilient future.”
Pang has been appointed as the Wilbur O. “Billy” Powers HD ’04 and Ann W. Powers HA ’25 Distinguished Professor in Civil Engineering. He is recognized nationally for his expertise in structural reliability and performance-based engineering. His research focuses on renewable energy and the use of sustainable materials, such as mass timber, in constructing buildings designed to withstand natural hazards like earthquakes and hurricanes.
“The Powers family’s support will help us strengthen the collaboration between civil engineering and construction science and management as we work together to tackle the grand challenges of our time—from affordable housing and climate resilience to workforce innovation in the construction industry,” Pang said. “Through this partnership, we aim to advance modular and prefabricated construction technologies that deliver high quality, reduce waste, and create buildings that are both sustainable and disaster-resilient for the next generation.”
Leadership Applauds the Powers Family’s Vision
Leaders at Clemson University have praised the appointments of Gajjar and Pang, highlighting the significance of the Powers family’s contributions. Ece Erdogmus, founding dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Construction, remarked, “The Powers family’s generosity is helping us build a foundation for long-term excellence by investing in our outstanding faculty and their work. Billy and Ann Powers’ vision—to strengthen collaboration between civil engineering and construction—aligns deeply with the mission of our new College of Architecture, Art, and Construction to integrate art, architecture, engineering, and construction in shaping a more innovative and resilient built environment.”
Anand Gramopadhye, dean of the College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, added, “We are profoundly grateful to Billy and Ann Powers for their visionary generosity. Their enduring support empowers us to recruit and sustain exceptional faculty whose teaching and discovery strengthen Clemson, drive innovation, and create lasting impact for South Carolina and beyond.”
The appointments of Gajjar and Pang reflect Clemson University’s commitment to fostering an academic environment that prioritizes research and collaboration, ensuring that faculty members can effectively contribute to the challenges facing the construction and engineering industries today.
