Clemson alum James Rhett Hendricks Jr. to receive Distinguished Service Award

PAWLEY’S ISLAND, SC — The Clemson Alumni Association has announced that James Rhett Hendricks Jr., a retired vice president of Duke Energy and a decorated veteran, will receive its highest honor: the Distinguished Service Award.

The award, to be presented in May 2026, recognizes alumni who exemplify Clemson University’s highest ideals through professional achievement, community service, and lifelong dedication to the institution.

A Legacy of Service and Engineering

Hendricks’ journey with Clemson began in the 1960s. He graduated as a Distinguished Military Graduate in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. Following a brief stint at Exxon, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps during the Vietnam War. His military service earned him several honors, including:

• The Bronze Star for Service

• The Vietnam Service Medal

• The National Defense Service Medal

Upon returning to civilian life, Hendricks continued his education at Clemson, earning a master’s degree in water resources engineering in 1971.

Leading Environmental Stewardship

Hendricks spent much of his professional career at Duke Energy, where he was instrumental in navigating the company through the complexities of environmental compliance and sustainability. His leadership helped Duke Energy become an industry leader in stewardship, specifically regarding electric generation methods.

In 1996, he received the Robinson Award for his efforts in preserving the Jocassee Gorges area. Following his retirement as vice president of environmental, health, and safety policies in 2007, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina Wildlife Federation.

Commitment to the “Clemson Family”

Throughout his career, Hendricks maintained a deep bond with his alma mater. He facilitated partnerships between Duke Energy and Clemson, involving students and faculty in critical engineering projects, and helped establish a Distinguished Professorship in Management Information Systems.

His personal contributions to the university include:

• Leadership Roles: Serving on the boards of the Clemson University Foundation and the Wallace F. Pate Foundation.

• Athletic Support: Over 50 years of membership in IPTAY.

• Philanthropy: Establishing the Jim and Paula Hendricks Family Scholarship Fund to support students in education and tourism management.

Hendricks’ Clemson legacy is a family affair; he is one of six Clemson graduates in his family, with two additional grandsons currently enrolled at the university.

Community Impact

Beyond Clemson, Hendricks has dedicated his time to numerous charitable causes, including the Lowcountry Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Wounded Warriors. He remains an active volunteer and consultant through his firm, Hendricks Consulting LLC.