Clemson University’s outgoing president faced scrutiny for serving on corporate boards, generating questions about conflicts of interest and governance that can implicate public institutions. The president resigned from one board amid public pressure and ethics concerns; the case attracted attention because few public‑college presidents sit on outside corporate boards. The episode prompted broader debate about whether external corporate roles by university leaders expose institutions to reputational or fiduciary risks, especially when board business overlaps with institutional priorities or state policy. Trustees and campus counsel are increasingly asked to weigh disclosure standards and recusal protocols. Universities should review guidance for senior administrators on outside employment, update conflict‑of‑interest policies, and strengthen trustee oversight to prevent similar controversies.