Clemson University president Jim Clements announced an immediate retirement at month’s end, citing health and family reasons and ending a 12‑year tenure that included research elevation and enrollment growth. The Clemson board will meet urgently to name an interim leader; Provost Bob Jones, who was preparing to retire, is expected to step into the interim role. The sudden vacancy exposes governing boards to immediate succession pressures and strategic continuity risks. Separately, a sector advisory note highlighted the rising importance of the board professional in presidential searches and transitions. At a time when more than half of college presidents anticipate stepping down within five years, experienced board professionals coordinate confidential communications, manage consultants and help preserve institutional memory during executive turnover. Boards facing unexpected leadership departures should engage their board professional early, charter search committees with clear timelines, and secure interim arrangements that balance continuity with an open national search. Donors, faculty governance and accreditor relations require prompt, transparent briefings to reduce institutional uncertainty.