Clemson University has awarded the prestigious Class of ’39 Award for Excellence to Joseph Ryan, recognizing his significant contributions to the University and the broader community. This accolade, established by the Class of 1939 to mark its 50th anniversary in 1989, honors one faculty member each year for their exceptional achievements over a five-year period.
As the Sue Stanzione Distinguished Professor in the College of Education, Ryan is renowned for founding and directing the ClemsonLIFE (Learning is for Everyone) program. This initiative stands as one of the leading post-secondary education programs in the United States for young adults with intellectual disabilities. Its success has inspired over 100 colleges and universities worldwide to develop or enhance similar programs on their campuses.
Kristin Gehsmann, Dean of the College of Education, praised Ryan’s impact, stating, “Dr. Ryan exemplifies Clemson University’s mission to serve students and our state. His visionary leadership in creating ClemsonLIFE has transformed opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities, and his scholarship and advocacy have influenced policy at the highest levels.”
Ryan’s academic credentials are impressive. In 2024, he served as a U.S. Fulbright Scholar in Ireland and has published over 100 scholarly works. He has spent the last 12 years as editor of the journal Beyond Behavior. His research, particularly in crisis interventions such as restraint and seclusion in schools, has led to the formulation of numerous policies across states including Louisiana, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, as well as proposed federal legislation.
His expertise has also extended to the legal sphere, where he has drafted expert opinions for federal court rulings that have directly affected the safety of students from minority groups and those with disabilities. Ryan has delivered three briefings to the U.S. Congress on behavioral crisis interventions in educational settings, further demonstrating his commitment to improving student welfare.
Beyond academia, Ryan has initiated several adaptive sports programs, including baseball and soccer, and founded the Clemson Letterbox Club, which supports educational opportunities for children in foster care. He also volunteers as a Guardian ad Litem for children who have faced abuse or neglect. A retired Captain in the United States Navy Reserve, Ryan continues to engage with students as a faculty advisor and instructor for the Clemson University Flying Club, the oldest of its kind in the nation.
Ryan’s nomination for the award came from Antonis Katsiyannis, who highlighted his interdisciplinary scholarship in special education, dedication to teaching, and extensive community involvement. “His sustained superior performance and esteemed accomplishments have brought great credit upon himself and Clemson University,” Katsiyannis noted. “Dr. Ryan embodies the spirit of excellence and altruism displayed by the great Class of ’39.”
In his acceptance of the award, Ryan expressed gratitude, saying, “I am extremely honored and humbled to receive the Class of ’39 Award, especially given that the members of this class exemplify the principle of serving others for the greater good. I can only hope that my contributions to Clemson University and the larger community through my teaching, scholarship, and service over the last 20 years could be considered worthy to be a part of this distinguished community of honorees.”
The Class of ’39 reception honoring Ryan will take place on December 16, 2023. In recognition of this achievement, his name will be inscribed on the monument located under the bell at Carillon Garden on Clemson University’s campus, solidifying his legacy within the institution.
