End of an Era: Beloved W&M Government Professors Retire
After decades of dedication to William & Mary, Professors Clay Clemens and Sue Peterson, two of the Government Department’s most beloved professors, are retiring. Known throughout the broader W&M community, Professors Clemens and Peterson have made incredible contributions to the College and the lives of countless students and coworkers.
Professor Clemens joined W&M as an instructor in 1985 while pursuing his doctorate at the Fletcher School of Law & Diplomacy at Tufts. He previously received his undergraduate degree in History and Government from W&M, so he was excited to join his former instructors as a coworker and colleague. Professor Clemens’ teaching focus is comparative politics with an emphasis on Europe. His research publications primarily focus on German party politics. In addition to his work as a scholar and teacher, Clemens was a two-time Associate Department Chair, a standing member of more than twenty committees at the College, and an advisor to student organizations such as Mortar Board. His commitment to students was boundless. In addition to being a dedicated teacher, Clemens also did not miss an opportunity to engage in campus life by participating in a Homecoming Parade or Yule Log ceremony. This past May 2024, Professor Clemens was invited by students to speak at the Candlelight Ceremony. It is noteworthy that Clemens has spoken at the ceremony more times than anyone in the history of the College. Speaking at his retirement reception, Ginger Ambler, Vice President for Student Affairs and close friend to Professor Clemens, announced the new Clayton M. Clemens Candlelight Award, which will be presented to a graduating senior who contributes to a sense of community at W&M. Professor Clay Clemens, the Chancellors Professor of Government, retires as Professor Emeritus.
Professor Peterson came to W&M in 1994 shortly after she earned her doctorate from Columbia University. Peterson’s research interests include international relations and security, U. S. and comparative foreign policy, global health, and international relations discipline. As the second woman tenured by the Government Department, Peterson has since served the College with incredible dedication as a scholar, administrator, and educator. Professor Peterson worked as Dean of Educational Policy and, later, Dean of Undergraduate Studies from 2005-2011. After returning to the department, Peterson held other administrative posts including Director of the International Relations Program, and Co-Director (and co-founder) of the Global Research Institute and, just before retiring, Government Department Chair. Speaking at her retirement reception, Professor Michael Tierney stated that these other efforts “pale in comparison to her teaching.” “She has shaped the minds of W&M students for three decades...She does the work inside the classroom, and beyond the classroom, teaching through research by integrating students as full collaborators... Sue is leaving William & Mary much better than she found it.”
Professor Sue Peterson, the Wendy and Emery Reves Professor of Government, retires as Professor Emeritus.
