From collection Member List
Walter Merritt Riggs was president of Clemson University and founder of Clemson’s first football team. Born on January 24, 1873, Riggs grew up in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Between 1890 and 1894, Riggs studied at Auburn University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering. During college, Riggs was active in numerous extracurricular activities: he was a member of Alabama Beta Chapter, played on Auburn’s first football team (coached by fellow Phi Delt George Petrie), served as class president, and was director of the glee club. After graduating in 1894, Riggs started his career in higher education as an instructor at Auburn University.
In 1896, Riggs accepted a position at Clemson University as an engineering professor. During his time at Clemson, he created and coached the first football team and served as president of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1912. He hired John W. Heisman away from Auburn to Clemson.
Riggs was named president of Clemson University in 1909. In this role, he worked to further the college’s success and acclaim. He started an architectural studies program, granted women admission into summer agricultural courses, and created a student affairs department. Over the course of this presidency, Clemson University's admission doubled.
Walter Merritt Riggs passed away on January 22, 1924. Riggs Hall at Clemson University is named in his honor.
In 1896, Riggs accepted a position at Clemson University as an engineering professor. During his time at Clemson, he created and coached the first football team and served as president of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Association in 1912. He hired John W. Heisman away from Auburn to Clemson.
Riggs was named president of Clemson University in 1909. In this role, he worked to further the college’s success and acclaim. He started an architectural studies program, granted women admission into summer agricultural courses, and created a student affairs department. Over the course of this presidency, Clemson University's admission doubled.
Walter Merritt Riggs passed away on January 22, 1924. Riggs Hall at Clemson University is named in his honor.
