Bea Edwards
Clemson University alumnus Jim Edwards ’71 has donated $650,000 to the University to be split between Clemson Libraries and the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
The portion of the gift for the Libraries — $150,000 — will establish the Beatrice “Bea” Squires Edwards Library Endowment in memory of Edwards’ late wife, Bea, who was a librarian and media specialist. Her career in library science began at Cooper Library when the two were newlyweds and Edwards was still an undergraduate working towards his B.S. degree in agricultural economics and serving in Army ROTC to become a commissioned officer.
The Edwards were high school sweethearts in their hometown of Aynor, South Carolina, and married when Jim was a junior at Clemson. At the time, Bea was attending Spartanburg Junior College but put her education on hold after they were married.
Jim and Bea Edwards in 1971
“Bea sought employment to help pay some of our expenses, so she applied to a job at the library. She was hired to work in government documents at Cooper Library, and she loved it,” said Edwards. “Clemson became our new home, and the library was a special place for Bea.”
After graduating, Edwards was commissioned and served in the Signal Corps for the Army at Fort Gordon in Georgia. After his time in the Army, the Edwards moved to Statesboro, Georgia, where Jim was employed by International Minerals and Chemical Corporation. Bea pursued her career at Georgia Southern University working in the library. Jim spent the majority of his career with Elanco/DowAgrosciences. Bea eventually returned to school, completing her library science degree at Eastern Carolina University and becoming an elementary school librarian. She later went on to complete a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University.
Jim’s career provided multiple opportunities for assignments in the midwest, southeast, and mid-south, as well as an international assignment in Europe for four years. Bea worked for several school libraries along the way. The Edwards had two sons — Adam and Kris — and the family settled in Zionsville, Indiana, where Bea served as head librarian and media specialist for Zionsville Community Schools. In that role, she was responsible for developing and building libraries for two brand new middle schools.
Bea passed away in 2012 after two bouts of cancer. Edwards wanted to honor her memory by supporting the place where she started her quest for a successful career.
Jim and Bea Edwards in 2009
“She absolutely loved her work, and she loved the students. She loved that she got to work with all of the kids instead of just one classroom,” he said. “She made a major difference in a lot of people’s lives, and it all started with that job at Cooper Library.”
The endowment will provide unrestricted support for the Libraries that can be used for supplies, student assistants, technology, books or subscriptions.
“I am so grateful to Jim Edwards for his support, that will allow us to direct funds to the areas where they can make the biggest impact,” said Clemson Libraries Dean Chris Cox. “I never had the pleasure of meeting Bea Edwards, but I do take pride in knowing that her incredible career in libraries started here at Clemson. It sounds like she made a tremendous impact on a lot of students.”
The remaining $500,000 of the gift will be split between the James K. Edwards ’71 Scholarship Endowment, which provides assistance to CAFLS students, and the James K. Edwards ’71 Endowment for Student Success, which will support experiential learning opportunities such as internships, study abroad and other educational opportunities outside of the classroom.
Jim and Marsha Edwards with Clemson University President Jim Clements (center)
Growing up in a small town on his family’s farm, Edwards said his time at Clemson “opened my eyes to the world,” and he hopes his gift will help provide that same opportunity to students today.
“My Clemson education was the catalyst for me to pursue agricultural business around the world. You can build a great career if you start with a strong foundation. Clemson was that foundation for our lives, and it’s why I wanted to establish these endowments,” he said.
“Mr. Edwards’ story is a powerful example of how a Clemson education can open doors, change lives and inspire bold futures. By investing in scholarships and hands-on learning, he’s helping ensure future CAFLS students not only see the world but also shape it. We’re deeply grateful for his vision and commitment,” said Matt Holt, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences.
Edwards is now retired and lives in Bluffton, South Carolina, with his wife Marsha.
Edwards’ gift is part of the Fiercely Forward capital campaign.
About Fiercely Forward Capital Campaign
Clemson University is embarking on its most ambitious campaign to date, Fiercely Forward. It’s a call to action. A spark to ignite the potential within each of us. A testament to a legacy that began in 1889 and has led to Clemson becoming one of the most innovative research institutions in the nation. Fiercely Forwardwill create a future where brilliant minds launch into lives of purpose and significance, where cutting-edge research unlocks the mysteries of human potential, and where ingenuity and innovation forge a better tomorrow for all. With a dedication to academic excellence, state-of-the-art facilities, and an unmatched student experience, we charge Fiercely Forward toward tomorrow’s breakthroughs.
For more information, visit FiercelyForward.clemson.edu.