09/30/2026
Meet Dr. Kelly Best Lazar, an Associate Professor with a joint appointment in Engineering & Science Education and Environmental Engineering & Earth Sciences. After first coming to Clemson as a postdoctoral researcher in January 2016, Dr. Lazar has now been part of the Clemson community for more than 10 years.
Dr. Lazar became involved in Faculty Senate to learn more about how the University works and better understand the systems that impact her, her students, and her department. She says that experience has already proven valuable.
As a Lead Senator, one of her priorities this year is continuing to improve communication between Faculty Senate and the many groups it serves, especially faculty. She wants faculty to know what Faculty Senate is working on and how they can reach out when they have questions or concerns. As Dr. Lazar puts it, “Faculty Senate is here to help.” Even when senators may not immediately know the answer, they will work to find one.
Outside of Clemson, Dr. Lazar loves escape rooms and says Greenville has some of the best in the country! She also enjoys traveling and reading and is currently trying to finish a book before its movie adaptation comes out next month.
One of Dr. Lazar’s favorite parts of Clemson is working with faculty, staff, and students who care about each other and want to leave places better than they found them. She especially enjoys seeing Clemson students go on to make a difference and hearing what they have been up to when they return to visit.
We’re excited to spotlight Dr. Lazar and learn more about the Faculty Senators serving Clemson this year!
