Clemson's highest honor goes to 2 men, including former Sumter doctor

Clemson University's highest honor, the Clemson Medallion, was awarded by the Clemson University Board of Trustees to two outstanding alumni - Dr. John J. "J.J." Britton, an obstetrics and gynecology specialist and Clemson University Board of Trustees Emeritus, and Gosnold G. "Goz" Segars Jr., former director and active honorary board member of the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors (2006-2016) and founding director of the Clemson University Land Stewardship Foundation.

Britton, a Sumter native and resident, and Segars were honored for their contributions at a Clemson Medallion Gala on Saturday, Aug. 3.

Every two years, the Board of Trustees seeks nominations for the Clemson Medallion and has awarded it to 43 individuals who have contributed exceptional service, support and commitment to Clemson University. Recipients exemplify the dedication and foresight of university founder Thomas Green Clemson.

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees, we are thrilled to honor J.J. Britton and Goz Segars with the Clemson Medallion. Dr. Britton and Mr. Segars are examples of what it means to give back selflessly. They give of their time, their talents and their treasures, and Clemson is better because of their commitment," Clemson Board of Trustees Chair Kim Wilkerson said. "Our board looks forward to recognizing both of these exemplary recipients as we honor them with Clemson's highest honor, the Clemson Medallion."

Clemson University President James P. Clements also expressed his support for Britton and Segars, recognizing their legacy of service and leadership.

"The Clemson Medallion is our university's highest honor and recognizes individuals whose dedication and commitment to Clemson have made a significant and lasting impact in the lives of our Tigers. This year's recipients, Trustee Emeritus Dr. J.J. Britton and Mr. Goz Segars, have been and continue to be incredible leaders at Clemson, and they have created a legacy that will last a lifetime. It is an honor to call these individuals my friends, and I look forward to celebrating them as our newest Clemson Medallion recipients," he said.

Britton graduated with honors from Clemson with a Bachelor's Degree in Pre-professional Studies in 1958. He went on to earn an M.D. from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1962. Since then, he has played vital roles in some of Clemson's proudest achievements as an institution.

Britton served as vice president for the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors from 1988-1989, and he began his service with the Clemson University Board of Trustees in 1982, where he was elected as vice chairman from 1985-86 and 1991-93. Britton was recognized by the Clemson Alumni Association with the Distinguished Service Award in 1985 for his devotion to his profession, public service and Clemson University.

In 1975, Britton became treasurer of the Sumter County Clemson Club, a group for alumni, parents and friends who all share a passion for the university. He is also a member of the Clemson Legacy Society, an IPTAY District representative and has served on the Hobcaw Barony Board of Trustees since 2019.

Britton's commitment to excellence, leadership and service has left a lasting impact on Clemson University. Since he joined Clemson's Board of Trustees 42 years ago, Britton has worked with seven of the university's 15 presidents, and the university's enrollment of 13,000 students in 1984 increased to 26,000 in 2021.

James F. Barker, former president of Clemson University, president emeritus and professor emeritus of architecture, who received the Clemson Medallion in 2016, wrote in his letter of recommendation for Britton:

"Dr. Britton's devotion to Clemson began as an undergraduate, and it continues today. I can think of few people who have given more generously of their time, energy and talent to Clemson than J.J. Britton. He was an inspiration to me during my service as a president, and he continues to be an inspiration to me today."

Born in Sumter, Britton served his entire professional career - 57 years - as a gynecologist in Sumter to include a few years at Shaw Air Force Base. He retired in February and still lives in Sumter.

He said he was quite surprised and humbled to receive the honor and thanked family, friends and coworkers through the years for allowing him to stay involved at Clemson.

"There are many people who have supported and encouraged me through the years in my service at Clemson, and that includes family and friends and also my physician partners who helped me have the time off to be engaged with the university," Britton said.

Segars Jr. earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy at Clemson in 1966. He went on to build a remarkable career in real estate, industrial development and management, and agriculture through his leadership in the many Segars family businesses.

Since beginning its work in Darlington County in 1901 with a small general store and farming operation, the Segars family has expanded its enterprise into several businesses, including Segars Realty, Segars Development, Carolina Irrigation Solutions and Segars Farms. In addition to owning these operations, Goz Segars also holds the title of president for each.

In 2003, Segars was appointed to the Clemson University Board of Visitors and served until 2006, when he was elected to serve on the Clemson University Foundation Board of Directors. From 2006-2016, he held multiple leadership positions on the foundation board, including vice chair (2010-12), chair (2012-14) and past chair (2014-16).

Segars also serves and has held leadership positions on the Clemson University Real Estate Foundation as well as the Clemson University Land Stewardship Foundation boards of directors. He was a founding director of CULSF and has continued to serve as a director since 2010 and has additionally served as the vice chair (2017-19), chair (2019-2021) and past chair (2021-23). He also held multiple leadership positions with CUREF, serving on the CUREF board since 2006.

In 2012, the Segars family generously gave $1.5 million to support scholarships, fellowships and student engagement programs in Clemson University's College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences as part of "The Will to Lead" campaign. Clemson is eternally grateful for the support and commitment of the Segars family to the university.

For his incredible accomplishments at Clemson, Segars has been recognized by the university with multiple awards, including Clemson's Institutional Advancement Award (2011), Clemson Alumni Association's Distinguished Service Award (2012), the Ruby C. McSwain Outstanding Philanthropist Award (2013) and the Margaret Lloyd Award (2022).

Clemson University Trustee E. Smyth McKissick III, chairman of Alice Company, who received the Clemson Medallion in 2014, wrote in his letter of recommendation for Segars:

"Among his commitments and service to Clemson, Goz has been a dependable partner that the Board of Trustees has trusted in its efforts to elevate the university. He has made and upheld his commitments to our university as a valued leader and thoughtful philanthropist, and he has contributed significant service to Clemson as a notable volunteer across campus."

The Sumter Item staff writer Bruce Mills contributed to this report.