Clemson appoints Wechter to lead Sandhill Research Center temporarily

Patrick Wechter has been named interim director of Clemson University's Sandhill Research and Education Center in Columbia.

The appointment takes effect on November 1, 2026. Wechter succeeds Kathy Coleman, who held the director position from 2015 through the present.

Wechter will retain his current role as director of the Coastal Research and Education Center in Charleston while managing Sandhill on an interim basis. Carlyle Brewster, the interim associate dean for research and director of the Clemson Experiment Station, confirmed the transition. Brewster noted that Wechter's experience leading the Coastal REC and his background in agricultural research position him for the role. He also cited Wechter's willingness to take on the additional responsibility to provide continuity during the transition.

Wechter holds a background in plant pathology and vegetable crop research. Before joining Clemson, he spent 18 years as a research plant pathologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Research Service. He earned his master's and doctoral degrees in plant pathology from Clemson.

Sandhill was established in 1926. It began as an agricultural experiment station for a rural region and has since expanded to include agribusiness, natural resources, and environmental stewardship. The center's work covers specialty crops, forestry, wildlife habitat, and cover crops.

Wechter stated that research has the greatest impact when it addresses challenges people face in the field. He expressed interest in working with the Sandhill team and learning from the farmers, landowners, and communities they serve to connect Clemson's research with South Carolina's needs.