Thomas Clanton, Ph.D., at the recognition ceremony on April 25, 2024. Photo by Brianne Lehan. View more photos.

May 1, 2024

On April 25, the University of Florida College of Health & Human Performance honored Thomas Clanton, Ph.D., as the Billy K. and Betty C. Stevens Professor in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. The ceremony brought together members of the university community marking a significant milestone for Dr. Clanton and the college.

Michael Reid, Ph.D., dean, began the proceedings with gratitude, acknowledging the vision behind the establishment of these recognition ceremonies. He acknowledged special guests, including fellow endowed professors, and underscored the significance of Dr. Clanton's endowed professorship as a rare pinnacle in an academic and distinguished career. 

Scott Powers, Ph.D., professor emeritus, a figure in the field and a colleague of Dr. Clanton, introduced the honoree. Dr. Powers reflected on their enduring friendship and professional collaboration, highlighting Dr. Clanton's achievements in the realm of physiology and his research in muscle physiology and stress responses.

Dr. Clanton, known for his work in understanding physiological responses to environmental stressors, shared insights into his career and research pursuits. From his beginnings as a respiratory therapist to his studies on reactive oxygen species and heat stress, Dr. Clanton's journey epitomizes a quest for knowledge and dedication to unraveling the complexities of the human body.

Dean Reid presents Dr. Clanton with a medal engraved in honor of the professorship. Dr. Powers introduces Dr. Clanton and highlights his career and research. Photos by Brianne Lehan. View/download all photos.

Central to Dr. Clanton's research legacy is his development of a heat stroke model in mice, funded by the U.S. Army, which has yielded insights into the long-term metabolic consequences of heat stress. Through experimentation and data analysis, Dr. Clanton and his team uncovered the phenomenon of "loss of metabolic resilience," shedding light on the implications of heat stroke on cardiovascular health.

The implications of Dr. Clanton's findings extend far beyond the laboratory, offering insights into the long-term health implications of heat-related illnesses. His research underscores the urgent need for awareness and preventive measures to mitigate the risks posed by heat stress.

Following Dr. Clanton's address, Dean Reid presented Dr. Clanton with a medal engraved in his honor, recognizing his contributions as the BK and Betty Stevens Professor. The celebration continued with refreshments and photo opportunities in the dean's suite, providing attendees with a chance to commemorate the occasion and celebrate Dr. Clanton's achievements.

The ceremony and lecture was live streamed and is available to watch online. View the photo album on Facebook or view/download all photos on Dropbox.

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