The 80-year Test

Michael Clement was a PhD student representative at that first meeting in September 1993 that led to the creation of The PhD Project. When asked why he decided to pursue his PhD, Dr. Clement – whose father had been a professor – recalls, “I explained that when I get to be 80 years old, I want to be able to say that I’ve done something significant with my life. I think the people in that room really gravitated toward that idea of the 80-year test.”

On that day in September, surrounded by a very diverse and influential group of people, Dr. Clement says he “just felt really honored to be invited to that meeting.” Thirty years later, his dedication and contributions to The Project make him a trailblazer in every sense – a true leader within the organization.

Since earning his doctoral degree in accounting from Stanford University, Dr. Clement – the KPMG Centennial Professor of Accounting at the University of Texas Austin – has built a reputation as an educator who’s passionate about helping students in meaningful ways. And when you hear him talk about his students, it’s easy to understand why. “This profession is about having a positive impact on young people,” he says. “And being a professor has been one of the most gratifying experiences of my life.”

Beyond teaching and researching, he’s mentored Black student-athletes, seeking out those with fewer opportunities to land a high-paying professional career. That led to a role as faculty athletics representative to the NCAA from 2013 to 2021 and recognition by the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame in 2020.

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Clement has remained firmly connected to The PhD Project – a commitment underscored by his induction into The PhD Project Hall of Fame in 2015 – because of both the impact the organization has made on his life as well as the ability it has given him to make an impact on others.

When asked what it means to him to be part of The PhD Project, Dr. Clement says, “It’s about being the type of people who care about making things better, right, and in some dimensions, it is about people trying to make themselves better while trying to make society better. It’s about a shared set of values.”

This belief in the Project’s mission and his fellow members has led Dr. Clement to mentor many doctoral students over the years, helping ensure an ever-expanding reach at colleges and universities across the country. He tells doctoral students, “A lot of times we think earning a PhD is all about intelligence – but never underestimate the value of persistence.” And he impresses on them the value of having a good support network along for the journey. “There are going to be times when your family or church won’t really understand exactly what you’re going through. Your PhD Project comrades will, and they can kind of support you in a different way.”

In 2022, Dr. Clement took his relationship with The PhD Project one step further when his family elevated their financial support to the Corporate Partner level. “My wife Cynthia and I wholeheartedly believe in The PhD Project’s mission to increase diversity in front of the classroom and in the business world,” he says. “The Project supported us during a time of great need. Now, we are happy to give back and help other doctoral students from historically underrepresented minority groups achieve their dreams.”

Ultimately, Dr. Clement’s wish for The PhD Project’s future is simple. “My hope is that we just keep going, because this is a really good family. Because of The PhD Project I know some great people – people who I really admire, people who inspire me,” he says. “And I hope that other members who, like me, have benefited from The PhD Project, will help do what it takes to keep this organization going and strong.”