MEET JOE
People Over Politics: Better Roads, Schools and More Transparency
I’m Joe Burgett, and I’m excited to share a bit of my story with you. My family was originally from Iowa, but I grew up outside of Tampa, Florida. I went to the University of Florida, where I got my degree in Building Construction. I became a General Contractor and built everything from hospitals to libraries to energy centers. Along the way, I met my wife Jill, and we’ve been blessed with three daughters. I loved working in the construction business, but I felt a calling to teach the next generation of contractors. That brought me back to school, and eventually to Clemson. Clemson has been an incredible place to live, raise a family, and call home. I love it here!
At Clemson, I teach electrical and HVAC systems. Research is also part of my job, but I’ve always approached it differently. Instead of focusing on the theoretical, I concentrate on equipping people with real tools and technology. My goal is to help businesses and government agencies work better, move faster, stay safer, and spend less. Drones have been a huge part of that work. I've helped state DOTs across the country improve efficiency and save money using new tools. I have literally put a drone in the hands of every SCDOT district bridge inspector, so they can do their work without having to close a lane of traffic or put themselves in harm’s way.
Education matters a lot to me. I care deeply about my Clemson students, but by the time they arrive, they’re already set up to succeed. My heart is with the students who aren’t college-bound, and helping them become ready for whatever future they choose. Next year, all three of my daughters will be at Daniel High School, and my wife works there as a Career Development Facilitator. I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to incorporate vocational training into our high schools.
Foster care is also very personal to me. I’ve been a foster dad for nearly a decade. These kids are incredible, and none of them asked for the situations they’re born into. We currently have a six-year-old boy living with us, and it’s his third time in care. I know we can do better. Improving the foster care system is a big reason why I’m running.
My faith shapes how I try to live. I’ve been at Alive Wesleyan for more than ten years. I fall short plenty, but I do my best to live out the idea of loving your neighbor and constantly asking who my neighbor really is. That mindset is what I want to bring to Columbia.
I love living in the Clemson area, and I’m proud to call South Carolina home. We have great people, strong traditions, and so much opportunity ahead of us. I’m running for the South Carolina House of Representatives in District 3 because I believe in our future. I believe in supporting our communities and making sure every voice is heard. Let’s work together to build something we can all be proud of.
