Clemson University announces new president

Key Points:

• Dr. Benjamin Ayers was unanimously selected by Clemson University's Board of Trustees as the new president, set to begin his five-year term on August 1.
• Ayers currently serves as Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia, where he led significant academic growth and innovation, including launching a new School of Medicine and expanding study abroad programs.
• His prior roles include 11 years as dean of the Terry College of Business and nine years leading the J.M. Tull School of Accounting at UGA, with a strong record in fundraising, academic expansion, and research excellence.
• Ayers holds advanced degrees in accounting and taxation and has been recognized nationally for his teaching and research, including serving as president of the American Taxation Association in 2017.
• The appointment follows the withdrawal of the previously announced president-elect, Kevin Guskiewicz, who decided to remain at Michigan State for personal reasons, prompting Clemson to restart the search less than 50 days before the new academic year.