Clemson University has moved to appoint University of Georgia provost Ben Ayers as its 16th president, following Kevin Guskiewicz’s unexpected decision to remain at Michigan State University. The Board of Trustees scheduled a meeting for 9:30 a.m. to approve the contract for Ayers, who is slated to begin his tenure in early August, according to reporting by Tigerillustrated.com.
The Transition from Guskiewicz to Ayers
The selection of Ayers marks a rapid pivot for Clemson. Kevin Guskiewicz, the president of Michigan State, had accepted the Clemson position seven weeks prior to his reversal. Guskiewicz had already visited the campus in late June to meet with faculty, staff, and leadership, including head coaches Dabo Swinney and Brad Brownell. However, Guskiewicz informed Michigan State officials that he had been “wrestling with his decision” and ultimately chose to remain in East Lansing, according to reports.
Ben Ayers brings extensive experience in academic administration, having served as the dean of the Terry College of Business at the University of Georgia for 11 years before his promotion to provost last summer.
Administrative Experience and Academic Background
Ben Ayers brings a significant background in fiscal and operational management to the presidency. As the dean of the Terry College of Business at UGA, he oversaw a unit with more than 11,000 students and approximately 400 full-time faculty and staff. His portfolio included operations across three campus locations in Athens, Atlanta, and Griffin, managed under an operating budget of roughly $95 million.
UGA president Jere Morehead described Ayers as “a proven leader and seasoned senior administrator” upon his promotion to provost. Morehead highlighted Ayers’ ability to maintain relationships with government and business leaders, noting that his work was well-regarded by faculty, staff, and alumni alike.
Professional Credentials
- Education: Bachelor’s degree (summa cum laude) and master’s of tax accounting from Alabama; doctorate in accounting from Texas.
- Tenure at UGA: Joined in 1996 as an assistant professor; served as director of the J.M. Tull School of Accounting for nine years before becoming dean in 2014.
Higher Education Leadership Trends
The search for a successor to Jim Clements, who led Clemson for 12 years, reflects trends in university administration.
When evaluating university leadership transitions, look at the candidate’s history with multi-campus operations and budget management, as these factors often dictate the strategic direction of large public institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is the new Clemson University president?
- The Board of Trustees moved to hire Ben Ayers, the current provost at the University of Georgia.
- When will Ben Ayers begin his role?
- Ayers is scheduled to begin his tenure as the 16th president of Clemson in early August.
- Why did Kevin Guskiewicz withdraw from the position?
- Guskiewicz decided to remain at Michigan State after reporting that he had been “wrestling with his decision” in the weeks following his initial acceptance of the Clemson role.
For more exclusive updates on Clemson leadership and football, subscribe to Tigerillustrated.com, the authority on Clemson athletics since 1999. Join the conversation on our West Zone Forum to discuss these developments with fellow fans.
