Clemson Picks UGA Provost as President Days After First Choice Backs Out
Ayers will start Aug. 1 with a $1 million base salary and a contract that could reach $1.2 million in year five, Clemson said.
- On Thursday, the Clemson University Board of Trustees unanimously appointed University of Georgia Provost Benjamin Ayers as the institution's 16th president during a virtual meeting.
- The selection followed the abrupt withdrawal of Clemson President-Elect Kevin Guskiewicz, who chose to remain at Michigan State University instead of assuming the role.
- Ayers signed a five-year contract with a $1 million base salary and eligibility for up to $225,000 in annual performance bonuses, plus $50,000 for transition expenses.
- Before becoming provost, Ayers led the Terry College of Business for 11 years; Board Chair Kim Wilkerson called him an "accomplished scholar and collaborative leader."
- Ayers will assume duties on August 1, 2026, succeeding former President Jim Clements at the nearly 30,000-student university and committing to "build upon the strong foundation.
15 Articles
15 Articles
Clemson Announces New President After Kevin Guskiewicz Rejects $1.2M Role for MSU Return
Clemson did not waste any time moving quickly after Kevin Guskiewicz rejected their offer to be the president, and they found a perfect man for the job. Dr. Benjamin Ayers was chosen as the 16th president of Clemson University on July 9. Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported the news of Ayers’ hiring on X. The new president has previously worked in Georgia for 30 years, where he worked his way up after being hired as a professor. On the educatio…
Dr. Benjamin Ayers named new Clemson University president
CLEMSON, S.C. (WOLO)– Clemson University has a new president. Thursday, July 9, the university announced its Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Benjamin Ayers as its next president. Ayers comes to Clemson from the University of Georgia where he served as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. Ayers selection after the previous selection Kevin Guskiewicz opted to stay in his current position at Michigan State University.…
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