Clemson picks Benjamin Ayers as president after MSU twist
Clemson University's Board of Trustees unanimously selected Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D., as the university's next president on July 9, 2026. The University of Georgia provost will assume the role August 1, closing a search upended when Michigan State president Kevin Guskiewicz chose to remain in East Lansing rather than accept the Clemson post.
For Clemson, the appointment of Benjamin Ayers caps one of the stranger presidential hiring sagas in recent higher education. Just days after Guskiewicz reversed course at Michigan State, trustees moved to install a new leader from a neighboring SEC flagship.
Key Takeaways
- Clemson trustees voted unanimously on July 9 to hire Ayers, UGA's senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
- Ayers will take office August 1 as Clemson's next president.
- The pick follows Guskiewicz's decision to stay at Michigan State after announcing plans to leave for Clemson.
- Search chair Cheri Phyfer cited Ayers's candor, integrity, and leadership experience from assistant professor through provost.
- Board Chair Kim Wilkerson said Ayers is the right leader to build on Clemson's momentum into its next chapter.
Why Did Clemson Choose Benjamin Ayers?
In a Clemson University announcement, trustees described Ayers as a nationally respected academic leader, accomplished administrator, and award-winning educator. He currently oversees the University of Georgia's academic enterprise, including its 20 schools and colleges, along with instruction, research, public service, and offices supporting faculty and graduate education.
Trustee Cheri Phyfer, chair of the presidential search committee, said Ayers impressed the panel with his candor, integrity, and genuine enthusiasm for Clemson. "His experience spans every stage of academic leadership — from assistant professor to department chair, dean and provost — and he has distinguished himself in each role," Phyfer said.
Board Chair Kim Wilkerson called Ayers "an accomplished scholar and collaborative leader" with a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success, and institutional advancement. Wilkerson said trustees are confident he can guide the university into its next chapter.
What Happened to Michigan State's Would-Be Clemson President?
Guskiewicz announced in May that he would leave Michigan State to become Clemson's president. The move followed weeks of tension between the president and MSU's Board of Trustees, including a May 17 special meeting where trustees voted to double his base salary to $2 million in a bid to keep him, according to The State News.
On July 6, Guskiewicz said he would stay at Michigan State instead. In a community letter titled "the work continues," he apologized for creating uncertainty and acknowledged that some community members might question his commitment after weeks of reflection.
The Chronicle of Higher Education examined why Guskiewicz made what it called a shocking decision to remain at MSU. Trustees said he will continue with a $1.5 million salary, with the raise funded by non-university resources.
What Does This Mean for Clemson Now?
With Guskiewicz staying in Michigan, Clemson trustees met Thursday to finalize Ayers's hiring. Presidential searches at major public universities rarely rebound this quickly after a high-profile candidate withdraws.
By turning to a provost from nearby Georgia, Clemson secured a leader with experience across the academic ranks and relationships with the private sector, as search officials emphasized. For more on how power struggles and surprise reversals keep reshaping campus life, see our Bizarre World coverage.
Ayers takes the presidency August 1. Clemson now faces the work of stabilizing leadership and reassuring a community that watched its next president change course in a matter of weeks.