Full Breakdown
Clemson University Appoints Benjamin C. Ayers as 16th President
7/10/2026, 10:21:29 PM
Core Appointment
The Clemson University Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Thursday to name Dr. Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D., as the university’s next president. Ayers will assume the role on August 1, a little more than 40 days before the start of the new academic year. The board approved a five-year contract that provides a base salary of $1 million per year, with the possibility of up to $275,000 in annual performance bonuses.
Background & Context
The presidential search was launched after former president Jim Clements announced his sudden retirement late last year. In May, the board had selected Kevin Guskiewicz as president-elect, but Guskiewicz withdrew earlier this week to remain at Michigan State University for personal reasons. The board therefore reconvened to complete the search, ultimately selecting Ayers.
Profile of Benjamin C. Ayers
Ayers arrives from the University of Georgia, where he serves as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. In that capacity he oversees 20 schools and colleges, instruction, research, public service, information technology, and global-engagement offices. His tenure at UGA includes launching a new School of Medicine, establishing the Victoria Kay Ivester School of Nursing, and expanding study-abroad programs to rank among the nation’s top five public universities for participation. Previously, Ayers spent 11 years as dean of the Terry College of Business, strengthening its reputation, expanding academic offerings, and completing a fundraising campaign that secured more than $300 million in private support. Earlier roles include leading UGA’s J.M. Tull School of Accounting and serving as an assistant professor since 1996. He holds a bachelor’s in accounting and a master’s in taxation from the University of Alabama and a doctorate in accounting from the University of Texas at Austin. Before academia, he worked with KPMG and Complete Health Inc.
Compensation & Contract Details
The five-year agreement guarantees a base salary of $1 million annually. Performance-based bonuses can add up to $275,000 each year if Ayers meets specified institutional metrics. The contract underscores the board’s intent to provide competitive compensation for a leader tasked with sustaining Clemson’s growth.
Official Statements & Responses
Ayers expressed gratitude for the board’s confidence, emphasizing his commitment to Clemson’s “tradition of excellence” and its impact through teaching, research, and service. Board Chair Kim Wilkerson highlighted Ayers’s “deep commitment to academic excellence, student success and institutional advancement,” noting his ability to unite stakeholders around a shared vision. Search-committee chair Cheri Phyfer praised Ayers’s “candor, integrity and genuine enthusiasm for Clemson University,” citing his extensive experience across academic leadership roles.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting viewpoints or criticism were reported in the available sources. The board’s vote was unanimous, and no public objections have been documented.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources present a consistent account of the appointment, compensation, and background information. No discrepancies or missing data were identified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as the next president of Clemson University,” — Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D.
- “I am grateful to the Board of Trustees and the search committee for its confidence and humbled by the opportunity to join the Clemson Family.” — Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D.
- “Clemson’s tradition of excellence, its commitment to students and its impact through teaching, research and service make it one of the nation’s most respected public universities.” — Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D.
- “Dr. Ayers brings a wealth of experience in all levels of academia and vast relationships with the private sector,” — Cheri Phyfer ’93, M ’99, chair of the presidential search committee
- “Ben Ayers is an accomplished scholar and collaborative leader whose record reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success and institutional advancement,” — Kim Wilkerson ’80, Board Chair
What’s Next
Ayers will begin his presidency on August 1. The university plans to share additional information in the coming weeks about welcome events and opportunities for the Clemson community to engage with the new leader.
