Evguenia “Jane” Layton, an academic leader with more than 13 years of experience directing, developing and expanding MBA programs, concentrations and global learning initiatives, has been named interim director of the Clemson University MBA Program.
“Jane brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, student success and program innovation,” said Wendy York, dean of the Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business. “Her leadership in shaping the MBA curriculum and her active engagement with students, alumni and industry partners have elevated the program’s relevance and visibility. I am confident she will provide strategic and steady leadership during this transitional period.”
Layton has served as MBA academic program director since 2012, providing leadership for curriculum and academic operations across the Clemson MBA portfolio. In that role, she has directed program development and accreditation preparation; supported faculty and student experience initiatives; overseen academic policies and new program proposals; and served as academic lead for program evaluation, study abroad and curriculum innovation.
Throughout her tenure, Layton has guided curriculum enhancements in response to evolving industry needs and overseen academic quality assurance and accreditation reporting. She has also expanded global and experiential learning opportunities for MBA students, including the development of Clemson’s MBA study abroad programs in Oxford and across Europe.
“I’m excited about the direction of the Clemson MBA Program and the momentum we’ve created,” Layton said. “With a strong foundation in academic quality, industry engagement and innovative program design, we have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us. I look forward to advancing programs that respond to evolving business needs, strengthening partnerships and ensuring our graduates are well prepared for long-term success.”
Layton earned her Ph.D. in educational leadership from Clemson University in 2019 and her MBA from Clemson University in 2011. She holds a bachelor’s degree in international business from the College of Charleston.
Layton will take over for former director Greg Pickett, who is retiring after 15 years at the helm of the program.
“Greg Pickett has always pushed Clemson MBA to think creatively and act boldly. His drive to explore new and innovative offerings shaped the diverse and nationally recognized MBA options we have today. His legacy is a program known for its adaptability and vision, one that has expanded opportunities for our students and strengthened the value of a Clemson MBA. We are deeply appreciative of his many years of service and proudly celebrate his well-earned retirement,” Layton said.
About the Clemson MBA Program
The Clemson MBA Program is recognized for its innovative, practice-based approach to advanced business education. Students benefit from engaging classroom experiences led by academically qualified faculty with extensive professional experience. The program offers more than 30 career-focused events annually, including employer engagements, networking opportunities and individualized career counseling through the Princeton Review’s No. 1-ranked Career Services team. Clemson’s MBA in entrepreneurship program was recently ranked 11th in the world by Poets&Quants.
