Dear Clemson Family,
Today, the Clemson University Board of Trustees unanimously selected Dr. Benjamin C. Ayers as the 16th president of Clemson University.
This is a proud day for Clemson, and I could not be more excited to welcome Dr. Ayers and his family to the Clemson Family.
Throughout every step of this process the Board listened carefully and remained focused on selecting the leader best prepared to serve Clemson University.
This search affirmed what so many of us already know: Clemson University is one of the nation’s premier public institutions. We attracted an exceptional group of accomplished leaders from across higher education.
That talented group included two outstanding members of our own Clemson community, Dean Anand Gramopadhye and Dean Cynthia Young. Both are exceptional academic leaders who have helped shape Clemson’s success. Their willingness to serve reflects the extraordinary leadership that exists within Clemson, and I am grateful for their professionalism, dedication and continued service to our University.
The candidate pool also included Dr. Benjamin Ayers. Dr. Ayers distinguished himself throughout this search as a thoughtful, collaborative and accomplished leader with an unwavering commitment to the mission of public higher education. Prior to Clemson’s final decision, Dr. Ayers stepped back from consideration in order to remain fully committed to the University of Georgia, where he served as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost.
When circumstances changed, conversations resumed and the Board quickly affirmed what had become clear throughout the search: Dr. Ayers’ experience and vision made him the unanimous choice to serve as Clemson’s next president.
In his roles as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, and previously as dean of UGA’s Terry College of Business, Dr. Ayers has built a distinguished record of advancing academic excellence, strengthening research, expanding student success and growing philanthropic support. Throughout his career, he has successfully led complex academic organizations, built strong partnerships and delivered results that have strengthened the institutions he has served.
Those accomplishments are impressive. What impressed the Board even more was the person behind them.
Throughout our conversations, Dr. Ayers demonstrated humility, intellectual curiosity and a genuine appreciation for Clemson’s history, values and land-grant mission. He understands that great universities are built by talented people working together around a shared purpose. He believes deeply in the transformative power of education, the importance of public service and the responsibility universities have to improve lives through teaching, research and outreach.
I know many of you are looking forward to getting to know Dr. Ayers, and I am confident you will find a leader who values collaboration, listens thoughtfully and believes Clemson’s greatest strength is its people. Dr. Ayers and his family are excited to become part of the Clemson Family and call Clemson home. In the weeks ahead, he looks forward to meeting members of our community, listening, learning and building relationships across the University and throughout South Carolina.
Throughout this search, one thing never changed: our confidence in Clemson University. The remarkable interest this position attracted affirmed Clemson’s reputation in higher education. I want to express my sincere appreciation to Trustee Cheri Phyfer, the members of the Presidential Search Committee, my fellow trustees and our partners at Funk Associates for the care, integrity and dedication they brought to this important work.
Dr. Ayers will begin his service as Clemson’s 16th president on August 1. In the coming weeks, you’ll have opportunities to meet him, hear firsthand about his excitement for Clemson and welcome him to campus.
The Clemson Family has always been defined by resilience, shared purpose and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Those qualities have carried this University forward for generations, and they will continue to guide us as we begin this exciting new era together.
Sincerely,
Kim Wilkerson
Chair, Clemson University Board of Trustees
