Clemson University’s Board of Trustees selected UGA Provost Benjamin C. Ayers as its next president on Thursday, after Kevin Guskiewicz reversed course and said he would remain at Michigan State. The decision came via a voice vote and positions Ayers to start Aug. 1 with a base salary of $1 million, rising through the contract based on performance. Clemson said it continued a rigorous search process rather than launching a new one after Guskiewicz’s departure. Board chair Kim A. Wilkerson said the board relied on the strength of the prior vetting work when circumstances changed, and search committee chair Cheri M. Phyfer described the process as already “underway.” Ayers’ compensation package includes deferred compensation eligibility, transition expenses, and a pathway to a tenured faculty role depending on timing and board-approved terms. The board also set additional incentives tied to agreed-upon goals and metrics.