Clemson University’s Board of Trustees unanimously selected University of Georgia provost Benjamin C. Ayers as the next president, beginning Aug. 1, after a high-profile reversal tied to the previously selected leader Kevin Guskiewicz. Ayers comes from UGA where he served as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, with leadership spanning research, instruction, public service, and expansion of medical and nursing education. The board action follows a rapid timeline: Guskiewicz had been named May 27, visited campus in June, then reversed course and remained president of Michigan State University. Clemson said it did not restart a full search after Guskiewicz stepped back, instead revisiting a previously evaluated candidate pool and proceeding with the Ayers selection process. Ayers’ package includes a base salary of $1 million and deferred compensation over five years, with performance-based eligibility for additional compensation. The choice signals a continued emphasis on research growth and academic expansion as Clemson navigates its leadership transition. Across the community college sector, Riverside City College formally appointed Eric Bishop as president after an interim period that began in August 2025, with selection based on student success, equity, and community partnership priorities.