Dear Clemson Family,

Today marks an exciting and historical moment for Clemson University as we welcome Kevin Guskiewicz, Ph.D., as our 16th President.

A thoughtful and thorough search was conducted to find the very best leader who is distinctly aligned with our University’s mission and has a bold vision for the future. Dr. Guskiewicz is a servant leader who embodies the very same values that define our Clemson community – integrity, respect, diversity, patriotism, self-reliance and excellence. He has a deep understanding and appreciation for our land-grant mission and the leadership role our University holds in South Carolina providing access to education, developing solutions for real-life challenges and ensuring a strong and vibrant economy.

As I shared during this morning’s Board of Trustees meeting, Dr. Guskiewicz will be joining us after serving as the president at Michigan State University, and he previously served as chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While at Michigan State, he led a student-focused vision centered on access, workforce readiness and public impact. He launched the Green and White Council, bringing together civic, business and government leaders to align academic programs with workforce needs. And in 2025, he launched Michigan State’s $4 billion comprehensive campaign supporting scholarships, research growth and campus transformation.

Dr. Guskiewicz is an internationally recognized researcher and received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship in 2011 for his pioneering work on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sport-related concussions. His research has influenced collegiate and professional football safety guidelines, and he has published more than 200 peer-reviewed papers while maintaining an active research portfolio.

His stellar record and reputation ensure he is the right leader for Clemson and will guide us into an even brighter future.

I want to thank Trustee Cheri Phyfer who led the search committee with enthusiasm, grace and tenacity. I also want to thank the members of the search committee – Nicky McCarter, David Dukes, Ronnie Lee, Patti McAbee, Smyth McKissick, Mark Richardson and faculty representative Antonis Katsiyannis – as well as our partner, Funk Associates, for their unwavering commitment and dedication to selecting the best candidate for our University. In addition, I want to thank all of you who shared your thoughts and insights as we embarked on the selection process.

As I mentioned when we began this journey, Clemson has had two phenomenal leaders in the past 27 years. Our University is a special place where people stay and strive to make a difference. I, along with my fellow Trustees, are truly grateful that our search has resulted in finding one of the most talented and admired leaders in higher education today to serve as our next President.

As we approach the Board of Trustees meeting in June, we look forward to having Dr. Guskiewicz join us on campus and providing an opportunity for you to meet him, as well. We will share more details in the coming weeks. And I know that he and his wife, Amy, and their family will be welcomed by the enduring and energizing spirit that is Clemson.

Thank you and as always, Go Tigers!

Kim Wilkerson

Chair, Clemson University Board of Trustees