For the 16th time in 136 years and only the second time in the past 27 years, Clemson University’s Board of Trustees selected the next president of Clemson University. Following a national search, Kevin Guskiewicz was named on Wednesday as the unanimous selection as Clemson University’s next president.
A neuroscientist and higher education leader, Guskiewicz previously served as president at Michigan State University and chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Details regarding a start date are being finalized.
“I’ve known for many years how special Clemson University is, and I’m honored by the opportunity to build on the extraordinary tradition of excellence and to help lead the University into the future. I look forward to engaging with students, faculty, staff, alumni and the many South Carolinians whose passion and support have shaped Clemson into one of the nation’s leading global public research universities. Together, we will build on Clemson’s strong foundation while advancing student success, academic excellence and the University’s land-grant mission of serving the people of South Carolina and beyond.”
Clemson University President Kevin Guskiewicz
In a specially called meeting, the Clemson University Board of Trustees selected Guskiewicz for the role. The search began in December and was assisted by Funk Associates.
“The search committee was overwhelmed with the robust and highly qualified candidates who expressed interest in leading our great University,” said Search Committee Chair Cheri Phyfer ’93, M ’99. “Dr. Guskiewicz rose to the top of a remarkable list with his deep understanding not only of higher education on the national level, but familiarity with Clemson University and its land-grant mission.”
An internationally recognized researcher, Guskiewicz 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. In 2013, Time magazine named him a Game Changer, one of 18 “innovators and problem-solvers that are inspiring change in America.” He also represented both Michigan State and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill through leadership roles in national higher education, research and civic organizations.
A 2020 National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame inductee, Guskiewicz earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from West Chester University, a master’s in exercise physiology/athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in sports medicine from the University of Virginia.
“Kevin Guskiewicz comes to Clemson with extensive experience leading national universities coupled with a vision to guide Clemson into its next chapter,” said Board Chair Kim Wilkerson. “The entire Board of Trustees is excited to welcome Dr. Guskiewicz and continue to build upon Clemson’s 136 years of excellence and service to the citizens of this state.”
Through the search process, the committee conducted stakeholder meetings and interviews to engage the campus community in the process prior to the finalization of a position description and criteria for the search. The committee engaged with 18 different stakeholder groups including the faculty and staff senates, student governments, affiliated organizations such as the Alumni Association, IPTAY, the Board of Visitors, Clemson University Foundation, Clemson University Research Foundation and community representatives — among others.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation to Trustee Phyfer and the search committee for their dedicated service throughout this process,” added Wilkerson. “Their thoughtful leadership and commitment helped bring forward a visionary leader to shape Clemson’s future.”
Originally from Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Guskiewicz and his wife, Amy, have four children: Jacob, Nathan, Adam and Tessa.
