CLEMSON — The Clemson University Board of Trustees officially approved the hiring of its new university president on Wednesday.

After a six month search Dr. Kevin Guskiewicz was approved by the BOT as Clemson’s 16th President. Guskiewicz and Clemson agreed to a $1.216 million annual salary for five years.

The approved compensation will pay Dr. Guskiewicz $884,468. It will be paid by the Clemson University Foundation. With positive reviews, the foundation portion of Guskiewicz’s contract may increase by $50,000 per year. There are also incentive compensation if annual goals and metrics are met up to $250,000 per year, which will also be paid by the foundation.

He will also receive supplemental retirement deferred compensation from the foundation of $285,000 per year that vest at the end of the five-year term.

“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,” Guskiewicz said in a prepared statement. “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.”

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.

Guskiewicz replaces Jim Clements, who served as Clemson’s President for 12 years. Clements retired on December 31, 2025. He announced his retirement on December 9. Guskiewicz has spent the last two years as the President at Michigan State University.

“I’ve had the great fortune of knowing Jim Clements, President Jim Clements for nearly a decade. I consider him a good friend,” Guskiewicz said.

Guskiewicz is also good friends with another important figure at Clemson.

“And then there’s this guy, Dabo Swinney. I have a fun story that I can share another time about meeting Coach Swinney at an ACC football coaches meeting several years ago where we talked about sport-related concussions,” Guskiewicz said. “And I know we have a lot of other great coaches there that I look forward to meeting.

“Coach Swinney and I texted last night and agreed that we can do a lot of great things together for Clemson. And yes, I understand the evolving landscape of intercollegiate athletics and the important role that athletics plays in strengthening institutional identity, community and opportunity. Clemson Athletics has built a national reputation for excellence and I look forward to supporting student athletes and ensuring athletics continues to complement Clemson’s academic mission and core values.”

Clemson’s new president came to Michigan State from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which he led as chancellor from 2019-24. Earlier, he served as dean of the UNC College of Arts and Sciences, as a department chair and as a Kenan Distinguished Professor in the Department of Exercise and Sport Science. He was executive director of the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes at UNC and the founding director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center.

“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.

“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.”

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.