Welcome message from President Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D.
August 3, 2026
Dear Clemson Family,
Today is an exciting day for Marilyn and me as we begin our journey with the Clemson Family. It is an incredible honor to serve as Clemson University’s 16th President, and we are grateful for the warm welcome you have already extended to us.
There is an unmistakable energy across campus as we prepare to welcome students for a new academic year. There could be no better time to become part of the Clemson Family, and I could not be more excited for all that lies ahead.
This week also marks an especially meaningful milestone for me as I have the privilege of participating in my first Clemson Commencement. More than 1,000 Tigers will cross the stage at Littlejohn Coliseum to earn degrees from one of the nation’s premier public, land-grant research universities. Commencement has always been one of my favorite traditions in higher education because it celebrates not only academic achievement, but also perseverance, purpose and the promise of what comes next. I cannot imagine a more meaningful way to begin my presidency than by celebrating this extraordinary milestone with our graduates, their families, friends and everyone who helped them reach this moment.
As we begin this new chapter, I would be remiss if I did not first recognize and thank Interim President Bob Jones for his exceptional leadership and for graciously guiding Clemson during this important period of transition. Dr. Jones, thank you for your steadfast commitment to your alma mater. Marilyn and I wish you and Dr. Jeri Jones every happiness in your well-earned retirement.
Over the past several weeks, I have been looking forward to officially getting started – to meeting members of the Clemson Family, experiencing campus life and learning firsthand what makes this University so special. In the weeks and months ahead, I plan to spend time with students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends across South Carolina. Clemson’s greatest strength has always been its people, and I believe the best way to lead is by listening, learning and building relationships. Those conversations will deepen my understanding of Clemson and help shape the future we will build together.
Clemson’s distinctive land-grant mission, unwavering commitment to excellence and culture of innovation have made this University a national leader in education, research and service.
Together, we will build on that strong foundation by delivering the No. 1 student experience, advancing research that improves lives and serving the people of South Carolina and beyond.
Thank you for welcoming Marilyn, our family and me into the Clemson Family. We are excited to call Clemson home, and I look forward to meeting many of you in the weeks ahead. It is the honor of a lifetime to serve Clemson University, and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish together.
Go Tigers!
Benjamin C. Ayers, Ph.D.
President, Clemson University
P.S. I hope our paths cross soon, but until then I’d love for you to follow @ClemsonPrez on Instagram and X. We’ll be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes moments from my first year and, of course, plenty of Clemson spirit.
