Office of the President

August 19, 2026

Dear Clemson Community,

Welcome to the 2026-27 academic year at Clemson University!

In just three weeks as Clemson’s 16th President, I have had the privilege of experiencing many of the traditions and moments that make this University so special.

I have conferred degrees on more than 1,000 of our newest alumni at August commencement, welcomed more than 5,000 new Tigers at New Student Convocation, helped students move into their residence halls, shared a meal with many of our students at the President’s Cookout and joined students, faculty, staff and members of the City of Clemson at our Welcome Back Festival.

I have covered a lot of ground in a short time. But what has stayed with me most isn’t any single event. It is the pride people have in Clemson and the genuine care they have for this University and for one another.

I have also had the opportunity to spend time with faculty and staff at several events, including our Leading Clemson Fiercely Forward Conversations. I have heard directly about the questions, challenges and opportunities facing Clemson and higher education, and those conversations have been invaluable as I continue learning and listening.

One thing has become very clear to me: Clemson is special because of its people.

Our faculty challenge students to think boldly, pursue knowledge and discover what they are capable of accomplishing. Our staff make Clemson work every day, creating the environment in which our students can learn and thrive, our faculty can teach and conduct research, and our University can serve South Carolina.

Our students bring energy, curiosity and purpose to our mission.

And our alumni, families, supporters and partners extend Clemson’s impact far beyond our campuses and facilities.

One of the most exciting examples of that momentum is the inaugural class of students in the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine.

Their white coat ceremony this Saturday will mark a historic moment as they begin their journey toward becoming South Carolina’s first veterinarians to graduate from an in-state veterinary school.

This milestone reflects an extraordinary collective effort – from state leaders, including lifelong Clemson advocate Senator Harvey S. Peeler Jr., and donors who believed in the vision, to the talented faculty and staff who have worked to build this program.

To everyone who helped bring us to this moment: Thank you.

More than a new college, the Harvey S. Peeler Jr. College of Veterinary Medicine is a powerful example of what is possible when a university, a state and a community come together around an idea that matters. It reflects Clemson's responsibility to educate the next generation, advance knowledge and innovation, and address the needs of South Carolina.

That is the spirit we carry into this academic year.

We have an ambitious vision for Clemson: delivering the No. 1 student experience, advancing research and innovation, and transforming lives across South Carolina and beyond. Every member of the Clemson community has a role in bringing that vision to life.

The year ahead will bring both challenges and opportunities. I have heard some of the challenges directly during my first few weeks, and I do not want to minimize them. We will need to listen to one another, make thoughtful choices and work through difficult questions together.

But we should not allow those challenges to obscure what is also true about Clemson: This is an extraordinary University with tremendous momentum, talented people and a mission that matters.

After these first few weeks, I am even more confident in our ability to meet challenges directly, pursue opportunities thoughtfully and continue moving Clemson forward together.

Thank you for welcoming my family and me to Clemson and thank you for everything you do for this University and for the people we serve.

Welcome to a new academic year. Welcome home to Clemson.

I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.

Go Tigers!

Benjamin C. Ayers
President