Clemson University has chosen Kevin Guskiewicz as its next president. This decision came during a recent Board of Trustees meeting. Guskiewicz, who has a strong background in education and research, previously led Michigan State University and was chancellor at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His appointment marks a significant milestone—it’s only the second presidential selection in the last 27 years at Clemson, which has been around for 136 years.
Guskiewicz expressed his excitement about the role, stating that he’s eager to collaborate with students, faculty, and the community. He aims to strengthen Clemson’s reputation for academic excellence and enhance student success.
His predecessor, Jim Clements, stepped down unexpectedly due to questions about a corporate position he held, which involved a development project affecting the university.
Search Committee Chair Cheri Phyfer mentioned that Guskiewicz stood out among many candidates due to his understanding of higher education and his familiarity with Clemson’s mission. He is well-known for his research on sports-related concussions, even receiving a MacArthur Fellowship in 2011 for his groundbreaking work. His research has had a lasting impact on safety protocols in sports.
Interestingly, Guskiewicz was named a “Game Changer” by Time magazine in 2013, highlighting his innovative contributions to the field. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed articles and was inducted into the National Athletic Trainers’ Association Hall of Fame in 2020.
His educational background includes a bachelor’s in athletic training from West Chester University, as well as advanced degrees in exercise physiology and sports medicine.
Board Chair Kim Wilkerson noted that Guskiewicz brings a wealth of experience to the role. The selection process involved feedback from various campus groups, showing a commitment to engaging the entire Clemson community in the decision.
As Clemson prepares for this leadership change, many are curious about how Guskiewicz’s unique experience and vision will shape the university’s future.
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