Clemson’s Search for College President Continues After New Hire Opts to Remain in Michigan

By Jessica Holdman

South Carolina Daily Gazette

Clemson University’s search for a new president resumed Monday after the chosen candidate opted to stay in his former position.

Just over a month after agreeing to take the job at the Upstate university, Kevin Guskiewicz informed the college’s governing board he would instead remain at Michigan State University, citing “personal reasons,” according to a statement from Clemson.

“The national search had a robust pool of candidates, and the Board will be meeting soon to determine next steps,” Clemson’s statement continues.

Guskiewicz was expected to start at Clemson next month, replacing former President Jim Clements, who abruptly retired last December.

Clemson's governing board had selected Guskiewicz, former University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill chancellor, as the college's 16th president.

Guskiewicz had been president at Michigan State since March 2024.