Hired
Benjamin C. Ayers – Clemson University (S.C.)
Clemson University has unanimously selected Benjamin Ayers as president, beginning Aug. 1.
Ayers arrives from the University of Georgia, where he has served as senior vice president for academic affairs and provost, overseeing a sprawling portfolio that includes research, instruction and public service.
At Georgia, he helped launch a new medical school and nursing school while guiding research growth and expanding study-abroad opportunities. He also served an 11-year tenure as dean of the university’s business school before becoming provost.
David Hahn – Boise State University (Idaho)
The Idaho State Board of Education unanimously appointed David Hahn as Boise State University’s eighth president.
Hahn is the former dean of the University of Arizona’s College of Engineering, where he helped advance semiconductor and microelectronics research and oversaw significant enrollment growth in engineering programs.
At Boise State, he plans to build on the university’s approximately $70 million annual research portfolio and pursue Carnegie R1 status.
State leaders praised Hahn’s leadership experience and his ability to guide Boise State as it continues to elevate its academic profile and regional impact.
He will assume full duties on campus by August.
Suzanne Blum Malley – Methodist University (N.C.)
Methodist University promoted Provost and Executive Vice President Suzanne Blum Malley to become the institution’s sixth president.
A first-generation college graduate and the first woman selected to lead the university, Blum Malley has been credited with advancing online education, expanding transfer pathways and helping launch Methodist’s new medical school.
She will officially assume the presidency in July 2027, when current President Stanley Wearden retires.
Eric Bishop – Riverside City College (Calif.)
Eric Bishop was formally appointed president of Riverside City College after serving as interim leader since August 2025.
College leaders pointed to his focus on student success, equity and community partnerships as key factors in the selection. Before stepping into the interim role, Bishop built a career spanning student services, enrollment management, athletics and legislative affairs, positioning him to lead one of California’s largest community colleges through a period of continued growth.
Retiring
Bassam Deeb – Trocaire College (N.Y.)
Trocaire College has launched a national search for its next president as Bassam Deeb prepares to retire after 14 years leading the Buffalo institution.
During his tenure, he expanded the college’s footprint across Western New York and strengthened its reputation for career-focused education in health care, veterinary sciences and business.
In 2023, Deeb nearly led Trocaire’s acquisition of Medaille University, another private university in Buffalo. However, the deal fell through due to higher education’s “extreme” challenges, Deeb said. Medaille closed shortly afterward.
Deeb, who has served as president since 2012, intends to remain in the role until a successor is identified.
Barbara Lettiere – Immaculata University (Penn.)
Barbara Lettiere announced she will retire as president of Immaculata University next year, bringing a decade-long presidency to a close.
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University officials credited her with improving institutional stability, shepherding accreditation reaffirmation and reshaping academic offerings to better align with workforce demands. Lettiere said the timing was appropriate for the university’s “next chapter” after 10 years at the institution’s helm.
David J. Cole – Medical University of South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina President David J. Cole plans to retire in June 2027 after nearly 13 years in the role.
Cole’s tenure coincided with a period of significant expansion for MUSC, including new facilities, statewide clinical growth and increased global engagement. Board leaders praised his impact on the institution’s academic medical enterprise, noting that MUSC now delivers services in all 46 South Carolina counties.
Kurt Schmoke – University of Baltimore (Md.)
University of Baltimore President Kurt Schmoke intends to retire in June 2027. Schmoke, the former mayor of Baltimore, has led the university since 2014 and guided it through last year’s centennial celebration.
Staying put
Kevin M. Guskiewicz – Michigan State University
President Kevin M. Guskiewicz has chosen to remain at Michigan State University after accepting the top job at Clemson University last month.
In a message to the campus community, Guskiewicz apologized for contributing to campus uncertainty and emphasized his commitment to rebuilding trust through transparency and action.
Guskiewicz publicly emphasized Michigan State’s board instability, including a history of tension and infighting, when he announced his departure to Clemson.
However, the president recommitted to his current institution following conversations about the board’s governance structure and code of ethics.
“Our university has experienced more than its share of change in recent years, and I regret that my decision-making over the past several weeks added to that uncertainty,” Guskiewicz wrote. “For that, I am sincerely sorry.”
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