Nikki Haley, former SC governor and UN ambassador, joins Clemson’s board of trustees

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley will serve on Clemson University’s board of trustees, the university announced Tuesday.

Haley served as governor from 2010 to 2016 and as United Nations ambassador under former President Donald Trump.

“Ambassador Haley’s love of country, leadership skills, commitment to education, and passion for Clemson University will serve the Board well,” said Board Chair Kim Wilkerson.

Haley is a 1994 Clemson alumnus, and her daughter, Rena, also graduated from the Upstate university.

Haley will replace David H. Wilkins of Greenville, who is retiring as a trustee, according to a news release from the school.

The majority of Clemson’s 13 board of trustees are nominated by “the will and their successors” of founder Thomas Green Clemson and the remaining six are elected by the S.C. General Assembly, according to Clemson’s website. Haley was named to the board through the will, as the General Assembly is not currently in session.

Since Haley’s departure from serving in the government, she has been eyeing the 2024 presidential race. In June, she made a speaking trip to Iowa and created a political action committee in January, according to media reports.

This story was originally published October 12, 2021 at 10:42 AM.