Alton Standifer Appointed Vice President and Chief of Staff at Clemson University
Alton C. Standifer, Ph.D., has been named the new Vice President and Chief of Staff at Clemson University, with his appointment effective August 31. Standifer brings extensive experience in executive leadership, institutional strategy, and partnership development within public higher education. Throughout his career, he has worked at the intersection of presidential leadership, academic affairs, student experience, government relations, and community engagement, focusing on translating institutional priorities into coordinated actions. Clemson President Benjamin Ayers highlighted Standifer's thoughtful and effective leadership, his ability to align people and resources, and his judgment and integrity, drawing from their previous collaboration at the University of Georgia. Standifer joins Clemson from Augusta University, where he served as Vice President for Strategic Initiatives, advancing priorities related to executive leadership development, campus planning, and community engagement.