Former Lexington resident Nikki Haley has been elected to Clemson University’s Board of Trustees.

Haley is a potential candidate for the Republican Party nomination for U.S. President, a former S.C. governor, United Nations ambassador and Clemson graduate.

Haley earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Clemson in 1994.

After leaving Clemson, she served as chief financial officer for her family’s clothing business in Lexington.

Her career in public service began in 2004 with her election to the state House of Representatives, defeating one of the body’s longest serving members.

In 2010, she ran for governor in a race many thought she could not win.

She was elected as the state’s first female and first minority governor and, at the time, the nation’s youngest governor.

Under her leadership, the state led in economic development, creating new jobs in every SC county.

Gov. Haley also made significant education reforms to make funding more equitable and equip classrooms with new technology.

In 2016, President-elect Donald Trump nominated her as 29th United Nations ambassador.

At the UN, she challenged human rights violators and led negotiations resulting in the strongest sanctions ever placed on North Korea for its nuclear weapons.

Since 2019, Haley has led the Stand for America advocacy group, which promotes public policies with the stated intent to strengthen America’s economy, culture and national security.

Born in Bamberg, she is the daughter of Indian immigrants Ajit Singh and Raj Kaur Randhawa.

She and her husband, Michael, a combat veteran in Afghanistan, have two children, Rena and Nalin, and live on Kiawah Island.

Haley succeeds former U.S. ambassador to Canada David Wilkins of Greenville, who is retiring as a trustee after serving since 2007, including six years as Chair.

To comment, please email JerryBellune@yahoo.com

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