Dr. Bennie L. Harris is a seasoned CEO, board director, and higher education leader with more than 30 years of experience advancing organizational growth, financial performance, innovation, and governance. He currently serves as Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate, where he leads a $100 million-plus enterprise and oversees operations, strategy, finance, artificial intelligence integration, and external partnerships for a diverse institution of 5,400 students and 1,100 full- and part-time employees. USC Upstate generates an annual economic impact exceeding $625 million.
During his five years at USC Upstate, Dr. Harris has led a 17 percent increase in enrollment, secured $70 million in new construction and campus renovations, and expanded the university’s portfolio of market-responsive academic programs. These initiatives include new engineering and business programs designed to strengthen the regional workforce and meet emerging industry needs.
Dr. Harris is widely recognized for building cross-sector partnerships with Fortune 500 companies, doubling philanthropic support, and advancing academic innovation, including the development of USC Upstate’s first doctoral program and new engineering program. Throughout his career, he has raised more than $650 million in philanthropic support, including more than $235 million through comprehensive fundraising campaigns.
He brings extensive governance experience as a board member and trustee. Dr. Harris currently serves on the boards of the Greenville Chamber, OneSpartanburg, Inc., United Way of the Piedmont, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. He also serves as a trustee and secretary of the Lipscomb University Board of Trustees, president of the NCAA Big South Conference, and chair-elect of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Harris holds a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership, an MBA in Strategic Marketing, and a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He has also completed executive leadership training through Harvard University, the American Council on Education, and the American Association of State Colleges and Universities.
Dr. Harris also contributes distinctive visibility through media engagement and thought leadership. He hosts the monthly leadership podcast Below the Line and writes regular business and opinion columns. The podcast has featured prominent leaders including Rahm Emanuel, former White House chief of staff and mayor of Chicago; Ambassador Andrew Young, civil rights leader and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations; Carol Tomé, CEO of UPS; David Beasley, former governor of South Carolina and former executive director of the World Food Programme; Louis Stewart of NVIDIA; and John Hope Bryant, founder, chairman, and CEO of Operation HOPE.
Bennie is married to his college sweetheart, Frankie, and together they have three adult children.