University of South Carolina Upstate Chancellor Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D., has been elected president of the Big South Conference for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 academic years. His appointment, approved by the Big South Conference Council of Chief Executive Officers, marks a historic milestone—Harris is the first USC Upstate chancellor to serve as president of the conference.
Harris has served as vice president of the Big South Executive Committee since 2023 and stepped in as interim president in February 2025. His elevation to the role of president reflects the confidence of his peers and further demonstrates his leadership in higher education and intercollegiate athletics.
“I am honored to serve as president of the Big South Conference and to work alongside my colleagues in shaping the future of our league,” Harris said. “The Big South plays a vital role in developing student-athletes who lead both on and off the field. I look forward to continuing this important work.”
Joining Harris on the Executive Committee are High Point University President Nido Qubein, who will serve as vice president, and Longwood University President W. Taylor Reveley IV, who was re-elected as an at-large member. The Executive Committee is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the Big South Council of Chief Executive Officers and serves as the appeals body for penalties issued by the commissioner.
Harris became USC Upstate’s fifth chancellor in 2021 and has been instrumental in elevating the university’s mission, visibility and commitment to student success. His election as Big South president follows a banner year for USC Upstate athletics, which included the university’s highest-ever finish in the Sasser Cup standings at No. 3, along with four Big South championships during the 2024-25 season.
The Big South Conference comprises nine full-time member institutions across three states: North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. Member universities include Charleston Southern, Gardner-Webb, High Point, Longwood, Presbyterian, Radford, UNC Asheville, USC Upstate and Winthrop. The conference sponsors 19 championship sports.
About the Big South Conference: Founded in 1983, the Big South Conference is a collegiate athletic league made up of nine full-time member institutions and several associate members competing in 19 championship sports. The conference is headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina.