Columbia, S.C. – Governor Henry McMaster today announced former South Carolina state Senator Wes Hayes as the next Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education.

“Wes Hayes has served the state of South Carolina admirably for years, and, with his decades-long focus on education as a member of the General Assembly, he is the perfect person to lead the Commission on Higher Education as the agency continues its bold advocacy on behalf of South Carolina students,” said Gov. Henry McMaster.

Hayes served in the South Carolina Senate, representing District 15, from 1991 to 2016. During his tenure in the Senate, Hayes played a vital role in education policy as a member of the Senate Education and Finance Committees.

“We have an outstanding higher education system in South Carolina that is vital to our economic development and to our quality of life. I appreciate being given the opportunity to work to make our system even better.”

After earning his Bachelor of Science Degree from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Hayes graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1983.

Hayes, 65, is a resident of York County.