Photo by USC President Carol Folt Announces Retirement Plans
In a significant update from the University of Southern California (USC), President Carol L. Folt has declared her intention to retire at the end of the academic year in July 2025. This announcement, made on November 8, 2024, marks the conclusion of a transformative period at the institution, where Folt has led with vision and purpose.
“Serving as the twelfth president of the University of Southern California is one of the greatest privileges of my life,” Folt said in her message to the USC community. “Working with so many of you to achieve the promise of our incredible Trojan Family brings me joy and inspiration each day.”
Under Folt’s stewardship, the university has focused sharply on initiatives that center around student welfare, academic achievement, and the development of a sustainable campus. She expressed enthusiasm for the future, stating, “I am excited to embrace the freedom that comes with a next big leap, and to pass the baton to the next president who will be able to build upon our accomplishments.”
A Legacy of Growth and Challenge
During her tenure at USC, Folt emphasized her commitment to ensuring the university embodied her “north stars” which revolve around placing students at the center of operations, fostering academic excellence, and creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable environments. This ethos has resonated across campus, contributing to notable advances in facilities and student programs.
However, Folt’s leadership has not been without its controversies. Her administration faced significant scrutiny, particularly amid pro-Palestinian protests that erupted on campus. Such events have posed challenges in maintaining campus harmony while advocating for free speech. As recently noted, the response to these protests has been a flashpoint for discussions surrounding university governance and policy.
USC President Carol Folt during her time leading the university.
Despite these challenges, Folt’s primary focus remained on enhancing student experiences and strengthening academic programs. USC has seen improvements in athletic facilities and significant investments aimed at outreach and student engagement. Folt has expressed gratitude toward her team and the supportive community that welcomed her, representing her tenure as not just a personal achievement but a collective effort.
Looking to the Future
Post-retirement, Folt will still play a role at USC as a tenured faculty member, which reflects her ongoing commitment to education and scholarship. The incoming president will inherit a university that has been shaped over the past few years by thoughtful investment and bold initiatives. As noted by Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of the USC Board of Trustees, Folt’s time at the university has been marked by “exceptional tenure”, navigating pivotal moments in the institution’s history.
The search for Folt’s successor is sure to be closely watched, as various stakeholders from students to faculty and alumni weigh in on the qualities they believe are essential for the next leader.
As Folt prepares for her transition, she leaves behind a complex and multifaceted legacy. The themes of sustainability, student-centered approaches, and ethical leadership will undoubtedly serve as guiding principles for the next chapter at USC. With a renewed sense of purpose, the Trojan Family looks ahead, eager to embrace the future while reflecting on the significant strides made under Folt’s presidency.
Folt’s retirement announcement encapsulates a moment of change at USC, one that signifies both closure and the promise of new beginnings for the university community. As the academic year continues, the focus will now shift to what comes next for this prestigious institution and who will take up the significant responsibilities of leading USC.
Conclusion
As the academic landscape continues to evolve, USC stands as a beacon of opportunity and challenge. President Folt’s departure may herald transformative changes ahead; however, her influence will persist through the systems and structures built during her time. The Trojan Family remains poised for whatever comes next, ready to support new leadership and continue the legacy of academic excellence.
In these times of change, all eyes will be on USC as it charts its course into the future.
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