Beong-Soo Kim Appointed President of USC
Beong-Soo Kim has been appointed the president of the University of Southern California (USC), following seven months as interim president. The 53-year-old was not initially among the candidates to lead the university's 46,000-student campus after the retirement of Carol Folt. His new role is effective immediately.
Interim Leadership and Key Challenges
During his interim period, Kim addressed several significant and ongoing issues. This included managing a $200-million budget deficit, which led to cuts and over 1,000 layoffs.
He also navigated pressures on higher education from various fronts, such as the Trump administration's influence, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), and national discussions on the value of a college education.
Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of USC’s board of trustees, stated that Kim became their top choice due to his leadership and character, believing he can advance USC during a period of change across technological, political, and demographic landscapes.
Ongoing University Issues
Challenges persist at USC, including concerns among faculty and staff regarding the layoffs and budget communication. The university rejected a Trump administration proposal for an academic compact, which aimed to reduce international enrollment and promote conservative campus policies.
Federal pressures related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, transgender recognition, campus protests, and the emphasis on hard sciences are also influencing higher education decisions.
USC is also addressing the integration of AI, with Kim recently co-hosting the university's first AI conference. The campus has invested $3.1 million in a ChatGPT subscription for its community. Additionally, the university has been in a prolonged conflict with part-time and adjunct faculty attempting to form a union, a move USC has opposed through the National Labor Relations Board.
Regarding finances, Kim expressed optimism, stating the university is in a stronger financial position and is focused on future opportunities. He highlighted that despite cuts to federal research funding, USC's research expenditures have increased, and the university continues to prioritize providing educational value to students. Kim also stated a focus on strengthening academic culture through intellectual curiosity and engagement with diverse viewpoints.
Selection Process and Background
A 20-person search committee, which convened for approximately a year, recommended Kim to the USC board. The committee initiated discussions with Kim to consider the top role late last year after receiving numerous nominations from various segments of the university community.
Kim previously served as USC’s top lawyer starting in July 2020. His career background primarily involves law, including roles as a vice president and assistant general counsel at Kaiser Permanente, a partner at Jones Day law firm, and a nine-year tenure in the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles. He was also an adjunct law professor at USC.
His selection is notable as the majority of his career has not been in academia or college administration. As head of USC's legal office, Kim was involved in responses to complex university matters, including the Varsity Blues admissions scandal, reforms within the athletic department, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the university's transition to the Big Ten, changes in student athletics regulations, and the university’s response to pro-Palestinian encampments and protests in 2024.
Personal Connection
Kim, the son of Korean immigrants who attended USC, has a personal connection to the institution.
He described it as a "full-circle moment" in a welcome video on USC's website, recalling childhood memories of the campus.