In a surprising turn of events, the University of Southern California (USC) has officially appointed Beong-Soo Kim as its 13th president, following his seven-month tenure as interim president. This decision, announced on February 4, 2026, has raised eyebrows, particularly since Kim was not originally viewed as a candidate for the permanent position when he stepped in to replace former president Carol Folt.
At 53, Kim brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as USC's general counsel and as a federal prosecutor. His appointment comes at a challenging time for the university, marked by significant budgetary constraints and the need to adapt to evolving educational landscapes, including the impacts of artificial intelligence. During his interim presidency, he took decisive actions to address financial difficulties, implementing substantial austerity measures that included laying off over a thousand staff members to help balance a substantial budget deficit.
Despite these efforts, Kim's leadership has not been without controversy. Faculty and staff have voiced their frustrations regarding what they perceive as insufficient communication concerning the layoffs and budget cuts. There is also a growing sentiment among some members of the USC community who feel that the administration should adopt a more vocal stance against the Trump administration's policies that they believe threaten diversity initiatives, funding for scientific research, and the principles of free speech on campus.
Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of USC’s board of trustees, expressed confidence in Kim’s leadership capabilities, stating that the board's unanimous decision reflects a collective belief in his vision for the university. "As a next generation president," she said, "we believe that he can dramatically accelerate USC’s institutional advancement as a distinctive leader in higher education during a time of unprecedented change."
In response to his appointment, Kim expressed his gratitude, describing USC as a unique institution poised to make significant strides in advancing its mission and influence amidst the ongoing transformations in higher education. He emphasized a commitment to maintaining academic excellence and fostering groundbreaking research, with the goal of not merely reacting to changes but actively shaping the future.
As this story continues to develop, it remains a focal point of interest within the higher education community.
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