The University of Southern California (USC) has appointed Beong-Soo Kim as its 13th full president, following his interim leadership role since February 2025. Kim's appointment comes after a challenging period for the university, marked by a $200 million deficit and hundreds of layoffs. He succeeds Carol Folt, who stepped down due to criticism over her handling of student protests and fiscal concerns. Kim's focus is on addressing budget challenges and mass layoffs, with a strong emphasis on maintaining academic excellence and exploring the ethical integration of artificial intelligence. He highlights the university's upcoming milestones, including a National Archives exhibition and the 2028 L.A. Olympics, as well as the 150th anniversary in 2030. Kim also discusses USC's relationship with the federal government, emphasizing the importance of engagement with various stakeholders, including government, foundations, and community groups, to ensure the university's continued success and research impact.
