New USC president announces general education overhaul

Wave Wire Services

UNIVERSITY PARK — Beong-Soo Kim was formally installed as USC’s 13th president Oct. 16 during a ceremony at the university’s campus, where he announced plans for the institution’s first comprehensive overhaul of its undergraduate general education program in decades.

Addressing thousands of students, faculty, staff, alumni and guests, Kim outlined priorities that include revamping academic programs, expanding interdisciplinary research and strengthening partnerships with industry and community organizations.

“The measure of a great university is not simply what we achieve, but what we make possible for others,” Kim said during his investiture address.

Kim, 53, called on the university to build on its history of innovation while adapting to changes in higher education, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence and evolving workforce demands.

USC will begin what Kim described as a bottom-up redesign of its undergraduate general education requirements, the first such comprehensive effort in decades, according to the university.

He also called for more experiential learning opportunities, greater collaboration among academic disciplines and stronger connections with Los Angeles-area industries and communities.

“USC has always been a place where people challenge conventional thinking, move the horizon, and turn bold ideas into meaningful change,” Kim said. “Together, we will build on that spirit — to create a university that not only anticipates the future, but helps define it, opening new possibilities for generations to come.”

Kim emphasized three priorities for his presidency: reimagining education to prepare students for a changing world, combining the university’s research strengths to address major societal challenges and expanding partnerships beyond the campus.

He also acknowledged declining public trust in higher education, saying universities must demonstrate their value through responsible stewardship, a willingness to change and meaningful contributions to students and society.

Suzanne Nora Johnson, chair of USC’s Board of Trustees, praised Kim’s leadership.

“Beong has proven himself a leader who moves with both conviction and care,” Johnson said in a statement. “In a moment of unprecedented change for higher education, he is setting a bold course for USC, one grounded in innovation, open dialogue, and a deep belief in our Trojan Family.”

Kim was unanimously elected president by USC’s Board of Trustees on Feb. 4 after serving as interim president since July 1, 2025. He assumed the presidency immediately following his election, succeeding Carol Folt, who announced her retirement in 2024.

The board selected Kim following a national search that considered more than 1,000 candidates, according to USC.

Kim, a lawyer who joined USC in 2020 as senior vice president and general counsel, was initially not part of the presidential search but was invited to participate by the Board of Trustees in October 2025.

He took over as interim president amid significant financial challenges, including a budget deficit exceeding $200 million. The university subsequently undertook a restructuring effort that included layoffs of more than 1,000 employees.

Kim previously said USC was on track to eliminate the deficit by the end of the 2026 fiscal year, according to USC Annenberg Media.

During his interim presidency, Kim launched the Open Dialogue Project, an initiative promoting academic freedom, free expression and discussion across the university.

He also oversaw initiatives involving artificial intelligence, including a partnership with OpenAI, the creation of an AI strategy committee and USC’s inaugural AI summit.

The son of Korean immigrants who attended graduate school at USC, Kim was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and attended local public schools.

He graduated from Harvard College, earned a master’s degree from the London School of Economics and received his law degree from Harvard Law School.

Kim has also served as an adjunct professor at the USC Gould School of Law. A lifelong cellist, he has performed at events associated with the USC Thornton School of Music.

Lim’s investiture began with an academic procession from Bovard Auditorium into Alumni Park.

The university also scheduled a Trojan Family celebration that afternoon at McCarthy Quad, featuring live performances, creative arts activities and food for students, faculty, staff and guests.

Looking ahead to USC’s 150th anniversary in 2030, Kim urged the university community to build on its founding mission and expand its contributions to Los Angeles and beyond.