University of Southern California Strengthens Leadership with New Provost and Communications Chief

USC Strengthens Its Leadership with New Appointments

The University of Southern California (USC) has made significant strides in its leadership structure with the recent appointments of David Madigan as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs, and Megan Jordan as the senior vice president and chief communications officer. These advancements are timely as the university gears up to face the challenges and opportunities of the modern educational landscape.

David Madigan: A Visionary Leader

David Madigan, who is set to assume his role on October 13, has been recognized as an accomplished academic leader, particularly in the field of statistics. Before joining USC, he held the position of provost and senior vice president for academic affairs at Northeastern University, where he played a key role in enhancing faculty recruitment and expanding the university’s global outreach. His leadership experience extends to his previous tenure at Columbia University, where he oversaw multiple educational departments and significantly advanced research initiatives.

During his time at Northeastern, Madigan not only advanced interdisciplinary research but also emphasized collaboration across various academic faculties. His approach combines a deep understanding of the educational environment with a clear vision for how institutions can evolve to meet contemporary needs. He expressed excitement about working with USC President Beong-Soo Kim and the broader Trojan community to help lead USC into a promising future.

His new role includes holding the prestigious Shelly and Ofer Nemirovsky Provost's Chair and serving as a professor of data sciences and operations at the USC Marshall School of Business, further solidifying his impact across different academic departments.

Megan Jordan: Amplifying USC's Voice

Megan Jordan’s appointment as chief communications officer follows her successful stint as interim senior vice president in the same area since January. During this interim period, she initiated strategies that brought together USC's various communications arms to present a unified narrative about the institution. Under her leadership, efforts have been made to improve the alignment and effectiveness of communication both internally and externally—key to maintaining the university’s reputation and furthering its mission.

As a proud USC alumna, Jordan's dedication to the institution runs deep. In her new role, she aims to enhance how USC’s story is told globally, ensuring it reflects the impactful work of the faculty, groundbreaking research initiatives, and the transformative experiences of its students. Her past roles at various organizations, including communications leadership at Claremont McKenna College and Southern California Edison, equip her with a unique perspective and broad expertise to advance USC's strategic communication objectives.

Jordan stated, "USC changed my life when I came here as a student decades ago, and I am honored to shape how the world perceives this extraordinary university and its transformative impact on its students and society."

Looking Ahead

USC President Beong-Soo Kim expressed confidence that both Madigan and Jordan's appointments will bolster the university, stating, "During this consequential moment for higher education, USC is well positioned to extend our academic excellence, accelerate research and innovation, and prepare our students to lead in a rapidly changing world."

As these leaders step into their roles, USC continues to strengthen its position as a world-class academic institution, reflecting a commitment to educational excellence and strategic growth. The alignment of academic and communications strategies is not only timely but necessary as USC navigates an evolving landscape in higher education, with challenges such as maintaining engagement, fostering inclusion, and enhancing global competitiveness at the forefront of its agenda.

About USC

Established in 1880, the University of Southern California is one of the foremost research institutions globally, featuring 23 schools and a multi-billion-dollar health enterprise. With a diverse student body of 46,000 and a faculty of 4,600, USC is not only a powerhouse of academia but a vibrant community dedicated to innovation, research, and the holistic development of its students—the essence of the Trojan Family.