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Beong-Soo Kim: A Visionary Leader for USC's Future

On February 4, 2026, the Board of Trustees for the University of Southern California (USC) made a significant decision by unanimously electing Beong-Soo Kim as the university’s 13th president. The announcement marked the culmination of an extensive and competitive search process that highlighted Kim’s exemplary leadership qualities accumulated while serving as the Interim President since July 2025.

The Chair of the USC Board of Trustees, Suzanne Nora Johnson, expressed confidence in Kim’s ability to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education. She emphasized that Kim's appointment reflects a broad consensus on his leadership style and vision, demonstrating his impeccable character and unwavering commitment to the university's community.

A Commitment to Excellence

Having held the position of Interim President, Kim has already made strides in enhancing USC's academic outreach both nationally and globally. He has promoted interdisciplinary research initiatives and successfully garnered transformative philanthropic support. His approach to working closely with various stakeholders, including trustees, senior leadership, and faculty, has fostered a sense of mutual trust within the Trojan Family, a sentiment Kim acknowledges as crucial to USC’s success.

“I am deeply honored by the confidence the Trojan Family and the Board of Trustees have placed in me,” said Kim upon receiving the appointment. “USC is uniquely positioned to advance our mission during this transformative time in higher education.” Kim outlined his goal of not just reacting to the future but actively shaping it, focusing on academic excellence and timely research.

Innovative Initiatives and Projects

In his role as president, Kim plans to further the priorities that underpin USC’s mission. These include addressing pressing societal issues through collaboration and open dialogue, cultivating future leaders, and enhancing interdisciplinary scientific research. Notably, Kim has initiated projects such as the Presidential Open Dialogue Project and an AI Strategy Committee, which aim to engage the USC community in discussions around essential 21st-century challenges.

In a groundbreaking move, Kim organized USC’s first AI Summit, which brought students, faculty, and industry leaders together to discuss the implications of artificial intelligence on education and society. Such initiatives not only position USC as a thought leader in these discussions but also reflect Kim's dedication to aligning academic pursuits with real-world applications.

Engaging with the Trojan Family

Over the past months, Kim has engaged actively with over 40,000 members of the USC community, hosting various events both on-campus and worldwide to strengthen connections between students, faculty, alumni, and staff. His leadership has been characterized by an open-door policy, allowing for diverse perspectives to contribute to the university’s governance.

Kim’s background reflects a blend of experiences across higher education, health care, and law, including his previous role as USC's Senior Vice President and General Counsel. Holding degrees from Harvard and the London School of Economics, his personal connection to USC is profound, stemming from his family’s ties to the institution.

Conclusion: A New Chapter for USC

Beong-Soo Kim’s selection as USC’s president signals a new chapter for the university at a pivotal time in its history. His focus on transparent communication, collective progress, and innovative academic strategies stands to not only advance USC's institutional goals but also redefine the landscape of higher education in the coming years. As he begins this journey, the USC community holds great expectations for the future leadership and direction under Kim’s guidance.