USC President Carol Folt to Retire

USC President Carol Folt announced she will retire at the end of the academic year on July 1, 2025, after a tenure marked by significant change and controversy. Folt's leadership since 2019 included pivotal hires in the athletics department, such as Lincoln Riley and Eric Musselman, as well as overseeing the university's transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten Conference. Her administration was also noted for extensive stadium renovations and addressing past scandals, including the admissions cheating scandal. However, Folt faced criticism for her handling of pro-Palestinian protests on campus, which stirred controversy and impacted her tenure. Despite these challenges, she will remain at USC as a tenured faculty member, with the board expressing gratitude for her strategic vision and ability to tackle complex issues. The upcoming transition aims to continue building upon Folt's accomplishments to maintain USC's prominence in higher education and athletics.