Columbia, South Carolina, August 19, 2025
News Summary
The University of South Carolina is experiencing significant shifts in academic leadership with the resignation of Provost Donna Arnett and Dean Joel Samuels. Provost Arnett will transition back to a faculty position while Mary Anne Fitzpatrick is appointed as interim provost. Joel Samuels departs for the University of Miami, prompting Thomas Hodges of the College of Education to take over as interim dean of McCausland College. Faculty express concerns about the stability of the university amidst these changes and other challenges, including vacancies on the board and a decline in national rankings.
Columbia, South Carolina – The University of South Carolina (USC) is facing significant changes in its academic leadership just days before the commencement of the 2025-2026 academic year. These developments include the resignation of Provost Donna Arnett and the announcement of Joel Samuels, dean of the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, stepping down to take on a new role at the University of Miami.
Provost Arnett’s resignation was officially communicated on July 30, 2025, and is set to take effect on August 8, 2025. In an internal email, USC President Michael Amiridis indicated that Arnett is pursuing other opportunities, although specific details were not provided. Following her departure, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, a distinguished professor within the College of Information Science, has been appointed for a two-year interim term to succeed Arnett.
Meanwhile, Dean Samuels made his resignation known on July 29, 2025, also with immediate effects. In his communication to faculty members, he reassured them of the McCausland College’s financial stability and its preparedness for the upcoming year while expressing some uncertainty regarding his future and the college’s direction post-departure.
In the wake of Samuels’ exit, Thomas Hodges, currently the dean of the College of Education, will step in as the interim leader of McCausland College. A national search for a permanent replacement will be underway during this time. Hodges is expected to resume his previous role once a new dean is appointed, with Angela Baum, the College of Education’s senior associate dean for academic affairs, filling in for him temporarily.
The leadership shakeup has garnered mixed reactions from faculty members, with many expressing shock and surprise due to the close timing of these announcements. As faculty prepare to return to campus on August 18, 2025, for the new academic year, concerns have been voiced regarding how these changes may impact the perception of stability within the university.
Amid these changes, USC also grapples with other challenges, including three vacant seats on its board of trustees and a decline in its national ranking, which currently stands at No. 121 according to the U.S. News and World Report’s “Best Colleges” list. This is a notable drop from its standing a decade ago.
USC spokesman Jeff Stensland clarified that while significant leadership announcements have been made to faculty and staff, students were not informed due to the summer break. He also emphasized that Dean Samuels’ move to Miami is unrelated to Provost Arnett’s resignation, indicating it as a coincidental timing.
The new leadership structure and ongoing management issues at USC are important as the university approaches the start of its academic year. The need for stable and effective leadership is crucial in maintaining confidence among faculty, students, and stakeholders while addressing the broader implications of these developments.
Summary of Leadership Changes at USC
- Provost Donna Arnett resigns to return to faculty position effective August 8, 2025.
- Mary Anne Fitzpatrick named interim provost.
- Joel Samuels resigns as dean of McCausland College; to join University of Miami.
- Thomas Hodges to lead McCausland College temporarily.
- Concerns over university stability voiced by faculty members.
- USC currently ranked No. 121 in national rankings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the university leadership changes?
Provost Donna Arnett resigned to pursue other opportunities, while Dean Joel Samuels announced his departure to take a new role at the University of Miami.
Who is taking over as provost after Donna Arnett’s resignation?
Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, a distinguished professor at the College of Information Science, has accepted a two-year interim appointment to replace Arnett.
What will happen to McCausland College after Joel Samuels’ departure?
Thomas Hodges, dean of the College of Education, will temporarily lead McCausland College while a national search for a permanent dean is conducted.
What are faculty reactions to the new leadership changes?
Many faculty members express shock and surprise, considering the suddenness and timing of the announcements just before the school year begins.
How might these changes affect the University’s stability?
Concerns have been raised regarding the impact of these leadership changes on the university’s stability and perception among faculty and students.
Chart of Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Provost Resignation | Donna Arnett resigned, effective August 8, 2025 |
| Interim Provost | Mary Anne Fitzpatrick appointed |
| Dean Resignation | Joel Samuels resigned to join University of Miami |
| Interim Dean | Thomas Hodges to lead McCausland College temporarily |
| Enrollment | 8,876 undergraduates and 662 graduates in McCausland College |
| Current Ranking | No. 121 in U.S. News and World Report |
| Faculty Return Date | August 18, 2025 |
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Additional Resources
- Fits News: Leadership Shakeup at the University of South Carolina
- Google Search: University of South Carolina leadership changes
- Gamecocks Online: Change of Leadership Announced for Beach Volleyball Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Leadership in Universities
- USC Upstate: Change in Leadership of Men’s Soccer Program
- Google News: University Leadership Changes
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