In the past seven months, new USC President Beong Kim has connected with over 40,000 members of the Trojan Family. He visited campuses in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., and attended global events to engage with students, faculty, staff, researchers, and alumni.
Erika Chesley, USC Hospitality’s senior associate director, praised Kim’s leadership style. She noted his transparency and genuine commitment to all members of the university. “He has a unique background that brings fresh ideas during these changing times,” she said. Chesley looks forward to continuing conversations about improving staff experiences under his leadership.
Recently in India, Kim honored the legacy of late USC Trustee Ratan Tata and highlighted the university’s connections with international students. His consistent approach—combining visionary thinking with compassion—was evident during his visit to the USC Norris Cancer Hospital. There, he engaged with patients, doctors, and nurses, embodying an approach that values listening and learning.
Carmen Nava, a USC trustee and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee, remarked on Kim’s exceptional diplomatic skills. She noted, “His leadership has maintained USC’s academic mission and ensured financial health.” In a time of growing challenges in higher education, Kim’s commitment to open communication has been crucial.
Mark Stevens, another trustee, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that during tough times, Kim has helped USC focus on growth while staying true to its core mission. His efforts to strengthen community ties are creating new opportunities for students.
Kim’s broad career spans higher education, healthcare, legal work, and public service. He previously served as USC’s senior vice president and general counsel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he played a pivotal role in guiding the university, ensuring compliance, and advocating for academic freedom.
Before USC, Kim was a partner at an international law firm and worked as a federal prosecutor. He earned both his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from Harvard University and holds a master’s from the London School of Economics.
A lifelong Los Angeles resident, Kim has deep ties to USC. His parents, both Korean immigrants, studied there. His mother earned a master’s in education in 1970, while his father pursued doctoral studies in economics. As a student at Calabasas High School, Kim learned cello under renowned professors from the USC Thornton School of Music. During the pandemic, he organized “porch concerts” in his neighborhood to bring joy and comfort.
“Playing cello has taught me the value of listening and harmony,” Kim shared. “Just like music, USC thrives when everyone works together toward a common goal. As president, my role is to help orchestrate that teamwork.”
Kim’s appointment came after a thoughtful search that engaged the USC community. Nora Johnson, a Board of Trustees member, expressed gratitude for the extensive feedback that led to Kim’s selection, underscoring its importance for USC’s future.
As of now, more than 50% of college students report feeling anxious about their education due to rising costs and a competitive job market. Kim’s leadership will be crucial in addressing these concerns and steering USC into a prosperous future. His background and experiences are already shaping a community that fosters resilience and collaboration.
For further insights on higher education trends and their impact, check reports from the [Pew Research Center](https://www.pewresearch.org/).
Source link
Beong-Soo Kim,USC History,USC Leadership,USC News,USC News Top Stories,USC Staff
