Update: A university spokesperson told Annenberg Media on July 9 that President Folt’s contract has been “amended and extended,” but would not provide details. Read the full story here.
USC President Carol Folt remains in charge of USC more than a week after her five-year contract ended, according to a university spokesperson. The university would not confirm with Annenberg Media on Monday whether Folt’s contract had been renewed or how long a renewal would last.
Reporters began asking the university press office last week about Folt’s status. Annenberg Media also reached out to the USC Board of Trustees, which is tasked with appointing presidents and renewing their contracts. The Board did not respond to requests for comment.
Folt joined USC in 2019 as university president on a contract that would last through June 30, 2024. Prior to USC, she served as chancellor of UNC Chapel Hill from 2013 to 2019. She also held various leadership positions at Dartmouth, including provost and interim president.
Folt was selected for USC’s presidency after C.L. Max Nikias resigned following criticism for his handling of sexual misconduct allegations against university gynecologist George Tyndall.
The president was widely criticized by the student body and faculty in the spring semester for several reasons, including the cancellation of valedictorian Asna Tabassum’s speech and main stage commencement, her response to pro-Palestinian encampment protests and yearly tuition hikes. On May 8, USC’s academic senate voted to censure Folt, citing “widespread dissatisfaction and concern among the faculty.”
Folt’s last public address, about USC’s “day of SCupport,” was sent on June 14. In a video sent to people who have financially supported initiatives, she asked for fundraising gifts to support scholarships and faculty research. On the same day, she also sent a note about the departure of Felicia Washington, USC’s senior vice president of human resources.