Andrew Guzman will step down from his role as USC provost and senior vice president for academic affairs, the university announced in a campus-wide email Tuesday morning from President Beong-Soo Kim.
Guzman will return to the faculty at the USC Gould School of Law, where he previously served as dean, professor of law and political science and Carl Mason Franklin Chair in Law beginning in 2015. He will continue serving as provost until the university appoints his successor.
Guzman assumed the role in July 2023. According to Kim’s email, he played a “critical role” in establishing USC’s Capital Campus in Washington D.C. Kim also referenced Guzman’s involvement in expanding summer course offerings for undergraduates, establishing the Provost-Senate Joint Task Force on Academic Freedom and Responsibility and instituting the digital textbook program, among other accomplishments.
In May 2024, the Academic Senate voted to censure Guzman, as well as former university President Carol Folt. The Senate cited “widespread dissatisfaction and concern” among faculty following the university’s response to campus events related to conflict in the Middle East.
The search for a new provost has already begun, according to Kim’s email, which said he will share details on the process soon.
In a statement to Annenberg Media, Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, said, “I’m grateful for Provost Guzman’s advice and support and deeply appreciate his leadership through such a challenging time in higher ed.”
Editor’s note: This article was updated after publication to include a statement from Willow Bay, dean of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.