Beong-Soo Kim Named 13th President of USC After National Search

The university's Board of Trustees unanimously selected Kim, who has served as interim president since July 2025.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Beong-Soo Kim has been appointed as the 13th president of the University of Southern California (USC) after a national search. Kim, who has served as interim president since July 2025, was unanimously selected by the USC Board of Trustees and assumed the role immediately.

Why it matters

Kim's appointment comes at a critical time for USC as the university navigates a period of unprecedented change in higher education. As a 'next generation president,' Kim is expected to accelerate USC's institutional advancement and strengthen its position as a leader in areas like interdisciplinary research and emerging technologies.

The details

During his interim tenure, Kim launched initiatives aimed at bolstering interdisciplinary research and campus dialogue, including a Presidential Open Dialogue Project and an AI Strategy Committee. He also co-hosted USC's first AI Summit, bringing together students, faculty, and industry leaders to examine the impact of artificial intelligence.

  • Kim has served as USC's interim president since July 1, 2025.
  • Kim was unanimously selected by the USC Board of Trustees and assumed the role of president immediately on February 4, 2026.

The players

Beong-Soo Kim

The newly appointed 13th president of the University of Southern California (USC). Kim previously served as USC's senior vice president and general counsel, and as a lecturer at the USC Gould School of Law.

Suzanne Nora Johnson

The chair of the USC Board of Trustees, which unanimously selected Kim as the university's next president.

Dana Goldman

The founding director of the USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service, who praised Kim's commitment to advancing USC's academic mission.

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What they’re saying

“The Board's unanimous vote reflects what we learned throughout the search process: widespread confidence in Beong's leadership.”

— Suzanne Nora Johnson, Chair of the USC Board of Trustees (Press Telegram)

“Beong has already demonstrated a deep commitment to advance USC's academic mission working alongside our outstanding faculty. His lofty ambitions and sustained dedication will guide the university to even greater scholarly accomplishments.”

— Dana Goldman, Founding Director, USC Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government Service (Press Telegram)

“I am deeply honored by the confidence the Trojan Family and Board of Trustees have placed in me. USC is a very special place, and we are uniquely positioned to advance our mission and impact during this period of change across higher education.”

— Beong-Soo Kim (Press Telegram)

What’s next

Kim is expected to continue building on the initiatives he launched as interim president, including strengthening interdisciplinary research and fostering campus dialogue on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence.

The takeaway

Beong-Soo Kim's appointment as USC's 13th president comes at a critical juncture for the university, as it seeks to solidify its position as a leader in higher education during a time of significant change. Kim's proven track record of innovation and dedication to USC's academic mission make him well-equipped to guide the university forward.