The University of Southern California has appointed David Madigan, a statistician and former provost of Northeastern University, as its chief academic officer. He aims to position the university as a leading institution in restoring public trust in higher education and adapting to advances in artificial intelligence. Madigan, aged 63, will take on the roles of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs starting October 13. This marks a crucial academic appointment during President Beong-Soo Kim’s initial year leading the university.
Madigan joins USC amid financial recovery and challenges related to a faculty unionization drive. The university also faces political and funding pressures from the Trump administration while artificial intelligence continues to reshape education and research. Madigan expressed his belief in American research universities, acknowledging challenges with public trust. He emphasized USC’s potential to address these issues.
“USC is well-situated to renew the trust of the American public. We must adapt and evolve to maintain our position,” Madigan stated.
President Kim highlighted Madigan’s experience as crucial for enhancing USC’s academic mission and shaping the institution’s future. Madigan will oversee 18 schools and various academic units. His approach will prioritize transparency and clarity in university communications, distinguishing USC from commercial entities like Goldman Sachs.
USC has been through a financially challenging period. In efforts to manage a significant budget deficit, the university implemented hiring freezes, layoffs, and budget cuts. Unionization efforts by non-tenure-track faculty have led to contention, with USC challenging recent unionization votes.
The Trump administration’s policies have posed additional challenges. USC, like other universities, has resisted federal constraints on international enrollment and program diversity. In light of these pressures, USC is investing in AI, highlighted by a $200 million donation from trustee Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary.
Madigan noted AI’s transformative impact on research and education, underscoring the university’s efforts to integrate this technology across multiple fields.
“AI is radically changing the research landscape. Personal tutoring powered by AI represents a significant leap in learning science,” he remarked.
Originally from Ireland, Madigan has an extensive background in mathematics and statistics, with academic positions at the University of Washington, Rutgers University, and Columbia University before his tenure at Northeastern. He will hold the Nemirovsky Provost’s Chair at USC and join the faculty at the Marshall School of Business, with additional roles in various academic departments.
Madigan succeeds Andrew Guzman, who is returning to the law faculty after facing challenges similar to Madigan’s past encounters at Northeastern, involving campus protests and academic freedom. Guzman was recognized for his contributions during difficult financial times at USC.
Megan Jordan has been named USC’s permanent chief communications officer, following her interim role. Jordan, an alumna of USC, previously held positions at Claremont McKenna College and other organizations, bringing significant experience to her new role.
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