Beong-Soo Kim, a visionary leader, has been unanimously elected as the 13th president of the University of Southern California (USC). His appointment comes after a comprehensive search process, and he will take on the role immediately. Kim has been serving as the interim president since July 2025, and his leadership has already made a significant impact on the university's academic and philanthropic endeavors.
The Board of Trustees praised Kim's impeccable character, his deep engagement with the university community, and his ability to make challenging decisions with integrity. During his interim presidency, Kim has fostered a culture of collaboration and interdisciplinary research, strengthening the Trojan Family's trust in his leadership. He has also prioritized academic excellence and the cultivation of future leaders, addressing complex societal issues through open dialogue and collaboration.
One of Kim's notable contributions is his commitment to bridging academic research with real-world entrepreneurship. He co-hosted the first-ever AI Summit, bringing together industry leaders and academics to discuss AI's impact on education and society. This event showcased USC's leadership in responsible AI development.
Kim's leadership style is characterized by compassion, intellectual curiosity, and active listening. He has actively engaged with the Trojan Family, meeting with over 40,000 members across campuses and events worldwide. His personal connection to USC is deep, as his parents pursued graduate studies at the university, and he has a strong background in music, having studied cello and chamber music at Calabasas High School.
In addition to his academic and leadership roles, Kim has a diverse career spanning higher education, healthcare, legal practice, and public service. He has held senior positions at USC and other institutions, demonstrating his exceptional diplomatic skills and commitment to academic freedom and non-discrimination. His leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic and his efforts to strengthen compliance and governance across the health system further highlight his capabilities.
The Board of Trustees expressed their gratitude for Kim's dedication and the comprehensive search process that led to his selection. They believe that Kim's leadership will accelerate USC's institutional advancement and position it as a distinctive leader in higher education during a time of significant change.
