As the first Korean-American to lead USC in its 146-year history, USC President Kim Byung-soo announced a comprehensive overhaul of undergraduate liberal arts programs during his inauguration ceremony on the 16th.
The initiative stems from the belief that universities must fundamentally transform in response to rapidly changing higher education environments, driven by the expanding influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and shifting industry workforce demands.
Speaking at the 13th presidential inauguration held on the USC campus, President Kim emphasized, "The measure of a great university is not simply what it has achieved, but what it enables others to do. Let us leap forward as a university that does not merely predict the future, but actively creates it, opening up new possibilities for the next generation."
Born and raised in Los Angeles, USC has long been a intellectual cradle of Southern California for Kim. His parents studied abroad at USC over 50 years ago, with his father completing a master’s degree and his mother finishing her undergraduate degree.
In an interview following the inauguration, President Kim stated, "Because I grew up under parents who were international students, ensuring stable academic support systems for international students is personally one of the most important tasks I handle."
This inauguration took place approximately eight months after President Kim officially assumed office last February. Having served as interim president since last July, he laid out a blueprint for university operations centered on undergraduate program reform during his inaugural address.
He noted, "At a time when public trust in higher education is weakening, universities must prove their value through responsible management, a willingness to change, and a substantive contribution to students and society. Amid rapidly changing times, we must redesign our education system, solve social challenges with our research capabilities, and boldly expand the horizons of academic collaboration beyond the campus."
Previously, shortly after being selected as interim president, Kim received favorable reviews for introducing the ‘Open Dialogue Project,’ which encourages academic freedom, freedom of expression, and on-campus debate culture.
President Kim faces a mountain of challenges beyond reforming the education system. Having taken office amid a financial crisis marked by a massive budget deficit exceeding $200 million, he has already implemented sweeping restructuring, including the layoff of over 1,000 employees. Furthermore, following years of lawsuits and settlements related to faculty misconduct and wrongful termination allegations, attention is focused on how he will manage and reform these internal risks.
Meanwhile, regarding the recent nationwide controversy surrounding the Cornell University gang rape allegations, President Kim stated, "The incident that occurred there is deeply tragic and horrific. USC is also reviewing all ways to improve campus fraternity-related regulations and organizational culture."
