Dear Marshall Faculty, Staff, and Students,
I write to share two important leadership announcements concerning the USC Marshall School of Business and the university’s global engagement efforts.
Dean Geoffrey Garrett has agreed to take on a new role as Special Advisor to the President for Global Strategy and Engagement and, in order to give this role the focus it deserves, he will step down as Dean of the USC Marshall School of Business effective August 1.
In his new role, Dean Garrett will work closely with President Kim and colleagues across the university to strengthen USC’s relationships with business leaders, philanthropists, and strategic partners; expand our international reach and influence during a period of unprecedented change and disruption; and advance opportunities for our students, faculty, and research enterprise around the world.
This work comes at an important moment for USC and for higher education more broadly. Universities increasingly operate in a global environment shaped by rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and intensifying competition for students, talent, ideas, and resources. Success requires not only academic excellence, but also strong international partnerships and deep engagement with leaders across business, government, and civil society. Few individuals are better positioned than Dean Garrett to help USC advance these priorities, and President Kim and I are grateful to him for helping advance USC’s leadership in these areas.
Dean Garrett will also return to the faculty as a Provost Professor, where he will continue his scholarship and help develop interdisciplinary initiatives focused on global strategy, geopolitics, and the forces reshaping business, technology, public policy, and society.
During Dean Garrett’s six years as dean of Marshall, the school launched five joint undergraduate degrees with partner schools across USC—the first such programs in university history—including programs in AI for Business, Business of Cinematic Arts, Business of Innovation, Real Estate Finance and Development, and Accounting and Finance. Marshall also significantly expanded its international engagement, established its first Asia Executive Advisory Board, created 30 new philanthropically supported faculty chairs and secured support for 148 new student scholarships. Over the last three years, under Dean Garrett’s leadership, Marshall raised approximately $200 million, the largest three-year fundraising total in the school’s history.
President Kim and I are deeply grateful to Dean Garrett for his accomplishments as dean, and for his willingness to continue serving the university in this important new capacity.
We are also pleased to announce that Andrew Call, Dean of the USC Leventhal School of Accounting, has agreed to serve as Interim Dean of the Marshall School of Business effective August 1. Dean Call is an accomplished scholar, respected academic leader, and dedicated educator whose leadership has strengthened the Leventhal School and advanced its tradition of excellence in both teaching and research. Just as importantly, he has earned the trust and respect of colleagues across USC through his collaborative leadership style, intellectual rigor, and deep commitment to the university’s academic mission. Working closely with the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and university leadership, he will help shape the school’s strategic path forward while building on the many accomplishments that have positioned Marshall among the nation’s leading business schools.
Please join me in thanking Dean Garrett for his many contributions to Marshall and USC and in congratulating him on his new role. I also hope you will join me in congratulating Dean Call and thanking him for his willingness to provide leadership during this important time for Marshall. The search for a permanent dean of Marshall will begin this Fall.
Sincerely,
Andrew T. Guzman
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs