Leadership and Vision for USC
USC has appointed David Madigan, a statistician and former Northeastern University provost, as its chief academic officer. Madigan aims to position the university as a leader in restoring American trust in higher education and adapting to artificial intelligence advancements. He will assume the role of provost and executive vice president for academic affairs on October 13, 2023, marking the most significant academic appointment during President Beong-Soo Kim’s first year.
Madigan joins USC amidst financial challenges, a faculty union drive, and political pressures related to AI reshaping education and research. He expressed strong belief in the potential of American research universities and identified a decline in public trust as a prevailing issue.
“I really believe in the power of the great American research universities,” Madigan said. “Somehow or other, we’ve lost our way a little bit.”
Madigan emphasized USC’s readiness to adapt and change to restore trust among the American people.
Challenges and Financial Management
USC recently faced a fiscal deficit exceeding $200 million, resulting in hiring freezes, layoffs, and reduced discretionary spending. The university took measures such as selling unused buildings and eliminating merit raises to mitigate financial strains.
Madigan will oversee 18 schools and academic units, along with student life, libraries, and enrollment services. He plans to lead with transparency and authenticity, ensuring clear communication of financial news and developments to USC’s community members.
Regarding the faculty unionization efforts, approximately 70% of non-tenure-track faculty voted in favor of unionizing under United Faculty-UAW. USC contested the result, citing management rights through shared governance and argued the bargaining unit was too broad.
Promoting Innovation and Technology
USC’s stance on AI remains crucial. Trustee Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary, contributed $200 million to integrate AI across diverse fields, fueling advancements in teaching and research. This fall, the university launched its first undergraduate AI degree program at the Viterbi School of Engineering.
“AI is completely transforming the research process,” Madigan noted. In teaching, “the holy grail of learning science has always been the personal tutor, and in many ways, here we are.”
Madigan’s Background and Experience
A native of Ireland, Madigan earned degrees in mathematics and statistics from Trinity College Dublin, with a background in insurance and technology consulting. His academic experience spans institutions including Rutgers University and Columbia University. At Northeastern, he held the provost role from 2020 to 2025, overseeing schools, colleges, and research operations.
Madigan’s tenure at Northeastern included managing pandemic reopenings and acquisitions, with a notable focus on academic freedom and free speech as essential principles.
“We have to be able to express ideas in ways that some people might not like,” Madigan remarked. “This is not negotiable.”
Transition from Andrew Guzman and Other Appointments
Madigan succeeds Andrew Guzman, who returned to the Gould School of Law faculty after facing similar challenges with free speech and protests at USC. Guzman, formerly a law school dean, focused on financial sustainability during his tenure.
Additionally, USC named Megan Jordan as its permanent chief communications officer. A USC alumna, Jordan has served in the interim role since January 2023 and previously held positions at Southern California Edison and other organizations.