System

Our Leadership

Our system leaders are dedicated to the unique needs of the campuses and communities in which they serve. Yet, every member of our team also serves a common purpose — to make South Carolina stronger by providing every Carolinian access to an affordable, quality higher education.

President Harris Pastides

Our president serves as the top officer for the Columbia campus and for the entire USC system. President Harris Pastides was dean of the Arnold School of Public Health before becoming president in 2008. 

Board of Trustees

Our board is made up of the governor, the state education superintendent, 16 members appointed by state lawmakers from each of the state’s judicial circuits and the president of the Alumni Association. The governor has an appointee and usually designates someone to fill the governor’s seat on the board. 

System Officials

In addition to our president and board, our leadership includes nine positions governing academics, research, finances, giving, technology, human resources, student affairs, communications and our extended university.

Chancellors and Executive Deans

With educational and research training ranging from chemistry to psychology, our campus chancellors and executive deans are as diverse as the campuses upon which they serve. USC Aiken, USC Beaufort, USC Upstate and Palmetto College are led by chancellors, while USC Lancaster, USC Salkehatchie, USC Sumter and USC Union are led by executive deans.