USC Appoints David Madigan as Chief Academic Officer Amid Challenges

The University of Southern California has appointed David Madigan, a statistician and former provost at Northeastern University, as chief academic officer. Madigan, 63, takes up his role as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs on October 13. This marks a key academic appointment under President Beong-Soo Kim’s leadership. Madigan aims to position USC as a leader in rebuilding trust in higher education and adapting to advances in artificial intelligence.

USC faces significant challenges, including a financial crisis, a faculty union drive, and political pressures from the Trump administration. The institution is also navigating the impact of AI on learning, teaching, and research. Madigan expressed his belief in the power of American research universities and noted a decline in public trust. He affirmed that USC is well-equipped to meet these challenges and restore its position.

USC is not afraid to change, Madigan said. We have to be ready to adapt and restore the trust of the American people.

President Kim commended Madigan’s leadership and experience in advancing USC’s academic mission and shaping its future. As provost, Madigan will oversee 18 schools and academic units, including student life, libraries, and enrollment services. The university’s budget staff reports to Gregg Goldman, USC’s executive vice president for finance and operations appointed in June.

Madigan intends to lead with transparency and authenticity, differentiating USC from for-profit corporations. He stressed the importance of clear communication regarding all aspects of the university’s standing, including financial health. Following a lean period, USC has undertaken measures such as hiring freezes, layoffs, and cost-cutting to address a reported deficit exceeding $200 million.

In June, about 70% of voting non-tenure-track faculty backed unionization under United Faculty-UAW, representing approximately 2,700 faculty members. However, USC contested the outcome, asserting that these faculty members hold management rights and the bargaining unit is too broad.

Amidst political pressures, USC confronts federal funding cuts and directives impacting diversity programs and international enrollment. Last year, it opted out of a White House compact to cap international undergraduate enrollment and freeze tuition.

The university is investing heavily in AI, with a $200 million donation from trustee Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary, to integrate the technology across various fields. This autumn, USC’s Viterbi School introduced its first undergraduate AI degree. Madigan acknowledged the transformational impact of AI on research and education, while also noting the risks and lack of safeguards associated with AI’s rapid development.

A native of Ireland, Madigan holds degrees in mathematics and statistics from Trinity College Dublin. His career includes experience in insurance, technology consulting, and academia. He has served at the University of Washington, Rutgers University, and Columbia University before his tenure as Northeastern’s provost from 2020 to 2025.

At USC, he will occupy the Shelly and Ofer Nemirovsky Provost’s Chair and join the faculty in various departments, including the Marshall School of Business and the Keck School of Medicine.

Previously, Madigan faced challenges related to campus protests at Northeastern, including a controversy over the arrest of protesters. He emphasized the importance of academic freedom and free speech while cautioning against harassment and disruptions.

Madigan replaces Andrew Guzman, who returns to the Gould School of Law faculty. Guzman dealt with similar issues regarding protests and free speech during his term. Kim acknowledged Guzman’s efforts in financial sustainability amid challenging times.

Additionally, USC confirmed Megan Jordan as its permanent chief communications officer. An alumna and adjunct professor at USC’s Annenberg School, Jordan has been part of the administration since 2024, handling communications for the president’s office.