Phone Lines Temporarily Forwarded During Renovation
Starting June 27, all Office of the Provost phones will forward to a central calling
line. This includes individual lines listed on the Our People page and the main office number.
For the fastest response, please email the person you are trying to reach.
Thank you for your understanding.
The Provost serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer at the
University of South Carolina, where excellence in teaching, research and community
service combine to provide exceptional academic opportunities for all students. With
over 38,300 students (Fall 2024) and more than 2,500 faculty, our offerings range
across 16 colleges, schools and campuses. The Office of the Provost oversees all of
their operations, and extends beyond that to manage academic and student services
including enrollment.
The Office of the Provost is charged with the oversight of the University of South
Carolina's graduate and undergraduate academic programs as well as curriculum development,
program assessment and university accreditation. The office manages strategic planning
processes and provides budgetary oversight for all USC Columbia schools and colleges
and academic support areas. The office is responsible for leading the formulation
and implementation of all university and system-wide policies.
The Office of the Provost is committed to fostering excellence, celebrating diversity,
and developing educated and engaged citizens. We collaborate with faculty, staff and
fellow administrators to advance the University of South Carolina’s Strategic Plan.
Meet our Leadership
Donna Arnett, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost
Donna Arnett, Ph.D. is the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of the University
of South Carolina. Reporting directly to the President of the University, Provost
serves as USC’s chief executive officer in the President’s absence, as she is involved
in all core University operations. As the University’s chief academic officer, Provost
Arnett oversees all academic units (colleges, schools, and campuses) and major academic
support units, such as advising, University Libraries, the Office of Enrollment Management,
and Institutional Research, Assessment and Analytics. She works closely with fellow
administrators, deans of colleges and academic and advising units, as well as many
others across the University to set academic priorities and move them forward.
For appointments, please contact Ashley Dantzler at dillahun@mailbox.sc.edu.
Jennifer Ng, Ph.D., vice provost for faculty affairs and dean of the faculty
Jennifer Ng, Ph.D., the Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs, is dedicated to facilitating and promoting
the ongoing success of all faculty members at USC. The office advances the mission
of the university through the recruitment and retention of an excellent and diverse
faculty, a commitment to shared governance, the development and implementation of
policies that promote faculty success over the course of their careers, and the creation
of programs and practices that enable and foster faculty development and success.
The Vice Provost oversees promotion and tenure, faculty development, leadership training,
executive searches and reviews, and other issues related to academic personnel and
their concerns. In addition, the Vice Provost serves as the Provost’s contact for
the SEC Academic Leadership Development Program.
For appointments, please contact Vanezza Seastrunk at Vanezza.Seastrunk@sc.edu.
Sam Todd, Ph.D., vice provost and associate vice president for Global Affairs
Dr. Todd leads the university in championing internationalization through his work with Education
abroad, International Student and Scholar Support, the International Accelerator Program,
the English Program for Internationals, and other globally-focused entities. As the
Senior International Officer, he works with university leaders to expand programs
and strategies for the recruitment and retention of international students and scholars,
increase domestic student participation in international educational opportunities,
and build collaborative partnerships with foreign institutions.
For appointments, please contact Valena Adams at johnsova@mailbox.sc.edu.
Lara Lomicka Anderson, Ph.D., vice provost for undergraduate affairs and dean of undergraduate
studies
Dr. Lomicka Anderson oversees general education requirements and provides guidance on undergraduate academic
initiatives within and beyond the classroom. She is responsible for the University
Advising Center, Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning, Graduation and
Retention Network and the Faculty-led Living and Learning Communities.
For appointments, please contact Vanezza Seastrunk at Vanezza.Seastrunk@sc.edu.
Shannon Means, MPA, vice provost for strategy and innovation
The vice provost for strategy and innovation is a newly created position to help facilitate
work necessary to propel the University of South Carolina to future successes. Shannon Means will work to advance the USC mission, strategic plan and foster opportunities for
innovation, identifying programmatic opportunities available to academic units on
campus, enhancing a business intelligence infrastructure, and using thorough data
analysis to inform conversations with academic leaders. She works with campus deans
and other academic decision makers to leverage resources effectively and improve university
accomplishments and student success outcomes.
For appointments, please contact Niky McDonald at mccaffen@sc.edu.
Scott Verzyl, Ph.D., vice president for enrollment management and dean of undergraduate
admissions
Scott Verzyl leads Enrollment Management, which includes the Office of Undergraduate Admissions, the Office of Student Financial
Aid and Scholarships, the Office of the University Registrar, the Visitor Center,
New Student Orientation, TRIO Programs, Veterans Services, Legal Residency, and Enrollment
Analytics.
For appointments, please contact Andrea Avant at avantas@mailbox.sc.edu.
Brad West, associate vice provost for academic operations and budget
Brad West provides leadership for Finance, Budget, and Business Operations administration for
the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs at the University of South Carolina.
This role will use business analytics and systems to help the Provost and her leadership
make informed decisions while streamlining the communication between academic and
support units with the Provost office regarding operational execution.
For appointments, please contact Niky McDonald at mccaffen@sc.edu.
