Background

Dr. Craig D. Wilson was appointed Chancellor of the University of South Carolina Palmetto College in June 2025, bringing more than two decades of leadership experience in higher education to the role. He oversees USC’s four two-year regional campuses –USC Lancaster, USC Salkehatchie, USC Sumter, and USC Union – as well as Palmetto College Columbia and more than 40 online and on-campus bachelor’s degree completion programs in partnership with USC Aiken, USC Beaufort, USC Columbia and USC Upstate.

Prior to joining USC, Dr. Wilson served as Vice Provost for Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Arizona, where he led a division serving over 4,500 learners across five Arizona locations and online. Under his leadership, Arizona Online enrollment more than doubled, and the university earned top national rankings for online education and veteran support. He spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the Lifelong Learning Loop (L3), corporate partnerships with over 70 companies, and collaborations with Microsoft and Native American communities to expand access to education.

Dr. Wilson’s career also includes leadership roles at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where he served as Dean of the Division of Professional Studies and the School of Graduate Studies, and at the University of Miami as Associate Dean for Strategy and Innovation. He was also Director of the Business School at Miami Dade College, one of the largest institutions in the country.

A U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran, Dr. Wilson holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University, a Master’s in Human Resources Management from Troy University, a Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from Bowling Green State University.

Dr. Wilson is widely recognized for his student-centered leadership and his ability to build innovative, accessible educational programs that meet the needs of learners across all life stages.