He takes on the role July 1

Harris Pastides has announced, upon the recommendation of interim president-elect Brendan Kelly, that Dr. Tayloe Harding will serve as interim executive vice-president for academic affairs and provost., effective July 1, 2019. Dean Harding has been an effective leader of academic and administrative affairs, not only as dean of the School of Music since 2005, but also as interim dean of the SC Honors College (2010-2011) and the interim dean of the College of Social Work (2016-2017).

“I'm grateful to Dean Harding for his willingness to step in at this important time, and I'm sure you'll join me in welcoming him to this important role,” said Pastides.

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. He is also responsible for leading the formulation and implementation of system-wide academic affairs policies relating to faculty hiring, retention, tenure, promotion and development. Additionally the provost manages strategic planning processes and provides budgetary oversight for all UofSC Columbia academic units and academic support areas.