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Office of the Provost

Osborne Administration Building

About the Office of the Provost

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 Portrait

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

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick Headshot

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., vice provost for faculty affairs and dean of the faculty (interim)

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, 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 Headshot

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.

Lara Lomicka Anderson Headshot

Lara Lomicka Anderson, Ph.D., vice provost for undergraduate affairs and dean of undergraduate studies

Dr. Lomicka Anderson oversees general education requirements, the First-Year Reading Experience 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 Headshot

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 Vanezza Seastrunk at Vanezza.Seastrunk@sc.edu

Scott Verzyl Headshot

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

Portrait photo of Brad West

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.

 


 


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