USC Appoints David Madigan as New Chief Academic Officer

The University of Southern California (USC) has appointed David Madigan as its new chief academic officer. Madigan, a seasoned statistician and former Northeastern University provost, aims to position USC as a leader in rebuilding public trust in higher education and adapting to advances in artificial intelligence (AI).

Madigan, 63, will assume his role as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs on October 13. This appointment marks a significant development in President Beong-Soo Kim’s inaugural year at USC. As the university recovers from a financial crisis, confronts a faculty union drive, and navigates political and funding challenges from the Trump administration, AI continues to reshape education and research.

“I believe in the power of great American research universities,” said Madigan. “We’ve somewhat lost our way.”

He emphasized that the decline in public trust predates recent federal cuts in higher education funding. Madigan noted that USC is well-positioned to address these challenges.

“USC is not afraid of change,” he stated. “We must adapt, restore our position, and regain American trust.”

President Kim expressed confidence in Madigan’s leadership and experience to further USC’s academic mission. Madigan will oversee 18 schools and academic units, including student life, libraries, and enrollment services. The university recently appointed Gregg Goldman as the first executive vice president for finance and operations.

To close a budget deficit of over $200 million, USC implemented cost-cutting measures, such as hiring freezes, layoffs, and discretionary spending cuts. Some reductions persist, including recent layoffs at the Viterbi School of Engineering.

Unionizing efforts among USC’s non-tenure-track faculty have resulted in a dispute with the university. The faculty, represented by United Faculty-UAW, seeks recognition, representing approximately 2,700 lecturers, researchers, and other specialists. USC disputes the outcome, questioning the unit’s composition and shared governance roles.

Under the Trump administration, USC, like other research universities, faced pressure regarding research funding and campus policies. The university notably declined to sign a White House compact on international student enrollment.

USC is also heavily investing in artificial intelligence. Trustee Mark Stevens and his wife, Mary, donated $200 million to expand AI applications across various fields. This fall, USC introduced its first undergraduate AI degree through the Viterbi School of Engineering.

“AI is transforming research,” Madigan remarked. “In education, it approaches the ideal of the personal tutor.”

He acknowledged AI’s associated risks and the need for safeguards.

Madigan, originally from Ireland, earned his mathematics degree and doctorate in statistics from Trinity College Dublin. His career includes roles in insurance, technology consulting, and academia, with significant contributions to Bayesian statistics and drug safety research.

At Columbia University, he chaired the statistics department before becoming a dean at Rutgers University. As Northeastern’s provost from 2020 to 2025, he managed school and research initiatives and oversaw pandemic reopening and acquisitions.

At USC, Madigan will hold the Shelly and Ofer Nemirovsky Provost’s Chair. He will join the Marshall School of Business faculty with joint appointments in population and public health sciences and mathematics.

His tenure at Northeastern included challenges over free speech and protest policies. In 2024, Madigan co-signed a statement on police action during pro-Palestinian protests.

“Academic freedom and free speech are fundamental,” Madigan affirmed. “It’s crucial to express ideas respectfully without hindrance.”

Madigan succeeds Andrew Guzman, who is returning to the Gould School of Law faculty. Guzman navigated similar issues during his tenure as provost, including financial challenges and free speech controversies.

USC has also named Megan Jordan as its permanent chief communications officer. Jordan, an adjunct professor at USC Annenberg School, had been serving in an interim capacity since January. Her prior experience includes roles at Claremont McKenna College and Kaiser Permanente.