About the Office of the Provost

The Provost serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Academic Officer of the University of South Carolina, where excellence in teaching, research and community service combine to provide exceptional academic opportunities for all students. With over 40,000 students and more than 2,600 faculty, our offerings range across 16 colleges, schools and campuses. The Office of the Provost provides the guiding vision and framework for USC’s academic leadership and administrative management.

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 innovation, celebrating excellence, and developing educated and engaged citizens. We collaborate with faculty, staff, deans and fellow administrators to advance the University of South Carolina’s Strategic Plan.

Meet our Leadership

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, Ph.D., executive vice president for academic affairs and provost

Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, 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 Fitzpatrick 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 and advance academic priorities.

For appointments, please contact Dana Woodward at DDHAESEL@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 academic administration

The vice provost for academic administration helps 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.

Office of the Provost