News Summary
Donna Arnett has resigned from her position as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of South Carolina, effective immediately. Arnett’s tenure included significant initiatives to enhance student success and retention. Following her resignation, she will remain at USC as a tenured faculty member. Mary Anne Fitzpatrick has been appointed as interim provost, tasked with overseeing the transition and ensuring academic continuity as students prepare to return for the upcoming semester.
Columbia, SC – Donna Arnett has resigned from her position as provost and executive vice president for academic affairs at the University of South Carolina (USC), effective Friday, just ahead of the fall semester commencing on August 19. This leadership change comes as the university prepares for the influx of students returning to campus.
USC President Michael Amiridis acknowledged Arnett’s contributions during her three-year tenure, recognizing her commitment to enhancing student success and academic excellence. Arnett has played a pivotal role in overseeing the academic functions of the university’s Columbia research campus, which includes managing 300 degree programs across various schools and colleges.
During her time at USC, Arnett was instrumental in improving retention rates for both freshman and sophomore students. She launched several significant academic initiatives, such as a centralized advising system and the establishment of the First-Generation Center, designed to support first-generation college students in their academic journeys.
Arnett’s tenure at USC began in 2022, marking the culmination of an extensive career in higher education. Before her role at USC, she served as dean of the College of Public Health at the University of Kentucky and held multiple positions at the University of Alabama-Birmingham. In addition to her administrative roles, Arnett is recognized as a past president of the American Heart Association and has an extensive publication record, with over 700 peer-reviewed papers and two books focusing on cardiovascular health.
Following her resignation as provost, Arnett will continue her academic career at USC as a full-time tenured faculty member in the Arnold School of Public Health. She plans to explore new opportunities while remaining an integral part of the university’s academic community.
As the university navigates this transition, Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, a Carolina Distinguished Professor in the College of Information and Communications, has been appointed interim provost, effective August 11. Fitzpatrick’s experience and leadership will be crucial as USC gears up for the upcoming semester and works to maintain continuity in its academic programs.
The changes in leadership at USC reflect a significant moment in the university’s ongoing efforts to foster an environment conducive to academic achievement and student success. With the fall semester on the horizon, both the administration and faculty are poised to support students as they embark on their educational paths for the new academic year.
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