At the University of Southern California (USC), a leading private university representing the U.S. West Coast, the first Korean American president has been appointed.
The university said on the 5th (local time) that the board of trustees unanimously elected Acting President Kim Byeong-soo as the 13th president.
Since its founding in 1880, USC has had many presidents, but this is the first time a person of Korean descent has risen to lead the university. Kim, who had served as acting president since July last year, began the official term immediately upon election.
Susan Nora Johnson, chair of the USC board of trustees, cited as the background for Kim's selection that "the board unanimously confirmed its confidence in the leadership he showed during his tenure as acting president." Johnson also noted Kim's manner and respect in dealing with members of the community, and his decisions on complex issues, saying he "embodies the university's core values." She emphasized that at a time when the higher education environment is changing rapidly, he is a "distinctive leader who will further accelerate USC's institutional progress."
Kim said, "I am honored by the trust shown by the Trojan Family and the board of trustees." "Trojan Family" is a nickname for members of USC and is known as an expression symbolizing the school's community culture.
Kim, a native of Los Angeles (LA), earned his bachelor's and Juris Doctor (JD) degrees from Harvard University and completed a master's program at the London School of Economics (LSE) in the United Kingdom. After working as a federal prosecutor and then as a partner at a major law firm, he joined USC as senior vice president and general counsel. Kim's parents, who are Korean immigrants, also attended USC.