Dr. Louis Whitesides serves in the role on an interim basis while the university conducts a national search.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University President Alexander Conyers on Friday announced a national search for a new provost and vice president for academic affairs.
Dr. Louis Whitesides, the university’s vice president for public service and agriculture, is serving in the role on an interim basis.
The search follows Dr. Frederick Evans’s resignation from the post.
Before becoming provost and vice president for academic affairs in November 2021, Evans served as dean of SC State’s College of Graduate and Professional Studies.
“Dr. Evans has served the university with dedication and a commitment to academic excellence,” Conyers said. “On behalf of the university community, I thank him for his service and wish him every success in the next chapter of his journey.”
The provost and vice president for academic affairs serves as the university’s chief academic officer, providing leadership for SC State’s academic mission.
The provost oversees the university’s academic programs, colleges and schools, curriculum, accreditation and academic policies while working closely with deans and other campus leaders to strengthen teaching, research and student success. The position also guides academic planning, supports faculty recruitment and development, and helps advance the university’s academic priorities.
Conyers said the search will focus on fulfilling the university’s core mission of elevating academic excellence and advancing the social mobility of its students and their families.
The president said the next provost will play a key role in advancing the university’s Blueprint 2030 strategic plan by strengthening student success, growing the university’s retention and graduation rates, expanding research and scholarship, and ensuring SC State’s academic programs continue to meet the evolving needs of students, society and the workforce.
The search committee will include representatives from across the university, including faculty, academic leadership, staff, students, and other key stakeholders. The committee will help develop the leadership profile, review candidates, conduct interviews, and recommend finalists to Conyers, who will make the final selection.
“I am confident our search will identify a dynamic academic leader who will build on SC State’s momentum, elevate teaching, learning and research, and help prepare our students to thrive in a rapidly changing world,” Conyers said.