USC President Carol Folt is retiring at the end of the 2024-25 academic year

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — USC President Carol Folt announced that she will step down from her position at the end of the academic year.

Folt, who served as the university’s 12th president, said in a statement Friday that she will retire on July 1, 2025. She did not give a reason for her decision.

“Working with so many of you to fulfill the promise of our incredible Trojan family brings me joy and inspiration every day. However, after more than twenty years as a leader at three great universities, I look forward to enjoying the freedom that comes with a next one.” “We will take a big leap and pass the baton to the next president, who will build on our successes “We can build and open a new chapter for this extraordinary institution,” their statement said.

The announcement comes after intense criticism of Folt’s handling of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus during the spring semester. Earlier this year, USC extended Folt’s contract, but did not provide details on the length of the new contract.

The announcement also comes amid reports from the Los Angeles Times that the university “has for years welcomed children of donors, potential donors and other prominent figures in a role intended for top athletic recruits.” The newspaper reported that Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana sent students, children of donors and potential donors, through the athletic department that never played for USC.

UNDER DEVELOPMENT: We will add more details to this report as they become available.