Quest for the Best

The USC College senior faculty initiative announced last fall has resulted in more than 100 applications from faculty around the world, according to Dean of Faculty Beth Meyerowitz. Internally, departments have nominated about 10 candidates for consideration by the dean’s office. “Our departments have been very active in identifying the top candidates to bring to campus,” says Meyerowitz. “Faculty are very enthusiastic in seeking top scholars that fit with our key initiatives.”

Meyerowitz says last fall’s half-page ad in the Chronicle of Higher Education went a long way in spreading the word of the College’s hiring effort. Her office has received responses from across the nation and around the globe. “There is a sense both internally and internationally that this has seen a tremendously positive response,” she adds.

College Dean Joseph Aoun last September unveiled the bold new plan to add 100 additional new faculty over the next three years. He pointed to existing top faculty and the College’s robust financial picture as the carrots to lure highly ranked researchers to campus—a move that will raise the visibility and stature of the College’s current academic programs.

Traditionally, new faculty are hired on a department-by-department basis. Under the new initiative, new hires will not be targeted by department. The goal is to bring in the best people from three strategic areas: life sciences; internationalization and urban studies; and language, mind and culture. Also of critical concern is whether appointments enhance the diversity of the faculty and support interdisciplinary objectives.

Meyerowitz says she expects an even bigger response early this year as many candidates wait until after the holidays to make career moves.