David Madigan Will Become USC Provost in October
The University of Southern California appointed the veteran academic leader to oversee university operations.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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The University of Southern California announced the appointment of David Madigan as provost and executive vice president, effective October 13, 2026. He follows Andrew Guzman, who will return to the faculty at the USC Gould School of Law.
Why it matters
Madigan brings extensive experience from leadership roles at both Northeastern and Columbia universities to the USC administration. His appointment follows a global search conducted by the university's Provost Search Committee.
Madigan managed 10 colleges at Northeastern University and previously oversaw 50 research centers at Columbia University. During his tenure at Northeastern, he was involved in the recruitment of 350 faculty members.
The players
David Madigan
He is an academic leader with a background in Bayesian statistics and drug safety who previously held senior roles at Northeastern and Columbia universities.
Andrew Guzman
He is the outgoing provost of the University of Southern California who is returning to the faculty of the USC Gould School of Law.
Megan Jordan
She is the newly appointed senior vice president and chief communications officer at USC who served in an interim capacity since January 2026.
The details
Madigan, who has an academic background in Bayesian statistics and drug safety, was unanimously recommended by the search committee. The university also named Megan Jordan, who has served as interim chief communications officer since January 2026, as senior vice president.
Timeline
Megan Jordan began serving as interim chief communications officer in January 2026.
USC announced the appointment of David Madigan on September 30, 2026.
David Madigan begins his term as USC provost on October 13, 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition shifts the administrative trajectory of the University of Southern California by bringing in an external executive to guide internal academic policy. It positions the university to leverage Madigan's experience in large-scale faculty recruitment and research oversight.
The transition in the provost office may influence academic policies and internal administrative priorities for USC students and faculty. The appointment of a new senior vice president and chief communications officer signals a broader adjustment to the university's executive team.
The takeaway
Madigan brings a background in Bayesian statistics and drug safety to his new role at USC. The transition reflects the university's effort to integrate high-level administrative experience from other major research institutions.
Further reading
Learn more about local leadership shifts on the People page.
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