MUSC Names Four Presidential Candidates

The search committee narrowed the field of 15 applicants to four finalists for the Charleston university's top leadership role.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in People

Bold flat-color editorial illustration depicting a classical brick archway, representing the academic leadership search in Charleston. — The Medical University of South Carolina has narrowed its presidential search to four finalists, marking a key transition for the Charleston-based institution. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) search committee announced four candidates to succeed long-serving president David J. Cole. These finalists were selected from an initial pool of 15 applicants identified in September.

Why it matters

The selection marks a significant leadership transition for the Charleston-based institution as David J. Cole prepares to step down after 13 years of service. His departure at the end of the fiscal year necessitates a new permanent president to guide the university's future operations.

The search committee narrowed the field to 4 finalists from an initial list of 15 candidates. This change follows the 13-year tenure of the current president.

The players

David J. Cole

He is the outgoing president of the Medical University of South Carolina who is stepping down after 13 years in the role.

Lawrence S. Chin

He is one of the four candidates named as a finalist for the university president position.

Nathan R. Selden

He is one of the four candidates named as a finalist for the university president position.

Terrence E. Steyer

He is one of the four candidates named as a finalist for the university president position.

Eugene Hong

He is one of the four candidates named as a finalist for the university president position.

The details

The candidates were interviewed by the committee through executive sessions using Zoom or Microsoft Teams. These four individuals now await further interviews and final approval from the Board of Trustees.

September 2026: The search committee identified 15 initial candidates.
October 30, 2026: The search committee named four presidential candidates.
Spring 2027: The Board of Trustees is expected to name a new president.
June 30, 2027: David J. Cole's final day as president of MUSC.

Market Landscape

This transition marks the end of the 13-year presidency of David J. Cole at the Medical University of South Carolina. The selection process reflects a broader organizational shift as the institution prepares to appoint its next leader following this long-standing executive tenure.

While the leadership change is internal, it will influence the future strategic direction of the university and its associated patient care services. David J. Cole intends to continue seeing patients at the institution after his transition from the presidency.

The takeaway

The university's transition highlights the importance of thorough executive search processes in maintaining institutional continuity. Residents and stakeholders should expect further updates from the Board of Trustees regarding the final selection in the coming months.