As the twelfth president of USC, President Carol Folt has defined an arc of purpose for the University of Southern California that has set a visionary course for innovation, creativity, and sustainability across the institution. An accomplished academic leader and life scientist who always puts students first, President Folt has elevated diversity, equity and inclusion, access, and affordability – creating spaces for all students to feel that they belong.

Before coming to USC, President Folt previously served as chancellor of UNC Chapel Hill, held several leadership appointments at Dartmouth, and has held several faculty appointments in marine and environmental biology, civil and environmental engineering, and preventive medicine.

As a scientist, President Folt’s pioneering research on the effects of dietary mercury and arsenic on human and ecosystem health led to numerous national and global policy changes and consumption advisories.

President Folt earned her bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology and a master’s degree in biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and her doctorate in ecology from the University of California, Davis.