USC appoints first African American to its top academic role

The University of South Carolina has named William Tate as the school’s top academic officer.

Tate, who was a finalist for USC’s presidency in April, will take over as the university’s newest provost starting in July, the board of trustees voted unanimously Friday.

Tate currently works as vice provost of graduate education at Washington University in St. Louis. He will be the first African American to serve as USC’s provost, university spokesman Jeff Stensland said.

“I’m honored and excited to start my journey at South Carolina,” Tate said in a USC press release. “This is a special place and being at the state’s flagship university provides a tremendous opportunity to change the lives of students and entire communities through education, research, innovation, and service.”

USC President Robert Caslen called Tate’s appointment “historic” for the university, one that represents the school’s commitment to diversity, he said.

“He’s clearly a great leader. He’s a fast learner,” Caslen said of Tate. “I’m confident he’ll be a great teammate and a great provost.”

A provost is arguably the second-most powerful administrator at a university. He or she oversees curriculum, accreditation and all schools and colleges on campus, according to USC’s website.

Tate is the first permanent USC provost since former Provost Joan Gabel was named president at the University of Minnesota. Since then, Tayloe Harding, the dean of USC’s School of Music, has served as the interim provost.

Of the four presidential finalists, Tate was received more positively by students and faculty than any other candidate, according to survey results The State previously obtained.

Tate, while speaking publicly when he was a presidential finalist, wowed students and faculty with his charisma and experience on everything from a National Science Foundation researcher to a basketball and cross country coach.

Students who were outspoken in favor of Tate when he was a presidential finalist said they were excited to hear Tate is going to be a Gamecock.

“Dr. Tate is an excellent choice for the provost role,” said former USC Student Body President Taylor Wright. It is a “great opportunity for the university and for him.”

Lyric Swinton, who helped organize protests last year during the presidential search, said she was “ecstatic” to hear Tate was named provost.

Tate’s annual salary will be $465,000.

This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 2:05 PM.