Board trustee picked to lead University of South Carolina’s law school
Well-known South Carolina attorney William Hubbard was picked on Friday to lead the University of South Carolina’s law school.
The former president of the American Bar Association will take over as the school’s dean on Aug. 1.
Hubbard, 68, who will step down from his role as a university board trustee, succeeds Dean Rob Wilcox, who is retiring after 34 years.
“I am truly humbled to have the opportunity to work with the law school family, as well as our external stakeholders to bring additional support to the law school,” Hubbard said in a statement provided by the university. “I am most excited to be able to work with our students to ensure they have the tools to continue to develop their advocacy skills, respect for the rule of law, and passion for justice. These students will be South Carolina’s leaders of tomorrow. I will do everything I can to help them reach their full potential as lawyers and citizens.”
The university did not mention what Hubbard’s salary will be. The current dean, Robert Wilcox, earns $281,000.
In a statement, interim Provost Tayloe Harding, who picked Hubbard, called the new dean an “extraordinary choice” to lead the state’s public law school. Harding, who is a composer, has been dean of the USC School of Music as well as interim provost.
“His experience is unique and profound, his vision and reach bold and dynamic, and his posture for success and significant achievement for our School inspiring,” Harding said.
Gov. Henry McMaster appointed former NBA basketball player Alex English, of Blythewood, to fill Hubbard’s position on the university board until a permanent replacement is selected by the state Legislature. Hubbard had been a board member since 1986.
“Honored to be appointed to the board of @UofSC,” English tweeted on Friday. “I want the best for our students and the school, and hope to help navigate through the obstacles during these troubled times. #gamecocks #forevertothee.”
English served on the USC board of trustees previously, having been picked by then Gov. Jim Hodges.
Columbia attorney I.S. Leevy Johnson, a former president of the S.C. Bar, said of Hubbard on Friday, “He is a great choice. He will add a new dimension to the law school’s leadership.”
Hubbard, who has served 34 years on the USC board of trustees, was the law school faculty’s second choice.
In a videoconference meeting on Monday, the law school’s faculty in a vote decided that they preferred professor Joel Samuels over Hubbard. The faculty’s vote was advisory only. At the same session, however, the faculty, however, found both Hubbard and Samuels “acceptable” — a category indicating both men were found qualified.
In an interview session with USC law school alumni last week, Hubbard stressed that his professional and personal connections with prominent and wealthy people, as well as politicians, in the legal field will help address the school’s considerable financial woes.
After spending $80,000 to build a new law school in downtown Columbia, the law school is still $40 million in debt.
Its endowment is only about $20 million, only a small percentage of alumni support the school financially and many otherwise worthy students can’t afford the school’s $24,000 yearly tuition.
Hubbard has pledged to address diversity issues among the faculty and student body.
This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 3:27 PM.
