Concerns Rise at USC’s Marshall School of Business
At the University of Southern California’s respected Marshall School of Business, unrest is growing among faculty regarding the program’s future.
A group of 52 tenured professors expressed their worries in a pointed letter to Dean Jeffrey Garrett, noting that dwindling enrollment numbers and cuts to graduate programs are signs of deeper issues within the school.
“We’re witnessing clear indicators of a decline in our academic reputation, our dedication to research quality, and the overall excellence of students graduating from our programs,” the letter pointedly states.
While faculty discontent isn’t unusual in higher education, both current and former administrators at USC view this particular warning as significant. They believe it may compel the administration to reflect seriously on its strategies.
This unfolding tension coincides with a tightening financial situation for many universities. Last July, USC made staff cuts to help address a staggering $251 million operating deficit.
“There’s a noticeable discomfort among people,” remarked one senior administrator. “It’s a real hotspot of conflict.”
On a recent Wednesday, Dean Garrett assured staff of his commitment to maintain open dialogue with the community and announced a meeting on May 4 to address faculty issues directly.
USC’s situation isn’t isolated. Business schools nationwide are grappling with similar enrollment declines, as interest in MBA programs wanes.
However, the challenges facing Marshall are particularly alarming. The school’s full-time MBA program has plummeted from 16th to 25th place in U.S. News & World Report rankings since 2021. There’s growing anxiety that changes in faculty could hinder student recruitment efforts.
“It’s hardly surprising that we’re ranked lower than the University of Texas at Dallas,” a business professor commented.
Garrett, who joined USC in 2020 following six successful years at the Wharton School, remains a key figure at the university, where he leads the AI Strategy Committee.
