Over the past seven months, Kim has met with more than 40,000 members of the Trojan Family on USC’s campuses in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as well as at events around the world, engaging students, faculty, staff, researchers and alumni.
“Beong stepped into the interim role with transparency, authenticity and a strong commitment to all constituents: staff, students and faculty,” said Erika Chesley, senior associate director of USC Hospitality. “He listened openly, welcomed diverse perspectives and adapted thoughtfully as circumstances evolved. His non-traditional background proved to be a strength, offering a fresh and steady approach at a time when change required both honesty and compassion. I look forward to continuing our conversations around staff experience as he builds on the strong foundation established during the interim period.”
In India, he recognized and celebrated the powerful legacy of the late USC Trustee Ratan Tata and underscored USC’s long-standing relationships with international students. And at the USC Norris Cancer Hospital, he met with patients, physicians, nurses, faculty and Keck Medicine leadership. Throughout his interactions, his approach has been consistent: visionary leadership grounded in compassion, intellectual curiosity and active listening.
“Beong’s commitment to USC is extraordinary,” said Carmen Nava, USC trustee and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “He possesses exceptional diplomatic skills and has made decisive decisions that have maintained the university’s academic mission and preserved the institution’s long-term financial health. Throughout difficult moments, Beong has led with transparency, open communication and genuine care for our Trojan Family. His approach to the challenges facing higher education — marked by open-mindedness and personal integrity — is exactly what USC needs at this critical juncture.”
“Beong demonstrated exceptional leadership during one of the most challenging periods not only in higher education, but in the nation,” said Mark Stevens, USC trustee and co-chair of the Presidential Search Committee. “He navigated complex challenges while positioning USC for growth, all without losing sight of our central mission. His work connecting USC’s strengths and deepening community ties is already reshaping what’s possible for our students and the broader Trojan Family.”
Broad career experience of new USC president
Kim’s career spans higher education, health care, legal practice and public service. He previously served as USC’s senior vice president and general counsel, and as a lecturer at the USC Gould School of Law. Kim helped guide USC through the COVID-19 pandemic, built stronger compliance systems and trust across the university, advocated for both academic freedom and non-discrimination, and strengthened governance across the health system and health sciences schools.
Prior to joining USC, he held senior roles at Kaiser Permanente, served as a partner in an international law firm and served as a federal prosecutor in the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California. Kim earned his bachelor’s degree and Juris Doctor from Harvard University and a master’s degree from the London School of Economics.
A Los Angeles native, Kim’s personal connection to USC runs deep. He is the son of Korean immigrant parents who both pursued graduate studies at USC. His mother earned her master’s degree in education in 1970, and his father completed PhD coursework in economics. As a student at Calabasas High School, Kim studied the cello and chamber music under the tutelage of two legendary professors at the USC Thornton School of Music, Eleonore and Alice Schoenfeld. During the pandemic, Kim performed “porch concerts” with his wife, Bonnie Wongtrakool, to bring calm to his neighborhood and has gone on to perform with students, and for faculty, staff, students and patients at USC’s University Park and Health Sciences campuses.
“Playing cello for most of my life has taught me that excellence demands listening, timing and harmony,” Kim said. “USC works the same way: exceptional people working together toward a shared mission none of us could accomplish alone. My job as president is orchestrating that collective effort.”
Kim’s selection reflects a comprehensive and thoughtful search process that valued the robust feedback provided by the Trojan Family.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our Presidential Search Committee chairs for their outstanding stewardship during this process,” Nora Johnson said. “Their commitment to hosting a thorough and inclusive search that engaged the entire Trojan Family resulted in an outstanding outcome for USC’s future. Their work will have a lasting impact on the university for generations to come.”