CofC Podcast: A Year in Review with President Hsu

Over the last four years, the College of Charleston has had steady growth, both in terms of enrollment and new academic programs, under the leadership of President Andrew T. Hsu. Now, with the pandemic firmly in the rearview mirror, Hsu is laser focused on elevating the College’s presence as a national university.

On this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, President Hsu sat down with Ron Menchaca ’98, vice president of marketing and communications, to reflect on the trajectory of the College and share some highlights from the 2022-23 academic year.

“I’m very proud of what the College has achieved during the last four years, and I’m very proud of the progress we’re making on our strategic plan,” says Hsu, who celebrates his fourth anniversary as president of the College in May 2023. “We have assembled an all-star team of higher education leaders during the past four years and now the College is making significant gains in many areas including student success, faculty success, diversity and more. It’s very gratifying to see the positive momentum of this great institution.”

Year in Review Highlights:
• A record number of applications for the 2023-24 academic year
• Avery Research Center Awarded $2 Million Grant From Mellon Foundation
• Men’s Basketball Claims CAA Title, Clinches Spot at NCAA Tourney
• The Committee on Commemoration and Landscapes (CCL) rededicated the Septima Clark Auditorium in the Education Center. This is one of the first – of many projects – to tell a more complete story of our campus and our city.
• The College hosted the first annual Food Security Summit,

Hsu also talked about the College’s 10-year strategic plan, Tradition & Transformation, and what has been accomplished in the past year. He shared updates on the following cross-cutting themes; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Innovation and Partnerships.

The College has also expanded its academic leadership with the hiring of three new deans under the leadership of Suzanne Austin, executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost. These deans include Wes Dudgeon, dean of the new School of Health Sciences, Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business, and Amiee Arias, who will join the College later this summer as dean of the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. New additions to the president’s cabinet include Dan Frezza, chief advancement officer, Jimmie Foster, vice president of enrollment planning, Chuck Baker ’80, interim general council.

“What really moves a university to a new level of excellence is the leadership team, and without a strong leadership team, we would not be able to effect the changes that we’re trying to make,” says Hsu. “I’m very proud to say that if I were in a professional basketball program, then I would say I now have an all-star dream team on this campus.”