USC president highlights achievements and future challenges in State of the University address at Health Sciences Campus

During her final State of the University address as USC president, Carol Folt on Thursday emphasized several significant advancements the university achieved under her leadership over the past six years. This was Folt’s second State of the University address within the week, specifically aimed at health sciences faculty, staff, and students gathered at the Aresty Auditorium on the USC Health Sciences Campus. Folt’s retirement as USC president is scheduled for the end of June.

In her address, Folt acknowledged the considerable strides USC has made in enhancing its research, community service, and other programs, especially emphasizing the university’s health division, which includes health sciences schools and Keck Medicine of USC, as they collectively represent over half of the university’s financial resources, she noted.

Folt also recognized that evolving federal policies might introduce more unpredictability ahead, but asserted that this should not dissuade USC from adhering to its mission of enriching intellect and spirit through excellence in pedagogy, research, innovation, professional practice, and public service.

“There are aspects to celebrate, there are aspects to be cautious about, and we will move forward,” Folt remarked. “Our mission is timeless. We contribute significantly to our nation, our communities, and the globe.”

She remarked that the university’s mission is “likely more crucial than it has ever been.” She further mentioned: “There is nothing regarding our mission that should inspire anything less than dedication and pride as we proceed.”

Research achievements

Folt provided updates on USC’s investment in research, particularly in healthcare, biomedical studies, and computational science. She highlighted a 44% increase in research expenditures since 2019, totaling $1.26 billion in 2024. “Our research isn’t simply commendable; it’s at a record high,” she shared.

“Proposals are increasing, requests are rising, our patents are on the rise, and our licensing income is growing,” she added. For 2025, the university anticipated double-digit growth in research expenditures. While it’s uncertain how forthcoming federal changes may impact this, Folt reassured that “we’re encouraging everyone to keep submitting proposals. The avenues are still open.” She added that while some research domains may be vulnerable to federal budget cuts, she believes the focus on biomedical innovation and technology will persist.

USC continues to lead in national research, with funding awarded to USC principal investigators surpassing that of numerous competing institutions,she stated. “It merely highlights the remarkable intelligence and skill of our researchers at USC,” Folt expressed.

She also emphasized the collaborative initiative of the USC/CHLA Cell Therapy Program with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Its cGMP facility commenced operations in 2023 to investigate new cell therapies for macular degeneration, epilepsy, heart failure, cancer, Parkinson’s disease, and gliomas.

In addition, Folt acknowledged several notable start-up endeavors arising from USC’s research, such as a liquid biopsy for detecting ovarian cancer (CpG Diagnostics), a medication aimed at cartilage regeneration in aging and arthritis (CarthroniX), and a stem cell therapy for neurodegenerative disorders (AcuraStem).

Investment in health systems

Folt underscored the investments that USC committed to its health systems during her time in office, including the incorporation of USC Arcadia Hospital into the Keck Medicine of USC health system in July 2022, along with Keck Medicine’s imminent new facility in Pasadena.

These expansions “will enable us to broaden our research and enhance our clinical outreach and accessibility,” she asserted.

She also mentioned the endowment of $50 million for the USC Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, along with the $35 million endowment for the Alfred E. Mann Department of Biomedical Engineering. Additionally, she congratulated USC Mann’s dean, Vassilios Papadopoulos, for receiving the 2025 Outstanding Dean Award from the American Pharmacists Association.

Regarding healthcare, Folt remarked, “We’ve been striving to double our research funding. A significant part of that achievement lies with the individuals here. We aspire to be a top 20 medical school and to establish a $5 billion health system to genuinely fulfill the objectives we are pursuing.”

Commitment to excellence in various domains

Folt also commended USC’s leadership in athletics, arts, public service, and beyond.

USC’s recent transition to the Big Ten Conference opens new avenues for the university’s student-athletes, she noted. “We are part of the big tent,” Folt stated. She also acknowledged the accomplishments of female athletes in soccer, basketball, and beach volleyball.

Moreover, she congratulated USC alumni Walter Salles, Alex Coco, and Doug Hemphill for their achievements at the recent Academy Awards. In the realm of arts, Folt emphasized renovations benefiting the USC School of Dramatic Arts.

Staying faithful to objectives and values

Another focal point of Folt’s address was the necessity for the university to remain aligned with its cultural mission and aspirations amid change.

At the commencement of her speech, Folt revisited significant recent achievements, including the establishment of a rock garden on the USC University Park Campus to honor the university’s Nisei students, the Trojans of Japanese American descent who were compelled to leave USC during World War II and subsequently denied the chance to complete their degrees; the renaming of the Center for International and Public Affairs building in tribute to late USC alumnus and Native American historian Joseph Medicine Crow; and the naming of the Allyson Felix Field in honor of track star and USC alumna.

Folt also highlighted the university’s commitment to sustainability, including green medicine, and mentioned the USC Sustainability Hub as a fresh site for future sustainability initiatives within the USC community.

Establishing a national footprint

Historically, the university’s capability to manage “external influences,” including the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent Southern California wildfires in January, underscores how USC can surmount forthcoming challenges, including anticipated transformations in the federal government, Folt noted.

“All these factors do catalyze change, and in numerous instances, I believe we’ve adeptly leveraged those changes or incentives to implement modifications that truly benefit us in the long run,” she stated.

She also stressed the necessity for USC to continue striving to be “the global standard bearer” in establishing a framework for advancement, innovation, and excellence. USC’s national recognition is expanding, she remarked: “You will observe ample evidence of how we are increasingly recognized nationally and internationally.”

Additionally, the inauguration of the USC Capital Campus in Washington, D.C., in 2023 signifies USC’s focus on enhancing its East Coast presence and broadening the university’s academic and research outreach.

This site also acts as a hub for USC’s engagement with health policymakers. “We’ve organized nearly 200 significant events and conferences there, with a substantial portion focusing on health policy, where it is essential to be at the center,” Folt noted.

Maintaining visibility and engagement will also be vital to successfully navigating prospective changes, she emphasized. “The reality is we are facing new shocks, hence we must proceed with great caution and ensure that we consistently remain mission-driven,” Folt expressed.

Later, she added: “You do your utmost, but you adhere to regulations … attempting to undertake these actions in a manner that does not endanger all we have while also propelling us forward and providing a voice that people can value and comprehend. We are educators.”

She concluded: “Our mission is steadfast. Our success at USC lies in not merely being large — because when this happens here, it affects many of us — embracing fresh concepts, being swift — but we only prosper when we endeavor together.”