News Summary
Wofford College President Nayef Samhat has announced his decision to step down at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Under his leadership, the college’s endowment grew significantly, and numerous facilities were constructed. The Board of Trustees is already searching for a new president to ensure a smooth transition. Samhat reflects on his impactful tenure at Wofford and notes the college’s growth amid challenges in higher education.
Spartanburg, SC – Wofford College President Nayef Samhat has announced his decision to step down from his role at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. Samhat, who has led the college since 2013, has played a significant role in transforming the institution during his nearly 13 years in office.
Under his leadership, Wofford College saw its endowment grow to over $300 million. This remarkable growth was further bolstered by a historic $150 million donation from alumnus Jerry Richardson in 2021. Richardson, known for his former ownership of the Carolina Panthers, passed away in 2023. His donation represented the largest gift in Wofford’s history and was one of many factors contributing to the college’s financial stability.
During Samhat’s tenure, Wofford has experienced significant physical and academic expansion. Eight new facilities have been constructed, including the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, and the Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village. The campus has also extended beyond its traditional boundaries into the Northside neighborhood, indicating a commitment to community engagement and growth.
Institutional Growth and Metrics
Wofford College has also launched new academic initiatives and added athletic teams, further enhancing its appeal to prospective students. The college’s Board Chair Christopher A.P. Carpenter noted that Wofford is thriving in several key areas, including academic rigor, student enrollment, retention, graduation rates, fiscal strength, and overall engagement among students, alumni, and parents.
The Wofford College Board of Trustees has already begun the process of finding Samhat’s successor. A national search is underway, with a committee composed of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni tasked with identifying a qualified candidate. The goal is to appoint a new president by May 2026, ensuring a smooth transition for the upcoming academic years.
Reflections and Background
In announcing his decision, Samhat expressed gratitude for his time at Wofford, highlighting the profound impact the college community had on him and his family. He and his wife, Prema, have three daughters and four grandchildren, all of whom were part of their journey at Wofford. Before coming to Wofford, Samhat held various academic and administrative positions at Kenyon College and Centre College.
Wofford College, established in 1854, is known for its liberal arts education and is currently ranked 66th among liberal arts colleges in the U.S. News and World Report, an improvement from 72nd in 2019. Under Samhat’s presidency, the college has raised over $470 million, significantly enhancing its financial resources, infrastructure, and overall standing as an educational institution. The endowment is currently reported at $485 million, ranking it as the fifth-largest among colleges in South Carolina.
While Samhat’s presidency has seen substantial growth and development for Wofford, it has not been without challenges. The college faced complexities stemming from political and cultural tensions within higher education, and while some alumni expressed criticisms regarding his management of diversity and inclusion efforts, many continued to support the administration’s broader goals. Acknowledging the rising tuition costs nearing $73,000, the college community remains focused on ensuring equitable access to its programs.
As Wofford prepares for a new chapter, the legacy of Nayef Samhat will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on the institution, reflecting both the achievements and the challenges that defined his presidency.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Wofford College President Steps Down
- Wikipedia: Wofford College
- Post and Courier: Wofford President Stepping Down
- Google Search: Wofford College President Step Down
- Go Upstate: Wofford College President To Step Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wofford College
