News Summary
Wofford College President Nayef Samhat will step down at the end of the academic year, marking the conclusion of a notable 13-year tenure. Under his leadership, the college has improved its national reputation in liberal arts education, impacting student success and engagement. A national search for his successor has begun, aiming to maintain the institution’s momentum. The college community eagerly anticipates a new leader who will continue to foster academic excellence and support student growth.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Wofford College President Nayef Samhat has announced that he will step down from his leadership role at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, concluding a significant 13-year tenure. Under his guidance, Wofford College has seen notable improvements in its national standing among top national liberal arts colleges.
During Samhat’s presidency, Wofford College has enhanced its reputation, particularly in areas such as undergraduate teaching and maintaining a robust alumni network. The college’s strong performance is reflected in various metrics that include academic rigor, new student enrollment rates, retention and graduation statistics, fiscal health, and heightened engagement from students, alumni, and parents alike.
Christopher A.P. Carpenter, chairman of Wofford College’s board of trustees, emphasized the institution’s current thriving condition, attributing much of this success to Samhat’s leadership. Carpenter highlighted Samhat’s unwavering commitment to ensuring student access and success, integrity in decision-making, and adherence to the college’s core mission and values.
Nayef Samhat holds a Bachelor of Arts in international affairs from The George Washington University School of International and Public Affairs, a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University, and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. His extensive involvement in national educational leadership includes roles such as chair of the Annapolis Group of Liberal Arts Colleges and positions on various boards including the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) and the Institute of International Education (IES).
Additionally, Samhat’s participation in intercollegiate athletics governance is significant. He has served on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, the NCAA Board of Governors, as well as within the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum, and has acted as a mentor for the NCAA Pathway Program. These roles have allowed him to contribute significantly to the collegiate sports landscape while supporting the holistic development of student-athletes.
Following Samhat’s announcement of his departure, the Wofford College Board of Trustees has initiated a national search for his successor. The objective is to find a new president by May 2026, assuring a smooth transition that maintains the college’s momentum and continued success.
Samhat’s tenure is marked not only by improvements in institutional rankings and student outcomes but also by a deep-rooted emphasis on the overall college experience suited to liberal arts education. As he prepares to leave Wofford College, the institution stands at a critical juncture, aiming to build upon the foundations he has established over the past decade and a half.
The college community and stakeholders will be closely observing the forthcoming presidential search, which aims to secure a leader who can uphold and expand upon Wofford’s mission of fostering student growth and academic excellence in a supportive environment.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Upstate College President Steps Down
- Wikipedia: Wofford College
- MSN: Wofford College President Announces Departure
- Google Search: Wofford College Presidency
- Chronicle: FAMU President Resigns
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Liberal Arts Education
