News Summary
Nayef Samhat, President of Wofford College, will resign in June 2026 after over a decade of leadership. His presidency has seen both achievements, like a record $150 million donation, and challenges including COVID-19 impacts. As Wofford navigates its future, Samhat’s legacy of growth and contentious issues surrounding diversity and equity remain prominent.
Spartanburg, SC – Nayef Samhat, the President of Wofford College, has announced his decision to step down in June 2026 after more than a decade in leadership. His tenure has been marked by both significant achievements and substantial challenges, shaping the institution’s growth and future direction.
One of the hallmark accomplishments of Samhat’s presidency was the successful negotiation of a transformative $150 million donation from former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson in fall 2020. This donation is the largest in Wofford’s history and is earmarked for various initiatives intended to bolster the college’s commitment to its students and staff. Plans include improvements in pay for hourly support staff, maintenance of existing buildings, and increased funding for scholarships aimed at supporting students in financial need.
Under Samhat’s guidance, Wofford’s endowment grew to exceed $400 million, a significant increase supporting the college’s operational and strategic initiatives. Richardson’s contributions extended to the construction of prominent campus buildings, including the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium and the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, which have enhanced the college’s athletic and artistic outreach.
Despite these successes, Samhat’s leadership faced numerous obstacles, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the racial justice movements that surged following George Floyd’s murder in 2020. During the pandemic, strict health protocols were put in place, which resulted in heightened stress levels among the student body. The college’s efforts to promote equity and inclusion also met with backlash, which Samhat has publicly criticized as detrimental to the educational experience, asserting the necessity of addressing societal issues within academia.
Additionally, the performance of Wofford’s athletics has encountered difficulties, with the football and men’s basketball programs experiencing declines amid player dissatisfaction and coaching changes. However, teams have continued to succeed, securing Southern Conference championships. Moreover, Samhat has spearheaded the introduction of women’s lacrosse and softball teams, showcasing the college’s commitment to expanding athletic opportunities.
Samhat initiated a strategic planning process that actively engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni, and former trustees, forming a collective vision for the future of Wofford College. However, challenges remain, including high tuition costs nearing $73,000, raising persistent concerns regarding equity in access and program availability for a diverse student body. Nevertheless, the college has maintained a robust student retention rate, complemented by a 70% alumni donor retention rate, indicating a level of ongoing support for the administration despite criticisms regarding diversity and equity initiatives.
Looking ahead, after his departure from the presidency, Samhat plans to embark on travels with his wife and aspires to teach political science classes at Wofford. His presidency is characterized by record-breaking fundraising efforts totaling over $470 million, further solidifying the financial foundation of the institution. However, alumni feedback has been mixed, with considerable disappointment expressed regarding the college’s trajectory on diversity and equity topics within its educational framework.
Samhat’s tenure has undeniably left a mark on Wofford College, characterized by both significant growth and confronting challenges that the college must now navigate. As he prepares to transition away from his role, the focus shifts to the college’s future and the legacy of leadership he leaves behind.
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Additional Resources
- Goupstate: Wofford President Plans to Step Away
- Post and Courier: Wofford President Stepping Down
- Greenville Journal: Former Carolina Panthers Owner Gives $150 Million to Wofford College Endowment
- Wikipedia: Wofford College
- Google Search: Wofford College
