News Summary
Nayef Samhat has announced his decision to resign as president of Wofford College at the end of the academic year. His tenure has been marked by improvements in academic metrics and student engagement. The Board of Trustees expressed gratitude for his leadership, highlighting initiatives that enhanced the college’s development. A national search for the new president will begin, with expectations to attract qualified candidates due to the advancements made during Samhat’s presidency.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Nayef Samhat has announced his decision to step down as president of Wofford College at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. This announcement was made on a Monday in early 2023, marking a significant transition for the college leadership.
Christopher A.P. Carpenter, who serves as the chairman of the college’s board of trustees and is also a Wofford alumnus, expressed that the college is thriving in several key areas under Samhat’s leadership. Metrics such as academic rigor, new student enrollment, retention rates, graduation rates, fiscal stability, and engagement levels among students, alumni, and parents have shown notable improvement during his tenure.
The Board of Trustees has voiced their gratitude for Samhat’s dedication and service to the institution. During his leadership, numerous initiatives have been successfully implemented, contributing positively to the overall development of Wofford College. Carpenter emphasized Samhat’s unwavering commitment to ensuring student access and success, along with his adherence to the college’s mission and core values.
Before taking on the presidency at Wofford, Nayef Samhat held several notable academic roles. He served as provost and professor of political science and international studies at Kenyon College in Ohio. Prior to his time at Kenyon, he was an associate professor of government and international studies and also the associate dean at Centre College in Kentucky. With a rich background in academia, Samhat has brought valuable experience to his leadership at Wofford.
Alongside his professional commitments, Samhat is a family man, married to Prema Samhat. They have three daughters: Alia, Jehan, and Leila, in addition to three grandsons and a granddaughter. Samhat has shared that Wofford College has grown to feel like a family to both him and his wife throughout their time in Spartanburg.
In response to the announcement of his departure, Nayef Samhat conveyed his appreciation toward the board, senior leadership team, faculty, staff, students, and alumni for their support throughout his presidency. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts that have led to the successes achieved during his tenure and reflected on the meaningful relationships built within the college community.
With the announcement of Samhat’s impending resignation, the Wofford College Board of Trustees has initiated a national search for the institution’s 12th president. This search committee will include a diverse panel of trustees, faculty, staff, students, and alumni. They aim to conclude the search and appoint a new president by May 2026. In the coming weeks, the details of the search committee will be made public.
Carpenter has expressed strong confidence that the progress made under Samhat’s leadership will attract compelling candidates for the coveted presidential position. The focus will not only be on continuing the institutions’ achievements but also ensuring a seamless transition as Wofford College eyes toward the future.
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Additional Resources
- WSPA: Upstate College President Steps Down
- Google Search: Wofford College president steps down
- MSN: Wofford College President Announces He Is Stepping Down
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wofford College
- ESPN: Wofford Gets Probation Overworking Team
- Wikipedia: Nayef Samhat
