July 11, 2025

Wofford College Begins Search for New President

News Summary

Wofford College in Spartanburg is initiating the search for a new president as current President Nayef Samhat plans to depart in 2026. An advisory committee comprising alumni, faculty, and students will help select his successor, while a specialized firm gathers stakeholder feedback. Under Samhat’s leadership since 2013, Wofford’s endowment has grown significantly, and new facilities have been constructed. As the college prepares for this leadership transition, it aims to continue its growth trajectory.

Spartanburg, South Carolina – Wofford College has initiated the search for a new president as current President Nayef Samhat plans to leave his position in June 2026. An advisory committee has been formed to assist in this significant leadership transition, marking the first step in the process. The committee will play a crucial role in selecting Samhat’s successor.

The advisory committee consists of eleven members, including alumni, faculty representatives, and the current student body president. As part of the search process, AGB Search LLC, a firm specializing in higher education administration placements, will be gathering feedback from various stakeholders throughout the fall semester. The search is expected to narrow down potential candidates in the spring of 2026, aiming to appoint a new president by July 1 of that year.

Samhat has led Wofford College since 2013 and has indicated that his decision to step down stems from a desire for “fresh eyes and fresh energy” in the presidency, emphasizing the demanding nature of the role and the approaching fundraising cycle that is essential for the institution’s continued growth and development.

During Samhat’s tenure, Wofford’s endowment has experienced remarkable growth, more than doubling and surpassing $300 million. Under his leadership, the college has also seen the completion of significant construction projects, including the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, and the Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village. These developments are seen as pivotal investments in enhancing the college’s facilities and overall educational environment.

In addition to physical growth, Wofford College has expanded its academic initiatives and introduced new athletic teams, thus broadening opportunities for current and future students. After stepping down in 2026, Samhat plans to take a year-long sabbatical and intends to return as a tenured faculty member after the academic year 2026-27, further contributing to the college’s academic community.

The announcement coincides with other notable community initiatives in Spartanburg. For instance, the Hispanic Alliance, a non-profit organization based in Greenville, awarded $25,000 in scholarships to ten recent high school graduates through its Student DREAMers Alliance. These scholarships aim to support Hispanic students pursuing higher education in vital fields such as healthcare, finance, and computer science. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the scholarship program, celebrating its impact on local students.

Furthermore, Leadership Greer is currently seeking grant proposals for community-centered programs, offering funding of up to $25,000. Organizations interested in the grant must submit their proposals by July 25, with the goal of enhancing community development and projects benefitting local residents.

As Wofford College embarks on this important transitional phase in its leadership, the board of trustees remains focused on ensuring the institution continues its trajectory of growth and excellence established under President Samhat. The upcoming months will be crucial as the advisory committee begins its work of identifying potential candidates who can lead the college into its next chapter.