News Summary
Nayef Samhat, President of Wofford College, has announced his decision to step down after 13 years of leadership by the end of the academic year. His tenure saw financial growth and campus improvements, but also challenges related to societal issues like diversity and equity. Samhat plans to return to Wofford as a political science professor after a sabbatical. The college community now reflects on his legacy and the transition ahead.
Spartanburg, SC – Nayef Samhat, President of Wofford College, has announced his intention to step down after 13 years of leadership, concluding his tenure at the end of the 2025-2026 academic year. His departure marks a significant transition for the college, which has seen both notable achievements and challenges during his presidency.
Samhat, who has been with Wofford since 2013, previously held a leadership position at Kenyon College. Under his direction, the college has experienced remarkable financial growth, with the endowment increasing by over $300 million to exceed $400 million. A key factor in this achievement has been a notable $150 million donation from former Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson. The generous contribution is earmarked to enhance pay for hourly support staff, fund scholarships for students in need, and support the maintenance and improvement of campus facilities.
During Samhat’s administration, Wofford College undertook a comprehensive strategic planning process that involved collaboration among faculty, staff, students, and alumni. This inclusive approach has contributed to the college’s growth and enhanced its standing in the academic arena. Notably, the college’s facilities have been expanded, and it has seen an uptick in academic rankings. Samhat’s presidency also coincided with the men’s basketball team winning Southern Conference championships, further reflecting the college’s success in various dimensions.
However, Samhat’s leadership has not been without its challenges. The institution faced significant hurdles, particularly in navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and working towards racial equity in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. These societal and cultural debates prompted a re-examination of the college’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts, leading to both internal and external conflicts. Some alumni expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s approach to these sensitive issues, resulting in the establishment of a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) taskforce. This group generated 30 recommendations aimed at fostering equity and social justice on campus.
Despite the controversies, Wofford College has seen strong alumni donor retention through Samhat’s leadership, with many supporting his initiatives and the direction of the college. Yet, some alumni have also criticized his methods and response to the cultural changes affecting higher education institutions across the nation.
Looking towards the future, Samhat has expressed the belief that new leadership is essential for the college as it continues to evolve. Following his departure, he plans to take a sabbatical and then return to the college as a political science professor after a year of traveling with his wife, Prema.
Wofford College’s academic performance remains strong, bolstered by the ongoing engagement of alumni and a commitment to enhancing the student experience. As the college prepares for this leadership transition, the administration and community reflect on the legacy of Nayef Samhat and the implications of his impending departure for Wofford’s future.
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Additional Resources
- GoUpstate: Wofford President Plans to Step Away
- Post and Courier: Wofford President Stepping Down
- Greenville Journal: Former Panthers Owner Donates to Wofford
- SC Daily Gazette: Debt-Free College Scholarship Program
- Independent Mail: 68th Annual Tigerama Celebration
- Wikipedia: Wofford College
- Google Search: Wofford College
- Google Scholar: Wofford College
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wofford College
- Google News: Wofford College
