News Summary
Nayef Samhat has announced his decision to step down from his role as president of Wofford College at the end of the academic year. Serving since 2013, Samhat’s leadership has significantly enhanced the college’s endowment and academic standing. Under his tenure, Wofford has invested in new facilities and programs despite challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements. As the college prepares for leadership transition, it aims to continue its growth and development.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – Nayef Samhat has announced that he will step down from his position as president of Wofford College at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year. Samhat has been the college’s 11th president since 2013, during which time he played a crucial role in the institution’s advancement.
Throughout his presidency, Wofford College has seen significant development, including a more than doubling of its endowment, which currently stands at $485 million. Samhat’s leadership contributed to raising a record-breaking total of $470 million during his tenure, enabling the college to invest in facilities and programs. Notable constructions include the Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium, the Rosalind Sallenger Richardson Center for the Arts, and the Stewart H. Johnson Greek Village. Additionally, the college enhanced its offerings with the addition of new athletic teams and expanded academic initiatives.
Wofford College’s national ranking among liberal arts colleges improved from 72nd in 2019 to 66th, reflecting its growing reputation and academic rigor. Samhat’s presidency coincided with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic and social justice movements, including reactions to the death of George Floyd in 2020. In response, he initiated the establishment of a Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) task force to address concerns around social justice and diversity on campus.
Wofford College, founded in 1854, has a storied history, with its Main Building continuing to serve as the location for classes since the institution’s inception. Samhat plans to transition back to the Wofford faculty as a tenured professor after taking a sabbatical following his presidency.
Wofford has maintained a notable 70% donor retention rate among alumni, exceeding the national average for private institutions. However, some alumni have voiced dissatisfaction with Samhat’s approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, particularly in light of the events of 2020 that brought these issues to the forefront.
Christopher A.P. Carpenter, chair of the Wofford College Board of Trustees, recognized Samhat’s commitment to fostering student access and success during his tenure. The Board of Trustees has begun a national search for a successor, with the goal of appointing a new president by May 2026. In his announcement, Samhat expressed the importance of bringing in “fresh eyes and fresh energy” to lead the college into its future.
Under Samhat’s leadership, Wofford College has expanded its campus into the city’s Northside area, further enhancing the college’s presence and facilities. As his presidency comes to an end, the college stands at a pivotal moment, with both challenges and opportunities ahead.
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- The Post and Courier
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Wofford College
- WSPA
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