The USC Marshall School of Business will see a leadership transition this summer, as Dean Geoffrey Garrett prepares to step into a new university-wide role focused on global strategy and engagement.
Garrett has agreed to serve as Special Advisor to the President for Global Strategy and Engagement at the University of Southern California, effective August 1. In order to dedicate his full attention to this position, he will step down as dean of Marshall after six years of leadership.
In his new role, Garrett will work closely with university leadership to deepen USC’s relationships with business leaders, philanthropists, and strategic partners while expanding the university’s international presence. His efforts will focus on strengthening global engagement at a time when higher education is increasingly shaped by rapid technological change, geopolitical shifts, and intensifying competition for talent and resources. The role is designed to help USC enhance opportunities for students, faculty, and research initiatives worldwide.
Alongside his advisory role, Garrett will return to the faculty as a Provost Professor, where he will continue his research and contribute to interdisciplinary initiatives focused on global strategy, geopolitics, and the evolving intersection of business, technology, and public policy.
During his tenure as dean, Garrett oversaw a period of significant growth and innovation at Marshall. The school launched five joint undergraduate degrees—the first in USC history—including programs in AI for Business, Business of Cinematic Arts, Business of Innovation, Real Estate Finance and Development, and Accounting and Finance. Marshall also expanded its global footprint, established its first Asia Executive Advisory Board, and added 30 new endowed faculty chairs. In addition, the school secured support for 148 new student scholarships and raised approximately $200 million over the past three years, marking the most successful fundraising period in its history.
To ensure continuity in leadership, USC has named Andrew Call, current dean of the USC Leventhal School of Accounting, as Interim Dean of Marshall, effective August 1. Call is recognized as a respected scholar and collaborative academic leader, and his tenure at Leventhal has strengthened the school’s reputation in both teaching and research.
As Interim Dean, Call will work closely with the Marshall community, including faculty, staff, students, and alumni, to guide the school’s strategic direction and build on the strong foundation established under Garrett’s leadership.
With this transition, USC Marshall enters its next chapter positioned to maintain its momentum while further strengthening its role as a leading global business school.
