Message from Charles F. Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
November 22, 2019
I am pleased to announce that Beth Shuster will serve as chief of staff for the Office of the Provost.
Beth is partnering with me to advance our new initiatives and support the strategic vision of the university. As an integral member of my leadership team, she will ensure the productive, efficient operation of our office and help me strengthen our relationships across the university and throughout Los Angeles.
She will oversee and direct the special projects, programs, activities, and procedures for the daily operations of the Office of the Provost. She serves as a senior advisor to me and acts as my principal staff advisor concerning administrative matters. Beth is responsible for all provost office communications. She has responsibility for prioritizing conflicting needs and sees that matters are handled expeditiously and proactively.
She joined USC in 2016 as the director of public communications for the Office of the Provost. Beth brought her skill and focus to that role as she promoted the excellent work of our faculty, staff, and students. She worked with national, local, and student media and collaborated with USC’s central communications team and communication colleagues across the university.
Beth serves on the board of directors of the national Education Writers Association and is an active member of the Association of American Universities’ Public Affairs Network. She is a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and previously was the education editor at the Los Angeles Times.
Since I began here mid-semester, Beth has been essential to me hitting the ground running and moving forward the critical work of our office. Please join me in thanking Beth for taking on this new role.
Distribution: Carol L. Folt
Academic Deans
Academic Senate
President’s Cabinet
Provost’s Cabinet
Communications Council