USC President Steven B. Sample, who dramatically boosted the university's academic prestige, financial resources and civic engagement during nearly 19 years as its leader, says he will step down from the post next summer.
Sample, who turns 69 this month, said he will end his presidency in August, allowing university trustees ample time to choose a new president for the 34,000-student campus near downtown Los Angeles.
"It's a time for fresh leadership. I don't mean to sound self-congratulatory, but we've had a good run. And so, why not quit while you're ahead?" Sample, an electrical engineer who previously headed the State University of New York at Buffalo, said in an interview in his campus office.
"I think I'm still pretty high-energy compared to most university presidents," he added. "But I think a new president might bring a lot more energy, and that would be great."
Diagnosed eight years ago with Parkinson's disease, Sample has a noticeable tremor in his right hand and walks somewhat stiffly, although his voice remains steady and strong. He said that his health is stable and that the illness was not a major factor in his decision. Yet he also spoke of life's unpredictability, noting with sadness that his predecessor, James H. Zumberge, was diagnosed with a brain tumor soon after he left the president's post and died within a year.
Sample told The Times about his plans ahead of USC's formal announcement, which is scheduled for Monday. The Board of Trustees will then launch an international search to find a successor by May.
Although it is unusual at most universities for an insider to become president, many on campus said they expect USC's executive vice president and provost, C. L. Max Nikias, to be a strong contender. Board Chairman Edward P. Roski Jr. confirmed that Nikias would be a candidate but emphasized that the search would be open and thorough.
"We are going to search the whole gamut of individuals who would qualify," said Roski, chairman and chief executive of Majestic Realty Co. Becoming USC president "after someone like Steve is a daunting task," he said. "We've made great strides under him, and we want to continue those."
Molly Corbett Broad, president of the American Council on Education, which represents 1,600 colleges and universities, praised Sample as "a towering figure" in U.S. higher education who has helped catapult USC into the upper ranks.
