2020-2021 was unique, and uniquely challenging, for the USC Marshall School of Business. After pivoting to remote instruction in a few short days with the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, we subsequently taught more than 1,300 fully online distinct course sections to our nearly 7,000 degree students over the last year. The adaptability, compassion, creativity, resilience and talent of the entire Marshall community have never been more evident nor more important.

This past year will no doubt be long remembered as “the COVID year.” But that label should not lead us to overlook the incredible advances at Marshall made possible by the amazing accomplishments of our faculty, students, and staff highlighted in this, my first Dean’s Report. From the recognition for bright, young faculty, to alumni leadership on the most critical issues facing society, to helping solve the most difficult and pressing economic challenges, Marshall made its mark in ways befitting a top business school.

No one report could ever hope to capture every development at our school this year, any more than any one ranking can accurately measure the full value of a school.

With that in mind, I hope you enjoy this look at this past year, and that you will take it as an invitation to come see the start of Marshall’s next great chapter – up close and in person – when we can all gather again.

With warm regards,

Geoffrey Garrett

Dean
Robert R. Dockson Dean's Chair in Business Administration
Professor of Management and Organization