Building on the early success of USC Marshall’s initiative to expand the career tracks for faculty who are neither tenure nor on the tenure track, the business school is continuing to recognize and reward teaching excellence by awarding three new donor-funded chairs. These appointments recognize outstanding educators who give students the most innovative, engaging, and impactful instruction available. The three professors recognized with the new endowed chairs are:
· MIRIAM BURGOS, Patti Roskill Endowed Chair in Teaching Excellence
· JULIA PLOTTS, Peter J. Fluor Family Chair in Teaching Excellence
· SMRITY RANDHAWA, Patrick Grismer Teaching Chair in Accounting
They join the inaugural class of donor-supported teaching excellence chairs, which were awarded last year.
Patti Roskill ’87, member of Marshall’s Board of Councilors and Torch Initiative for Women’s Philanthropy, emphasizes the critical role of endowed faculty chairs for recruiting, rewarding, and retaining exceptional faculty.
“There are those one or two moments in life where a faculty member or professor leaves a lasting impression that shapes the things you do, the successes you have, and the perceptions you hold,” Roskill said. “Supporting endowed chairs helps USC, the professors, and the students by retaining these exceptional faculty members and ensuring these impactful experiences are available.”
Marshall Board of Leaders member Patrick Grismer ’84 credits his USC education for his professional success and views his philanthropy as a way to “give back” to the next generation.
“Celebrating and supporting teaching excellence will help to attract and retain the very best faculty, which will in turn help students to achieve superior learning and career success,” Grismer said.
A Commitment to Teaching Excellence
Marshall is renowned for cultivating leadership skills and real-world business acumen in its students. A key driver of this mission is its faculty, whose passion for teaching inspires students to succeed. The expansion of the teaching chair program reflects the school’s belief that world-class education stems from exceptional teaching.
“Teaching is central to Marshall’s mission,” Dean Geoffrey Garrett said. “Our faculty are dedicated to providing transformative learning experiences that prepare students for leadership roles across industries. These chairs offer a fantastic way to recognize some of our faculty with the highest-impact in the classroom.”
Each of the newly appointed chair holders brings a wealth of knowledge and a distinct approach to teaching.
“The support provided through this program allows me to further innovate and create a classroom environment where students can thrive,” said Professor Julia Plotts, the inaugural holder of the Peter J. Fluor Family Chair in Teaching Excellence.
Like Plotts, Smrity Randhawa appreciates being honored with the Patrick Grismer Teaching Chair in Accounting.
“For me, this award reflects the inspiration and support I have received from students, colleagues, and alumni at USC Marshall and Leventhal, which have helped me deliver meaningful learning experiences to my students,” Randhawa said.
A Lasting Impact
Endowed chairs enhance Marshall’s academic excellence by helping the school attract and retain the top faculty in their fields, further building Marshall’s global reputation for thought leadership and teaching innovation.
