Craig Wilson, a higher education administrator with more than two decades of experience, has been selected as the new chancellor of the University of South Carolina’s Palmetto College. The position includes overseeing USC’s two-year regional campuses and its online degree completion programs.
Wilson, who most recently served as vice provost for Outreach, Distance and Continuing Education at the University of Arizona, was selected following a national search and will begin his new role in September. Interim Chancellor Michael Sonntag will remain in his position until that time.
Wilson joined the University of Arizona in 2020 and oversaw a unit serving 4,500 students via online, in-person and hybrid instruction at five locations across Arizona.
Prior to the University of Arizona, Wilson served in leadership positions at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville as dean for the Division of Professional Studies and dean for the School of Graduate Studies (2018-2020); associate dean for Strategy and Innovation at the University of Miami (2008-2016); and director of the Business School at the Miami Dade College (2004-2007), one of the largest institutions in the country with over 120,000 students.
After serving in the U.S. Marine Corps for 10 years, Wilson received a Bachelor of Science degree in aviation management from Southern Illinois University, a master’s degree in human resources management from Troy University, a law degree from Cleveland State University, and a doctorate degree in higher education administration from Bowling Green State University.
“I am confident that Craig’s leadership, background and skills will be invaluable in continuing and advancing Palmetto College’s excellence,” USC President Michael Amiridis said. “I am certain that he will be a very active and visible part of the USC System communities across our state.”
Palmetto College includes four two-year regional Palmetto College campuses — USC Lancaster, USC Salkehatchie, USC Sumter and USC Union — and Palmetto College Columbia, and more than 40 online and on-campus bachelor’s degree completion programs in partnership with USC Aiken, USC Beaufort, USC Columbia and USC Upstate.