The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. Culbertson, who currently serves as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Kansas State University, will assume the role July 1.
“Dr. Culbertson brings exceptional scholarship and proven leadership to the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. His commitment to advancing student success and scholarship across disciplines aligns closely with our mission, and we are pleased to welcome him to the university,” said Mary Anne Fitzpatrick, provost of the University of South Carolina.
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences is the largest college at the University of South Carolina, encompassing disciplines in the arts, humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. The college plays a central role in the university’s mission to advance research, foster innovation and prepare students for meaningful careers and fulfilling lives.
“As a noted scientist and scholar and a seasoned academic officer, Dr. Culbertson is ideally prepared to lead the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, which shapes the educational foundation for every undergraduate student at USC,” President Michael Amiridis said. “With demonstrated success in engaging students, faculty, staff and community supporters, he has the expertise to guide the programs and opportunities that will define the college’s future.”
A nationally recognized scholar and experienced academic leader, Culbertson oversees one of the institution’s largest academic units at Kansas State. Culbertson also led major academic initiatives within the College of Arts and Sciences, including the development of a new general education curriculum, the launch of interdisciplinary research programs, the creation of enhanced advising and student success models and the expansion of the college’s research enterprise.
“I am excited to join the faculty and staff in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.” Culbertson said. “I look forward to working with everyone in the college and across the university to best prepare our students for career and life success, increase our research and creative activity impact and engage with the people of South Carolina to address problems important to their health and well-being.”
Since being named dean at Kansas State in 2023, Culbertson has led efforts to strengthen enrollment, research growth and student outcomes. Under his leadership, first-time freshman enrollment increased by 45 percent, and four-year graduation rates improved by more than 13 percent.
Before serving as dean, Culbertson held multiple leadership roles at Kansas State, including interim dean and associate dean for research and graduate studies. In those roles, he led strategic planning efforts, supported faculty development, managed research funding and worked to advance interdisciplinary programs and infrastructure.
An accomplished researcher in chemistry, Culbertson’s work focuses on microfluidics, biosensing and biomedical applications. His scholarly impact has earned national recognition, including being named among the top 2 percent of cited researchers in his field in a Stanford University study from 2021 through 2025.
Culbertson earned his Ph.D. in analytical chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from the University of West Florida and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Harvard College.