To: USC Community
From: Charles F. Zukoski, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Date: November 17, 2021
Subject: Transition at USC Student Affairs
Today we share that Winston B. Crisp is resigning from his position as Vice President for Student Affairs for health reasons. We are grateful for all that Mr. Crisp has done for our students and for our university since his arrival in August 2019.
Mr. Crisp deftly guided our student community through the challenges of the last two years. During the pandemic year, when we were learning and living remotely, he and his team created programs, enhanced outreach, and built digital community to strengthen pre-existing connections and forge new ones during that unusual experience. Mr. Crisp led us through our return to campus this Fall in which two years of students—half our undergraduate population—set foot on USC’s campus for the first time. This year’s Welcome Experience was our largest ever, comprising a range of new programming and imaginative ways of connecting in a demonstration of the best of what we are and can be at USC: A student-focused community leading with care and compassion.
In his role as Vice President, Mr. Crisp oversaw the Division of Student Affairs with a staff of over 150 employees, as they served our entire student community of almost 50,000 students. From student services to recreational sports to student organizations, he provided calm, kind, experienced leadership.
Mr. Crisp collaborated with key partners across the university to make important progress on some of the critical issues facing our student community, including mental health and wellness, and the need for tangible progress on diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns. He built out spaces for cultural groups, including the Center for Black Cultural & Student Affairs and the First Generation Plus Success Center, and he served the university as co-chair of the Provost’s Task Force on University Nomenclature.
As a member of both the President’s and Provost’s leadership teams, he provided essential input on our university’s path forward that would ensure our students’ experiences remain our top priority. Working closely with our Undergraduate and Graduate Student Governments, he was the voice of the student body while providing mentorship and leadership for many student organizations. Student life is multifaceted and Mr. Crisp built relationships between housing, academic affairs, social groups, and parent groups, engaging each with a sensitivity and patience that communicated our genuine care and concern for each and every student in our community.
Dr. Monique S. Allard, Senior Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs, will serve as Interim Vice President for Student Affairs. Dr. Allard has more than 20 years of experience in student support programs and services, with a focus on equity and inclusion, strategy, and engagement. We know that the Division of Student Affairs will be most ably led with Dr. Allard’s skill and care. She is already a trusted advisor to students and colleagues.
Please join me in expressing the university’s appreciation for Winston’s service and leadership and in wishing him all the best, and thanking Monique for stepping in to serve in this significant role.