USC's Marshall School of Business in Crisis: 52 Tenured Professors Demand Leadership Changes

A Rare Faculty Rebellion at a Top Business School

In an unusually sharp rebuke, 52 tenured professors — roughly one-fifth of USC's Marshall School of Business full-time faculty — have formally challenged Dean Geoffrey Garrett's leadership, signaling deep institutional distress at one of the university's flagship professional schools. The letter, obtained by L.A. Material, marks a striking moment of faculty dissent in what administrators describe as a highly uncommon move for tenured academics to take against their dean.

"There are clear signs of our downward trajectory in terms of academic reputation, commitment to excellence in research and the demonstrated academic excellence of the students which graduate from our programs."

Current and former USC administrators characterized the letter as an extraordinary intervention, suggesting it could spark significant soul-searching among Marshall's leadership. The faculty complaint centers on Dean Garrett's management approach, particularly questioning whether academic leaders have been granted sufficient "authority and visibility" to guide the school's direction. One business school professor captured the underlying frustration: "We're seeing cuts and cuts and cuts, but we're not seeing a strategy and vision for where we're headed."

Enrollment Collapse and Ranking Decline

Marshall's troubles are rooted in concrete, measurable problems. Since 2021, the school's full-time MBA program has plummeted from a historic high of 16th in U.S. News rankings to 25th — a dramatic fall that has alarmed faculty concerned about the school's competitive standing and ability to attract top students. One professor pointedly noted the sting: "It doesn't help that we're ranked below UT Dallas."

The enrollment decline reflects a broader industry headwind. Business schools across the country are experiencing declining MBA enrollment as the degree loses its historical cachet and graduates struggle to secure well-paying positions. International student enrollment has declined, and new barriers to student loans have dampened demand. However, Marshall faces additional structural challenges that distinguish it from peer institutions. The school operates uniquely among top-tier business programs by serving both 2,800+ graduate students and more than 4,100 undergraduates — a dual mission that complicates resource allocation and strategic focus.

"A growing gap in higher education is leaving elite schools relatively secure while pressuring mid-level institutions toward decline. USC sits at a critical juncture."

Austerity Budget and University-Wide Turmoil

Marshall's specific crisis reflects USC's broader financial emergency. Last July, the university implemented severe layoffs to address a structural operating deficit that had swelled to $251 million. While USC claims to have since closed the deficit, austere spending restrictions remain firmly in place across the institution. One senior USC administrator described the current mood bluntly: "People are just not very happy. It's fertile ground for conflict."

The faculty letter points to a growing strategic gap between leadership decisions and academic direction. Professors criticize repeated budget cuts without accompanying vision for the school's future — a disconnect that has generated anxiety among scholars about Marshall's trajectory and institutional health. The tension reflects a fundamental governance dispute: faculty argue that academic leaders lack the authority needed to shape strategy, while administrative cost-cutting proceeds without clear strategic justification.

Dean Garrett, who joined USC in 2020 after six years leading the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School, had been reappointed to his position last June following a routine review. At that time, Provost Andrew Guzman praised Garrett's "emphasis on making Marshall a comprehensive and cutting-edge business school" and his "ability to cultivate strong relationships within USC and externally." Garrett has since become one of USC's most visible leaders, chairing the school's AI strategy committee. In response to the faculty letter, Garrett issued a statement reaffirming his commitment to "engaging openly and in good faith" and scheduled a May 4 discussion to address concerns directly. Neither Garrett nor USC provided substantive comment to L.A. Material on the specific criticisms raised.