Rossier and Pullias Center Colleagues on His Retirement
Dr. John Brooks Slaughter, USC University Professor and Dean's Professor of Education and Engineering, recently announced his retirement after a distinguished 66 year career. Dr. Slaughter joined USC Rossier in 2010, and also holds a joint appointment at the Viterbi School of Engineering. His education research has been in the areas of higher education leadership, diversity and inclusion in higher education, the under-representation of minorities in STEM, and issues related to access and affordability in higher education.
In this special issue of the USC Pullias Center newsletter, we pay tribute to this very special man and highly esteemed educator.
Dr. John Brooks Slaughter
Spanning Industries and Universities, a Life and Career Making a Difference
Professor Slaughter’s storied career spans 66 years and includes working in the private sector, academia and federal government. In a historic appointment, he became the first African American to direct the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1980. His higher education career includes serving as chancellor of the University of Maryland and the first person of color to serve as president of Occidental College, where he served for 11 years. He taught courses at USC...read more
Adrianna Kezar
Director, Pullias Center for Higher Education
John Slaughter’s name long preceded me ever meeting him. As an assistant professor at the University of Maryland studying higher education leadership – John Slaughter was a legend. He had been Chancellor of the University of Maryland, College Park and later President of Occidental College, and the mark he made on leadership was impressive, particularly illustrating how to hire more faculty or color and admit more students of color. In higher education circles he was known as a leader that...read more
Julie Posselt
Associate Professor of Education and Associate Dean, Graduate School
Dear Dr. Slaughter,
Through your kindness and warmth, your commitment to lifelong learning, and your principled wisdom for people and groups, you gave me a wholly new vision of what leadership can be, how power can project itself. Although we have only known each other six years, your example and support have left an indelible mark on me and my...read more
Zoe Corwin
Research Professor, Rossier School of Education and Pullias Center
Dr. Slaughter,
You are a most treasured colleague. Our informal conversations lifted my spirits and broadened my perspectives – every single time we bumped into each other on the 7th floor.
While I am in awe of your scholarly accomplishments and the impact you’ve had on engineering and education, I am most inspired by the deep care you integrate into your research and practice. You are a stellar example of a creative, accomplished scholar-practitioner who infuses...read more
Dr. Slaughter, from all of us here at Pullias - we will miss your smile, your care, your kindness and your brilliance!
