EXECUTIVE PROFILE · RELEASE CANDIDATE v2.0-RC3 · HOTFIX 2Evidence · Leadership · Public Accountability
Executive Curriculum Vitae

Leadership Record

Nearly three decades of progressively responsible leadership spanning academic affairs, research administration, Cooperative Extension, public service, and institutional governance.

Current appointment

Chief Academic Officer

As Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Whitesides serves as the University’s Chief Academic Officer and a direct report to the President. His scope encompasses colleges and schools, curriculum, faculty affairs, academic budgeting, accreditation, student success, and the university research enterprise.

Academic planningFaculty affairsBudget & operationsStudent successResearch enterprise
Career progression
July 2026–Present

Interim Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs

South Carolina State University
2023–July 2026

Interim Vice President for Research

South Carolina State University
2019–July 2026

Vice President for Public Service & Agriculture

Executive Director, 1890 Research & Extension Program
2010–2019

1890 Research Administrator

South Carolina State University
2000–2009

Senior Extension Director

Community & Economic Development

Core executive competencies

Chief Academic Officer leadershipFaculty affairs, tenure & promotionCurriculum, assessment & program reviewAccreditation & institutional effectivenessPresidential & cabinet leadershipResearch enterprise leadershipAcademic budgetingLegislative relationsFiscal stewardship & audit integrityInfrastructure & capital oversightUSDA-NIFA relationsStrategic planning
Leadership in Practice

Institutional leadership across research, strategy, and public mission

Dr. Louis D. Whitesides presenting institutional strengths at South Carolina State University
Institutional strategy and executive communication.
Dr. Louis D. Whitesides presenting before colleagues
Executive presentation, stakeholder engagement, and mission alignment.
Speaker in academic regalia delivering remarks at a university ceremony
Academic ceremony remarks, 2026 — executive communication and institutional leadership in practice.