Newly announced Los Angeles mayoral candidate Rick J. Caruso said Tuesday he would step down as chairman of the USC board of trustees while he focuses on the campaign.

The mall mogul became chairman of the USC board of trustees in 2018 and went through what he described as a “turbulent period of revelations about our university,” according to a campus-wide message that he sent on Tuesday. committed to restoring trust in university leadership and strengthening the fabric of the community.

“I am grateful for your support, dedication and partnership over the past four years as we tackled and resolved difficult issues and built a strong foundation for the future of USC,” Caruso said in his statement. message to campus.

Caruso said he would step down as chairman “once the transition process is complete.”

Carol L. Folt was chosen as president of USC in 2019, while Caruso chaired the board. He said Folt and the board worked together to implement critical changes on USC campuses, including creating an autonomous health system board, revamping student health services, and creating of a new EEO-TIX office.

“Each of these elements have been essential in ensuring that our students are protected and supported, that our employees are held accountable for their actions, and that the horrific events of the past will never be repeated,” Caruso said.

During her tenure on the board, USC reached a legal settlement with more than 20 women who accused the university’s former longtime campus gynecologist, George Tyndall, of sexual abuse. Prosecutors said the alleged crimes took place between 2009 and 2016 involving students between the ages of 17 and 31 who visited USC’s Student Health Center for annual checkups and treatment.

The university was also rocked by criticism in October when USC fraternities were suspended following reports of sexual assaults and drug-related incidents.

The university has also been forced to navigate remote learning and develop safe educational environments for students, instructors and staff during the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the midst of a destabilizing pandemic, President Folt and her leadership team have continued the foundational work to improve our culture and lead us into the future,” Caruso said. “From building a world-class management team to implementing other crucial priorities, such as an athletics overhaul – culminating in the recent hire of our promising new football coach, Lincoln Riley. – sustainability and a student-centered vision, Carol expects and delivers excellence at all levels.”

Folt said in a statement that Caruso was an inspired leader on the board and his passion and commitment to USC ran deep.

“Ensuring the well-being and opportunity to excel of our students, staff and faculty has always been his guideline,” Folt said. “He is known and respected by so many of you because he is a visible presence on our campuses. Visiting classrooms, attending town hall meetings and even showing up to support our athletes and band members during He has been a practical president and unwavering in his support of our academic mission.”

She noted that the university “does not endorse or support any political candidate” and that USC officials “wish all mayoral candidates well.”