USC appoints interim Provost Elizabeth Garrett to permanent post

USC law professor Elizabeth Garrett was appointed Thursday to be provost of the university, the second in command position she has held on an interim basis for two months. As chief academic officer, she will oversee all academic departments, along with admissions, libraries and student affairs, according to an announcement from USC President C.L. "Max" Nikias, who was provost before becoming president in August.

Garrett served as USC's vice president for academic planning and budget for four years. She came to USC's law school in 2003 from the University of Chicago Law School, where she was a deputy dean. An expert on campaign finance and the initiative process, she serves on the state's Fair Political Practices Commission.

-- Larry Gordon