WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Year One: Pastides looks back on his first year at USC

Year One: Pastides looks back on his first year at USC

By Hannah Horne - bio | email

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) - Dr. Harris Pastides has now lead the University of South Carolina for a full year.

In those 365 days, he's pushed hydrogen research and held a town hall for students to talk about how to stay on budget when times got tough.

He even let students pick his ride: A Mini Cooper nicknamed the "Chicken Coop."

But Pastides' work in this past year has largely focused on keeping the university's budget afloat despite the recession.

"We're going to be a leaner, more focused, sharper university that does somewhat fewer things, but the things we do will drive toward excellence," said Dr. Pastides back in November 2008.

Pastides has leaned on his management team of vice presidents and even former USC President Andrew Sorensen for counsel, ideas, and cost-saving initiatives.

"They came up with amazing recommendations about conservation and doing things differently. Working more effectively and efficiently. They were handled because of the goodwill of so many people," said Dr. Pastides.

Dr. Pastides says there are still tough days ahead.

"I think the fall will be difficult. And I think state agencies will be asked to trim more," said Dr. Pastides.

But even in the sour economy, he recalled sweet moments like experiencing the holidays and the lighting of the Christmas tree and throwing out the first pitch at the new Carolina Stadium.

They are the silver lining in what has been a dark economic cloud.

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