Wednesday is last day in office for UofSC President Harris Pastides

After more than a decade of service, Wednesday was University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides' last day on the job.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – After more than a decade of service, Wednesday was University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides’ last day on the job.

Pastides has been president of the school since Aug. 1 2008, becoming the school’s 28th president.

“Class of 2019, most of my most profound and everlasting memories were made with you. Thank you sincerely for all of those,” said Pastides at his final graduation speech as president in Spring 2019. He announced he would step down in Oct. 2018.

“I think he was an awesome president and he really promoted a lot for both the faculty and the students. And I just wish him luck on whatever his next steps are moving forward,” said Jennifer Reh, an alumna of UofSC.

“He was extremely friendly, he was always on the Horseshoe, walking around, happy to take selfies with you, he’d see you at games, he’d smile and wave. Just a phenomenal leader, motivator and educator,” said Chip Fallaw, an alumnus.

Pastides led UofSC to higher achievements and growth in the decade under his tenure. According to the university’s website, some of those achievements include the South Carolina Honors College being named best in the nation, the student body grew 25% since 2008, the university became the fourth-fastest-growing flagship in the nation, and the university was named one of the top 100 employers in the U.S. by Forbes. The university also says one-third of all current alumni received their degrees during Pastides’ time as president.

“Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity to be a student under you, to learn from you, to be guided, and have your direction at USC implemented. We love you, we care about you and the shoes to fill are huge,” said Fallaw.

Pastides and his wife the first lady, Patricia Moore-Pastides, will remain with every Gamecock who graduated under his leadership.

“Let’s do as Dr. Seuss said. ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened,” said Pastides.

The new president-elect, General Robert Caslen, will be sworn in at the university on August 1 at 10 a.m.