---
title: "USCB Leader Panu Will Step Down in Mid-2027 in Beaufort"
url: https://www.herebeaufort.com/2026/10/17/uscb-chancellor-panu-retire-june-2027/
date: 2026-10-17T06:48:30-04:00
modified: 2026-10-17T06:48:30-04:00
author: "Tori Mann"
categories: ["Education"]
site: "HERE Beaufort"
attribution: "HERE Beaufort"
---

# USCB Leader Panu Will Step Down in Mid-2027 in Beaufort

> BEAUFORT, S.C. — Al M. Panu, who has run the University of South Carolina Beaufort since summer 2015, told the campus community he will retire on June 30, 2027. He arrived as the school's second chancellor and as the first Black chancellor anywhere in the USC system. Campus tallies from his years show student headcount

*Source: [HERE Beaufort](https://www.herebeaufort.com/2026/10/17/uscb-chancellor-panu-retire-june-2027/) — October 17, 2026 by Tori Mann*

BEAUFORT, S.C. — Al M. Panu, who has run the University of South Carolina Beaufort since summer 2015, told the campus community he will retire on June 30, 2027.

He arrived as the school’s second chancellor and as the first Black chancellor anywhere in the USC system. Campus tallies from his years show student headcount higher by roughly 28 percent, degrees awarded higher by about 43 percent, and regional economic impact climbing from $75 million a year to $141 million.

His administration also stood up an honors college track, launched graduate study on the campus, added three undergraduate majors, built an education foundation that raised more than $8 million, and helped land about $15.9 million in federal research and grant dollars.

System President Michael Amiridis thanked him for work on enrollment, buildings and the Lowcountry economy across three campuses. Panu said leading beside faculty, staff and local partners has been a career highlight for him and his wife, Judith.