Nayef H. Samhat, the 11th president of Wofford College, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. He holds a B.A. in international affairs from The George Washington University's School of International and Public Affairs, a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University and a Ph.D. in political science from Northwestern University. 

Samhat came to Wofford in July 2013 after serving as provost and professor of political science and international studies at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. Prior to his time at Kenyon, he was the Frank B. and Virginia B. Hower Associate Professor of Government and International Studies and an associate dean at Centre College in Danville, Kentucky. 

He serves on the executive committee of the Annapolis Group of Liberal Arts Colleges, the SACSCOC Board of Directors and the IES Board of Directors. Past national service includes the Council of Independent Colleges and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) boards of directors, as well as serving on the NCAA Division I board of directors and the NCAA board of governors, including service on the NCAA Division I Presidential Forum and as a mentor for the NCAA Pathway Program. 

Samhat’s academic interests include international relations theory, international political economy and the politics of the Middle East, especially international relations in the Middle East. He has contributed articles, papers, reviews and essays on these and other topics. Samhat is also a staunch advocate of the liberal arts educational experience and has been a national presenter, panelist and commentator on the subject. 

Samhat is married to Prema Samhat. They have three daughters, Alia, Jehan and Leila, and three grandsons. 

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This effort strengthened collaboration among the four universities and created a more efficient environment.  He has worked tirelessly to transform the perception and value of higher education with the university community, alumni, legislators and Missourians. 

MU recently celebrated the highest graduation rate in the university’s history, a record 90% retention rate for first-year students returning their sophomore year and had 92% of MU students land a career outcome six months after graduation.

Choi has led efforts to strategically invest in UM System research, particularly through the statewide NextGen Precision Health initiative.  The new, $250 million expansive facility anchoring this initiative is located on MU’s campus and opened in October 2021. In addition to attracting top scientists, NextGen Precision Health has the potential to make key discoveries — with treatments for prostate, breast and pancreatic cancers, traumatic brain injuries and rare musculoskeletal diseases — as well as increase health care access for Missourians.

Building a climate that promotes diversity and strengthens inclusion is another key priority for Choi.  He strongly and continually advocates for every member of the university community to take personal responsibility for addressing discrimination when witnessing it – no matter how subtle or unintentional.  The burden of raising awareness and creating a more inclusive culture falls on everyone’s shoulder.

Choi came to Missouri in 2017 after nine years at the University of Connecticut where he served as provost and executive vice president (2012-2017) and earlier as dean of engineering (2008-2012). His 25-year career in higher education also includes serving eight years as a department head of engineering at Drexel University and six years as an assistant and associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

A product of and passionate champion for public higher education, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois. He secured his master’s and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Princeton University.

His parents brought their family to the United States from South Korea when Choi was 9 years old.  Their initial jobs making uniforms for Taekwondo students and teachers evolved into a highly successful family business. The Choi Brothers in Chicago, where he worked as a young man, is one of the country’s largest suppliers of martial arts uniforms.

Choi is married to Suzanne Choi and together they have three children.

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