Robert Caslen in the News

What people are saying

Faculty and Administration

Hello Bob, I regret that I was never able to say goodbye to you. USC treated you terribly and I'm sorry that occurred. We have a dysfunctional and toxic university that needs a lot of fixing. I enjoyed working under you and I think that you are a good and honest man.

The fact is you saved lives for people who then gave you shit as thanks. You are the hero we did not deserve.   I will not forget it.

Robert Caslen, Bob I give you great kudos for leading UofSC through the difficult maze of the pandemic. While many universities shut down or went 100% online, because of your leadership I was able to teach face-to-face the entire academic year without incident. My students performed well and all were grateful that they were able to attend classes in person. I know it was a team effort to make this possible, but without your stalwart leadership it would not have happened. Thank you.

You are a great leader and I learned a lot just being around you. It is truly sad how agenda driven the news and media can be! In the long run truth will triumph. In that I take comfort.

I was so proud of how our institution approached the crisis and believe it will stand as an outstanding example relative to many other universities.

 Bob Caslen’s leadership ensured that UofSC was among the best prepared universities navigating COVID. He marshaled our internal talent and expertise by utilizing inclusive strategy and planning to thoughtful execution.

This man is 10 times the academic and 100 times the leader than are his UofSC detractors.  I am highly qualified to make this assessment. 

This is a powerful reflection of many challenging days/weeks/months. Thank you for leading us during an incredibly difficult period of time. I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to learn from so many incredible leaders during this time. We are all changed because of what we experienced. Robert Caslen you were certainly the right leader at the right time to lead our university.

All of us need role models and mentors. We continue to need them even as we achieve positions of seniority in our own right. I've served under Robert Caslen three times in uniform over nearly 30 years and came to the University of South Carolina to serve under him once again as a civilian. His example of service, character, integrity, and transparency are the type of guideposts all of us need both in the military and in business. Find your role model and engage them regularly for insights and guidance

Honor, Character, and Integrity were the subjects of our very first conversation. You showed to everyone how real valor works, and why we have so little of it here.

You are an honorable man and a capable leader and i am embarrassed that my university colleagues who feel the same allowed this unprofessional public disparagement to go on.  We should have respected our own Honor Code.  You acted with dignity.  We did not.

 I am a UofSC professor who thinks Caslen is one of the finest leaders every to be at this University.  Many others agree.

 Many other professors think he did a fine job, and that he was very rudely treated by a small vocal minority.  These professors did not say anything publicly out of fear that they were alone in their assessment, but they all have figured it out now.   

Ironically, it is highly likely that you or someone you care about is alive today because of things he did to save others during the height of the pandemic.  Few people know how he ran into the flames to save their sorry asses.  Just like he did on 9/11. He deserves respect.

 This guy did things that affected the whole damn state and saved a lot of people from COVID.  People who later bitched about a graduation speech.  Its not cool.  like... a lot not cool

I will no longer idly watch when someone is unfairly slandered.   It was shameful dereliction of honor.   It proved the old saying.  all that is required for evil to triumph is for good men to say nothing.

Students

Dear General Bob Caslen,

I hope this email finds you doing great. I just wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for your dedicated service to the nation and the University of South Carolina. You truly are an inspiration to us all.
As a former student, I have been fortunate enough to experience firsthand the positive impact that your leadership has had on the University. Your vision and tireless efforts have transformed the university into a thriving academic community that prioritizes diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
I recently came across an article in the Post and Courier newspaper titled "USC cuts ties with little-used Major League Soccer degree program after spending $2M." It was disappointing to see such negative coverage of your leadership in guiding the degree program. In my opinion, the article is completely biased and does not reflect the incredible work you have done for the university.
You have always been a true leader, and your contributions to the university have been immeasurable. You have inspired countless students, faculty, and staff with your unwavering commitment to academic excellence and inclusivity.
I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your exceptional service and leadership at the University of South Carolina. Your hard work and dedication have had a lasting impact on the university and its students for generations to come.
Thank you again for all that you have done, General Caslen. You truly are a remarkable leader, and we are lucky to have had you as our president.

Mr. Robert Caslen, you led the University of South Carolina through not only one of the most challenging and unpredictable school years but did it with class while encouraging students to do one of the most important things, be healthy. I learned a lot from you just by working out with you in the morning 2 days a week every week. You’re a true leader and I’m proud and honored to say you were the President when I graduated.

President Caslen, having you as the President during My Senior Year made the journey of COVID more bearable. I was honored to be able to sit through your last UofSC commencement speech Saturday May 8, 2021 At the 6 PM service. Having been through 2 previous commencements, your outlook and words were the most encouraging and valuable ones I have ever heard. Thank You for being My President during these tough times.

Thank you Robert Caslen for your leadership at the University of South Carolina, especially during the pandemic. You showed me and countless other students what true leadership looks like, even in the face of uncertain times.

Thank you for giving your time to our University. We miss your leadership.

Parents

My daughter was a freshman last year and you exhibited exemplary leadership. I appreciated the skills you undoubtedly honed in the army. I wish you were still there. Go Gamecocks!

 As a parent of a U of SC student, a 20-21 freshman, I was terrified to send him off last Fall. You, sir, gave me peace of mind with every town hall and email. You took the situation seriously and conveyed that to the students. Thank you so very much for your leadership.

 As a parent of a freshman last year, we witnessed firsthand what "leading from the front" truly means. As a freshman student from out-of-state, transitioning from a small high school to a very large SEC school with global programmatic reach, it can be very overwhelming. Your leadership normalized this as emotion can cloud one's judgment. Thank you for driving the entire organization through tumultuous waters that so many other universities & colleges couldn't.

Alumni

I am glad you are out of there as we didn’t deserve you. As an alumni, it was a goat rodeo from start to finish with attacks on you from front, flank, and rear. I’m embarrassed by your treatment and while I know this will do little to salve the burn, but there are still quite a few alumni that feel as I do towards you.

 Others

Dear General Robert L. Caslen,
On this sacred occasion of the 9/11 anniversary, I want to express my deepest admiration and gratitude for your unwavering service to our great nation, particularly your distinguished commitment during the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
As we reflect upon that solemn day, we stand in awe of your exceptional valor and steadfast leadership, exemplified during the harrowing moments at the Pentagon. Your unyielding dedication in response to the terrorist attacks demonstrated your unwavering love for the United States and its citizens, solidifying your place among the nation's most revered heroes.
Your illustrious military career, spanning decades of selfless sacrifice and honor, continues to inspire countless Americans. Your legacy shines as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the heights that can be achieved through resolute leadership and unwavering devotion to our nation.
I would also like to take this moment to offer a fervent defense against any criticism directed at your tenure as President of the University of South Carolina. Your leadership at the university was marked by a commitment to academic excellence and a genuine concern for the welfare of students. You worked tirelessly to foster an environment of learning, innovation, and inclusivity. Your efforts to enhance the university's standing in the academic world were commendable, and your vision for the institution's future was both ambitious and inspiring.
Criticism is an inevitable part of leadership, and often it is the most driven and visionary leaders who face the most scrutiny. Nevertheless, your dedication to the University of South Carolina is a testament to your ability to lead and inspire change. Your leadership, both in the military and in academia, has left an indelible mark on those you've served and mentored.
As we commemorate the memory of those lost on 9/11 and pay tribute to the heroes who emerged during those trying times, I extend my heartfelt thanks and profound admiration for your remarkable service. Your legacy is one of inspiration and honor, and it will forever be cherished by a grateful nation.
May your retirement be filled with well-deserved peace and contentment, knowing that your contributions to the United States and the University of South Carolina will be celebrated for generations to come.
With the utmost reverence and admiration

I am a South Carolinian and an alumnus of the University who watched your presidency with admiration for your accomplishments and angry over the unfair treatment you got. I must express my profound concerns about the glaring disparities in media treatment between President Gay's recent resignation from Harvard University and your own departure from the University of South Carolina.

The allegations of plagiarism that led to President Gay's resignation have raised eyebrows regarding the fairness of the process, particularly with attempts to manipulate media coverage and subsequent investigations. What demands attention is the apparent leniency afforded to her compared to the unwarranted scrutiny surrounding your resignation over an unattributed quotation of Admiral McRaven.

This stark contrast in media coverage has prompted me to reflect on potential biases based on gender, race, religious beliefs, political affiliation, or other factors. It is disheartening to observe that individuals who are male, Asian, white, outspoken Christians, or affiliated with the Republican party may be subjected to a disproportionately harsh media environment.

I am writing to underscore the urgency of addressing these discrepancies and to advocate for fairness and impartiality in media coverage. Your experience highlights the necessity for a more equitable approach, ensuring that public figures are treated with the same level of scrutiny regardless of their background.

On the 20th anniversary of the Iraq War, I am reminded of the incredible leadership and bravery you displayed as a commander on the front lines. Your dedication to defending America against Middle East terrorism has made our country safer and stronger.
I also want to take a moment to address the recent accusations against you regarding plagiarism. It's clear to me and to many others that you did nothing wrong. Your unattributed citation in the graduation speech at the University of South Carolina was an honest mistake, and it's disappointing to see how some members of the public have blown it out of proportion. You have always been a person of integrity and honor, and I have no doubt that you will continue to serve our country with distinction.
Thanks for sharing, Bob. Was aware of and unsurprised by these accomplishments, but it is very underappreciated. Some of the general public, politicians, and the media need to focus on the important stuff, not on pre-conceived misimpressions or self-serving opinions.

I read your interview in the October 2 news in the Post and Courier. No one should have had to deal with what you experienced at South Carolina. I just wanted to reach out and express how much I respect you for calling it what it was. I think many Presidents have taken abuse from members of the university community and just do it in silence, and I really thank you for speaking out. 

I look at your situation — the mob was bigger and meaner and unloving as I could ever have imagined in what I would have thought was a more conservative understanding part of our country. Honest debate and discussion and interaction never got started. IT was my outside vantage point a lynching looking for a victim. So much unreasonable anger and hate with no thought of justice and healing. That mob had leaders who dressed and acted like reasonable leaders and constituents but under the façade was the heart of a modern “activist” relentlessly seeking only one result.

UofSC Accomplishments under the leadership of robert l. caslen, jr.

• Established a comprehensive strategic plan with allocated resources, metrics and current dashboard status

• Reinforcement of institutional values across all constituents

• Consensus establishment for a University vision and mission statement

• Successfully opened and remained open during COVID-19 pandemic

• Over 100K on-campus tests with on-campus facilities and pharmacy

• One of the first universities in the nation to be able to have its own on-campus tests

• Froze tuition for 2 years, and going into a third year as well

• Profited over $50M during the pandemic, prior to federal and state pandemic appropriations.  This is unheard of across the nation.

• Established HBCU partnerships with Benedict, Claflin, and SC State

• Partnered with Battelle to obtain a $3.8 research contract with Savannah River National Laboratory in partnership with SC State, Clemson, University of Georgia, and Georgia Tech

• Initiated Department of Defense research opportunities with FT Gordon Cycler Center, and the Army’s Future Command in Austin, TX.

• Supported our student veterans, and subsequently earned the Military Times ‘Best for Vets’ college, for the first time in the history of the University

• Applications increased over 21% despite the pandemic

• Minority student enrollment was an all-time high, led by record high percentages of AA students.  Established recruitment and admissions programs to bring the Flagship University respective of the state it serves.

• Economic impact increased from $5.5B to $6.2B during Caslen’s tenure

• Received the highest credit rating

• Established partnership with the State of SC government, the SC Cyber Institute

• Hired 2 new Chancellors and a VP for System Affairs, bringing the UofSC System to its greatest integrated body it has ever been

• Established a national level on-line program, highlighted with a national level contract with Major League Soccer

• Established a research vision to be eligible for admission to the Association of American Universities, and aligned organization and resources in line with a strategy to achieve this most prestigious association.

• Hired minority VP’s to create the most diverse executive leadership in the history of the University

• Established a Title IX Task Force to create the organizational structure to handle the sick SH/SA climate at the university

• Successfully achieved SACSOC requirements for reaccreditation which is scheduled to be announced this winter

• Partnered with the State and Federal governments to establish the Civil Rights Center

• Coordinated to open the only Apple Store in Columbia

• Hired a new UofSC football coach, with a program that has great potential to become a championship football team

articles covering the resignation of bob caslen as president of the university of south carolina

University of South Carolina president resigns after plagiarism incident in commencement speech

Opinion: Bob Caslen is more than his worst mistake

In South Carolina, a Presidency Never Got Over Its Tainted Start

A president is out, less than two years after his controversial appointment.

Caslen calls coming to USC ‘biggest regret of my life’ as emails show split over departure

Link to article.

Open-Letter from Bob Caslen’s son, Nicholas Caslen

It is impossible for me to be more proud of my father Bob Caslen for having the moral courage and character to stand up and do the right thing in a difficult time, setting an example of accountability in leadership a lot of people affiliated with @UofSC could stand to learn.

 Angela Duckworth once said “We ought not confuse a trivial mistake for a serious and deliberate deception”. Let me be clear, my fathers mistake was in no way the deliberate deception being portrayed in the local and National media, and online “news” blogs.

 While there is more to the story than reported of my father quoting his friend and colleague Adm. McRaven, he owned his trivial mistake and accepted responsibility for not citing Adm. McRaven. He didn’t make excuses. He held himself to a standard most wouldn’t and never will.

 Over the last 2 years I’ve lobbied my father to step down and stop putting himself through the relentless attacks on his character and legacy. The saddest of which came from faculty and alumni of @UofSC. He was libeled daily as a war criminal, a racist and abuse enabler.

 Nothing he could do would ever be enough to satisfy a critic. He led the school through the COVID19 pandemic setting a standard for universities across the country to follow. Even that wasn’t enough to gain respect. It is clear to me the BoT set him up for failure from the start.

 A challenge he strived to overcome, but never had a chance of succeeding at due to the toxic atmosphere pervasive at @UofSC. Everyone thought they knew my father - had him pegged. Many who criticized him never met him or even tried to meet him to figure it out for themselves.

 The targeted harassment by faculty, students and alumni unfortunately wasn’t relegated to my father, it was also aimed at our family and even his grandkids. The worst coming repeatedly from Professor Jesse Kass, the user of Twitter accounts @Rename_TheStrom and @SC_Math_4Real.

 A few months ago I formally requested @UofSC to stop Kass’s targeted harassment of me and my son. Apparently @UofSC Office of EOP and Human Resources felt that Kass’s unprofessional behavior was acceptable. Nothing has or will be done about his disgusting behavior.

 I challenge the new Administration and @HarrisPastides to set an example that targeted harassment by a faculty member of @UofSC, aimed at their co-workers families will not be tolerated. I seriously doubt anything will be done though.

 2 years ago I introduced myself in an open letter to @UofSC. It was well received by some, but sadly mocked and ridiculed childishly by most. Sadly mostly by faculty. The hate I experienced exemplified to me the true “Carolina Creed”. Sad to see “professionals” act like that.

 It’s evident that the example of accountability displayed by my father was lost on so many affiliated with @UofSC. Lost on everyone who apparently has life figured out. I doubt many will ever learn that lesson and I feel sorry for them. I hope for a better future for our country.

 Men and women of character will recognize it in others. Those that lack it won’t. “Honorable men and women make mistakes. It doesn’t make them less honorable. It just makes them human. I was terribly sorry to hear that [Bob Caslen] resigned. It is a loss for U.S.C.” Adm. McRaven

 I created a Twitter account solely to have positive interactions with the @UofSC community. This will likely be my last interaction as I will take a page out of my fathers playbook and unplug from the toxic environment that is Twitter. No need to put myself through the hate.

 I know I will be mocked/attacked for speaking up and defending my family against the attacks of the loud social media mobs running anonymous accounts. But it needed to be done. To those triggered by me doing so, I feel sorry that my words can cause you that much pain. #BeatNavy

Watch Bob Caslen’s response:

bob caslen in the news - outside uofsc

UNICO National 100th Annual Convention & Italian American Awards Gala Set for July 26 - 30 in Fort Myers, FL featuring Corporate, Military & Public Service Leaders

• Marriott International President & CEO Anthony Capuano, retired U.S. Army Generals Robert Caslen and Tom Cosentino, Business & Sports Leader Joe Moglia, Congressman John Mica and ESPN's Sal Paolantonio among the Special Guests

After 43 years in uniform, the last five as the U.S. Military Academy’s passionate and enthusiastic superintendent, Lt. Gen. Robert Caslen is retiring from the Army.

LINK TO ARTICLE

On June 22, he retired. After leading more than 200,000 soldiers, under nine commanders in chief, deploying six times and running West Point, the institution from which he graduated in 1975, for five years, his thoughts and advice could fill a book.

LINK TO ARTICLE

Discipline honed as football player and cadet at Army West Point laid the groundwork for a remarkable military career

LINK TO ARTICLE

If you don’t know Robert Caslen, you should. Lt. Gen. Caslen is a 1975 West Point graduate who recently retired from the Army as a three-star general, after 43 years of military service. He is the epitome of a leader of character; his last five years in the Army (2013-2018) was as the Superintendent of the United States Military and due to his devotion and stellar reputation, the cadets gave him the endearing nickname of “Supe Daddy.” 

LINK TO ARTICLE