Randolph Hall at the College of Charleston
During his three-year tenure, CofC president Andrew Hsu (pronounced “SHOE”) has managed his share of crises—but always with a smile.
Energized by students, Hsu seeks opportunities to interact, including with these orientation interns in August 2019.
The Hsu Crew: The family has grown alongside CofC’s applicant pool, with the Hsus welcoming two grandchildren in the last three years. (Left to right) Daniel Crawford, Carol Hsu, Kaiden Hsu Crawford, Emma Hsu, First Lady Rongrong Chen, Andrew Hsu, Jenny Hsu, Kristie Hsu, and Victor Contreras
Beijing Beginnings: President Hsu’s parents, Yuchu Wang and Sifu Xu (front row), had college degrees, but educational opportunities for him and his sisters, Duoqing and Duohong, were squelched during Mao’s Cultural Revolution.
Pensive & Promising: A young Hsu at his aunt’s home in Atlanta in the 1980s, not yet sure where his studies would lead.
During graduate school at Georgia Tech, Hsu switched from mechanical to aeronautic engineering. “I’m always looking for the biggest challenge,” says Hsu.
Hsu, receiving his doctoral degree
President Andrew Hsu and First Lady Rongrong on their wedding day in 1990
President Andrew Hsu and First Lady Rongrong Chen pose in the Cistern.
President Hsu takes a selfie with incoming students on Admitted Student Day in February 2022. Renowned for his relatability, as well as his love for music, he further connects with students by sharing a playlist with them each semester before finals. (Find a link at the end of the feature.)
With SPECTRA students (an academic and college transition/orientation program for students of color) last August
On the climbing wall during his inauguration festivities in October 2019
Board of Trustees Chair David Hay (CofC class of 1981) with President Hsu during his inauguration ceremony in October 2019
Hsu mans a griddle during the December 2019 Pancakes with the President event held during final exams.
Playing ping-pong with students in November 2020
On Admitted Student Day, February 2022
Among his many achievements, Dr. Hsu has formed the Committee on Commemoration and Landscapes in 2021, in order for the campus to tell a fuller story of the institution’s past.
Photographs by Mira Adwell, Kevin Ruck, Mike Ledford, & Heather Moran & courtesy of the College of Charleston & Andrew Hsu
Follow the impressive journey of Andrew Hsu, now on the cusp of his fourth year as president
