USC names Chase Kasper Deputy Director of Economic Engagement

_{Posted on: October 29, 2025
By Chase Bussell, busselld@sc.edu}

The University of South Carolina (USC) has named Chase Kasper as the new Deputy Director for the Office of Economic Engagement (OEE), bringing with him a distinguished record of leadership in university-based innovation and economic development.

As the Deputy Director for OEE, Kasper will serve as the principal operational leader, acting on behalf of the Vice President to manage and execute the university’s strategic vision for economic engagement. He will oversee both internal and external partnerships, drive innovation and commercialization initiatives, and ensure the seamless integration of university resources with South Carolina’s economic development priorities. Kasper will assume the role of Deputy Director on Dec. 1. 

“With more than two decades of experience in economic engagement and development, Chase Kasper brings a proven record of fostering strategic partnerships and driving economic growth,” said Dr. Stephen Cutler, Vice President for Economic Development at USC. “We are thrilled to have him become a part of the OEE team.”

Kasper’s appointment reflects the university’s growing emphasis on building collaborative ecosystems that unite research, entrepreneurship, and workforce development. Through his leadership, OEE aims to expand opportunities that empower students, faculty, and businesses to create real-world impact.

“I’m honored to join the University of South Carolina family and the Office of Economic Engagement team,” said Kasper. “I look forward to collaborating with faculty, students, and partners to advance USC’s tradition of innovation and entrepreneurship for the benefit of South Carolina and beyond.”

Kasper joins USC from the Clemson University Research Foundation (CURF), where he served as Senior Deputy Director, guiding commercialization and partnership strategies that strengthened the link between academic research and industry collaboration.

Before his tenure at Clemson, Kasper held leadership positions at both the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and Mississippi State University (MSU). At USM, he played a central role in advancing technology transfer and research partnerships that expanded the university’s engagement with regional industries. During his time at MSU, Kasper supported strategic initiatives in research development and innovation management, helping to align university expertise with business and government priorities. His cross-institutional experience has made him a recognized leader in building programs that foster collaboration between academia and the private sector.

About OEE

The Office of Economic Engagement serves as the central hub for industry collaboration, innovation partnerships, and economic development initiatives at USC. By connecting research expertise with business and community needs, OEE plays a vital role in strengthening South Carolina’s knowledge-based economy and expanding the university’s impact statewide.