October 23, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a number of USC Next-related projects and other construction work as well as a new public policy institute.
October 23, 2026, Andy Shain
New College of Pharmacy building can move ahead with design, final approval granted to construct a new STEM building and a new institute created to analyze crucial state data
October 21, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
The opening of a Callie's Hot Little Biscuit location in Russell House is a full circle moment for alumna Carrie Morey.
October 20, 2026, Megan Sexton
Four generations of the Hartsville Hungerpillers have attended the University of South Carolina. The latest, Colin Hungerpiller, is one of the 2026 honorees of the Gamecock35, a cohort of outstanding alumni under age 35 chosen by the Alumni Association’s Young Alumni Council.
October 20, 2026, Laura Erskine
Violence against women is a significant public health and human rights issue worldwide. Many have turned to social media to make their voices heard. Sociologist Zhaodi Chen studies how social media brings attention to the issue. Her research shows that despite the huge awareness raised by movements like #MeToo, many stories shared online still face relative silence.
October 16, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Ghostly lore and historic places go hand in hand. And with a history that dates back to 1801, USC has spooky stories aplenty. In search of Halloween hair-raisers, we asked the USC community to share their scariest campus paranormal encounters.
October 15, 2026, Téa Smith
Fostering a comfortable environment for students to participate in discussions and engage with the sensitive topics like hate crimes and sexual violence is paramount to Sarah Rogers’ teaching philosophy. Her student-centered approach was shaped by her experience as a first-generation college student and is informed by the concept of intersectionality and a feminist pedagogy. For her work in the classroom, Rogers has earned a Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
October 15, 2026, Roger Drouin
When the University of South Carolina established a new medical school at its Greenville campus in 2012, it made the innovative decision to integrate aspects of nutrition, exercise, sleep and other lifestyle behaviors extensively throughout its curriculum.
October 14, 2026, Megan Sexton
Transfer students find their way to the University of South Carolina in all sorts of ways. But regardless of how they get here, their numbers are steadily growing. Approximately 1,680 transfer students started classes this fall on the Columbia campus, an increase of 28 percent since the fall 2022 cohort. Meet three transfer students who have found their path at USC.
October 13, 2026, Nikki R. Wooten
Students from military families have specific experiences and needs that require support from their schools. Nikki R. Wooten, an associate professor of social work, writes for The Conversation about how some educators may not understand the experiences of military children and the challenges of military life.
October 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Billboard Magazine on Oct. 6 named USC’s Music Industry Studies Program among the very best in the world. MIS Program students and alumni reflect on their compelling experiences and the immersive opportunities that helped fine-tune the music careers they ultimately would pursue.
October 12, 2026, Laura Erskine
Each year, the Education Abroad Office coordinates thousands of travel experiences for USC students, from short trips to full-term exchange programs. As peer mentors, seniors Kelcie Pollinger and Isaiah Smalls meet with students to answer their questions. Here, Pollinger and Smalls share some of their key insights — and why studying abroad is a can’t-miss opportunity.
October 09, 2026, Sophya Garashchuk
Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger developed the wave equation that allowed him to calculate the probability that a particle exhibited a certain property from its wave functions. Even though the human eye can’t parse what’s happening at the quantum scale, the way particles behave influences how you experience the world. Sophya Garashchuk, associate chair and professor of chemistry and biochemistry, writes for The Conversation about how scientists are leveraging Schrodinger's theory at the quantum level.
October 09, 2026, Marketing and Communications
Each year, USC celebrates exemplary alumni and friends with awards bestowed by the Alumni Association. Honorees include Walter Edgar, winner of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, and E. Scott Moïse, winner of the biannual Bethea Volunteer Service Award. All seven award winners reflect the values that define the Gamecock community: service, integrity, character and leadership.
October 09, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
To address the healthcare needs of South Carolinians, USC hosted its inaugural Brain Health Symposium, where national experts gathered to discuss research and medical innovations.
October 05, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
For alumnae Laura Ashley Thomas and Aisha Haynes, support they received at USC inspired a commitment to open doors for the next generation of students.
October 02, 2026, Hannah Magner
In a world where political discussion can quickly turn unhealthy, students at USC are working to create a space with healthy, student-centered discourse.
October 02, 2026, Téa Smith
Alden Zerkle turned a childhood love of the ocean into a path toward her dream career as a wildlife documentary filmmaker.
September 29, 2026, Rebekah Friedman and Craig Brandhorst
USC has been home to countless highly successful women since the university opened its doors to them in the 1890s. These seven changed the institution from within.
September 28, 2026, Megan Sexton
As the senior talent relations and events manager for the Disney Company, alumna Morgan Epperson introduces television casts from the U.S. to markets in the UK and across Europe.
September 28, 2026, Chris Horn
A trip to the Middle East set Ken Perkins on the road to a career as a historian and teacher
September 25, 2026, Téa Smith
If you ask sophomore marketing major Grant Hunter what the best way to get involved on campus is, he will tell you to just step out of your dorm and be open to whatever opportunity comes your way. That attitude has led the third-generation Gamecock to do things he’d never considered — like cheerleading.
September 24, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Wormy greens, raw meat and silverware tossed down a well: Students had plenty to complain about at dinner in the early days of South Carolina College.
September 24, 2026, Laura Erskine
USC’s Baruch Institute for Marine and Coastal Science is a natural wonder. It’s also a frontline lab in the fight against environmental plastics.
September 24, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Thursday (Sept. 24), and trustees met two new deans and amended the campuswide Open AI contract.
September 24, 2026, Thom Harman
Danny Dorsel stayed in state for college and came back for his career. As president of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics, he helps others chart their own course. And now, a new scholarship at USC offers GSSM students a better opportunity to continue their studies in Columbia.
September 23, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
USC's longest-serving board member, Eddie Floyd, passed in 2026. He and his wife’s posthumous gift to the newly rechristened Kay and C. Edward Floyd M.D. School of Medicine heralds a new chapter at USC.
September 22, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina continues its ranking as one the No. 1 public institution for first-year experience and as one of the best business schools in the nation with a top-ranked international business undergraduate program, according to the U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 Best Colleges rankings.
September 22, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Makeshift infirmaries, dubious remedies and one overwhelmed doctor reveal how much campus medicine has changed since the 1880s.
September 21, 2026, Bryan Gentry
For most people, the exciting part of peering through a telescope is what you see — the Moon’s craters, Saturn’s rings or distant star clusters. Thanks to a telescope that scans the sky with the eyes of a dragonfly, astronomy professor Mehrnoosh Tahani is excited about something less obvious: polarized light.
September 21, 2026, Dan Cook
A one-of-a-kind database and specialized testing are making USC a destination for an emerging nuclear technology.
September 18, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
A middle school experience changed Sam Livoti’s life. Now the Anne Frank Center staff member is helping young people nationwide find their voices.
September 17, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
While campus sleeps, USC employees work behind the scenes to keep it safe, clean, stocked and ready for the day ahead. From police officers and custodial crews to bakers, shuttle staff, postal workers and locksmiths, their overnight and early-morning efforts support thousands of Gamecocks each day.
September 17, 2026, Thom Harman
Professor of mathematics Wei-Kai Lai accepted a teaching position at USC Salkehatchie after completing his Ph.D. in 2008 and has been there ever since. Over the course of those 18 years, he’s helped countless students get excited about math by meeting them where they are. It’s proven to be a winning formula.
September 15, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
On-campus living has been a rite of passage at the University of South Carolina since before it was actually a university. But the campus housing experience has changed pretty dramatically since the first nine students arrived at South Carolina College in 1805.
September 15, 2026, Megan Sexton
Qian Wang, Carolina Distinguished Professor of Chemistry, was chosen as the recipient of the 2026 Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award.
September 14, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
What if the key to discovery is imperfection? Led by USC chemist Morgan Stefik, a team of researchers has found that flaws in crystal anodes could help lithium-ion batteries charge faster and last longer. The practical uses of the discovery offer enticing applications in energy storage.
September 11, 2026, Téa Smith
McCausland College of Arts and Sciences professor Agnes Mueller aims to develop a deep curiosity and encourages true intellectual diversity in her students. She has found the best way to do that is by sticking to basics and keeping her classroom a tech-free zone.
September 11, 2026, Dan Cook
Arnold School Clinical Professor Angela McLeod prepares future speech-language pathologists through hands-on training with patients of all ages. As director of the Montgomery Speech, Language, and Hearing Clinic, she also oversees a far-reaching clinical effort that reflects the university’s broad expertise in communication disorders.
September 10, 2026, Megan Sexton
Alyssa Lang is a familiar face and voice to sports fans. The sideline reporter and broadcaster for the SEC Network and ESPN started her journey on Student Gamecock TV and in broadcast journalism classrooms at the University of South Carolina.
September 09, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Two University of South Carolina faculty were recently awarded significant grants as part of the first wave projects selected for the Department of Energy’s Genesis Mission. Designed to bring together a national consortium of researchers and pair them with Department of Energy resources, the Genesis Mission will help build AI-enabled workflows to expedite discoveries in energy, national security and more.
September 08, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Led by Student Government, leaders from across campus came together to honor the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by providing meals to veterans and the homeless communities around Columbia.
September 08, 2026, Margaret Gregory
After Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina, College of Pharmacy alumna Allison Serdah Williams led an emergency mobile pharmacy that provided medication refills, vaccines and care to thousands of patients.
September 01, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus is welcoming thousands of new college students from across South Carolina, the nation and the world. With an increase of overall enrollment, now approaching 42,000, USC is serving more students today than at other time in its 225-year history.
August 28, 2026, Hannah Magner
It’s that time of the year again when Gamecocks flock to Williams-Brice Stadium decked out in their garnet and black. Whether it’s your first for your 50th Gamecock game day, we’ve created a guide to ensure you have a great “Saturday in South Carolina.”
August 26, 2026, Gregory Hardy
Nuclear energy is drawing renewed attention as the nation considers reliable power, advanced reactors, safety and its energy future. This list connects journalists with faculty experts from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing who study how nuclear reactors work, how to make them safer and how new technologies are shaping the field’s future.
August 26, 2026, Dan Cook
The Darla Moore school of Business marketing professor meets the moment by integrating AI into the classroom.
August 24, 2026, Gregory Hardy
University of South Carolina researchers explore how artificial intelligence can be used for advancements in health care, education, manufacturing, energy, disaster management and transportation. They are also helping shape and inform the ethics and policies surrounding these emergent solutions.
August 24, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Professor Betsy Blake scaffolds complex material so, by graduation, students are ready to tackle the complex formula of a pharmacy career.
August 21, 2026, Andy Shain
Rose Buyck Newton, a third-generation banker who chairs the board at the Bank of Clarendon, was elected chairwoman of the USC Board of Trustees
August 21, 2026, Andy Shain
With Newton’s election as chair, USC joins a small but growing number of South Carolina college boards led by women.
August 20, 2026, Thom Harman
Amy Gerald, an assistant professor of English at USC Lancaster, uses community-connected projects and experiential learning to prepare her students for whatever career they choose. Whether it’s partnering with local nonprofits to solve real-world business problems or assigning observational writing assignments at USC Lancaster’s Native American Studies Center, Gerald’s innovative approaches to teaching stand out both in and beyond the classroom.
August 18, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Founded just 25 years after the signing of the Declaration, USC will celebrate its 225th anniversary throughout the 2026-27 academic year — beginning today (Aug. 18) with the start of the fall 2026 semester.
August 17, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
Move-in 2026, by the numbers highlights the incoming Gamecock class and the people, programs and resources that support their transition to USC and campus life.
August 14, 2026, Communications and Marketing
Understanding how the brain works and improving outcomes for patients are major priorities for USC researchers. That work gained momentum this year with the opening of the new Brain Health Center, which is just one of the ways the university is concentrating on the brain.
August 13, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has been named one of America’s Best-in-State Employers for South Carolina for 2026.
August 12, 2026, Laura Erskine
Pharmacist and instructor Kathy Quarles Moore is known for finding new ways to engage students. From keeping students on their toes in the lab to welcoming them to a peaceful garden in the College of Pharmacy’s courtyard, Moore’s holistic and student-centered approach to teaching has earned her the 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
August 12, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Associate professor Stephanie Schaller designed Study Navigator, a custom AI-enhanced study tool that prepares nursing students for the decision-making that happens in clinical practice. The tool is just one way Schaller brings classroom lessons to life.
August 11, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
From haiku about water fleas to a class designed for dog lovers, biological sciences professor Jeff Dudycha finds unexpected ways to help students understand genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology.
August 10, 2026, Gregory Hardy
A successful USC program that prepares future nursing faculty is now a statewide partnership to help address one of South Carolina's biggest healthcare workforce challenges. Expanding Nursing Faculty Pipeline is a College of Nursing initiative to prepare the next generation of nurse educators.
August 10, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
The popularity of sorority life — including the recruitment process — on social media has sparked a surge of interest in Greek life at the University of South Carolina, which had the largest Potential New Member class in the nation this fall.
August 10, 2026, Kayla Jeffers
As the home to the nation’s best first-year student experience among public universities, you better believe that we pull out all the stops when we welcome Gamecocks back to campus each fall. This year is no exception. Get out your calendars, and make plans to make the most of your Carolina Welcome experience.
August 10, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
The McCausland Center’s MRI scanner is a 3 Tesla, twice the strength of typical MRIs. Access to equipment of that caliber has enabled the center to bring in tens of millions in grant funding and has led to an explosion in research studies that have advanced our understanding of aphasia, stroke treatment and brain aging.
August 10, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
Discover the essential mobile apps that help University of South Carolina students stay safe, navigate campus, manage academics, find parking, order food and access key university services.
August 07, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
Ashley Poston, USC alumna and New York Times bestselling author, shares how magic, romance and a relentless work ethic shaped her writing career.
August 05, 2026, Laura Erskine
As a clinical associate professor at USC’s School of Medicine Greenville, Alison Huppmann teaches medical students in their first two years of the program. Her goal is to equip her students with a broad understanding of medicine. Her efforts have now been recognized with the 2026 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
August 05, 2026, Laura Erskine
Cole Rotondo got involved with Student Government as a freshman and went on to serve in the administration of two former presidents. Now, as USC’s student body president for the 2026-27 school year, the business and pre-law senior is looking forward to making the most of his time in office.
August 05, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Susan Richardson, Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, has been named winner of the prestigious 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.
August 05, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina system raised a record $357.6 million in private support during fiscal year 2026 — the most in its history, shattering the previous fundraising record of $259.7 million, set just one year earlier, by nearly $100 million.
August 05, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina has introduced several transportation updates for Fall 2026, including a new low-cost Founders Park parking permit, the Campus Connector shuttle and the upgraded ParkUSC+ app with real-time shuttle tracking, trip planning and parking updates.
August 05, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Move-in is quickly approaching, and soon the Class of 2030 will be on campus at USC. With a large freshman class coming to Columbia, this is a one-stop shop for the information students, faculty and staff need to know during move-in week.
August 05, 2026, Gregory Hardy
Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology in the Arnold School of Public Health, has received the 2026 South Carolina Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. It honors her nationally recognized work to understand and prevent infectious diseases.
July 27, 2026, Chris Horn
Aaron Vannucci doesn’t have a sophisticated philosophy to explain his teaching style. He merely points back to his own high school chemistry teacher, who inspired him with his consistent excitement for the topic. Vannucci brings the same enthusiasm to his classrooms, and he is the winner of USC's 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
July 24, 2026, Megan Sexton
As a full-time professional track faculty member in the College of Pharmacy and a staff pharmacist at Prisma Health Richland, Caroline Asbill has combined her love of teaching with the practice of pharmacy.
July 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Known for her fluid, label-defying prose, author Julia Elliott found herself in excellent company last month among a literary cadre of distinct, even unconventional voices. She read the work of her fellow finalists with awe, never thinking she would win. But it was her name announced over the sound system as the winner of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her critically acclaimed, genre-bending short-story collection "Hellions."
July 22, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina made significant progress on major campus construction and renovation projects this summer, including plans for an expanded Russell House, a new Civil Rights Center, The Commons at Carolina residence hall and upgrades to academic, research and campus facilities.
July 21, 2026, Andy Shain
USC's latest financial outlook from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ongoing quality of the university’s disciplined stewardship.
July 20, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina introduced several campus enhancements for Fall 2026, including the new Mobile CarolinaCard, officially licensed Nike Gamecock merchandise, expanded dining options and additional campus services like updated robot food delivery.
July 20, 2026, Chris Horn
University of South Carolina nursing students are learning to communicate more effectively with patients through a unique simulation that pairs them with standardized patients living with aphasia.
July 20, 2026, Donovan Fifield
The Declaration of Independence was only the first step in making a unified country. A competing set of state and local interests required a defense of the U.S. Constitution (the Federalist Papers), which sought to define the role of government to keep basic human impulses toward political abuse, self-interest and even violence in check.
July 20, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
When the lights went down on Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre on June 26, 1970, history was made. It was the first time since its premiere that "Porgy and Bess" had been performed in Charleston. Now, filmmaker and alumna Lauren Waring Douglas is making that production the subject of a new documentary, "When Porgy Came Home."
July 16, 2026, Chris Horn
It was 1976 — 50 years ago — when the USC men’s bowling club posted a perfect 10-0 record in regular season play and went on to win it all at the national tournament held in Oklahoma City.
July 15, 2026, Chris Horn
From helping to establish a popular undergraduate neuroscience major to attracting millions in research grants, the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center at USC has achieved notable success since its launch seven years ago. And the momentum isn’t slowing. The center’s leadership has ambitious plans to serve more citizens of South Carolina.
July 13, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
As USC prepares for the 2026–27 academic year, the university is introducing new technologies, including mobile IDs, smart parking, autonomous food delivery and occupancy tracking and cashier-less stores.
July 10, 2026, Chris Horn
Braden Guliano has been a man on a mission at USC. In just three years, he completed a bachelor’s degree in integrated information technology at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing while completing multiple internships and launching his own tech consulting business on the side.
July 08, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
University of South Carolina School of Law alumni are leading state agencies and advancing public service across South Carolina, using the skills they developed in law school to improve the lives of South Carolinians.
July 06, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
A University of South Carolina computer science capstone project led by graduate Michael Carson has grown into an AI-powered internship project that helps USC Facilities analyze maintenance data, automate reporting and improve campus operations through smarter, data-driven decision-making.
July 02, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
Like much of the world, Aquiles Agreda was watching the World Cup on June 24 with friends. But two massive earthquakes — a 7.2 magnitude followed by a 7.5 less than a minute later — shook Agreda’s native country that evening. He and his friends were unharmed, but within a day, he was helping with rescue and cleanup operations. Agreda plans to return to USC in August to begin the Master of International Business program. His only plan right now, though, is to help others.
June 26, 2026, Kevin J. Bennett
An influx of cash would help stabilize rural health systems. Kevin J. Bennett, director of the Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare, writes for The Conversation on how the program’s focus on technology might leave other major issues unaddressed.
June 26, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
Beginning in Fall 2026, University of South Carolina students, faculty and staff will be able to use their smartphones or compatible smartwatches as their official CarolinaCard, allowing them to access campus buildings, make purchases, borrow library materials and use other campus services with a simple tap.
June 25, 2026, Jabari Evans
The cinematic complexity of Jay-Z’s first rap album “Reasonable Doubt” explains why it still matters 30 years later. Today, hip-hop powers advertising campaigns, luxury branding and streaming platforms. Jay-Z has played an outsized role in that transformation. Writing for The Conversation, USC assistant professor Jabari Evans explores the complicated history of hip-hop’s rise in a capitalist society.
June 22, 2026, Hadley McCollester
Combine five incredible artifacts from the USC libraries special collections with four passionate university scholars, and you get 20 minutes of fun facts, lively debate and intellectual inspiration.
June 19, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
June 19, 2026, Téa Smith
For her dissertation at Carlton University in Canada, assistant professor Margaret Janse van Rensburg collaborated with the Ottawa Adult Autism Initiative to better understand how human service workers can help autistic adults overcome barriers to accessing mental health support. Now, at USC, she is expanding on her research and working toward her goal to enhance outcomes for autistic people.
June 18, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget that freezes in-state tuition systemwide and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
June 17, 2026, Anna Francis
Play is the language of children. Through a Duke Endowment-funded partnership with USC, Aiken County school counselors are learning play therapy and family engagement strategies that help students build resilience and feel heard.
June 16, 2026, Conor Harrison
A corporate merger forming the largest electric utility in the U.S. is underway. What’s driving this deal and others like it is a rising demand for power to data centers for artificial intelligence systems and a desire to increase corporate profits. Conor Harrison explains in this article for The Conversation.
June 16, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina provides an all-in-one training, lodging and learning hub for U.S. Department of Justice professionals, supported behind the scenes by USC Business Affairs and the Justice Television Network.
June 11, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina announced Thursday (June 11) the appointment of Anne Peters as its new vice president for marketing following a national search. She will begin at USC on Sept. 1.
June 10, 2026, Robert Kubenic
Writing for The Conversation, Political Science Assistant Professor Robert Kubenic collaborates with Alexis Montambault-Trudelle, Postdoctoral Fellow in International Studies, Université Laval, to explore Saudis' opinions on the U.S.-Iran war.
June 10, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
After navigating the challenges of life beyond Division I softball, licensed clinical social worker Olivia Gott, now supports athletes facing similar transitions. She will serve as the U.S. team therapist at the 2026 Maccabiah Games, bringing both personal experience and professional care to the world stage.
June 03, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
Alumni Kathy Carlsten and Peter Siachos, who both graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1997 and the Joseph F. Rice School of Law in 2000, say they draw on the critical thinking and collaborative skills, the debate-oriented approach and intellectual ambition required in honors courses in their legal practices.
June 02, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Dr. Jamie P. Dwyer dean of the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D. School of Medicine.
June 01, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina appointed Samuel Todd as associate vice president and vice provost. A respected scholar and experienced university leader, Todd brings extensive experience in global engagement, academic leadership and faculty affairs to the role.
May 28, 2026, Chris Horn
As a student in the Darla Moore School of Business, Adam Lemp found a community of supportive peers and tapped into a network of business school alumni, which helped open doors into his dream job — investment banking.
May 28, 2026, Téa Smith
As she was earning her undergraduate degree at the USC, Sarah Aloi cultivated her love for art in her free time while also finding creative ways to merge art and medicine. Her love for art led the third-year medical student to start a club at USC School of Medicine Greenville called Art in Medicine.
May 27, 2026, Scott Parrott
Because elite athletes are seen as admired role models, many enjoy lucrative contracts as spokespeople for a variety of products. When Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran recently was harassed after revealing a mental illness, his expression of regret could potentially discourage others from talking publicly about their struggles for fear it could be weaponized against them. USC professor Scott Parrott explores this in a recent article for The Conversation.
May 22, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia is now officially named in honor of the late longtime trustee and surgeon Dr. Edward “Eddie” Floyd and his wife, Kay Floyd. The school is now known as the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D., School of Medicine.
May 21, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Students from the University of South Carolina this month are headed to Romania, a place USC has yet to explore through a faculty-led Maymester program.
May 21, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina's K-9 unit took home nine awards this month as part of a national competition.
May 18, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Amanda J. Fairchild has been named faculty director of the Capstone Scholars Program, effective May 16.
May 13, 2026, Megan Sexton
After earning her degree in sport and entertainment management, Lauren Greenfield went directly into Georgetown University’s sports industry management master’s program. Then she found her passion with the Washington Commanders. Greenfield focuses on innovative ways to create value for both new and existing sponsors — developing go-to-market strategy, examining industry-wide best practices, building sponsorable platforms across the business and working with internal and external constituents across the NFL.
May 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Learn about USC's 19th Udall Scholar, Kayla Thompson, a first-generation, science-loving, rugby-playing, future environmental policy advocate. Her journey parallels that of her benefactors in many ways, and this honor motivates her to continually do more.
May 12, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina has agreed to license an algorithm developed by a renowned cancer and nutritional epidemiologist to 20/20 BioLabs, a health sciences company that offers home cancer screening tests.
May 09, 2026, Michaela Taylor
Before the crowd sees him, there’s a quiet shift. The suit goes on. The posture changes. And Brayden Hensley becomes Cocky. To fans, Cocky is all energy and antics. But inside the suit is a criminology and criminal justice major balancing school and a role that demands constant performance.
May 08, 2026, Chris Horn
Joe Roof’s students had been preparing for their final test all semester: a modified triathlon super sprint. The students completed 200 meters swimming followed by seven miles pedaling on indoor spin bikes and two miles jogging on the Blatt practice field. It was the perfect ending to an elective physical education class called Triathlon Training.
May 08, 2026, Michaela Taylor
You may know Cocky from game day at Williams-Brice, but some of his biggest fans sit on classroom floors, not stadium seats. Behind the yellow beak are two seniors who’ve been involved with Cocky's Reading Express for the last four years. Meet Walker Weaver and Emma Connelly.
May 08, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
The University of South Carolina marching band won the 2025 EA Sports Metallica Collegiate Edition Marching Band Competition, a one-time chance to record a new arrangement of an iconic Metallica song for the next iteration of EA Sports popular College Football video game.
May 07, 2026, Laura Erskine, Téa Smith and Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett
Internships aren’t just for building resumés. When students take that first big step into their chosen career, the hard work of college begins to pay off. We spoke to nine student interns from across the USC system to find out what they've gained beyond the books from their internship experiences.
May 07, 2026, Chris Horn
Frank Avignone has been fascinated by physics longer than most people have been alive, an intense curiosity that began in the waning days of World War II. Now, more than six decades after being recruited to the faculty of USC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Avignone continues to conduct particle physics research with renowned scholars, some of them at international laboratories he helped build decades ago.
May 06, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Bold colors. Bright ideas. Big dreams. Interior designer Amber Guyton turns ordinary houses into joyful homes.
May 06, 2026, Thom Harman
When Beau Welling isn’t designing golf courses, he’s planning other spaces. And when he’s not doing that, he’s ... promoting curling?
May 06, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
USC’s College of Information and Communications is giving students more choices through its newest academic programs. Several students explain how these new offerings are preparing them for technologies and careers of the future.
May 06, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Retired professor David Shields is pouring his research skills and foodways connections into a new SCETV program with chef, educator and cohost Kevin Mitchell. The Savers of Flavor, produced and directed by filmmaker Ginger Cassell, debuted this spring.
May 05, 2026, Thom Harman
Stephen Panus creates ‘Walk On’ scholarship for USC walk-on student-athletes to honor son after tragedy.
May 05, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina’s Parking and Transportation Services department continues to gain international recognition for its leadership, innovation and commitment to excellence in campus mobility.
May 05, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Renaissance man Todd Herman fell in love with art history before he got to grad school. The master’s program at USC helped him make it a career.
May 04, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
USC anthropologist Magadalena Stawkowski spent years interviewing the people who live near the Semipalatinsk nuclear test site in rural Kazakhstan. Her 2025 book, “Atomic Collective”, examines culture and community in one of the most toxic places on Earth.
May 01, 2026, Chris Horn
This past fall, Scout Motor’s chief technology officer Burkhard Huhnke was the lead instructor for Applied Systems Engineering for Complex Systems, a class offered through the Molinaroli College’s new industrial engineering program. Ph.D. student Austin Harper shares how the course taught him about sophisticated technology and design processes, including those Scout will use at the new plant.
May 01, 2026, Dan Cook
From an early age, Stephanie Kyle had an appreciation for people from all over the world. She entertained thoughts of traveling far from South Carolina for college, but everything changed when she toured USC. As a student, she traveled widely and got involved in student organizations focused on global business and supply chain. Today, she is pricing director at a major global company.
April 29, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Mensch currently serves as director of the athletic training program and clinical associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science. With over more than 25 years at the university, he has advanced healthcare education through mentorship, experiential learning, and collaboration.
April 29, 2026, Jeff Stensland
Thousands of graduates from across the University of South Carolina will celebrate May commencement ceremonies beginning Thursday, May 7. USC President Michael Amiridis will deliver remarks at all four baccalaureate ceremonies taking place at the Colonial Life Arena (schedule below). Separate ceremonies also will be held for the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, the two Schools of Medicine and the doctoral graduates.
April 29, 2026, Dana Woodward
As dean, Dr. MacGilvray says that she is looking to foster a culture rooted in service, compassion, inclusion and dedication to excellence in medical education and research.
April 28, 2026, Chris Horn
What happens when a first-generation college student seeks advice from an instructor who was also a first-gen student? “Inspiration,” says Michelle Ayala-Perez. A conversation with an accounting instructor emboldened Ayala-Perez to explore changing her academic major. She is now enrolled in the accounting program at the Darla Moore School of Business and has her sights set on a career path that seems to have chosen her.
April 27, 2026, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2026 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
April 27, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
USC poets describe poetry as a powerful, accessible way to slow down, process experiences, and connect through language and shared human emotions, regardless of one’s background or path to it.
April 27, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina is set for a major renovation beginning in 2027, transforming the historic Horseshoe landmark into a dynamic hub where collections, classrooms and student life intersect.
April 24, 2026, Chris Horn
Now in its 20th year at USC, the VEX Robotics camp offers middle and high school students the opportunity to develop skills in programming, mechanical design and teamwork. The summer program also serves as a gateway to competitive robotics teams and, sometimes, enrollment in the Molinaroli College. For alum Nathanael Oliver, it was as pathway to both.
April 24, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina is restoring Florence C. Benson Elementary School, a former segregated school and one of the last remaining landmarks of the historic Black community of Wheeler Hill. The project aims not only to preserve the building’s structure but also to honor its role in the history of segregation and ensure that the community’s legacy is remembered for future generations.
April 23, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met Friday (April 24) at Gateway 737 and approved several contracts and stadium bond financing.
April 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Award-winning professor Beth Krizek has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Honorary Fellow. Learn more about her research in plant biology.
April 22, 2026, Laura Erskine
This spring, doctoral graduate Zo Sediqi will walk across the stage to receive her diploma from USC’s College of Education. As a woman born and raised in Afghanistan in the 1990s, the moment carries special significance: Sediqi is one of only a handful of Afghan women anywhere in the world to earn a Ph.D.
April 22, 2026, Dan Cook
Dawn Staley has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Election to the Academy is a prestigious honor, and Coach Staley joins only three others from USC who are currently part of the academy. Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions and perspectives to address significant challenges.
April 21, 2026, Communications and marketing
The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized a rule under Title II of the ADA requiring public institutions to meet updated digital accessibility standards. The rule applies to all USC campuses and covers all digital content and services. Each unit is accountable for ensuring its digital content is accessible. Tools and training are available to help units.
April 21, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
This Earth Day, Carolina Food Co. highlights its efforts to advance sustainability at USC through food waste reduction, recovery, and composting.
April 20, 2026, Marketing and communications
Every year, USC students and scholars from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines come together to present at Discover USC. The conference features 1,000-plus research projects. Undergraduates, graduate students, medical scholars and postdocs work with faculty mentors to hone their research skills and learn to present their findings. We talked with a few of the presenters.
April 17, 2026, Bree Burchfield
Laura Haynes shares her personal caregiving journey as her mother faces memory loss, highlighting how the University of South Carolina’s Brain Health Network is expanding access to neurological care and support for families across the state.
April 16, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Evey Konstantopoulos, the 2026 Steven N. Swanger Award recipient, has spent her entire college career as a resource for others and a leader across campus.
April 16, 2026, Collyn Taylor
A decades-long fascination with life has inspired Rachel Kiser, one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards recipients, to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.
April 16, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Leadership and service is at the heart of everything Santiago Avendaño Palacio, one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipients, does.
April 15, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He'll assume the role July 1.
April 14, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
FirstGen Forward has named the University of South Carolina one of its newest FirstGen Forward Network Champions, an exclusive group of institutions recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success.
April 10, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Building on the University of South Carolina’s early adoption of ChatGPT and its continued commitment to responsible AI use, Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick has appointed Mark Uline as the university’s first associate vice president and vice provost for AI strategy.
April 08, 2026, Magdalena Stawkowski
Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.
April 08, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
A longtime fixture of campus life, McBryde Hall will be demolished as part of USC’s 10-year master plan. In its place, a new housing development will bring more beds and updated facilities to the heart of campus.
April 06, 2026, Téa Smith
Alina Tofiqul always wanted to work in health care, so she initially chose to major in neuroscience but realized early on it wasn’t the right path for her. After joining a pre-health fraternity on campus, she decided to pursue public health.
April 06, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has numerous graduate programs ranked inside the top 20 nationally, including the College of Nursing and the Darla Moore School of Business's international MBA program.
April 02, 2026, Chris Horn
Blood clots in the lungs are a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths. But what if gene editing, made possible through ultra-small nanoparticles, could effectively treat clot-induced tissue damage? For USC School of Medicine Columbia scientist Colin Evans, the question is no longer hypothetical.
April 02, 2026, Marketing and communications
Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Neuroscience junior Ansley Martin shares how presenting has helped her bring greater innovation to her research.
April 02, 2026, Marcia Zug
Last month Colin Gray became the first parent convicted of murder for a mass shooting his son, Colt, committed in 2024 in Georgia. Critics worry that the decision could lead to parental accountability for a broad range of children’s actions. Law professor Marcia Zug writes about the issue for The Conversation.
April 01, 2026, Laura Erskine
When Peiyin Hung talks about her path to public health, she comes back to the day her grandmother told her to study hard so her voice will be heard. That seed of passion, planted in a hospital hallway in Taiwan, eventually led Hung to the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, where she continues to grow her research efforts.
March 30, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
First responders train for what happens in moments of crisis. Others train for what happens after, when first responders need help grappling with what they have seen. That includes LaQuita “Keke” Cowart-Drayton, a 2013 USC College of Social Work alumna.
March 27, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Five University of South Carolina students earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2026. This sets a record for the most Goldwater Scholars at USC in a single year and marks the 34th consecutive year the university has had at least one Goldwater Scholar.
March 27, 2026, Téa Smith
We’re back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2026. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.
March 26, 2026, Alexis Watts and Michaela Taylor
Thanks to the generosity of the USC community, Give 4 Garnet reports a preliminary total of nearly $1.3 million and counting raised from 6,250 donors, showcasing the collective power of giving back.
March 24, 2026, Marketing and communications
Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Psychology senior Katherine Palmer reflects on what she gained from presenting her research on misophonia.
March 23, 2026, Chris Horn
Since earning her Eagle Scout badge five years ago, Ashley Chittum has been prepared for whatever adventures come her way. That includes being the first in her family to go to college and, in her sophomore year at the University of South Carolina, studying abroad for a semester in Australia.
March 20, 2026, Gregory Hardy
More than 200 University of South Carolina health sciences students reached a major milestone, learning where they will continue their training during national Match Day celebrations on March 18 and 20.
March 20, 2026, Chris Horn
Junior international business major Breanna Price is making the most of her time on campus — and across the world as an exchange student in South Korea. She is also building confidence through student organizations like Pancakes for Parkinson’s.
March 20, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina’s new Healthy Vending Initiative is bringing more nutritious, affordable snack options to high-traffic campus locations. Developed with student input, the spring 2026 pilot aims to make healthier choices more convenient for students, faculty and staff while supporting overall campus wellness.
March 19, 2026, Andy Shain
What the USC Board of Trustees approved at their March meeting — including new construction and renovation projects, various contracts, academic changes, and housing and meal fees.
March 19, 2026, Andy Shain
The USC Board of Trustees formally approved a number of new construction and renovation projects, including a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center, and received updates on the university’s master plan, including redeveloping the student union and developments on South Main Street. Trustees also adopted a resolution in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 225th anniversary of the founding of USC.
March 19, 2026, Chris Horn
The University of South Carolina along with the Carolina Garden Club unveiled a new rose garden pavilion in the Memorial Rose Garden, a celebration of the decades-long partnership between the university and the club.
March 18, 2026, Daniel M. Stuart
Silent meditation and silent prayer have shaped spiritual lives within a variety of religious traditions for thousands of years. Today, however, those practices are often being offered in secular settings. Daniel M. Stuart, an associate professor of religious studies at USC, writes for The Conversation about emerging trends in secular meditation practices.
March 17, 2026, Gregory Hardy
USC marked a major milestone in providing specialized cognitive care at a ribbon cutting for its Brain Health Center on the Health Sciences Campus on Wednesday. The facility is designed to deliver exceptional diagnostic, treatment and support for patients living with cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
March 16, 2026, Alexis Watts
Student Body Treasurer Ashley Reynolds helps Give 4 Garnet return to the heart of campus.
March 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
There are only about 384 North Atlantic right whales remaining on Earth. That’s fewer than the number of students living in the Capstone dorm. The latest count is cause for alarm, and the whales’ leading killers are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes.
March 11, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina and Prisma Health are partnering to provide specialized care for patients with complex neurological conditions at the new Brain Health Center in Columbia. The center will expand statewide access to advanced technology, expert care teams and innovative treatments.
March 11, 2026, Téa Smith
Honors College sophomore Faith Fitzgerald wasn’t sure how or if she could merge her interests in psychology and linguistics. It wasn’t until she was introduced to psycholinguistics, or the study of the relationships between linguistic behavior and psychological processes, that she discovered a new path.
March 06, 2026, Laura Erskine
Medicine’s understanding of women’s health lags behind men’s. At USC, researchers in multiple fields are working to address the women’s health care gap. One of them is Alyson McGregor, an emergency medicine physician, professor and associate dean at the School of Medicine Greenville and an expert in sex and gender.
March 06, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Scientists at USC’s Baruch Institute are studying the semi-invasive juvenile blue catfish, normally a freshwater animal, that has appeared in estuarine habitats of the Winyah Bay. The researchers are trying to determine whether the interloper’s diet is interfering with the food supply of native estuarine species.
March 04, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
AI is everywhere — and marketing is no exception. This year marked the first time that the American Advertising Federation incorporated an AI category into its Midlands ADDY Awards, and University of South Carolina students rose to the challenge, showcasing what is possible in dynamic, creative concept and design in collaboration with AI.
March 03, 2026, Gregory Hardy
University of South Carolina researchers can share their scholarship with national and global audiences through The Conversation, a nonprofit news outlet that pairs scholars with professional editors and syndicates stories worldwide. Learn how to get involved when their representatives visit campus March 25–26.
March 02, 2026, Catherine Pruitt
Spring commencement ceremonies are quickly approaching. We’ve compiled a roundup of deadlines, events and reminders graduates should be aware of before the big day.
March 02, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program designed to support GSSM graduates who choose to continue their education at USC’s Columbia campus.
February 24, 2026, Gregory Hardy
Skiing can be both a thrill and a full-brain workout. USC exercise science chair Shawn Arent explains how downhill skiing sharpens cognition, why concussion risks are higher than many people realize and simple steps that can protect your brain before you hit the slopes.
February 24, 2026, Marketing and communications
With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.
February 23, 2026, Anna Swartwood House
The sale of a small red chalk drawing of a woman’s foot by Michelangelo, which sold at auction for $27.2 million, excited art historians — not because of the money it fetched but because of the attention it has brought to Michelangelo’s lifelong devotion to drawing, a medium he prized over painting. Anna Swartwood House, an associate professor of art history at USC, writes for The Conversation about the significance of the recent sale.
February 20, 2026, Andy Shain
Sarah Kirby, USC’s associate vice president for clinical affairs, briefed the Board of Trustees on Friday (Feb. 20) on the university’s efforts to develop a comprehensive system of care that could transform health care in the state — a statewide network of brain health clinics, a brain health center and South Carolina’s first stand-alone neurological and rehabilitation hospital.
February 19, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
When she’s not riding her Harley, Karan “Kay” Andrea explores the role women have played in motorcycle culture. The first-year Ph.D. student has also built a community where female motorcyclists can connect and develop confidence.
February 19, 2026, Page Ivey
Longer lifespans mean more diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Researchers at USC’s College of Pharmacy are combining their expertise in data science, artificial intelligence and pharmacology to identify potential connections between existing treatments for chronic illnesses and neurocognitive disease.
February 18, 2026, Megan Sexton
When a pediatrician told researcher Elizabeth Adams about the barriers patients faced while trying to access food, it sparked an idea. Now, Adams is leading a pilot study to test strategies for making healthy foods more accessible.
February 17, 2026, Hadley McCollester
Batteries are part of our everyday lives, but not many of us think about how they work or what they are made of. For researchers at the Lab for Materials Properties and Structures, these questions are a full time job. Golareh Jalilvand and her team at USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing are dedicated to testing alternative battery materials such as lithium iron phosphate that will help make batteries a part of the country's sustainable future. This documentary explains why for batteries, it's what's inside that counts.
February 16, 2026, Molly Dawes
Teasing is a common but complex behavior that can serve pro-social functions, but it can also have anti-social functions and harm the targeted person. Teasing interactions are influenced by factors such as the relationship between teaser and target and the content of the tease. Molly Dawes, associate professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at USC, writes for The Conversation about the complexities of teasing.
February 16, 2026, Laura Erskine
On average, rural residents live farther away from hospitals compared to urban residents. Cassie Lewis Odahowski, assistant professor of public health, says those longer distances can lead to worse health outcomes. As a researcher for the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, Odahowski studies access-to-care issues for rural communities using an advanced mapping tool available at USC.
February 12, 2026, Allen Wallace
On Feb. 21, a year's worth of work culminates with USC Dance Marathon’s 14-hour Main Event. More than 1,000 students will join the year-round team of 400-plus for a full day of interactive activities, performances and educational programming centered around the Miracle Families and supporting Columbia's children's hospital.
February 12, 2026, Chris Horn
After winning an Olympic gold medal, enjoying a long MLB playing career and working as a coach, Adam Everett came back to the University of South Carolina in 2017 to finish his degree through Palmetto College.
February 11, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina alumni and advocates will gather at the S.C. State House for Carolina Day Feb. 17 to demonstrate how the state flagship is building momentum in producing a more prosperous and healthier South Carolina.
February 10, 2026, Chris Horn
Teagan Thomas is enrolled in the 2025-26 cohort of Palmetto Pathway, a bridge program that began in 2019. Like all other students in the program, the Summerville, South Carolina, freshman is enrolled through USC Lancaster but lives in Bates residence hall on the Columbia campus and attends classes exclusively with other Palmetto Pathway students.
February 09, 2026, Nicole Carrico
Students Ansley Martin and Stella Tew have been working with USC Brain Health to launch a program called Vibrant Minds, an expressive arts initiative that combines neuroscience, creativity and social interaction to support older adults living with neurological conditions. The program helps adults facing cognitive challenges connect with their memories and each other through art and creative projects.
February 09, 2026, Catherine Pruitt
USC's undergraduate interdisciplinary certificates allow students to focus on skills their major may not cover and make them more prepared for careers after graduation. Take a look at certificates offered and learn more about how to pursue them.
February 09, 2026, Collyn Taylor
USC jumped over 100 spots and ranks in the top 20 of the education industry in Forbes' latest rankings of the nation's large employers.
February 09, 2026, Chris Horn
Samantha Hinton is on track to graduate from USC in May with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. Hinton started out at Carolina in Palmetto Pathway, a bridge program for freshmen. Palmetto Pathway students are enrolled through USC Lancaster but live in a residence hall on the Columbia campus before transitioning to USC Columbia after their first year.
February 09, 2026, Megan Sexton
From faculty members inventing new tools to help students learn the intricacies of treating heart defects in infants to opening up pathways to nursing careers for people with disabilities, the University of South Carolina College of Nursing is stepping up every day.
February 06, 2026, Laura Erskine
At the 1980 Homecoming game, USC debuted its mascot, Cocky, for the first time. Cocky would go on to be named one of the “Greatest Mascots in College Football History” by Sports Illustrated. He’s won high-profile national competitions and appeared at sporting events worldwide. But his first appearance definitely ruffled some feathers.
February 06, 2026, Craig Brandhorst, photos by Kim Truett
Cocky’s Reading Express turned 20 in 2025. The folks behind USC’s ongoing effort to promote childhood literacy tell the story, one book at a time.
February 06, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasite rarely seen in the U.S. University of South Carolina researchers Dr. Melissa Nolan and Dr. Matthew Haldeman wondered if these worms might still be lingering under the radar in South Carolina. What they found surprised them.
February 06, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Back from Ukraine, journalism alumna and former war correspondent Isabelle Khurshudyan begins next chapter at CNN.
February 05, 2026, Craig Brandhorst
Students in instructor Renée McManus’ photojournalism course test their skills and capture the thrills at the South Carolina State Fair.
February 05, 2026, Chris Horn
With a career quickly approaching the 50-year mark, Jim Augustine has taught the vast majority of physicians who have graduated from USC’s School of Medicine in Columbia. Even after retiring from full-time service a few years ago, he continues to teach.
February 05, 2026, Marketing and Communications
2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winner Tom Mullikin has enjoyed a long and eclectic career. Now, the longtime environmental lawyer is managing the Palmetto State’s fish, wildlife and natural areas as director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
February 04, 2026, Chris Horn
Sophia Comose always dreamed of becoming a teacher. While she wasn’t sure if the on-campus college experience was right for her, she loved the idea of working full time while earning an education degree online from Palmetto College. The flexible program allowed Comose to gain hands-on experience in her field, and she landed a teaching position after graduating in 2025.
February 04, 2026, Conor Harrison
The government directed data centers to turn on backup generation in parts of the U.S. Conor Harrison, an associate professor of geography in the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, co-authors this story for The Conversation on how expanding distributed generation could improve grid resilience.
February 04, 2026, Megan Sexton
Mechanical engineering and business grad embraces her differences and puts her full skillset to work.
February 03, 2026, Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell and Brandon Pugh
Bassoon professor Michael Harley and his new-music ensemble Alarm Will Sound snared top honors in Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for Land of Winter, a collaborative piece that was also nominated for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Harley's nomination and another for fellow professor Mak Grgic were the latest of several Grammy nominations for musicians with USC connections.
February 01, 2026, Gregory Hardy
February is American Heart Month. The University of South Carolina is home to many faculty members who are available to offer their expertise in cardio care and research.
January 30, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
In a 9 a.m. Instagram story by Metallica and EA Sports on Jan. 30, Metallica’s Robert Trujillo announced the winners of its 3rd Annual Metallica Marching Band Competition – Collegiate Edition. The Carolina Band was named grand-prize winner in the Division 1 category.
January 30, 2026, Catherine Pruitt
February is Black History Month, to honor and celebrate this, visit Thomas Cooper Library to utilize their resources to learn more about African American history in South Carolina and here at USC.
January 30, 2026, Brett Robertson
Winter storms pose multiple dangers at once, and people often underestimate how quickly conditions can become life-threatening. Here is what people need to know to reduce their risk of injury during severe winter weather.
January 29, 2026, Thom Harman / photos by Kim Truett
While coaching his son’s flag football team last fall, former USC quarterback Connor Shaw went into sudden cardiac arrest. Quick thinking, the presence of first responders and an automated external defibrillator saved his life. Now fully recovered, Shaw has started a nonprofit to increase CPR training and bring AEDs to athletic fields statewide, and beyond.
January 27, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has earned 2026 Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and is one of less than 100 public institutions nationally with Carnegie designations in community engagement and as an R1 research institution.
January 26, 2026, Dan Cook
The University of South Carolina's College of Nursing continues to be a national leader in online nursing education. Four nursing programs at the University of South Carolina rank in the Top 10 nationally in the latest online rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including its online master's in nursing program, which has been in the Top 5 for six consecutive years.
January 26, 2026
The College of Nursing continues to drive transformation in nursing education, innovation and health care delivery across the state and beyond. At the heart of this momentum is the launch of South Carolina’s only accredited nurse-midwifery education program
January 26, 2026, Chris Horn
Andrew Verma's job at a large bank call center was a great landing spot right after high school but the variable schedule made attending college a challenge. Then he found Palmetto College and a fast road to advancement.
January 26, 2026, Hadley McCollester
The Civil Rights movement in South Carolina has long been overlooked and overshadowed. The Center for Civil Rights History and Research has spent the last decade working to document and bring awareness and scholarship to South Carolina's role in the movement. In this documentary, Bobby Donaldson, executive director of the center, takes us through the amazing work done over the past 10 years and what is on the horizon.
January 26, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Casey Cline and Andrea Johnson reached a shared milestone in Spring 2025 — both earning MSNs in healthcare leadership and nursing education, respectively. Their journey reflects a powerful bond and shared passion for nursing and lifelong learning.
January 22, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Fabio Matta’s next-generation building materials include fiber-reinforced plastic bars — essentially, glass fibers immersed in a strong polymeric resin. They are stronger than steel, don’t corrode and are lighter than traditional materials — all qualities that make them ideal for bridge and infrastructure rehabilitation.
January 21, 2026, Chris Horn
A group of University of South Carolina students has planned and organized TEDxCongaree Vista, featuring speakers whose topics are likely to spark conversation and inspire action.
January 16, 2026, Laura Erskine
Alumnus Jamie Ballentine knew he wanted to be a mascot from the time he was a teenager. Before he even graduated from high school, he landed a role with USC as Cocky. After a four-year, national award-winning run, Ballentine set out to become a professional mascot. He now plays Olly the Otter for Lexington Kid's Day, visiting sick children and their families.
January 15, 2026, Dan Cook
Retired physician Eddie Floyd, the longest-serving member of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, passed away recently. A former heart surgeon and chairman of the board from 1992 to 1996, Floyd earned a bachelor’s degree in business from USC in 1956, and he served on the USC board from 1982 to 2024.
January 14, 2026, Catherine Pruitt
For 20 years, The Carolina Agency has been the student-run public relations and media agency giving College of Information and Communications students real-world experience in a professional setting. In addition to offering students an internship credit and an authentic work experience in a professional setting, The Carolina Agency also prides itself on its service to community clients.
January 13, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina has recognized students, faculty and staff members for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2026 Martin Luther King Social Justice Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
January 08, 2026, Bryan Gentry
A new grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC faculty study fragile X-associated health conditions, which may affect thousands of people in South Carolina, and identify new ways to diagnose and treat the conditions.