Great things are happening at the University of South Carolina, so forgive us if we're a bit cocky. But we're confident you'll agree when you learn more about our many accomplishments.
Top-ranked in international business: U.S. News & World Report ranks the Moore School of Business' undergraduate international business program No. 1 among all business schools nationally--a title it's held for 11 consecutive rankings. The Moore School's graduate program is ranked No. 1 in the nation among public universities and has been ranked among the top-two overall 18 consecutive times. Learn More
National leader in exercise science: The Arnold School of Public Health has the nation's No. 1 doctoral program in kinesiology and exercise science, according to the Faculty Scholar Productivity Index, produced by Academic Analytics. Learn more
Rising academic star: The Wall Street Journal recognized the University of South Carolina for its rising academic quality in a story featuring the top U.S. flagship universities. This fall, the University welcomed its most accomplished freshman class ever; preliminary numbers show an average SAT score of 1183, an increase of 80 points in seven years. Average SAT scores are 1403 for South Carolina Honors College freshmen, 1478 for McNair Scholar freshmen, and 1299 for Capstone Scholars freshmen.
Beyond books: Thomas Cooper Library--"considered by most to be the best library between Chapel Hill, N.C., and Austin, Texas," according to travel guide Moon Handbooks--is among the top-35 public university libraries in the nation. Acclaimed director Ken Burns' new documentary on World War II draws extensively from the University's Movietone News Film Library. Holdings devoted to F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Milton, Kaye Gibbons, and Ernest Hemingway are among Thomas Cooper's impressive digital and special collections. Learn more
Leading a "green" renaissance: From a partnership to research cleaner energy from coal to the world's largest green residence hall to campus shuttle buses that use more energy-efficient biodiesel, the University is a pacesetter in initiatives to preserve the environment. This commitment extends to natural history as well, with the Baruch Institute, a leader in marine biology and coastal studies; archaeological excavations of Topper, a dig site in South Carolina with remains of the 13,000-year-old Clovis people; and distinguished teacher Rudy Mancke, an acclaimed naturalist and environmental advocate.
A Research District for the next 100 years: Innovista is the University's research and innovation district--but one that lives in a vibrant urban environment that blends restaurants, residences, retail space, and recreational areas with high-tech facilities. Core research strengths include hydrogen fuel cells and other alternative-energy sources, nanoscience and nanotechnology, and public health and biomedicine. Learn more
Real-world research: The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has designated the University one of only 62 public institutions of "very high research activity." Research funding was $184.9 million for fiscal year 2007. A $10.7 million National Institutes of Health grant to fund colon cancer research is just one example of how South Carolina faculty are making a real difference. Research & Health Sciences
Football coach Steve Spurrier, Cocky, and top alumni, faculty, and students are the featured "celebrities" in a series of TV spots that are running during national broadcasts and pay-per-view telecasts when the Gamecocks play. The commercials showcase the University of South Carolina's academic, research, and outreach momentum, and tell the Gamecock story in an upbeat and creative way.
ABOUT COCKY
A plucky mascot: Cocky is in his third decade as the University's spirited mascot. A bird of many feathers, he is an integral part of Gamecock Nation, a fan favorite, and a tireless volunteer at community service events. Carolina Athletics
Cocky's Reading Express™: As part of the University's
commitment to literacy, Cocky, Student Government leaders, and the School of
Library and Information Science have created a statewide tour of public schools
to pass out books and read to children. Learn
more
The man behind the beak: Former student Jamie Ballentine was Cocky for four years,
during which time he devoted countless hours to the University and developed
a knack for making half-court, over-the-head basketball shots. Learn more
The University's Marketing and Communications team would like to give special thanks to Mind over Media and Post No Bills for their help with these productions; Addam's Bookstore for providing several University and collegiate "props" used in the "Life of Cocky" spot; and Shawn Rourk and the video production team at the School of Journalism for assisting in the production.