Academic Advising

Academic Advisor Spotlight

The Advisor Spotlight recognizes the outstanding work of academic advisors, advising units, or advising support staff who contribute to academic advising efforts campus-wide.

Know an advisor or advising unit providing outstanding service to undergraduate students? Nominate an advisor for recognition in the next installment of the Advisor Spotlight.

March 2022

Jessica's face is pictured. She has orange hair, is wearing glasses, and is smiling.

Jessica McCartha, Dept. of English, College of Arts & Sciences

Jessica McCartha has served as the Student Services Coordinator in the Department of English since 2019 and in just under three years has made quite the impact.

December 2021

Barb is pictured from the shoulders up wearing a teal shirt. She has medium length brown hair and is smiling.

Barb Cuevas, Arnold School of Public Health

Barb Cuevas has been with the University of South Carolina for over fourteen years. Not only has she been teaching in the Arnold School of Public Health since 2007, but she also received both her bachelor’s degree and master’s degree from the school.

November 2021

Jillian is picture from the shoulders up wearing a blue shirt. She has long brown hair and is smiling.

Jillian Bigony, School of Music

After realizing early on in her college career that a career on Broadway was likelynot in her future, she chose the next best route: a career devoted to helping impressionable and talented young people find and pursue their own dreams inmusic and theatre.

September 2021

Janis is pictured seated wearing a navy blue dress and glasses. She is smiling.

Janis Leaphart, Political Science, College of Arts & Sciences

Janis Leaphart began her journey at the University of South Carolina back in the 1980’s as a student. She received both her bachelor’s and master’s degree from UofSC. Following her graduation with her M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services, she taught high school for four years before returning to UofSC as a staff member. In 1999 she became the Coordinator of Undergraduate Student Services in the Department of Political Science and has been in that position ever since. In her current role, Janis advises over 500 undergraduate students and overseesacademic services for over 800 undergraduates in the department’s two majors.

Previous Advisor Spotlights

February: Anuja Parikh

March: Kelsey Grant

April: Sam McMillion

September: Lane Kennedy

October: Brittain Goff

November: College of Education's Gamecock EdQuarters

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