The latest cohort of graduates of USC's Emerging Leaders Program (ELP) launched at the University of South Carolina, which is a university-wide program specifically for early-career high-potential faculty and staff. This successful program is now in its 10th cohort and continues to grow as an integral part of USC's commitment to inclusive leadership and cross-campus collaboration.
Offered by the Division of Human Resources' Organizational and Professional Development Office (HR-OPD) in partnership with the Office of the Provost’s Faculty Development, ELP supports participants in developing essential leadership capabilities — from self-awareness and influence to managing teams, projects, and organizational change. The cohort is a well-balanced group of faculty and staff participants. It has also been defined more sharply to align with leader job levels so that every one of its members can enjoy meaningful and relevant experience based on the competencies most essential to their development as a leader. The rigorous program includes leadership sessions, peer group coaching, a 360° feedback process, and a capstone project — all aimed at accelerating leadership readiness and strategic thinking.
Through these experiences, participants are expected to increase their understanding of USC's academic and administrative landscapes, network across functions, and emerge more ready to lead accurately and collaboratively. ELP graduates could be nominated for the university's Pipeline for Academy Leaders (PAL) program as their professional development advances.
Join us in honoring these fabulous emerging faculty and staff leaders of the future at USC.
| Name | Title | Department |
| Ali Mathwig | Director of Four-Year Academic Advising | University Advising Center for Academic and Post-Graduation Success |
| Ashley Byrd-White | Director for Experiential Learning and Student Engagement | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Bill Hauk | Associate Professor of Economics and Academic Director, Professional MBA Program | Economics |
| Christian Price | Director of Information Technology and Operations | College of Pharmacy |
| Douglas Bailey | Assistant Director of Tax | Administration and Finance, Controller's Office |
| Ezra Brooks | Data Innovations Lead | Division of Information Technology |
| Faye Hall | Assistant Director of Custodial Operations | Housing |
| Joshua Weakland | Assistant Director, Office of Exploratory Advising and Academic Coaching | Advising |
| Megan Plott | Director of External Relations | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Megan Lipinoga | Manager of Finance & Assessment | Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs |
| Melissa Kuper | Assistant Director | College of Nursing |
| Michael Watson | Undergraduate Director, Instructor, Department of Retailing | College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM) |
| Molly Dunn | Associate Director for Peer Leadership and Student Well-Being Programs | Division of Student Affairs & Academic Support |
| Nikki Mellen | Director of Admissions | College of Pharmacy |
| Patrick Flynn | Director of Digital Strategy | Division of Student Affairs & Academic Support |
| Sarah Williams | Professor | School of Music |
| Sayward Harrison | Associate Professor | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Stephanie Marrs | Associate Director of Human Resources and Faculty Affairs | College of Arts and Sciences |
| Tanner Greaves | Director of Development | University Development |
| Travien Capers | Director of Assessment and Quality Improvement | School of Medicine (Columbia) |