A Strategic Priority for the University
One of the university’s top three strategic priorities is to transform service delivery and promote operational excellence. Participants in USC's Improvement Leader Program will have an important role in making this priority a reality.
The program is results-focused, with each participant facilitating an improvement effort in their area. This practical approach benefits the unit, its customers, and the university. Participants gain valuable knowledge, skills, and abilities while strengthening their improvement credentials.
Click below for a list of participants in the 2023-24 cohort.
Lindsey Cox, Director of Compliance and Tax, Office of the Controller
Erin Daugherty, Director of Project Management Office, Division of Information Technology
Maureen Derrick, Director of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
Lydia Frass, Director of Assessment & Online Learning, College of Arts and Sciences
Kim Gore, Business and Office Manager, Continuing Education and Conferences
Maegan Gudridge, Executive Director for Communications and Marketing, Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support
Jessica McCormick, Director of Strategic Initiatives, College of Nursing
Elizabeth Muth, Chief Administrative Officer, USC Alumni Association
Alex Norwood, Senior Accountant, Facilities Administration and Finance
Christy Stephens, Academic Program Manager, College of Arts and Sciences
Amanda Therrell, Director, GARNET (Graduation and Retention Network)
Eric Tyler, Quality Assurance RN Coordinator and Accreditation Specialist, Student Health Services
Michael Watson, Undergraduate Coordinator and Instructor, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
Learning sessions will begin in September and conclude in February. See the program information packet [pdf] for detail.
As part of the application process, the applicant identified three potential improvement projects supported by their department. During the program, each participant will select one of these to work on and fully develop.
Upon completion of the eight learning sessions, participants will receive an Improvement Leader Program Certificate. It represents a set of practical knowledge, skills, and abilities that are valued in every workplace.
With completion and presentation of an improvement project, participants will receive recognition and credentialing in the form of a University of South Carolina Garnet Belt. It confirms success in putting the ideas and tools to work to achieve meaningful results.
An application process was used to determine participants in the cohort. The application [pdf] guided applicants in providing three potential improvement projects – to be narrowed to the one they will facilitate during the hands-on learning portion of the program. (Applications were due by 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 1, 2023.)
The applicant, and the potential improvement projects submitted as part of the application, are to have the support of their immediate manager and department leadership.