The Division of Student Affairs and Academic Support is proud to welcome back Scott McDonald this spring as Director of Development for the division, a role he began in November 2025.
In his role, McDonald is spearheading yearround giving programs with division, working side-by-side with Lead Senior Director of Development Rebecca Lancaster and Development Coordinator Rebekah Allen. He is also integral in building relationships with alumni and potential donors to ensure the division has all the resources needed to foster a world class student experience on USC's historic Columbia campus.
Early on, McDonald will be tasked with supporting the division through major milestones, including GIve 4 Garnet, the 2nd annual FORE! Carolina Golf Tournament and the university's 225th anniversary.
McDonald brings with him a wealth of experience, both in development and as a Gamecock. He earned his master's degree in Higher Education Student Affairs from USC in 2016, serving two years as a graduate assistant for peer tutoring at the Student Success Center. Following graduation, he spent another nearly six years at the SSC, first as coordinator of peer tutoring and later as assistant director of peer learning. From there, McDonald moved on to the USC Alumni Association as director of volunteer engagement and senior director of alumni affiliate groups. Most recently, he served as assistant director of development for the South Carolina Honors College before re-joining Student Affairs this past fall.
"I'm just so happy to be back in Student Affairs, I'm returning home to my division truly," McDonald says. "And I'm so excited to see what we can do this year, especially reporting out a lot of success after Give 4 Garnet."
McDonald earned his bachelor's degree in elementary education from North Carolina State University and his Certified Fund Raising Manager from Indiana University's Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. Outside of USC, he also sings in the Midlands Men’s Chorus.
Want to learn more about Scott and SAAS' 2026 Give 4 Garnet plans? Check out his appearance on the Spur of the Moment podcast.