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TRIO Programs

Our Staff

The TRIO Programs team is ready to help you. We're happy to assist with your questions and concerns.

 

Althea Counts

Althea Counts

Director
Email: countsa@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5125

About Me: Originally from Tryon, North Carolina, I completed high school in Inman, South Carolina.  I have worked with TRIO and GEAR UP Programs for over 25 years. I was a first-generation and low-income student at the University, so I have a clear understanding of what our students face when they go to college. I have one daughter, Morgan, who is also my sorority sister.

Education/Major(s): B.S. in Economics and M.Ed. in Student Personnel Services, Higher Education, from the University of South Carolina

Length of Time at USC:   22 years

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Tegia Coleman-Rochester, Ed.D.

Assistant TRIO Director/Ronald E. McNair Program 

Email: colematd@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5125

About Me: I am originally from Sumter, SC.  I was a first-generation college student.  So, I understand the importance of mentorship and having a willingness to read, research, and  discover on your own.  I have worked in higher education for over 15 years.  I believe that everyone should have an opportunity to achieve.  Working hard is just as important as expanding your knowledge to become the best version of yourself.  My mother and grandmother were my greatest inspirations because they showed me that if you believe in yourself and treat others as you would like to be treated, there is nothing you cannot do.

Education/Major(s): B.S. in Criminal Justice, M.S. in Criminal Justice, and Ed.D. in Education-Curriculum and Instruction.

Length of Time at USC:  2 years

Geneva Currie

Geneva Currie

Administrative Coordinator
Email: gcurrie@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5014

About Me: I am a retired 20-year Army veteran and single mother of two beautiful adult children: Airese, a graduate of Clemson University and Kokeya, a graduate of Shaw University. I am also "Nana" to six energetic grandkids who keep me young and on my toes.

Education/Major(s): B.S. in Organizational Management from Voorhees College and recently completed an M.A. in Human Resource Management from Webster University. It’s never too late to get that degree!

Length of Time at USC: 18 years

Dorlisa Damon

Dorlisa Damon

Educational Talent Search Advisor
Email: damond@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-3817

About Me: I am married to Shawn Damon, a Claflin University alumnus. Together, we have three amazing children who love story time, singing, and dancing. I love singing, traveling, and spending time with my family and friends. I have worked as a TRIO professional for 10 years. 

Education/Major(s): M.A. in Educational Policy and Leadership from Ohio State University; B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences Business from South Carolina State University

Length of Time at USC:  7 years   

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Kayla Diggs

Upward Bound College Advisor
Email: diggsk@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5093

About Me: I am from Irmo, South Carolina. I have worked with students and families in K-12 settings for over seven years.  I was a first-generation student at Coastal Carolina University, where I received my undergraduate degree and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my loved ones. I am the high-spirited nurturer within my close connections.  Cooking and cleaning are therapeutic to me! I love the outdoors, and my hobbies include completing DIY projects, hosting small events, and traveling. I believe we belong in all the rooms we enter and that we should let our unique light shine wherever we are! 

Education/Major(s): B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies from Coastal Carolina University; M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from Clark Atlant University

Length of Time at USC:  1 year

Pinkney Epps

Pinkney Epps, Ed.D.

Assistant TRIO Director/Opportunity Scholars Program 
Email: eppsp@mailbox.sc.edu  
Phone803-777-5125 

About Me: I am originally from Kingstree, South Carolina and I am an alumnus of the Williamsburg Technical College Upward Bound Program.

Education/Major(s): Dual B.S. in Physics and Electrical Engineering Technology from South Carolina State University; M.P.H. in Public Health – Health Promotion, Education and Behavior Programs from University of South Carolina – Columbia; and Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Argosy University

Length of Time at USC: 17 years. I returned to USC in 2018, after a 10-year hiatus.

Sariel Harmon

Dominique Gandy

Educational Talent Search Advisor
Email:  dg33@mailbox.sc.edu 
Phone
: 803-777-5883

About Me: I'm a former military child and originally from El Paso, Texas, I completed high school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  I have worked as an educator with students of several backgrounds for over 12 years (grades 6-12). I'm a former ELA teacher who uses life experience, pop culture, anime, music, and literature to teach and relate to students. I have several nieces and nephews.

Education/Major(s): B.A. in English and M.Ed. in Secondary Education English 6-12, from Grand Canyon University.

Length of Time at USC: 1 year

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Asha Haggray

Upward Bound/Educational Talent Search Program Assistant

Email: ahaggray@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5127

About Me:  I was born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina and graduated from Ridge View High School. I then attended the University of South Carolina to pursue my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. I love having the ability to help first-generation and low-income students receive the college access that they deserve! In my free time, I love eating! 

Education/Major(s): B.A. in Psychology, the University of South Carolina 

Length of Time at USC: 1 year

Regina Smith

Regina Hailey Smith

Associate TRIO Director/Educational Talent Search Program
Email: rhsmith@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5138

About Me:  Married to a Clemson grad, we are a house divided. We have 3 kiddos: Hailey, Spencer and Josh.  Two are in college and one, a junior at Dreher High School. My son recently added an addition to the family,  who we call Snow, a fluffy white rescue pup. To say they have kept me busy with arts, sports, and travel, would be an understatement! An empty nest is coming soon. But I have to admit, I’m looking forward to my home office conversion.On a recent visit to campus, my daughter looked at a plaque I received for 20 years of service and said I have made this my life’s work! Education and college access have been my passion. I am a UofSC proud alumna and yes Hailey, I’ve made this my “life’s work.”

Education/Major(s):   B.A. in English minor-Psychology from the University of South Carolina

Length of Time at USC: 25 years

 

Sterling Hicks

Sterling Hicks

Educational Talent Search Advisor
Email:  hickssd2@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone
: 803-777-5127

About Me:  I was born and raised in the small city of Walterboro, South Carolina. I joined the United States Marine Corps in 2012 and shortly after, I began work within local communities to coach and mentor at risk youth. My greatest accomplishment in life has been, and will always be, taking part in the positive transformation of the lives of our future leaders.

Education/Major(s): B.S. in Criminal Justice with Concentration in Juvenile Delinquency and Leadership Distinction in Diversity and Social Advocacy, from University of South Carolina.

Length of Time at USC:  2 years

 
Vacant

Vacant

Educational Talent Search Advisor

 

DaWayne Nettles

DaWayne Nettles

Assistant TRIO Director/Upward Bound Program
Email: dnettles@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5132

About Me: I am originally from Darlington, South Carolina, and enjoy doing Standup Comedy, music, sports, movies and great television. I love to work with students, travel, eat good food and spend time with my family and friends.

Education/Major(s):  B.S. in Elementary Education, Benedict College; M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College

Length of Time at USC:   7 years

Martesa Weston

Martesa Weston

Assistant TRIO Director/Reporting and Operations
Email: mweston@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5089

About Me: I have been married to my husband, Sam Weston Jr., for 17 years. We have been together for 25 years. I am a mother of four and my family is the joy of my life. I enjoy traveling, playing board games and spending time with my family and friends.

Education/Major(s): B.S. in Business Administration from Southern Wesleyan University

Length of Time at USC: 23 years

Paulia Williams

Paulia Williams

Gamecock Guarantee Coordinator
Email: hughespd@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5883

About Me: Originally from Union, South Carolina, I am the epitome of a southern girl! I enjoy anything monogrammed, drinking cider year-round and cheering for the USC Gamecocks. In my free time, I love being a dog mom, crafting, and spending time with her husband and son.

Education/Major(s): A.A. in General Studies from Spartanburg Methodist College; B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from University of South Carolina; and M.Ed. in Higher Education Administration from Columbia College

Length of Time at USC: 11 years. I transferred to the University as a student in 2010 and I never left!

Vacant

Jasmine Williamson

Upward Bound Academic Coordinator

Email:  jlw6@email.sc.edu
Phone
: 803-777-5127

About Me: I was born in Charlotte, North Carolina, but lived most of my life in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  After graduating from North Myrtle Beach High School, I enrolled at the University of South Carolina where I earned my Bachelor's in Social Work.   There, I interned with the Upward Bound Program and learned about the several TRIO Programs.  I relate to these students as I am a first-generation college graduate and I came from a low-income family.  Family is extremely important to me as the oldest of four.  I am excited to expand my family which currently consists of my boyfriend and two doggies, Achilles and JoJo, as we have a new daughter!

Education/Major(s): B.A. in Social Work, fro the University of South Carolina in May 2021.

Length of Time at USC:  2 years as a full-time employee

Vacant

Patrick Wilson

Opportunity Scholars Program Advisor and Retention Specialist

Email: wilsonpr@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5092

About Me:  I was born in Conway, South Carolina and raised between Plantersville, SC, and Conway. I’m a small-town boy who is the oldest of 13 siblings. I’m an alumnus of Carolina and OSP graduating in 2013. I love working with students and was a middle school English teacher before coming back to Carolina. In my free time I love reading, hiking, meditating by the river, playing with my Godson, cooking, and baking.

Education/Major(s):   B.A.  Criminology/Criminal Justice & African American Studies from the University of South Carolina and an M.Ed. in Teaching and Learning from Francis Marion University. 

Length of Time at USC:  2 years as a full-time employee


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