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

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

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
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
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

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, Ed.D.
Assistant TRIO Director/Opportunity Scholars Program
Email: eppsp@mailbox.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-5125
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.

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

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 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
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
Educational Talent Search Advisor

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
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
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!

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

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