Martin Sims

2025 Ed.D., Educational Practice and Innovation
2019 Ed.S., Education Administration 
2017 M.Ed., Education Administration 
2014 M.T., Secondary Education
2013 B.S., Mathematics

“The College of Education influenced my personal and professional trajectory by cultivating growth beyond the boundaries of what I once believed possible. The transformative experiences throughout my academic journey culminated in a milestone achievement. I’ve become the first doctoral graduate in my family’s history!"

Rushondra James

2022 Ph.D., Education Administration
2009, M.S.W., Social Work

“My experience in the College of Education was truly transformative; it was where possibility met purpose. For the first time in my educational journey, I was a full-time professional and student. I felt both deeply supported and intellectually challenged. With the guidance of my advisor, Spencer Platt, Ph.D., and the strength of my cohort, I was empowered to reimagine what is possible in education and to help others do the same.”

Amanda Grainger

2017 M.A.T., Elementary Education
2017 Gifted and Talented Endorsement
2014 B.A.J.M.C., Broadcast Journalism

“The College of Education gave me the foundation, confidence and passion I needed to thrive as an educator. Through hands-on teaching experiences and guidance from supportive faculty, I learned how to lead with purpose and connect learning to real-life. Today, I serve as the English Language Arts Coordinator, working with K–12 teachers to strengthen teaching practices and drive academic growth for more than 15,000 students.”

Maggie Frick

2015 M.Ed., Education Administration
2012 M.A.T., Elementary Education

“Becoming a student in the College of Education forever changed me and helped confirm my calling. So many wonderful people poured into me as a student by believing in me to be the teacher I became and the school administrator I am today. I feel blessed to be living in my full-circle moment  as a former student, turned employee, and now as a current school administrator supporting alumni with our alumni network, Gamecock COE!” 

Brian Lim

2020 M.Ed., Education Administration
2016 M.T., Secondary Education
2015 B.S., Mathematics

“My experience at the College of Education gave me the foundation, tools and community to grow as both an educator and a leader. The hands-on learning and supportive professors helped shape my philosophy of education and deepened my passion for impacting students. Go Gamecocks!”

Chelsea VanHorn Stinnett

2019 Ph.D., Special Education

“My experience at the University of South Carolina’s College of Education literally changed my professional trajectory. I received a fully-funded terminal degree, learned from some of the top experts in the field and got to work with CarolinaLIFE. Now I help others across the country replicate the excellence that exists at USC!”   

Anna Coleman

2014 M.Ed., Special Education 

“The College of Education profoundly influenced my journey as an educator by equipping me with the tools and principles needed to support all students in reaching their God-given potential. It emphasized the importance of tailoring educational approaches to meet the unique needs of each student, guiding them to excel in their individual paths.”

Chynna Wilson

2020 M.T., Secondary Education
2019 B.S., Mathematics 
Currently pursuing a Ed.D. in Educational Practice and Innovation

“Being in the College of Education allowed me to be surrounded and supported by  like-minded individuals who were with me every step of the journey. Taking high-level and engaging courses, participating in networking events and being a Noyce Scholar prepared me to be an innovative, hard-working and student-centered educator.” 

Davontae Singleton

2016 M.T., Secondary Education 
2015 B.A., English

“The College of Education equipped me  with a deep understanding of instructional leadership and a passion for equity, while connecting me to mentors whose guidance continues to inspire my practice. These lessons have underpinned my journey, shaping my approach as a school leader committed to fostering supportive environments where students and staff thrive.”

Era Roberts

2020 Ed.D., Curriculum and Instruction
2015 M.Ed., Education Administration

“The College of Education consistently sought out my best, often seeing more in me than I saw in myself. Through the mentorship and support of this program, I was empowered to pursue advanced degrees, connect with exceptional leaders and expand my vision to cultivate high-quality, impactful educational experiences for all those in my sphere of influence.”

Anna McDowell

2018 M.A.T., Elementary Education 

“My time at the College of Education played a pivotal role in shaping me into the educator I am today. The comprehensive coursework and practical field experiences provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills that I actively use in my classroom. I was constantly challenged to think critically about pedagogy, equity and the diverse needs of students. The sense of community and support I felt from faculty and peers instilled in me a deep sense of confidence. It motivated me to become a lifelong learner and advocate for students. I continue to draw inspiration from my time at the College of Education, which informs my commitment to ongoing professional growth and excellence in teaching.”

Brandi Byers

2014 M.T., Secondary Education
2013 B.S., Mathematics
Currently pursuing  a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Research

“My time in the College of Education taught me to see beyond equations and test scores to understand and care for the human behind the student and the person behind the numbers.

It shaped the way I show up for others, reminding me that being an educator isn’t just about what you teach, but how deeply you listen, connect and believe in someone’s potential.

That same mindset now guides my work as an academic advisor and advocate for students with disabilities,  helping me create spaces where every student  feels seen, supported  and empowered.”