Five first-year Honors students were selected for the 2026 Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program cohort. Evan Lawton, Braelyn Oliver, Trista Walter, Arianna Ganjehsani and Gracelyn Kennington will be the first to participate in the newly developed academic program at the University of South Carolina.
The program offers an innovative “fast track” for Honors students seeking a law degree through a partnership between the South Carolina Honors College and the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law. The selective program allows Honors students to complete both undergraduate and professional degrees in six years.
Students apply during their first year and those who are accepted enroll in the Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program, where they complete all undergraduate requirements in three years and have the opportunity to tailor their coursework to their unique academic interests. During their fourth year, students matriculate to the USC Rice School of Law to begin their juris doctor.
Acceptance into the program comes with several benefits, including no LSAT requirement and connection and engagement with the law school throughout their undergraduate experience.
Evan Lawton, from Simpsonville, S.C., plans to become a lawyer and focus on education reform initiatives. He looks forward to the program allowing him to create a network throughout his undergraduate and law school careers.
“The issues facing public education in this state are severe and time sensitive. This program and the USC Rice School of Law will give me a strong foundation to succeed as a lawyer and education advocate.”
Braelyn Oliver, from Pageland, S.C., aspires to become a contract attorney, citing this program as a clear pathway directly to that goal. She is looking forward to building community and receiving continuous support from the Honors College.
“The undergraduate process will allow me to focus on studies related to contracts prior to law school. The overall program allows me the freedom to explore topics that directly impact the field I want to work in, where I probably would not have been able to otherwise.”
Trista Walter, from Mount Pleasant, S.C., is currently interested in both immigration and criminal law. She is excited to create her own course of study through the Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program and forming a closer connection with the USC Rice School of Law community.
“The resources this program provides will help immerse me in a university that will prepare me well for what I want to achieve.”
Arianna Ganjehsani, from Lexington, S.C., will pursue a career in criminal law. She compliments the fast track framework of the program and being able to tailor her coursework.
“I am looking forward to the Honors College’s connection and engagement with the USC Rice School of Law throughout the next couple of years. I have goals of pursuing a career in criminal law, and this program will put me on track to do so.”
Gracelyn Kennington, from Greer, S.C., plans to become a family lawyer. She is excited to be a part of the program and have the opportunity to take courses that reflect her specific career path and interests.
“I believe this program will strengthen my skill set and better prepare me for a legal career through its focused and specialized curriculum.”
Only Honors College students are eligible for the Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program, and can apply during the spring semester of their first year on campus. Anyone interested in learning more should contact Elizabeth Leverette, M.Ed., the Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program manager.