Recent Stories

students walking on USC Horseshoe

US News rankings: USC tops in international business, first-year experience

September 23, 2024, Megan Sexton

The University of South Carolina is home to the nation’s top first-year student experience among public institutions, and its living-learning communities are ranked 10th best in the country, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Sept. 24.

us capitol building

Washington Media Scholars Foundation helps students get a foothold in the nation's capital

August 15, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

Thanks to the Washington Media Scholars Foundation, students pursuing careers in media and policy have a little less to worry about and a lot more within their reach. Founded by University of South Carolina alumnus Robin Roberts in 2009, the foundation supports undergraduates from USC and other institutions around the country through two very specific initiatives.

Exterior of the College of Nursing's satellite clinical education building on the Lexington Medical Center campus

USC and Lexington Medical Center open innovative facility to train nurses

August 12, 2024, Gregory Hardy

The University of South Carolina and Lexington Medical Center opened a new 52,000 square foot facility to train the next generation of nurses Monday (Aug. 12). Located on Lexington Medical Center’s West Columbia campus, the satellite clinical education building will be used primarily for the clinical training of the College of Nursing's third- and fourth-year nursing bachelor’s students as well as master’s program students.

robert mcnair

McNair Institute fosters entrepreneurial mindset

August 05, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

Many students enter the University of South Carolina with entrepreneurial dreams. But the entrepreneurial mindset is as much about how you think about solving problems as it is about launching a new business or bringing an invention to market — and acquiring that mindset requires a very particular kind of educational environment. Since 2017, USC’s McNair Institute for Entrepreneurism and Free Enterprise has provided exactly that.

three students stand in a radio station booth

From the classroom to the field, USC students carve their own Carolina paths

August 01, 2024

For a lot of University of South Carolina students, the realization that this is a special place comes quickly. One walk around the Horseshoe, one time cheering in the stands at Williams-Brice Stadium, and that’s all it takes. But those signature experiences are only a tiny part of what it means to be a Gamecock. Life-altering experiences can be found all over campus and beyond.

Group of kayakers on campus recreation adventure trip.

Students lead adventure trips from the mountains to the sea

July 24, 2024, Grace Wilson

A lifelong nature enthusiast, senior Eric Young has been leading outdoor adventure trips for five years and spent this summer as a trip leader for campus-run tours that are open to all University of South Carolina students. Young credits a childhood gift with getting him started on the rivers that flow through and around his native Columbia and ultimately why he chose to major in environmental science.

Four female College of Social Work students pose in front of a display at the Advancing Health Equity in South Carolina summit.

Bringing the community into the classroom for social work success

June 13, 2024, Gregory Hardy

College of Social Work professor Ann Gowdy sees it as her goal to equip her students with the knowledge that people with lived experience should be invited to the table to talk about housing issues and solutions. One of the most effective ways she’s found to demonstrate to graduate students the need for rural social work is by hosting guest speakers from community organizations who can further their understanding by making deeper connections.

Woman outdoors on ship

Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'

May 22, 2024, Kathryn McPhail

Honors College alumna Kayla Gardner’s passion for protecting the ocean and teaching others to do the same led her to pursue a career in marine science. Unlike many young people who are drawn to dolphins, turtles or sharks, much smaller creatures sparked Gardner’s interest.

four squares with images and icons representing cool classes for Fall 2024

Cool Classes Fall 2024

April 07, 2024, Erin Newman

We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for Fall 2024. For this list, we've brought back fan favorites and added some new classes that are sure to make you say, "I want to take that!" There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.

Gail V. Barnes stands in the doorway with students playing string instruments behind her

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

April 05, 2024, Megan Sexton

The gold standard in string music education is marking its golden anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

A man plays guitar on stage.

Live at the Underground: USC's live music venue run by students for students

March 29, 2024, Maddie Lee

The University of South Carolina’s Music Industry Studies program is offering a new and exciting venture into experiential learning — a live music venue. Live at the Underground features live music weekly on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Located in the Russell House Underground, this venue is completely run and operated by students for students.

MInuette Floyd poses with students and teachers in front of a school library in Ghana.

USC professor wins governor's award for arts in education

March 28, 2024, Thom Harman

Minuette Floyd, a professor of art education in the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design, won a governor’s award in the arts in education category. The award, announced by the South Carolina Arts Commission on behalf of the sitting governor, is the state’s highest award for exceptional achievement in practicing or supporting the arts.

Portrait of Gracie Vess

Aspiring teacher embraces history's role in guiding future generations

March 08, 2024, Alexis Watts

Gracie Vess’ eyes light up at the mere mention of history. But the South Carolina Honors College senior and McNair scholarship recipient doesn’t dream of chronicling the past. Instead, she hopes to shape the future by becoming a high school history teacher. “I want every student to realize their significance in shaping history," says Vess. “I want to teach my students that history is crafted by the collective actions of many people, which is why being an active citizen is so important.”

Students perform during summer conservatory

USC youth summer camps 2024

March 01, 2024, Communications and Marketing

With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.

A person in protective gear with clipboard observing waste in a landfill.

Engineering team experiments with new method for processing problematic landfill compound

February 29, 2024, Chris Horn

An experimental project led by a team of USC engineering researchers could lead to a more efficient process for converting landfill gases into cleaner fuel — and simultaneously deal with a silicone-based compound called siloxane that has become problematic for landfills.

portrait of jackie alexander

Journalism alumna talks about leading student media organization

February 22, 2024, Emily Prillaman

After leaving her mark as a student reporter and editor at The Daily Gamecock, Jackie Alexander, 2009 journalism, has carved an impressive career, first at newspapers and now as director of University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Media. Alexander is currently serving as president of the College Media Association — the first woman of color elected to that role.

man in a suit and tie against a white background

Students will hear from Bob Woodward on history, future of journalism

February 12, 2024, Page Ivey

Bob Woodward brings his lifelong enthusiasm for practicing journalism at the highest level to the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications when he speaks at the 2024 Buchheit Family Lecture on Feb. 28. Woodward will talk with students about his experiences over the past 50-plus years as a reporter — almost all of it at The Washington Post — and what he sees for the future of journalism.

Stevie Malenowski combs through a box of papers and images in Thomas Cooper Library.

USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public

January 31, 2024, Laura Erskine

Public history student Stevie Malenowski spent his summer digitizing images from boxes of archival materials, uncovering the history of the Williams Furniture Company, a staple of Sumter, South Carolina, for decades, alongside specialists at University Libraries. The archival materials are a key resource for a traveling exhibit coming in 2024.

Matt White conducts an ensemble

Matt White's approach for "Lowcountry" has him headed to Spoleto

January 26, 2024, Thom Harman

From a new program home to new music to continued research, Matt White, Jazz Studies Program chair, is rather busy. His novel approach to a 2023 release, “Lowcountry” — incorporating Gullah histories and stories with contemporary jazz — has earned White and his collaborators a chance to perform the piece during the 2024 Spoleto Festival.

Maxcy building

New initiatives expand USC's first-gen support

January 22, 2024, Hannah Cambre

The University of South Carolina is committing to providing more comprehensive support to its first-generation student population, including a First-Generation Center launching in August 2024, a living and learning community for first-gen students, and an expanding partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Sophia Dudley leaning on a gate.

HRSM student wants to make fashion more sustainable

January 08, 2024, Téa Smith

Sophia Dudley, a fourth-year fashion merchandising and digital innovations major at USC, has spent her time at the University of South Carolina balancing her responsibilities as a student and owner of SuperThrifty, a multichannel thrift store. SuperThrifty grew from a hobby sparked by her interest in sustainability to a thriving business that has informed what she wants to do in the future.

ASPH award winner, Huda Falous

Public health student recognized for community engagement, research

December 21, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

Committed to advocacy, community engagement and research, public health senior Huda Falous is the recipient of the Arnold School’s 2023 Undergraduate Student Award in Excellence in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

Gamecock Pharmacist IPE students

Collaboration, leadership break down barriers

November 13, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

USC’s Interprofessional Education program brings together students in the university’s 12 health science professional programs across six colleges and schools to help them have meaningful interactions with others training to be pharmacists, doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists and speech pathologists, among other fields.

Ellen Malphrus in a classroom with students.

Carolina Trustees Professorship for System Campuses winner Ellen Malphrus

November 06, 2023, Téa Smith

Professor of English Ellen Malphrus empowers her students to believe in themselves and their writing. To accomplish that, creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts while giving them necessary technical knowledge and exposing them to different writing styles is vital. For her efforts, Malphrus has received a 2023 Carolina Trustees Professorship for System Campuses Teaching Award.

Physician and medical student look at computer screen

Pediatric subspecialists move beyond urban hubs to visit rural patients

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine Columbia. works to improve health care delivery for rural communities by operating and facilitating a range of programs. Through one, the Department of Pediatrics sends subspecialists into areas outside the state’s urban hubs.

Photo of student walking on the Horseshoe

First-generation college students bring resilience, perspectives to USC campus

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

First-generation college students come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives to campus. At USC, about one-fifth of the student population identifies as first-generation college students, meaning their parents did not earn a four-year college degree.

Close up of yellow leaves of a tree against a sky background.

50-year partnership powers humanities in South Carolina

October 16, 2023, Bryan Gentry

In the early 1970s, a USC administrator helped organize a committee to manage funds for humanities-related projects in South Carolina. That small step led to a 50-year relationship between the university and South Carolina Humanities, a statewide nonprofit that works to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of South Carolinians. This month, SC Humanities honors four USC-affiliated faculty and former faculty members.

Head and shoulders photo of Danny Morrison

HRSM professor Danny Morrison passes on wisdom gleaned from decades in sports industry

October 16, 2023, Megan Sexton

Danny Morrison, former president of the Carolina Panthers and a sport management professor at USC, draws on his long career in athletics to inspire and educate the next generation of sport professionals

Tick in test tube

New institute puts USC on map for vector-borne illness research

October 16, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Institute of Infectious Disease Translational Research will allow public health researcher Melissa Nolan to operate complementary studies at labs based in Columbia, El Salvador and Brazil, putting USC on the map as an international hub for maternal and infant health research.

April Hiscox smiles in front of a tree.

Michael J. Mungo Award winner April Hiscox

October 06, 2023, Téa Smith

Geography professor April Hiscox wants her students to really understand the material she is teaching, so she encourages them to show what they’ve learned in very creative ways, like making a quilt, creating a board game or even singing a song. For her inventive teaching practices, Hiscox has received a 2023 Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Palmer Bowles plays the marimba at Doka Coffee Farms.

Students explore global health perspectives in Costa Rica

September 20, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Global Health in Costa Rica program is a three-week Maymester program for public health students, designed to immerse students in Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language while giving them real-world exposure to a universal health care system.

EMT students transport patient to ambulance

Q&A with Dr. Elizabeth Mannion, EMT Training Program director at the School of Medicine Greenville

September 15, 2023, Laura Morris

USC School of Medicine Greenville was one of the first schools in the country to integrate Emergency Medical Technician training and certification into its first-year medical curriculum. Program director Dr. Elizabeth Mannion takes us behind the scenes to explain what students learn and how those skills are applied throughout medical school and in the real world.

maxcy monument on the usc horseshoe

U.S. News: USC retains top rankings in first-year experience and international business, advances in learning communities

September 15, 2023, Dan Cook

This is the fifth straight year that the University of South Carolina has been ranked as the No. 1 public institution for first-year experience and the 25th consecutive year that it has earned the top ranking in international business.

Kate Levey headshot

Digital certificate program offers in-demand career skills

September 14, 2023, Hannah Cambre

This fall, the university launched its digital studies certificate program, which helps undergraduate students gain in-demand digital skills. The certificate is the first in a series of anticipated interdisciplinary programs that are set to roll out in the spring of 2024.

Student wearing Masters gear talking to customers at the Masters.

Job opportunities at Masters Tournament offer unparalleled experience for USC students

September 13, 2023, Allen Wallace

Over the past 20 years, thousands of University of South Carolina students have been part of one of the greatest traditions in sport by working at the Masters Tournament. For students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, there is no better training ground to gain real-world professional experience than Augusta National Golf Club. But the opportunity is open to all majors.

Members of the Carolina Band perform on the field at halftime of a USC football game

Carolina Marching Band selected to perform in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

September 08, 2023, Thom Harman

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® committee has announced the Carolina Band as one of their premier bands selected to perform in the 2024 parade. The announcement was made at halftime of the South Carolina vs. Furman football game on Saturday (Sept. 9). The band was one of just 10 chosen from more than 100 applicants. This is the first time in the band’s 100+-year history that it’s been given this opportunity.

Brynn Lynagh and classmate on Lake Titicaca

Transformative Peru winter session shapes student passions, career plans

August 31, 2023, Hannah Cambre

In 2021, a group of 20 students from across majors and class standings journeyed to Peru to explore the modern day capital city of Lima as well as the ancient Incan capital in Cusco and the sacred site of Machu Picchu. This year, another cohort will return for a winter session to explore the rich history and culture of Peru.

USC Cocky Statue

ICYMI: Ten big things happening at the university

August 30, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

The university never sleeps, but it does slow down a bit during the summer. With the start of the fall semester, here’s a reminder of some recent happenings that you might have missed, plus a heads up about some major upcoming events.

Gamecock alumni Casey Fissel dives in the tank at Riverbanks Zoo

USC graduates dive deep and discover dream careers at Riverbanks Zoo

August 23, 2023, Alexis Watts

Seven Gamecocks were on the frontlines of the March opening of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. With degrees ranging from advertising and public relations to biology and marine science, these University of South Carolina graduates play important roles in powering the No. 1 tourist destination in South Carolina, which attracts more than 1 million visitors annually.

a man kneels on a boardwalk in a coastal marsh

From the classroom to the field, USC students carve their own Carolina paths

August 21, 2023

For a lot of University of South Carolina students, the realization that this is a special place comes quickly. One walk around the Horseshoe, one time cheering in the stands at Williams-Brice Stadium, and that’s all it takes. But those signature experiences are only a tiny part of what it means to be a Gamecock. Life-altering experiences can be found all over campus and beyond.

Ryan Buell on the USC horseshoe

From chasing ghosts to helping others fight inner demons

August 11, 2023, Alexis Watts

Ryan Buell has been a student, journalist, paranormal researcher, well-known TV personality, addict and now University of South Carolina counselor education graduate. “There's nothing anyone can say that will make me look down on them because I’ve been there,” Buell says. “If you're wanting help, if you're seeking to better yourself and you're seeking redemption, I feel like everyone should have that chance.”

A portrait of Audrey Ware.

Curiosity drives consulting career

August 10, 2023, Dan Cook

Curiosity has always been a driving force for Audrey Ware — and it has paid off. She earned three undergraduate degrees at USC: international business, marketing and French. Now, armed with a master’s degree in market research and consumer behavior, Ware continues to explore as a senior business analyst for the global firm McKinsey & Company in Charlotte.

head and shoulders shot of Alysja Carlisle

USC Law alumna keeps learning, giving back

August 10, 2023, Megan Sexton

As vice president and legal counsel at Belk in Charlotte, School of Law alumna Alysja Carlisle reviews and drafts commercial contracts, manages projects and addresses a wide range of general corporate, privacy and intellectual property issues. She also gives her time and talents to organizations around the region and her alma mater.

Students wear protective glasses while learning at camp

Carolina Master Scholars camps spark curiosity, forge connections

August 03, 2023, Alexis Watts

Summer camp memories don’t often include crime scene blood spatter analysis or creating culinary masterpieces, but the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series is not your typical summer camp.

Josh Hughes sits on a horse with mountains in the background in Kyrgyzstan

Change of plans: A canceled study abroad trip leads to new career goals

July 21, 2023, Hannah Cambre

One week before Josh Hughes planned to study abroad in Ukraine, his trip was canceled because of the escalating conflict with Russia. He was disappointed-- until a new opportunity arose in Kyrgyzstan. Now, he's returned to his host country on a Critical Language scholarship.

a radar image of hurricane hugo making landfall in SC in 1989

USC geography graduates help guide state, nation through hurricane season

July 13, 2023, Page Ivey

Every summer, the South Carolina coast and the southeastern U.S. faces the threat of hurricanes that range in size from sustained winds of 74 mph to the state’s most catastrophic hurricane, Hugo in 1989 that resulted in $10 billion in damages. Helping minimize the damage from these storms is the job of several graduates of the University of South Carolina’s geography master’s program.

Panoramic view of Segra Park baseball stadium.

USC students gain wide exposure to sports industry through summer baseball internships

July 07, 2023, Allen Wallace

Students from the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management are learning all about minor league baseball this summer at teams throughout the Southeast and beyond. Providing these hands-on opportunities is a priority for USC’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, which emphasizes real-world experience and career development alongside classroom instruction.

Terence Weik at the Kinsler cemetery site in Blythewood, S.C.

USC researcher's Black cemeteries project aims to restore lost ancestral connections

June 07, 2023, Rose Cisneros

For Terrance Weik, the gravesite of his great-grandmother was a sacred place: Her headstone memorialized a place where he could remember her and those who came before. Weik is working on research and preservation efforts at three burial grounds across South Carolina: sites in Blythewood, Daufuskie Island and Hilton Head.

Steve Benjamin on the USC Horseshoe

Former Columbia mayor ready for White House gig

June 02, 2023, Page Ivey

Steve Benjamin, former mayor of Columbia and two-time graduate of USC, is director of the Office of Public Engagement and a senior adviser to the president and the White House. Benjamin sat down with USC Today earlier this year to discuss the job and how his experiences as a political science major and law school student prepared him for his 12 years as Columbia mayor and for his new role in the White House.

Two women shaking hands

Nursing program increases health equity for South Carolinians

May 24, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

South Carolina nurses and nursing students learned from leading health professionals about the impact that underrepresented, minoritized and disadvantaged background nurses have on increasing health equity throughout the country during the College of Nursing’s StAND-UP: SC Conference on May 11.

Two women look at a laptop screen

Boeing offers engineering scholarships, career opportunities

May 18, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

The University of South Carolina is one of only six institutions in the country selected to partner with Boeing on its Accelerated Leadership Program, in which a select group of students will gain hands-on learning experience working with engineering projects and innovative technologies

Smokestacks by Thomas Cooper Library

Graduation with Leadership Distinction alumni look back on pathways to success

April 21, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning is celebrating the Graduation with Leadership Distinction Program's tenth anniversary. Take a look at some of the earliest graduates with leadership distinction.

Charlotte pollack stands on the horseshoe holding a large framed award

Sullivan Award winner excelled despite pandemic limitations

April 17, 2023, Communications and Marketing

Honors College senior Charlotte Ann Pollack did not let the pandemic stop her from excelling even when the worldwide shutdown significantly altered her plans. The Fort Mill, South Carolina, native is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor.

Robert Pokora stands on the horseshoe holding a large framed award

Sullivan Award winner leaves legacy of giving back

April 17, 2023, Communications and Marketing

Honors College senior Robert William Pokora III drew on his family’s experience with organ transplant to restart an organization at the University of South Carolina that advocates for people to sign up to be donors. The Greer, South Carolina, native is one of two winners of the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award — the university’s highest student honor.