USC named best-in-state employer for 2026
August 13, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has been named one of America’s Best-in-State Employers for South Carolina for 2026.
Stories for Faculty and Staff
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award winner: Kathy Quarles Moore
August 12, 2026, Laura Erskine
Pharmacist and instructor Kathy Quarles Moore is known for finding new ways to engage students. From keeping students on their toes in the lab to welcoming them to a peaceful garden in the College of Pharmacy’s courtyard, Moore’s holistic and student-centered approach to teaching has earned her the 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation: Stephanie Schaller
August 12, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
Associate professor Stephanie Schaller designed Study Navigator, a custom AI-enhanced study tool that prepares nursing students for the decision-making that happens in clinical practice. The tool is just one way Schaller brings classroom lessons to life.
Michael J. Mungo Distinguished Professor of the Year: Jeff Dudycha
August 11, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
From haiku about water fleas to a class designed for dog lovers, biological sciences professor Jeff Dudycha finds unexpected ways to help students understand genomics, ecology and evolutionary biology.
USC expands faculty pipeline to strengthen South Carolina's nursing workforce
August 10, 2026, Gregory Hardy
A successful USC program that prepares future nursing faculty is now a statewide partnership to help address one of South Carolina's biggest healthcare workforce challenges. Expanding Nursing Faculty Pipeline is a College of Nursing initiative to prepare the next generation of nurse educators.
A Sharper Image: At USC, better brain health outcomes begin with cutting-edge neuroimaging equipment
August 10, 2026, Rebekah Friedman
The McCausland Center’s MRI scanner is a 3 Tesla, twice the strength of typical MRIs. Access to equipment of that caliber has enabled the center to bring in tens of millions in grant funding and has led to an explosion in research studies that have advanced our understanding of aphasia, stroke treatment and brain aging.
Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation: Alison Huppmann
August 05, 2026, Laura Erskine
As a clinical associate professor at USC’s School of Medicine Greenville, Alison Huppmann teaches medical students in their first two years of the program. Her goal is to equip her students with a broad understanding of medicine. Her efforts have now been recognized with the 2026 Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation.
USC professor wins state's highest scientific research honor
August 05, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Susan Richardson, Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, has been named winner of the prestigious 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.
What you missed this summer: Parking and Transportation
August 05, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina has introduced several transportation updates for Fall 2026, including a new low-cost Founders Park parking permit, the Campus Connector shuttle and the upgraded ParkUSC+ app with real-time shuttle tracking, trip planning and parking updates.
What you need to know for move-in 2026
August 05, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Move-in is quickly approaching, and soon the Class of 2030 will be on campus at USC. With a large freshman class coming to Columbia, this is a one-stop shop for the information students, faculty and staff need to know during move-in week.
Governor's Young Scientist Award recognizes excellence in infectious disease research
August 05, 2026, Gregory Hardy
Melissa Nolan, associate professor of epidemiology in the Arnold School of Public Health, has received the 2026 South Carolina Governor's Young Scientist Award for Excellence in Scientific Research. It honors her nationally recognized work to understand and prevent infectious diseases.
Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award: Aaron Vannucci
July 27, 2026, Chris Horn
Aaron Vannucci doesn’t have a sophisticated philosophy to explain his teaching style. He merely points back to his own high school chemistry teacher, who inspired him with his consistent excitement for the topic. Vannucci brings the same enthusiasm to his classrooms, and he is the winner of USC's 2026 Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.
Clinical practice teaching award: Caroline Asbill
July 24, 2026, Megan Sexton
As a full-time professional track faculty member in the College of Pharmacy and a staff pharmacist at Prisma Health Richland, Caroline Asbill has combined her love of teaching with the practice of pharmacy.
USC professor Julia Elliott wins one of fiction's most prestigious prizes
July 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Known for her fluid, label-defying prose, author Julia Elliott found herself in excellent company last month among a literary cadre of distinct, even unconventional voices. She read the work of her fellow finalists with awe, never thinking she would win. But it was her name announced over the sound system as the winner of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her critically acclaimed, genre-bending short-story collection "Hellions."
What you missed this summer: Facilities
July 22, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina made significant progress on major campus construction and renovation projects this summer, including plans for an expanded Russell House, a new Civil Rights Center, The Commons at Carolina residence hall and upgrades to academic, research and campus facilities.
Top credit-rating agency backs USC's strong financial position
July 21, 2026, Andy Shain
USC's latest financial outlook from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ongoing quality of the university’s disciplined stewardship.
What you missed this summer: Business Affairs
July 20, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina introduced several campus enhancements for Fall 2026, including the new Mobile CarolinaCard, officially licensed Nike Gamecock merchandise, expanded dining options and additional campus services like updated robot food delivery.
Nursing students learn healthcare communication skills from patients with aphasia
July 20, 2026, Chris Horn
University of South Carolina nursing students are learning to communicate more effectively with patients through a unique simulation that pairs them with standardized patients living with aphasia.
After 1776, the founders designed a government that accounts for 'a degree of depravity in mankind'
July 20, 2026, Donovan Fifield
The Declaration of Independence was only the first step in making a unified country. A competing set of state and local interests required a defense of the U.S. Constitution (the Federalist Papers), which sought to define the role of government to keep basic human impulses toward political abuse, self-interest and even violence in check.
USC alumna aims to showcase Gullah roots of iconic American opera
July 20, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
When the lights went down on Charleston’s Dock Street Theatre on June 26, 1970, history was made. It was the first time since its premiere that "Porgy and Bess" had been performed in Charleston. Now, filmmaker and alumna Lauren Waring Douglas is making that production the subject of a new documentary, "When Porgy Came Home."
Research center building ecosystem in autism, neurodevelopmental disorders
July 15, 2026, Chris Horn
From helping to establish a popular undergraduate neuroscience major to attracting millions in research grants, the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center at USC has achieved notable success since its launch seven years ago. And the momentum isn’t slowing. The center’s leadership has ambitious plans to serve more citizens of South Carolina.
Building a smarter campus
July 13, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
As USC prepares for the 2026–27 academic year, the university is introducing new technologies, including mobile IDs, smart parking, autonomous food delivery and occupancy tracking and cashier-less stores.
Braden Guliano builds technology career with internships, mentors and entrepreneurial spirit
July 10, 2026, Chris Horn
Braden Guliano has been a man on a mission at USC. In just three years, he completed a bachelor’s degree in integrated information technology at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing while completing multiple internships and launching his own tech consulting business on the side.
Law alumni serve in state leadership to make South Carolina better
July 08, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
University of South Carolina School of Law alumni are leading state agencies and advancing public service across South Carolina, using the skills they developed in law school to improve the lives of South Carolinians.
USC Facilities intern turns capstone project into AI-powered campus innovation
July 06, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
A University of South Carolina computer science capstone project led by graduate Michael Carson has grown into an AI-powered internship project that helps USC Facilities analyze maintenance data, automate reporting and improve campus operations through smarter, data-driven decision-making.
Recent graduate rises to the challenge of Venezuelan earthquakes
July 02, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
Like much of the world, Aquiles Agreda was watching the World Cup on June 24 with friends. But two massive earthquakes — a 7.2 magnitude followed by a 7.5 less than a minute later — shook Agreda’s native country that evening. He and his friends were unharmed, but within a day, he was helping with rescue and cleanup operations. Agreda plans to return to USC in August to begin the Master of International Business program. His only plan right now, though, is to help others.
Why rural healthcare fund's $50B focus on tech upgrades may not help vulnerable hospitals and providers
June 26, 2026, Kevin J. Bennett
An influx of cash would help stabilize rural health systems. Kevin J. Bennett, director of the Center for Rural & Primary Healthcare, writes for The Conversation on how the program’s focus on technology might leave other major issues unaddressed.
USC launches Mobile CarolinaCard for Fall 2026
June 26, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
Beginning in Fall 2026, University of South Carolina students, faculty and staff will be able to use their smartphones or compatible smartwatches as their official CarolinaCard, allowing them to access campus buildings, make purchases, borrow library materials and use other campus services with a simple tap.
Video: Hot Takes on the American Revolution
June 22, 2026, Hadley McCollester
Combine five incredible artifacts from the USC libraries special collections with four passionate university scholars, and you get 20 minutes of fun facts, lively debate and intellectual inspiration.
Board Briefs: Trustees approve budget, key USC Next projects
June 19, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
Social work researcher aims to improve mental health outcomes for autistic adults
June 19, 2026, Téa Smith
For her dissertation at Carlton University in Canada, assistant professor Margaret Janse van Rensburg collaborated with the Ottawa Adult Autism Initiative to better understand how human service workers can help autistic adults overcome barriers to accessing mental health support. Now, at USC, she is expanding on her research and working toward her goal to enhance outcomes for autistic people.
USC board approves freezing tuition, expanding Russell House, building Civil Rights Center
June 18, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget that freezes in-state tuition systemwide and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
Power in play and purpose in family inclusion
June 17, 2026, Anna Francis
Play is the language of children. Through a Duke Endowment-funded partnership with USC, Aiken County school counselors are learning play therapy and family engagement strategies that help students build resilience and feel heard.
How Wall Street is shifting electric utilities toward consolidation and profit
June 16, 2026, Conor Harrison
A corporate merger forming the largest electric utility in the U.S. is underway. What’s driving this deal and others like it is a rising demand for power to data centers for artificial intelligence systems and a desire to increase corporate profits. Conor Harrison explains in this article for The Conversation.
Inside USC's National Advocacy Center: Where hospitality and technology support federal training
June 16, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina provides an all-in-one training, lodging and learning hub for U.S. Department of Justice professionals, supported behind the scenes by USC Business Affairs and the Justice Television Network.
Anne Peters named USC's new vice president for marketing
June 11, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina announced Thursday (June 11) the appointment of Anne Peters as its new vice president for marketing following a national search. She will begin at USC on Sept. 1.
How are Saudis viewing the US-Iran war?
June 10, 2026, Robert Kubenic
Writing for The Conversation, Political Science Assistant Professor Robert Kubenic collaborates with Alexis Montambault-Trudelle, Postdoctoral Fellow in International Studies, Université Laval, to explore Saudis' opinions on the U.S.-Iran war.
Graduate's journey from softball to social work leads to selection as U.S. team therapist at Jewish Olympics
June 10, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
After navigating the challenges of life beyond Division I softball, licensed clinical social worker Olivia Gott, now supports athletes facing similar transitions. She will serve as the U.S. team therapist at the 2026 Maccabiah Games, bringing both personal experience and professional care to the world stage.
From thesis to courtroom: Honors College honed skills, discipline for successful alumni
June 03, 2026, Carol J.G. Ward
Alumni Kathy Carlsten and Peter Siachos, who both graduated from the University of South Carolina Honors College in 1997 and the Joseph F. Rice School of Law in 2000, say they draw on the critical thinking and collaborative skills, the debate-oriented approach and intellectual ambition required in honors courses in their legal practices.
University of South Carolina names new dean of Floyd School of Medicine
June 02, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Dr. Jamie P. Dwyer dean of the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D. School of Medicine.
Samuel Todd named associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs
June 01, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina appointed Samuel Todd as associate vice president and vice provost. A respected scholar and experienced university leader, Todd brings extensive experience in global engagement, academic leadership and faculty affairs to the role.
School of Medicine Greenville student combines her passions for medicine and art
May 28, 2026, Téa Smith
As she was earning her undergraduate degree at the USC, Sarah Aloi cultivated her love for art in her free time while also finding creative ways to merge art and medicine. Her love for art led the third-year medical student to start a club at USC School of Medicine Greenville called Art in Medicine.
As more athletes speak openly about depression, anxiety and suicide, a minority of fans are weaponizing it
May 27, 2026, Scott Parrott
Because elite athletes are seen as admired role models, many enjoy lucrative contracts as spokespeople for a variety of products. When Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran recently was harassed after revealing a mental illness, his expression of regret could potentially discourage others from talking publicly about their struggles for fear it could be weaponized against them. USC professor Scott Parrott explores this in a recent article for The Conversation.
University of South Carolina School of Medicine named in honor of Floyd family
May 22, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina School of Medicine in Columbia is now officially named in honor of the late longtime trustee and surgeon Dr. Edward “Eddie” Floyd and his wife, Kay Floyd. The school is now known as the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D., School of Medicine.
Dracula's Myth course takes students to Romania
May 21, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Students from the University of South Carolina this month are headed to Romania, a place USC has yet to explore through a faculty-led Maymester program.
Amanda Fairchild named faculty director of Capstone Scholars program
May 18, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Amanda J. Fairchild has been named faculty director of the Capstone Scholars Program, effective May 16.
Alumna builds community as Washington Commanders executive
May 13, 2026, Megan Sexton
After earning her degree in sport and entertainment management, Lauren Greenfield went directly into Georgetown University’s sports industry management master’s program. Then she found her passion with the Washington Commanders. Greenfield focuses on innovative ways to create value for both new and existing sponsors — developing go-to-market strategy, examining industry-wide best practices, building sponsorable platforms across the business and working with internal and external constituents across the NFL.
Newest Udall scholar excels in work across surf and turf
May 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Learn about USC's 19th Udall Scholar, Kayla Thompson, a first-generation, science-loving, rugby-playing, future environmental policy advocate. Her journey parallels that of her benefactors in many ways, and this honor motivates her to continually do more.
USC inks licensing agreement for prostate cancer screening tool
May 12, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina has agreed to license an algorithm developed by a renowned cancer and nutritional epidemiologist to 20/20 BioLabs, a health sciences company that offers home cancer screening tests.
Behind the beak: The student inside Cocky
May 09, 2026, Michaela Taylor
Before the crowd sees him, there’s a quiet shift. The suit goes on. The posture changes. And Brayden Hensley becomes Cocky. To fans, Cocky is all energy and antics. But inside the suit is a criminology and criminal justice major balancing school and a role that demands constant performance.