Championship Run: 2024 year in review
December 16, 2024
From a national championship and record research funding to a major engineering gift and a host of academic awards, 2024 was a banner year for USC.
Stories for Faculty and Staff
Propel AI initiative aims to weave AI into scholarship, research
September 11, 2024, Dan Cook
This fall, roughly 60 faculty members will take part in a new artificial intelligence initiative from the Office of the Vice President for Research. Called Propel AI, the effort aims to empower faculty to incorporate artificial intelligence into their work — regardless of their academic area or previous experience with AI. We spoke with Bryant Walker Smith, associate professor of law and an expert on emerging technologies, about the new initiative.
Law school namesake and legal trailblazer Joe Rice rides high in the saddle
September 04, 2024, Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett
Attorney Joe Rice capped an illustrious career last fall with a record gift to the law school that bears his name, but the self-styled cowboy is hardly ready to ride into the sunset.
Why Bowens Island?
August 15, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
When Carolinian magazine was looking for a scenic Low Country location for an interview and photo session with University of South Carolina alumnus and donor Alex Molinaroli and his brothers for the fall 2024 issue, Bowens Island was top of the list.
Alumnus Joe Rice builds strong legal team by nurturing and empowering attorneys
May 28, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Law school alumnus Joe Rice’s work ethic and tenacity sets an example for representing clients, while colleagues and staff say his commitment to inclusion and mentoring is a model for empowering employees.
2024 hurricane faculty experts list
May 01, 2024, Laura Morris
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2024 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.
Board member Miles Loadholt dies
April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Attorney, higher education advocate and University of South Carolina trustee Miles Loadholt passed away April 17 at the age of 81.
2024 artificial intelligence faculty experts list
April 03, 2024, Gregory Hardy
University of South Carolina researchers explore how artificial intelligence can be used for advancements in health care, education, manufacturing, energy, disaster management and transportation. They are also helping shape and inform the ethics and policies surrounding these emergent solutions.
Law professor Josh Eagle works to expand public beach access
March 06, 2024, Page Ivey
Helping courts and regulatory bodies determine who has a right to the coastline is the focus of University of South Carolina law professor Josh Eagle’s scholarly work. His goal is to get courts to recognize greater public rights and to expand access to beaches.
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk balances basketball, law school
March 06, 2024, Collyn Taylor
Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk is getting the best of both worlds balancing law school while playing Division I men's basketball.
Can anyone make a citizen's arrest? The history and legalities of catching criminals yourself
February 14, 2024, Seth W. Stoughton and Caroline McAtee
Law professor Seth Stoughton and law student Carolina McAtee write for the conversation about whether it's legal to seize a criminal without being a police officer.
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school
January 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law on March 1.
USC's newly named Joseph F. Rice School of Law reflects powerhouse attorney's ambition, philanthropy and commitment to the profession
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
Attorney Joe Rice is one of the most respected plaintiff’s attorneys in the country. The cofounder of the Charleston-based Motley Rice law firm has secured hundreds of billions of dollars for clients, taking on Goliath-sized opponents like Big Tobacco and the financiers of 9/11.
USC School of Law named the Joseph F. Rice School of Law
November 10, 2023, Peggy Binette
The University of South Carolina’s School of Law has a new name thanks to the generosity and vision of well-known alumnus and longtime benefactor, plaintiffs’ trial lawyer Joe Rice. The official name, the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, was announced Friday (Nov. 10) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the law school building at the corner of Bull and Senate streets.
Alumnus and tennis standout Seth Rose gives back -- and not just for racket sports.
November 08, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
Seth Rose, ’03, was a first team All-American in men’s tennis, and he paid his alma mater back by helping finance two courts on campus But Rose’s love for the Gamecocks extends beyond tennis. The 2014 Gamecock Athletics Hall of Fame inductee is also a huge Gamecock football fan, and his philanthropy reflects it.
Heterodox Academy aims to cultivate free, open debate on campus
September 06, 2023, Dan Cook
From both sides of the political spectrum, the social space for spirited dialogue and debate has been steadily shrinking for years. A new group on campus hopes to expand the conversation.
Independent bookstore begins first chapter -- and USC's fingerprints are on every page
August 11, 2023, Megan Sexton
Walk through the doors at All Good Books, a thriving bookstore in the heart of Five Points, and you’ll see neat shelves filled with classics and new releases, a counter for coffee, beer and wine and – perhaps most important of all — a welcoming vibe.
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.
Professor works to strengthen equality under the law
August 01, 2023, Alexis Watts
Kevin Brown brings a drive for justice to his new role at the University of South Carolina as the first Mitchell Willoughby Distinguished Professor of Advocacy and Public Justice. He plans to build on his 35 years of research in the areas of race, law and education.
Study sheds light on inmate mortality in South Carolina
June 09, 2023, Chris Horn
In a first-ever analysis of deaths in South Carolina prisons, jails and youth detention centers, USC School of Law assistant professor Madalyn Wasilczuk and her students have compiled a report that aims to increase transparency in corrections facilities across the Palmetto State.
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.
Law dean William Hubbard elected to prestigious national academy
April 19, 2023, Laura Kammerer
William C. Hubbard, dean of the School of Law, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences which is a prestigious fellowship of scholars and leaders. Distinguished members include Benjamin Franklin and Colin Powell, and current members include more than 250 Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners.
Professor probes intersection of law, technology, transportation
April 10, 2023, Andersen Cook
From a young age, University of South Carolina law professor Bryant Walker Smith tested the limits around him; now, he’s one of the world’s leading experts in autonomous vehicle law, an emerging field where the boundaries are being set.
What does 'moral hazard' mean?
March 21, 2023, Cassandra Jones Havard
Professor of law Cassandra Jones Havard writes for The Conversation on the risks of the government saving failing banks.
Civility on the bench
March 21, 2023, Page Ivey
DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, ’97 law, is only the second woman of color to serve on the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Benjamin sat down with USC Today after her recent confirmation to the federal bench to talk about life choices and how her experiences in law school have guided her career.
Meet the Black alumnae whose contributions are commemorated on the Horseshoe
March 14, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
As a tribute to the Black alumnae featured in the student-produced documentary The Backbone, USC’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion installed 18 personalized bricks on the Horseshoe. The honorees' stories span seven decades of university history.
What are the limits of presidential power to forgive student loans?
March 13, 2023, Derek W. Black
Constitutional law expert and professor of law Derek W. Black writes for The Conversation on the limitations of presidential student loan forgiveness.
USC alumnus, former mayor Steve Benjamin tapped for White House role
February 27, 2023, Dan Cook
Former Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin, a two-time alumnus of the University of South Carolina, has been named as a senior advisor to the White House and director of the Office of Public Engagement.
Boeing supports USC's assistance to veterans through free legal clinic
February 10, 2023, Communications and Marketing
The Veterans Legal Clinic provides free legal services to low-income veterans living in South Carolina who are facing issues with credit and related financial matters, housing, government benefits and family law. It was established in 2018 by a grant from the South Carolina Bar Foundation. Thanks to continued support from Boeing — $450,000 to date — the clinic has been able to serve more than 70 veterans since opening.
USC alumna DeAndrea Benjamin confirmed to federal court
February 09, 2023, Dan Cook
The U.S. Senate voted 53-44 to confirm DeAndrea G. Benjamin to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Benjamin is a 1997 alumna of USC’s School of Law.
Tyre Nichols' death underscores the troubled history of specialized police units
February 06, 2023, Ian T. Adams and Seth W. Stoughton
Assistant professor of criminology and criminal justice Ian T. Adams and professor of law Seth W. Stoughton write for The Conversation on the issues surrounding specialized police units.
USC researchers advancing transition to a new energy landscape
January 12, 2023, Megan Sexton
From policy-making surrounding cleaner energy technologies to researching better ways to make and store electricity to studying advanced nuclear materials for interplanetary space travel, University of South Carolina researchers are advancing the transition to a changing energy landscape.
Circuit Court Judge J. Michelle Childs is more than a trailblazer
November 16, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
School of Law alumna J. Michelle Childs was appointed circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit this summer. Carolinian sat down with her to discuss her time at USC and her career on the bench.
Law professor's research focuses on children's health, well-being
July 14, 2022, Page Ivey
Law professor Emily Suski’s research focuses on children and their health and well-being. She takes a fresh look at Title IX protections for children in the K-12 school environment as well as creating a legal clinic to help when children’s health is put at risk by social factors.
Law alumnus honored for lifetime of achievements
May 09, 2022, Rebekah Friedman
A portrait of I.S. Leevy Johnson, ’68 law, was unveiled Monday at the School of Law in recognition of the trailblazing alumnus’ legal, business and political achievements.
The Best of Times?
April 25, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
A lot happens over the course of an academic year, and there’s absolutely no way to highlight everything. So, no, don’t think of this as a Best Of list. This is merely a smattering of the achievements and memorable moments that defined 2021-22, a small taste of the year that was. Trust us, there’s plenty more where this came from — and plenty more to come.
After son's diagnosis, alumna becomes leading advocate for families affected by autism
April 25, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
Alumna Lorri Unumb's journey to becoming an advocate for families affected by autism began when she and her husband Dan noticed their son Ryan wasn’t behaving and developing like other children. Ryan was diagnosed with autism shortly before his second birthday. Today, Unumb is internationally known for her advocacy.
Legacy of Jim Crow still affects funding for public schools
April 19, 2022, Derek W. Black and Axton Crolley
The Brown v. Board of Education decision framed racial segregation as the cause of educational inequality. Brown's focus on physical segregation inadvertently left important and less obvious aspects of local funding inequality unchecked. This still drives underfunding in predominantly poor and minority schools. Law professor Derek W. Black and law fellow Axton Crolley write for The Conversation on the historical connection between segregation and states' reliance on local school funding.
The enduring legacy of Edna Smith Primus
February 07, 2022, Chris Horn
Born to sharecroppers in 1944 in Yemassee, S.C., Edna Smith Primus was among the first Black graduates from the University of South Carolina in 1966. She became the first Black woman enrolled at the School of Law.
UofSC alumnae, professor tapped for federal government positions
January 26, 2022, Carol J.G. Ward
The professional experience and expertise of two University of South Carolina alumnae and a law professor have led to their selection for roles in federal agencies and courts.
Social justice award winners work hard for diversity, equity, inclusion
January 10, 2022, Page Ivey
Two faculty members and a student have been recognized for their social justice efforts on campus and in the larger community as 2022 Social Justice Award winners.
Law student to focus on housing security and stability through prestigious fellowship
December 06, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward
Glynnis Hagins, a third-year law student at UofSC, has received a Skadden Fellowship that will allow her to pursue her passions of law, education and public interest. She is one of 28 Skadden Fellowship recipients for 2022 and the first UofSC law student to receive the prestigious award, one of the more competitive in the country.
New faculty spotlight: Etienne Toussaint
November 15, 2021, Page Ivey
New law professor Etienne Toussaint came to the legal profession after starting out as an engineer, building bridges. After working internationally with Engineers Without Borders, he saw how a legal career would let him help lift those living in extreme poverty in the U.S. and around the world.
Boeing supports UofSC's assistance to veterans through free legal clinic
November 11, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward
When Navy veteran Brooks Herring needed help seeking custody of his son, he turned to the Veterans Legal Clinic at the University of South Carolina’s School of Law.
Constitutional law scholar discusses his new book on presidential powers
October 18, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Law professor Thomas Crocker specializes in constitutional law, criminal procedure, free speech and democracy, national security and the Constitution. His new book, "Overcoming Necessity: Emergency, Constraint, and the Meanings of American Constitutionalism" (Yale University Press) is an analysis of how the concept of necessity, in conflict with constitutional commitments, creates dynamic challenges to constitutional governance, especially during times of emergency.
How bans on mask mandates affect students with disabilities
September 14, 2021, Claire Raj
Law professor Claire Raj, who specializes in special education law, offers answers in The Conversation to some questions parents might have about mask mandate bans and students with disabilities.
Breakthrough Leader: Joel H. Samuels
July 23, 2021, Page Ivey
University of South Carolina law professor, and now interim dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Joel Samuels works to preserve the underlying principle that holds societies together: the rule of law.
Children's Law Center moves into renovated facility that's ideal for training
June 29, 2021, Chris Horn
It’s been a long time coming, but the Children’s Law Center finally has a permanent home, complete with a mock court room and a mock crime scene apartment for forensic training purposes. Those two assets are vital to the center’s mission of providing training to more than 10,000 professionals in justice, law enforcement and child welfare in South Carolina.
Breakthrough Star: Shelley Welton
May 18, 2021, Page Ivey
Shelley Welton wanted no part of the law after watching her mother work tirelessly in children’s law and come up against structural issues that day-to-day lawyering couldn’t fix. But after getting a master’s degree in environmental policy work, she realized that she needed a better understanding of the law to make progress.
In the field with David Beasley
April 23, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley, a two-time UofSC graduate, was at a loss for words when he learned the international organization he helms won a Nobel Peace Prize in 2020. Beasley has served as the executive director of the World Food Programme since 2017.