Stories for Parents

A horseback-riding farmer herds sheep across a sparse and hilly, rural landscape.

Mutual aid and self-sufficiency are key to life near USSR's contaminated nuclear test zone in Kazakhstan

April 08, 2026, Magdalena Stawkowski

Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.

Topics: Faculty, Research, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Artist rendering of a new student residence at the McBryde site

USC Board of Trustees receives master plan updates, formally approves hospital and other projects, honors US and USC anniversaries

March 19, 2026, Andy Shain

The USC Board of Trustees formally approved a number of new construction and renovation projects, including a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center, and received updates on the university’s master plan, including redeveloping the student union and developments on South Main Street. Trustees also adopted a resolution in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 225th anniversary of the founding of USC.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

University and South Carolina leadership cut a “USC Brain Health” ribbon outside the Brain Health Center, flanked by garnet, black and white balloons.

USC's new Brain Health Center brings leading-edge brain imaging, cognitive care under one roof

March 17, 2026, Gregory Hardy

USC marked a major milestone in providing specialized cognitive care at a ribbon cutting for its Brain Health Center on the Health Sciences Campus on Wednesday. The facility is designed to deliver exceptional diagnostic, treatment and support for patients living with cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, Medicine (Columbia)

Residential street after an ice storm, with tree branches coated in ice and sagging over the road while ice-covered power lines stretch between utility poles in bright winter sunlight.

Data centers told to pitch in as storms and cold weather boost power demand

February 04, 2026, Conor Harrison

The government directed data centers to turn on backup generation in parts of the U.S. Conor Harrison, an associate professor of geography in the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, co-authors this story for The Conversation on how expanding distributed generation could improve grid resilience.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

head shots of the five 2026 winners

5 recognized for social justice work

January 13, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen

The University of South Carolina has recognized students, faculty and staff members for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2026 Martin Luther King Social Justice Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Diversity, Service, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Social Work

A health care provider greets a mother and her infant.

Community health centers provide care for 1 in 10 Americans, but funding cuts threaten their survival

November 13, 2025, Jennifer Springhart

Many Americans who lack or have insufficient health insurance seek health care from a network of safety net clinics called community health centers. Dr. Jennifer Springhart of USC's School of Medicine Greenville writes for The Conversation about how decreasing their capacity could destabilize other elements of local health care delivery systems.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Greenville), The Conversation

Students walk along brick pathway on campus during fall

First-generation students bring perspective, energy to USC campus

October 31, 2025, Megan Sexton

As the university marks the celebration of First-Gen College Celebration Week, we caught up with first-generation students, alumni, faculty and staff who are thriving in the classroom and beyond.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Scholarships, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Diversity, SC Impact, Leadership, Careers, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Young woman checks her blood pressure with a monitoring cuff.

Why your late teens and early 20s are crucial times for lifelong heart health

October 24, 2025, Jewel Scott

Emerging adulthood is a life stage where behaviors that diminish heart health—such as spending more time sitting, consuming more fast food and using more tobacco and alcohol—become more common. Jewel Scott, assistant professor of nursing science in USC's College of Nursing, writes for The Conversation about the power of habits on our behavior.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Nursing, The Conversation

Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper looking toward video screen displaying logo and photo of students

Department of Sport and Entertainment Management named for David and Nicole Tepper

October 14, 2025, Allen Wallace

USC announces the newly named David and Nicole Tepper Department of Sport and Entertainment Management in honor of its visionary partners. A new $5 million investment extends their longstanding support for high-achieving students and adds funding for elite practitioner-educators.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Recognition, Partnerships, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Researchers in field examine data collected

Kazakhstan studies affirm imperative to secure nuclear storage solutions

September 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

The pleasing pastoral landscapes across the former Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site in Kazakhstan hardly reflect its dark history. Generations of locals have lived near the site since it opened in 1949, and many remain today. USC researchers Timothy Mousseau and Magdalena Stawkowski are studying the impact of radioactive isotopes on the people, animals and plants of Semipalantinsk.

Topics: Faculty, Research, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Researchers lower nets into coastal waters.

Baruch researchers investigate impacts of warming waters on shrimp populations

September 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

Project investigators from USC’s Baruch Marine Field Lab have been collaborating on a study into the impacts of warming coastal ocean waters on shrimp populations. They found that shrimp populations have been largely stable, and warmer water temperatures have led to longer seasons for shrimpers, often through January.

Topics: Faculty, Research, SC Impact, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Two college-aged athletes run in competition in an open field in the heat.

Health Watch: 6 Dangerous Heat Stroke Myths That Could Put Your Health at Risk

August 20, 2025, Gregory Hardy

Rising temperatures are making heat stroke a serious risk in South Carolina and beyond, especially during outdoor activities such as youth sports, yard work, recreation and even work. At USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, associate professor of athletic training Susan Yeargin debunks dangerous myths about treating this life-threatening condition.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

AI-created image of a comet hurtling toward Earth, with some pieces making impact

Researchers find evidence for Younger Dryas comet-impact theory in ocean cores

August 13, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

Christopher Moore, research professor with the Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology at the University of South Carolina, recently led a team that analyzed sediment from the ocean floor in Baffin Bay, Greenland. Their efforts produced the first evidence — sourced directly from ocean cores — that a comet impact could have triggered an abrupt cooling of the atmosphere during a period known as the Younger Dryas 13,000 years ago.

Topics: Faculty, Research, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Susan Elkins sits on a bench on USC's historic Horseshoe with a vase of yellow, lavendar and white flowers over her left shoulder

Elkins receives Order of the Palmetto

August 08, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett

Susan Elkins, the founding chancellor of USC’s Palmetto College, is being awarded the Order of the Palmetto after a career of service in education. The award is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Elkins announced that she was stepping down from her role in May. As chancellor, Elkins oversaw tremendous growth at Palmetto College's four campuses around the state as well as in its online offerings.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Recognition, University System

Woman lifts kettle bell in a gym setting.

Brain Health Fitness program uses exercise to fight cognitive decline

July 30, 2025, Nicole Carrico

Integrating physical movement into a patient’s daily routine is an essential strategy to combat chronic illness and ensure a healthier future for South Carolinians. A new collaborative research study from USC Brain Health and the Arnold School of Public Health goes one step further by examining how consistent, physical exercise can also help combat cognitive decline and improve overall neurological health.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

Female nurse leans over exam table to check on male child.

USC expands nursing pathways for people with disabilities

July 22, 2025, Nicole Meares

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing is launching a multi-year, Duke Endowment–backed initiative to expand nursing career pathways for people with disabilities. The program aims to close critical workforce and care gaps through summer immersion experiences, professional development and inclusive training.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, SC Impact, College of Nursing

College of Nursing assistant professor Lori Vick

Shaping a smarter, more compassionate sickle cell nursing workforce

June 12, 2025, Gregory Hardy

College of Nursing assistant professor Lori Vick is advancing national efforts to train nurses to better understand and treat patients living with sickle cell disease. At the heart of that effort is the Sickle Cell Nursing Boot Camp, an initiative that promotes specialized knowledge in treating this chronic and often misunderstood condition.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Nursing

Natasha Brison, associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management

HRSM professor melds law and marketing expertise to prepare students

May 08, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett

Natasha Brison has practiced law and worked in the entertainment industry, starting a business as a marketing consultant for professional athletes. She also conducts research and came to South Carolina despite already earning tenure at another top institution. Now Brison brings her experience to USC's classrooms as an associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her diverse background is proving to be a great resource for her students as she prepares them to pursue their dreams after graduation.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Parent reaches out hand to hold daughter's hand.

Mentoring program empowers families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

April 29, 2025, Carol J.G. Ward

Preliminary results from a five-year NIH-funded study at the University of South Carolina show that the Autism Parent Navigator Program improves mental health, parenting confidence and caregiver relationships for families with children diagnosed with autism. Led by social work professor Robert Hock, the program connects parents with experienced peer navigators to offer guidance, emotional support and skill-building.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, College of Social Work

Woman offers comforting embrace to peer during group counseling session

New USC clinic tackles mental health provider shortage in rural South Carolina

April 29, 2025, Carol J.G. Ward

The University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia is opening a free mental health clinic to serve rural communities in Bamberg, Calhoun, Fairfield, Orangeburg and Chester counties. Launching this summer, the student-operated, faculty-supervised clinic will offer in-person and telehealth services to those with limited access to care.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Medicine (Columbia)

Jennifer Baumstark stands in a white coat outside the College of Nursing at the University of South Carolina.

Jennifer Baumstark leads Nurse-Midwifery program, advancing maternal health in South Carolina

April 29, 2025, Gregory Hardy and Laura Morris

Jennifer Baumstark, a seasoned certified nurse-midwife and newly appointed director of the University of South Carolina’s accredited nurse-midwifery program, is spearheading efforts to improve maternal health across South Carolina. With a focus on mentorship, advocacy and expanding the nursing-midwifery workforce, Baumstark brings over two decades of clinical and academic experience to this pivotal role.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Leadership, College of Nursing

man and woman stand in front of chairs

USC's College of Arts and Sciences renamed following transformational gift

April 22, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

The University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences has a new name honoring the vision and generosity of a prominent alumnus and his family. The official name, the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, was announced on Wednesday (April 23) during a ceremony on USC's Horseshoe.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Rear view of a student walking on a path on USC campus

US News rankings: USC's International MBA remains top in the country

April 07, 2025, Megan Sexton

For the 12th straight year, the University of South Carolina has earned the No. 1 ranking in the country for its International MBA program, according to the 2025 Best Graduate School rankings released April 8 by U.S. News & World Report.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Nursing

Gates to Horseshoe of USC campus

2025 Autism Acceptance Month: USC faculty experts list

April 04, 2025, Communications and Marketing

April is Autism Acceptance Month. The CDC estimates that one out of every 36 eight-year-olds and one in 45 adults is affected by autism, a lifelong developmental disorder. As South Carolina’s leader in health sciences, USC has researchers across disciplines who specialize in autism.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), School of Music, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

Award statues aligned on a table

USC celebrates 2025 Governor's Award for the Arts winners

April 01, 2025, Brandon Pugh

The Koger Center, USC School of Music professor Gail Barnes and USC School of Visual Arts and Design alumnus Wade Sellers have been named winners of the 2025 Governor’s Awards for the Arts by the South Carolina Arts Commission, recognizing exceptional practice or support of contemporary and traditional art forms.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Experiential Learning, SC Impact, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, School of Music

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