2025: Year in review
December 10, 2025, Dan Cook
Heading into 2025, the field of higher education faced significant challenges. But at the University of South Carolina, all signs point to dynamic growth and institutional strength.
Stories for Parents
USC Brain Health opens clinic in Orangeburg
October 20, 2025, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina opened its seventh Brain Health clinic during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 20 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. In partnership with HopeHealth, the clinic will bridge critical gaps in early diagnosis, education and family support.
Curing Kids Cancer pledge fuels USC, Prisma Health pediatric cancer research partnership
September 24, 2025, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital announced a research collaboration on Sept. 24 aimed at redefining pediatric oncology care in South Carolina. The $5 million pledge from Curing Kids Cancer will fund research aimed at developing and providing access to innovative therapeutics for children with cancer.
USC welcomes students back to campus
August 20, 2025, Jeff Stensland
USC kicked the semester off this week welcoming over 7,800 freshmen with over half of those being in-state residents.
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.
USC names new Palmetto College chancellor
June 11, 2025, Jeff Stensland
Craig Wilson will take over as chancellor of USC's two-year campuses and online degree completion program. Wilson has served in positions at the University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the University of Miami and Miami Dade College.
Susan Elkins, founding chancellor of Palmetto College, steps down
May 20, 2025, Megan Sexton
Susan Elkins, the founding chancellor of Palmetto College, steps down this month after 12 years leading the program which encompasses USC’s two-year system campuses along with online bachelor’s degree completion programs.
New athletics director Jeremiah Donati shares bold vision
April 29, 2025, Craig Brandhorst / photos by Kim Truett
New athletics director Jeremiah Donati has only been on campus since January, but his vision for USC has been years in the making.
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.
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.
USC's medical schools work to train, retain key players in medicine
March 07, 2025, Laura Erskine
A primary care doctor is a key player in patient care, but South Carolina is facing a doctor shortage. That’s why both USC’s School of Medicine Columbia and School of Medicine Greenville are prioritizing primary care, with an emphasis on family medicine, thanks to their deans, Dr. Gerald Harmon (Columbia) and Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray (Greenville).
School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus
February 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia. This cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot-plus medical education and research facility will be part of USC’s transformative $300 million Health Sciences Campus, amid 16 acres in Columbia’s reimagined BullStreet District.
US News rankings: USC's online nursing master's remains No. 1 in the nation
January 21, 2025, Megan Sexton
For the fifth straight year, USC's College of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in the country for its online master’s in nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online program rankings released Tuesday (Jan. 21).
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.
USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college and career readiness
November 12, 2024, Brandon Pugh
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded USC one of its largest-ever grants — $35 million — for the College of Education's GEAR UP SC program to help disadvantaged students overcome barriers to college and career opportunities.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
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.
USC hits historic high in enrollment as fall semester begins
August 26, 2024, Dan Cook
USC enrollment hits 38,000 for the first time ever while underrepresented minority students make up almost 28 percent of the freshman class.
USC Next outlines bold vision for Columbia campus
August 23, 2024, Jeff Stensland
USC's Board of Trustees approved USC Columbia's master plan, which will help meet the needs of students, faculty and staff for decades to come.
Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray appointed two-year dean for School of Medicine Greenville
June 26, 2024, Dana Woodward
Beginning July 1, 2024, Dr. Phyllis MacGilvray will serve as dean of the School of Medicine Greenville. Dr. MacGilvray is currently the senior associate dean for academic affairs at SOMG and brings decades of leadership as well as clinical experience to her new role.
Board of Trustees approves budget, other academic initiatives during June meeting
June 19, 2024, Collyn Taylor
USC's Board of Trustees approved the university's annual budget that holds in-state tuition steady while approving new programs across the system.
Tara Sabo-Attwood returns to USC as new dean for the Arnold School of Public Health
June 07, 2024, Dana Woodward
Donna Arnett, executive vice president for academic affairs and provost, is pleased to announce the selection of a highly accomplished public health leader, Tara Sabo-Attwood, as the new dean of the Arnold School of Public Health. Sabo-Attwood will assume the role on August 1, 2024.
USC opens Sumter Brain Health clinic, expands cognitive care
May 14, 2024, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina opened a Brain Health clinic in Sumter during a ribbon cutting event on Monday (May 13) — expanding cognitive care to patients in rural and underserved areas of South Carolina.
Let it Reign!
May 14, 2024, Thom Harman
Maybe you were shouting from the stands in Cleveland as Dawn Staley’s remarkable women’s basketball team brought home the third national championship in program history. Maybe you were among the 24 million viewers watching on TV as they turned a so-called rebuilding year into an undefeated season and rings all around. Maybe you were even out there in the Thomas Cooper reflecting pool with several hundred other ecstatic Gamecocks, making a splash all your own.
USC is building a remarkable future for students
May 08, 2024, Donna K. Arnett and J. Rex Tolliver
We must do more to ensure that every student’s college experience is worthy of the investment required of students, their families and the public. That’s why we’re focused on innovating to meet the demands of today’s students and anticipate the needs of tomorrow’s.
Engineering a brighter future for South Carolina: USC's College of Engineering and Computing
April 15, 2024, Hossein Haj-Hariri
Hossein Haj-Hariri, dean of USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, writes about the college's growth, education and research innovation and impact on South Carolina's economic and infrastructure planning.
A different kind of dean at a different kind of medical school
February 23, 2024, Megan Sexton
The School of Medicine Greenville, led by Dean Marjorie Jenkins is committed to educating and producing a new type of physician, offering a technologically advanced medical school environment, and addressing an ongoing shortage of doctors in a rapidly growing state.
US News: USC retains No. 1 ranking in online master's in nursing
February 05, 2024, Megan Sexton
For the fourth straight year, the University of South Carolina’s College of Nursing is ranked No. 1 in the country for its online master’s in nursing program, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual online program rankings released Wednesday (Feb. 7).
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.
USC paving the way for students to transfer from SC technical colleges
January 11, 2024, Jeff Stensland
The Statewide Transfer Partnership Agreement announced by Gov. Henry McMaster, USC President Michael Amiridis and other higher education leaders on Thursday (Jan. 11) will allow for easier transfer of course credit from the state’s 16 technical colleges to USC and Clemson University.
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.
2023: Year in review -- record enrollment, new construction and so much more
December 07, 2023, Marketing and Communications
It’s been a momentous year at the University of South Carolina. We welcomed a record-setting freshman class, renamed our law school, announced new research initiatives, hired new deans, held an investiture ceremony for President Amiridis — and so much more.
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.
USC covering tuition, fees for talented students across the state
October 13, 2023, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina announced Friday (Oct. 13) the USC Commitment, a new affordability initiative to cover tuition and academic fees at all system campuses for in-state students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class and whose family’s annual household income is below $80,000.
After a total renovation, South Caroliniana Library shines again
October 02, 2023, Megan Sexton
After a $10 million renovation, South Caroliniana Library, the nation’s oldest free-standing academic library and the most iconic building on campus, is once again a showplace – ready to welcome visitors to the home of one of the largest collections of Southern and American history.
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.
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.
USC begins fall semester, welcomes largest class ever
August 24, 2023, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus began classes Thursday (Aug. 24) and announced that it is welcoming its largest class in the school’s history, with more students hailing from South Carolina than ever before.
Board of Trustees holds first meeting for the 23-24 academic year
August 18, 2023, Dana Woodward
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees met on Friday (Aug. 18). Here’s a look at the actions that occurred during the meeting.
Gamecocks football head coach Shane Beamer looks back, looks forward and charges full speed ahead
August 15, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
In just two seasons, Head Football Coach Shane Beamer has changed the direction of USC’s football program. Entering his third year, fans are excited, his players are pumped, and his staff is ready to win.
USC to admit top 10% of S.C. high school class
August 01, 2023, Jeff Stensland
All South Carolina students who are ranked in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class will be guaranteed admission to the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus starting with the Fall 2024 application cycle.
USC freezes tuition for SC students; invests in health care, workforce initiatives
June 23, 2023, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a new annual budget Friday (June 23) that makes historic investments in areas central to the university’s mission while keeping in-state tuition flat for a fifth year in a row.
Board of Trustees committees hold June meeting
June 09, 2023, Dana Woodward
University of South Carolina Board of Trustees committees met on Friday (June 9). Here’s a look at the actions from the meeting, which will be presented to the full board for final approval on June 23.
USC invests in SC's future with 5 new research institutes
May 12, 2023, Communications and Marketing
The University of South Carolina will invest $10 million over the next four years in five new interdisciplinary research institutes that will address some of the Palmetto State’s biggest challenges, including health, education and water quality.
US News rankings: USC tops in International MBA
April 24, 2023, Megan Sexton
The University of South Carolina’s master’s in international business program retained its spot as the best in the country for the 10th consecutive year, according to the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate School rankings released Tuesday (April 25).
USC residence hall named for pioneering educator Celia Dial Saxon
April 20, 2023, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina celebrated the naming of a residential hall after pioneering educator and civil rights advocate Celia Dial Saxon at a public ceremony on Friday (April 21). Saxon is the first African American to be honored with a building name on the Columbia campus.
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.
USC Salkehatchie dean plays key role in serving students, growing the economy
March 28, 2023, Megan Sexton
April Cone, the dean of the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie, plays a key role in her community — a region where she has lived her entire life.
Michael Sagas selected as new HRSM dean
March 21, 2023, Dana Woodward
Michael Sagas will take the helm at the university’s College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management on June 15.