Program Lead
Phone: (803) 777-2415
Email: mouzts@mailbox.sc.edu

 

Bio

McKenzie Ouzts is a proud USC alumni and Columbia, South Carolina native. After earning a double major bachelor of arts in music education and vocal performance at the University of South Carolina School of Music in 2018, McKenzie directed music programs and general music education curriculum for K-12th Title 1 Arts Magnet schools throughout the state of South Carolina, routinely developing arts programs including multiple chorus and theater performing arts productions, district-wide showcases, and various community outreach events. Through The Walt Disney Company's Aspire program, McKenzie received a full-tuition scholarship for her master's in arts management with an emphasis in arts marketing from the University of Denver while also serving as an arts events manager at the Walt Disney World Resort in 2022. McKenzie's expertise and passion for community outreach and development rooted in education accessibility has brought her back "home" to Preston Residential College for Leadership. She is excited to apply her background in the arts to the community and to foster our students' development of unique talents and goals here at the University of South Carolina and beyond. She also serves as an adjunct professor for a Preston U101 section.

McKenzie's responsibilities:

• Organize and execute programming initiatives for the Preston College Living Learning Community.
• Advise students in their academic and extracurricular pursuits, including facilitating experiential learning opportunities.
• Oversee scheduling, procurement, and day-to-day operations.
• Promote the mission of Preston Residential College for Leadership, engage in student recruitment efforts, and represent the community during recruitment events.