South Carolina in the News
The Office of Media Relations compiles news stories about the University of South Carolina; its students, faculty, and administration; and alumni. For more information, call our office at 803-777-5400.
University news
CoEE Endowed Chairs Form “Brain Trust” to Help Steer S.C. Economy Toward Advanced Technology, High-Paying Jobs
As South Carolina celebrated the news that Boeing will soon establish a major presence in the Charleston area, some of the world’s brightest minds came together in Columbia to form a new organization with a mission of attracting even more world-class companies to the state—not to mention increasing research-based start-up companies and creating more high-paying jobs in South Carolina.
-- Midlands Biz
Take your shots, but be civil about it, Parker says
Serving up a mix of polite but barbed attacks on polarizing figures like Rep. Joe Wilson, R-S.C., talk show host Glenn Beck and former GOP vice presidential contender Sarah Palin and wry quips on how Americans discuss politics, columnist Kathleen Parker wowed a packed auditorium at the University of South Carolina.
-- The (Columbia) State
Verizon gives $24K gift to help fund Cocky’s Reading Express
Verizon Communications has increased its support of the University of South Carolina Cocky’s Reading Express with a gift of $24,500, the largest gift to date to support the student-led literacy program.
-- The (Greenwood) Index-Journal
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
Longer Life? Check Fitness, Not Fat
. . . "Our data provide further evidence regarding the complex long-term relationship among fitness, body size and survival. It may be possible to reduce all-cause death rates among older adults, including those who are obese, by promoting regular physical activity, such as brisk walking for 30 minutes or more on most days of the week," said Dr. Xuemei Sui of the University of South Carolina.
-- KERO-TV (Bakersfield, Calif.)
Bladder Cancer Risks Increase Over Time for Smokers
. . . In an accompanying editorial, Anthony J. Alberg, Ph.D., MPH, of the Hollings Cancer Center and Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, and James R. Hebert, ScD, of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, note that the most important aspect of this finding was that the association between smoking and bladder cancer increased substantially from 1994 to 2004.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
Study: Sea stars bulk up to beat the heat
. . . The study that included co-author Brian Helmuth, an associate professor at the University of South Carolina, appears in the journal The American Naturalist.
-- UPI
Miss Darlington Pageant Saturday
. . . Miss Darlington contestants include Sarah-Frances Parker, University of South Carolina student, performing a lyrical dance . . . .
-- The (Florence) Morning News
University news
Continuing Cuts Concern Colleges
With the announcement last week by the state Board of Economic Advisors of an additional $120 million in cuts to the state budget — bringing the total cuts since June to $328 million from the state’s now-$5.6 billion budget — higher education institutions continue to tighten their belts, with more cuts likely on the way when lawmakers reconvene in January.
-- The (Columbia) Free Times
Columnist Kathleen Parker to Speak at University of South Carolina
On Thursday, nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Kathleen Parker will speak at the University of South Carolina on the topic of "Seeking Civility in America's Political Discourse."
-- Editor & Publisher
My News 2: Making college affordable and attainable [video]
-- WCBD-TV (Charleston)
--> Additional coverage at the following news link:
-- The (Anderson) Independent-Mail
Clemson-[University of South Carolina] fans unite for good cause
. . . Organizers at Big Brothers Big Sisters hope fervent fans can set aside their differences Tuesday and raise money for the group that mentors youth.
-- The Greenville News
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
A Web site developing new ways of storytelling
. . . So far LiveHopeLove has been a landmark project for the company. It began with [Kwame] Dawes, a professor at the University of South Carolina, who was working on a long article about AIDS in Jamaica for the Virginia Quarterly Review. The article led to a broader project, "HOPE: Living and Loving with AIDS in Jamaica," that included a collection of poetry, a performance at the National Black Theater Festival, two short documentaries for public television, and the Web site.
-- The Philadelphia Inquirer
Police shooting rate high
. . . "You need to look at each one individually," said Geoffrey Alpert, professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina. "The number alone is high, but that doesn't mean there's a problem."
-- The Augusta Chronicle
Yardbirds: urban chickens gain support
. . . University of South Carolina sustainability expert Jason Craig spoke of the "great educational opportunity" home chickens can give children, many of whom suffer from "nature-deficit disorder."
-- The (Columbia) State
Alumni in the News
Willis takes home FMU alumni award
Johnny R. Willis, senior counselor for Circle Park Behavioral Health Services and part-time psychology instructor at Francis Marion University, has been honored by the FMU Department of Psychology with an outstanding alumni award.
-- WMBF-TV (Myrtle Beach/Florence)
An Airail View: Cartoons by Robert Ariail
For 25 years, he brought us his unique take on the Palmetto State in the pages of the morning paper. But like many who practice the art of editorial cartooning, Robert Ariail had to move on.
-- WIS-TV (Columbia)
Hootie guitarist shares music experience with C of C students
. . . This semester, the college is offering students who take the course the chance to learn directly from someone who has experienced just about every aspect of the music business firsthand, Mark Bryan.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
University news
Flexible Fund Raising
. . . It was in this era of uncertainty that South Carolina development officers began considering different options. How could a university ask donors for money when their portfolios had been ravaged and there was no clear path to recovery?
-- Inside Higher Ed
Pastides: Toward a more civil discourse [opinion]
. . . As the state's flagship university with campuses across the state, the University of South Carolina wants to make a difference by engaging our students and our citizens on this important topic. Therefore, I am committing our eight campuses to an initiative that seeks to elevate the tenor of public discourse in our state by educating our students and involving our citizens in this endeavor.
-- The (Columbia) State
--> Op ed ran in other newspapers throughout South Carolina, including the following:
-- The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat
Syndicated columnist to speak at [University of South Carolina]
"Seeking Civility in America's Political Discourse" will be the topic of nationally syndicated newspaper columnist Kathleen Parker, who is speaking Thursday at the University of South Carolina.
-- The (Columbia) State
OCtech students get option to transfer into program at [University of South Carolina] in Columbia
Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College pre-engineering students will now be able to take courses that are transferable to University of South Carolina’s College of Engineering and Computing.
-- The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
Gov. Sanford's affair not enough for impeachment, Harrell says
. . . University of South Carolina political science professor Mark Tompkins said Harrell's statement reflects the political reality that impeachment carries little upside for lawmakers.
-- The Greenville News
Impeachment resolution introduced by SC lawmaker
University of South Carolina historian Dr. Walter Edgar says no South Carolina governor has ever been impeached and there’s been only one previous attempt.
-- WCBD-TV (Charleston), via WSPA-TV (Spartanburg)
Sea Star Swells With Tides
. . . "It would be as if humans were able to look at a weather forecast, decide it was going to be hot tomorrow, and then in preparation suck up 15 or more pounds of water into our bodies," said study researcher Brian Helmuth of the University of South Carolina in Columbia.
-- LiveScience
Alumni in the News
John Pollock named president of Canal Insurance
Charles M. “Chuck” Timmons Jr., president and chief executive officer of Greenville-based Canal Insurance Co., has announced his retirement after 37 years of service with the company.
-- The Greenville News
University news
Charles Bierbauer, Michelle Dodenhoff tapped to lead new Communications, Development and Alumni Relations divisions
. . . Michelle Dodenhoff, who has served as interim vice president for Advancement, has been named vice president of Development and Alumni Relations. Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies, has been named interim vice president for Communications, which includes the offices of Media Relations, Marketing and Web Communications, Printing Services and Publications. He will remain dean of the college.
-- Midlands Biz
New tax district plan hits a wall
. . . Some, notably County Councilman Norman Jackson, are more receptive to a riverfront tax district. It would bolster a budding research campus at the University of South Carolina.
-- The (Columbia) State
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
Lawsuit shines spotlight on Philly police foot pursuits
. . . While nearly every police department has a policy for car chases, no one knows how many departments have adopted guidelines for foot pursuits, said Robert Kaminski, an associate professor in the department of criminology and criminal justice at the University of South Carolina.
-- PoliceOne, via the Philadelphia Inquirer
David Lockwood of Colliers Keenan has been Appointed Chairman of the Board for City Center Partnership
. . . Other New Board Members for 2010 include: . . . Dr. Harris Pastides, President of the University of South Carolina
-- Midlands Biz
Weekly Poem: 'Storm' [by Kwame Dawes]
-- PBS
Alumni in the News
Wilkie named new asst. to city manager
Julia M. Wilkie was introduced Monday night as the City of Greenwood’s new assistant to the city manager.
-- The (Greenwood) Index-Journal
Resident publishes pictorial history book
Lifelong Liberty County resident Meredith Devendorf knows a picture is worth 1,000 words.
-- The (Hinesville, Ga.) Coastal Courier
University news
Politics with a little politesse [column, by Kathleen Parker]
. . . In Wilson's home state, University of South Carolina President Harris Pastides has made civility a focal point of the institution's goals.
-- The Washington Post
--> Kathleen Parker’s column appeared in hundreds of newspapers throughout the U.S., including the following:
-- The Chicago Tribune
-- The Detroit News
-- The Baltimore Sun
-- The Cincinnati Enquirer
-- The (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram
-- The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press
Gift from Verizon Communications to help fund Cocky’s Reading Express
Verizon Communications has increased its support of Cocky’s Reading Express with a gift of $24,500, the largest gift to date to support the University of South Carolina’s student-led literacy program.
-- Midlands Biz
[University of South Carolina] Program Promotes Science to Kids
A program at the University of South Carolina is introducing kids to the world of science, in hopes of tackling a shortage of young people entering the scientific field.
-- WSPA-TV (Spartanburg)
[University of South Carolina] offers needy a financial guarantee
The University of South Carolina is now in its third year of a need-based scholarship program that this fall includes several students from the Upstate.
-- The (Spartanburg) Herald-Journal
Goal is to help more black men graduate
. . . The University of South Carolina Aiken doesn't break down graduation rates by black males and females, but spokeswoman Jennifer Conner said there was a 28 percent graduation rate for all black students who started in 2002 and graduated by 2008.
-- The Augusta Chronicle
Universities spent big on travel
. . . The University of South Carolina came in second for travel costs, spending $8.9 million, 72 percent of it outside the state. That's down from $11.5 million in 2007-08.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
In Search of a Father in Search of the Blues
. . . Debra Rae Cohen, an assistant professor of English at the University of South Carolina and former journalist who was his third wife, describes an out-of-control drug problem and a violent outburst that left her with shards of glass from a picture frame in her hair.
-- The New York Times
Writing the laws on $10,400 a year
. . . University of South Carolina associate political science professor Mark Tompkins said the legislative pay and time commitment serve as a filter for who can afford to serve, adding to the growing number of retirees in state office nationwide. On the flipside, many two- income households with children wouldn't be able to make ends meet if they tried to also hold a seat in the Legislature, he said.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
Choosing the best Southern novels of all time
. . . Bob Brinkmeyer, who teaches English and Southern Studies at the University of South Carolina, was one of the judges for the Oxford American list.
-- The (Columbia) State
Fowler named chairman of Voorhees board
Don Fowler, former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and the S.C. Democratic Party, has been appointed chairman of the board of trustees at Voorhees College.
-- The (Columbia) State
Original art heralds ‘Nutcracker 2009’ — Dec. 10-13
. . . Each year, Dr. Karen Heid has created an original painting depicting characters and scenes unique to the local production.
-- The Dalton (Ga.) Daily Citizen
Deidre Mercer Martin honored for fundraising work
The Greater Augusta Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals recently named Deidre Mercer Martin, vice chancellor for university advancement at the University of South Carolina Aiken, as the “Outstanding Fundraising Professional” for 2009.
-- The Tifton (Ga.) Gazette
Research ties local families to history
. . . For the past several months the staff at Redcliffe and several University of South Carolina Aiken students have researched the genealogical records of families who lived on Redcliffe, Kathwood, Cowden and Silver Bluff plantations between 1890 and 1975.
-- The Augusta Chronicle
Community Milestones
. . . Elizabeth Ryan Whicker was recently elected president of the Student Bar Association, the student government at the University of South Carolina School of Law. She will serve as president for the 2009-2010 school year.
-- The Winston-Salem Journal
University news
[University of South Carolina] has two Rhodes scholar finalists
Two University of South Carolina students have been named finalists for the Rhodes scholarship. Seniors Gurjeet “Jeet” Guram and Joseph “Joey” Montoya will interview for the scholarship on Nov. 20 in Kansas City, Mo.
-- SC Biz
[University of South Carolina] Tries to Break World Record with Food Drive
The University of South Carolina is trying to break the Guiness World Record for the largest food drive by a non-charitable organization in a 24-hour period. The current record is 388,381 pounds.
-- WSPA-TV (Spartanburg)
University of South Carolina’s Mascot Cocky “Scores with Recycling” at Colonial Life Arena
. . . [Michael] Koman, Director of [University of South Carolina] Sustainability says, “The new recycling initiative at the Colonial Life Arena on the University of South Carolina campus has evolved out of past and current partnerships with our community partners and supports our many efforts to green the University and become a more sustainable campus. Not only does this initiative serve to educate the half a million visitors that come through the Arena each year, but it will also serve as an example for others throughout the state to follow.”
-- Midlands Biz
Parker: About China's choice
Syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker will be the speaker for [University of South Carolina]'s Buchheit Family Lecture Series at 7 p.m. Thursday at Belk Auditorium in the Darla Moore School of Business.
-- The (Columbia) State
[University of South Carolina Beaufort] to host forum on environmental issues
The University of South Carolina Beaufort will host a forum from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday in the Hargray building on the Bluffton campus to help citizens and organizations understand environmental issues.
-- The (Hilton Head) Island Packet
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
Dedication to education will change jobs picture, officials say
. . . The fifth Greenville Chamber-hosted Leadership Issues Series was held Thursday, an attempt “to set the stage for positive leadership to shape the economy,” said Judith Prince, vice chancellor of [University of South Carolina]-Upstate.
-- The Greenville News
Play explores health care debate
. . . Only [University of South Carolina] graduate students Katie Kreuger, who plays Grace, and Daniel Hill, who plays her boss, Mr. Roeder, have single roles.
-- The (Columbia) State
Alumni in the News
Girl Scouts hire Baxley as manager
Pat Baxley has been hired as the grants and resource manager for Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina.
-- WBTW-TV (Florence)
University news
[University of South Carolina] names new university division leaders
. . . Michelle Dodenhoff, who has served as interim vice president for advancement, has been named vice president of development and alumni relations. Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communications and Information Studies, has been named interim vice president for communications. That division includes the offices of media relations, marketing and Web communications, printing services and publications. He will remain dean of the college.
-- SC Biz
Annual Clemson - [University of South Carolina] blood drive begins Monday
One of few points Tigers and Gamecocks can agree on is the importance of an annual blood drive that has preceded the gridiron rivalry for the past quarter century.
-- The Greenville News
Darla Moore School of Business Named Among Top 50 for Stewardship Education
The Darla Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina has demonstrated significant leadership in integrating social, environmental and ethical issues into its MBA program, according to the Aspen Institute’s 2009 – 10 edition of “Beyond Grey Pinstripes,” a biennial survey and alternative ranking of business schools.
-- Midlands Biz
[University of South Carolina] Salk enrollment tops goal of 1,000
Enrollment at the University of South Carolina Salkehatchie campus in Allendale and Walterboro has topped 1,000 students.
-- The (Orangeburg) Times and Democrat
Alumni in the News
Days Gone By
. . . South Carolina Honors College at the University of South Carolina presented awards to 12 outstanding alumni, including Jean Parr Hall of Eudora.
-- The Eudora (Kan.) News
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
CNN finding that prime-time success is elusive
. . . "We sometimes scratch our heads and wonder, 'Why can't they figure this out?'" said former CNN correspondent Charles Bierbauer, dean of the College of Mass Communication and Information Studies at the University of South Carolina, describing his talks with another old CNN hand on his faculty.
-- The Associated Press
Judge strikes down plate
. . . Thomas Crocker, assistant law professor at the University of South Carolina Law School, said Currie made the right decision in an "absolutely clear-cut" case.
-- The (Columbia) State
--> McClatchy Newspapers report appeared in other news outlets, including the following:
-- The (Raleigh) News & Observer
Half a gallon of fuel found in plane that crash landed at GSP
. . . “That’s what you call fumes,” said Michael Sutton, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina.
-- The Greenville News
Players eager to support project
South Carolina's players seem to be taking seriously the opportunity Saturday to wear camouflage-splashed uniforms to help honor and support the Wounded Warrior Project.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
Alumni in the News
World War II vet joins flight group for sightseeing trip to Washington
. . . [Dr. Edward “Pete”] Petit was one of 100 veterans who were flown to Washington D.C. last weekend on an Honor Flight Tour. Petit and friend Phyllis Krohn, who served as his “guardian” on the trip, flew out of Columbia on Saturday morning, bound for Washington.
-- The (Greenwood) Index-Journal
University news
Gamecock Guarantee helps low-income students
. . . The program guarantees free tuition and fees for four years for South Carolina students from very low-income families who meet all of the university's entrance requirements. It also provides support services to students, many of whom are among the first generation in their families to attend college.
-- The (Charleston) Post and Courier
The dog cloner
. . . Still, Lee's cloned and transgenic dogs are piquing interest. He is collaborating with both the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases to study chronic granulomatous disease, a rare genetic white blood cell disorder, and the University of South Carolina to study Alzheimer's disease.
-- Nature News
[University of South Carolina] tops in sexual health [opinion]
. . . Those who compile the annual rankings note that a variety of factors go into the decision, including student opinions of the school's health center, that center's hours of operation, the availability and cost of contraceptives, doctor's appointments and testing for sexually transmitted diseases. [University of South Carolina] students apparently give their health center high marks.
-- The (Rock Hill) Herald
Faculty/Staff/Student notes and quotes
Jeremy Morris, 99 1/2, helped prove exercise is heart-healthy
. . . “You can go back to ancient physicians and philosophers like Hippocrates and Siddhartha who said exercise is good for you, but they didn’t have any data,” Steven Blair, a professor of exercise science and epidemiology at the University of South Carolina, said in an interview Thursday. “Jerry was the guy who did the systematic research that invented the whole field of physical activity epidemiology.”
-- The (Bend, Ore.) Bulletin, via New York Times News Service
Aspen Institute Web Conference Features Dean of [University of South Carolina]'s Darla Moore School of Business and Global VP from FedEx
The Aspen Institute Center for Business Education will feature Hildy Teegen, Dean of the University of South Carolina's Moore School of Business, along with Bill Margaritis, Corporate VP of Global Communications and Investor Relations for FedEx, in a Web Conference presentation, "Access: Making the Connection," on November 12 at 3:30 pm.
-- KVIA-TV (El Paso), and elsewhere, via PRNewswire
--> Additional coverage appeared in the following news outlets:
Pilot of GSP small plane crash 'one of the best'
. . . Such a flight is “what you'd normally do,” said Dr. Michael Sutton, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of South Carolina who studies aircraft.
-- The Greenville News
Teens talk, community listens
. . . Anthony Gomez, a freshman at the University of South Carolina just out of Northwestern High School, told the crowd that the kids he was friends with in elementary school are either out of school or deep in trouble with the law because of drugs and violence.
-- The (Rock Hill) Herald
