Meet Our Team

Dr. Stephen Cutler

Vice President
Email: sjcutler@cop.sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-4151

Background

Stephen J. Cutler, Ph.D., currently serves as the dean of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy after having served 1 year as the interim executive vice president for academic affairs and provost. Before that, he served as the dean and professor of the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy for 5 years.

During his career, Dr. Cutler has received more than $40,000,000 from various federal agencies including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense (DoD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). He is the author or co-author of 50 patents (US and international), more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, 3 books, 21 book chapters, 40 published abstracts, and 201 scientific presentations.

In 2022, Dr. Cutler was recognized with the James E. Wynn Memorial Award by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy’s Chemistry Section, which recognizes members for gifted teaching, positive energy, honor, visionary academic skills, genuine caring for colleagues and strong mentoring for students.

Chase Kasper

Deputy Director
Email: kasperc@sc.edu
Phone: 803-777-4031

Background

Chase Kasper serves as Deputy Director of the University of South Carolina’s Office of Economic Engagement, where he acts as the office’s principal operational leader. In this role, Kasper helps advance USC’s strategic vision by strengthening partnerships, accelerating innovation and commercialization efforts. He works closely with faculty, students, industry, and public-sector partners to translate research, creativity, and entrepreneurial activity into real-world impact.

Kasper brings extensive experience in higher education administration and economic development, with previous leadership roles at the Clemson University Research Foundation, the University of Southern Mississippi, and Mississippi State University. Across these institutions, he has built a reputation for driving collaboration, improving operational effectiveness, and supporting technology transfer and workforce development initiatives. His work reflects a clear focus on execution—turning strategy into action and ensuring universities play a meaningful role in regional and statewide economic growth.