The USC Connect office has a new executive director. Lara Ducate, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures, has been appointed to lead the office that oversees and promotes integrative learning inside and outside the classroom and Graduation with Leadership Distinction.
Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Studies Sandra Kelly says, “I am very pleased that Lara Ducate has accepted the position of Faculty Executive Director of USC Connect. USC Connect has transformed UofSC’s academic landscape by promoting integrative and experiential learning under Irma Van Scoy’s leadership and I am looking forward to facilitating the next steps taken by this office under Lara’s leadership. The extent of the positive impact on all of our students of these efforts is something to be proud of.”
I am thrilled and honored to be able to continue the legacy of USC Connect and Graduation with Leadership Distinction begun by Irma Van Scoy, Ph.D., and look forward to continuing to build the culture of integrative learning at UofSC.
Lara Ducate, Ph.D., USC Connect executive director
Ducate has been involved with USC Connect for several years, serving on the USC Connect Council and as a Faculty Fellow. As a Faculty Fellow, she serves as an advocate for integrative learning throughout the university and provides faculty perspective and recommendations to USC Connect. She recently assumed the role of Senior Faculty Associate, leading coordination and professional development for instructors of UNIV 401 Graduation with Leadership Distinction.
She says, “I am thrilled and honored to be able to continue the legacy of USC Connect and Graduation with Leadership Distinction begun by Irma Van Scoy, Ph.D., and look forward to continuing to build the culture of integrative learning at UofSC.”
Ducate has been with the university since 2003 providing innovative instruction in German language and culture as well as foreign language and teaching methods. She regularly leads the USC Wittenberg trip where students practice the German language with native speakers and explore contemporary German culture. She also organizes a Maymester study abroad program that focuses on sustainability in the German state of Saxony-Anhalt.
In her new role, she hopes to continue to promote integrative learning across the university and to expand the Graduation with Leadership Distinction program and the experiential learning initiative so that all students can engage in the valuable learning that takes place when engaged in integrated learning. She plans to achieve this by focusing on faculty involvement, student engagement and partnerships across the University. As a team, she believes we can all work together to mold our students into creative, tolerant, empathetic problem-solvers of the future.
Ducate will assume her new responsibilities on June 12.