Charlie Pierce, outgoing faculty executive director for the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning, will step into a new role as the inaugural faculty director of the reimagined Engineering and Computing Community (ECC). Pierce, a seasoned educator with deep roots in Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, sees this role as a return to his passion: direct student engagement.
“Being CIEL director has pulled back the curtains for me, so to speak, on how USC operates and all the units that contribute to supporting student success,” he says. “I want to bring that understanding and those connections with me so that I can best direct each student on their personal needs for success.”
His excitement stems from years of experience teaching and mentoring MCEC students. “I have taught ECIV 101 for more than a decade and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges that first-year students deal with and – at the same time – the amazing gifts and talents they bring with them to college,” Pierce says.
The ECC's transition to a faculty-led living-learning community (LLC) reflects the university's focus on enriching student experiences in pursuit of student retention, graduation and postgraduation success. Beyond standard leadership duties, Pierce will prioritize creating a supportive environment.
“I hope to be an incredible resource,” he says. “Help students find connections to each other, to other students in MCEC, to faculty, to the campus at large.”
Pierce’s "ABCs" – Advocacy and Accountability, Belongingness and Belief, Community and Creativity – will guide the ECC's culture as he aims to build a collaborative team in partnership with Program Lead Shana Watson.
Students in the ECC can expect a vibrant community focused on "whole person learning." Located in Campus Village, the ECC offers easy access to the Student Success Center, enhancing academic support.
“In other words, there will be a balance of events, experiences, and opportunities that drive intellectual, physical, social, and emotional development,” Pierce says. He wants students in the ECC to feel supported, have fun and find their path.
“I am pleased to welcome Charlie to the team of faculty directors serving our nationally ranked residential living learning communities,” says Lara Lomicka Anderson, vice provost for undergraduate affairs and dean of undergraduate studies. “Faculty directors are the bridge between academic excellence and student life, transforming residence halls into centers of learning where students don't just live, but truly thrive. I am confident that Charlie will help students thrive and will be an invaluable resource to the ECC LLC.”