COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR - J. Scott Parker

By Mary Caitlyn Moore, senior, public relations

J. Scott Parker is excited to be at CIC. The college’s new communications director, who was previously communications manager at the Cranwell International Center at Virginia Tech, was looking for a larger college and wanted to be closer to family in South Carolina. USC seemed like a perfect fit.

In his new role, Parker writes news stories and produces social media content. 

He also brings a strong background in video production. He holds a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from the University of Florida and an MFA in film and video production from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. Earlier in his career, he worked as a documentary filmmaker.

While he doesn’t make films anymore, Parker says that his experience has helped prepare him for his new role as a producer of photo/video content. 

Story idea or questions about CIC communications? Share it with J. Scott at j.scottparker@sc.edu. 

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR - Danielle McNaughton 

By Elizabeth Grich, senior, public relations

You may have seen the name Danielle McNaughton.

A Charleston native and 2003 J-school graduate, McNaughton originally came to USC as a transfer student after attending a football game at Williams-Brice. She returned to her alma mater in 2022 after working in recruitment, marketing and social media for various industries.

As alumni engagement coordinator, McNaughton develops social media content, plans events for CIC alumni and works closely on other CIC projects with communications director J. Scott Parker. McNaughton is also in charge of promotional items such as T-shirts, CIC swag and gameday essentials. 

In her spare time, McNaughton enjoys spending time on Lake Murray, catching live music and exploring Columbia, the city she’s loved since 2001.

Alumni updates or questions about CIC events? Send it to Danielle at danimcnaughton@sc.edu. 

CAREER SERVICES MANAGER - Kelli Carroll 

By Madeline Alberse Jones, senior, visual communications

Maryland native Kelli Carroll moved around a bit before settling in Columbia as the 

CIC’s new career services manager. Carroll, who holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Claflin University and a master’s in sports administration from the University of Miami, served as the career services manager at Ironhack US, a tech bootcamp school based in Spain, before coming to USC. 

Carroll credits her mother for her interest in helping students build their careers and her enthusiasm for guiding students toward their goals. 

“I’ve been around career development my entire life,” she says. “My mother was also a career coach, so I feel very close to it. I just naturally fell into this line of work.” 

Want to hire an intern or get involved with the CIC Career Fair? Get in touch with Kelli at kc142@mailbox.sc.edu. 

DEVELOPMENT TEAM - Braden Shain

Braden Shain (right) is the lead senior director of development for the CIC. He oversees fundraising and development operations and works closely with the college’s alumni and external relations and corporate engagement to advance the mission, research and ambitions of faculty and students.

Support from generous alumni and friends helps engage the best and brightest students in hands-on projects and empower our award-winning professors to shape the future of communication.

If you have any questions or are interested in engaging with the college as a donor, volunteer or ambassador, reach out to Braden (bshain@mailbox.sc.edu).