Dedicated faculty members were recognized by the Office of the Vice President for Research with the Distinguished Research Service Awards. Recipients include Honors faculty Kelly Goldberg, Ph.D. and Joseph McQuail, Ph.D.
The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences announces the 2026 Class of McCausland Faculty Fellows, recognizing six outstanding early-career faculty for excellence in teaching, research and student mentorship. Fellows include Melissa Ellermann, Ph.D. and Tharini Viswanath, Ph.D., who teach in the Honors College.
Cocky’s Reading Express turned 20 in 2025. The folks behind USC’s ongoing effort to promote childhood literacy tell the story, one book at a time. The program provides opportunities for student volunteers, including Honors student Briana Vinson.
2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winner Tom Mullikin has enjoyed a long and eclectic career. Now, the longtime environmental lawyer is managing the Palmetto State’s fish, wildlife and natural areas as director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
A group of University of South Carolina students has planned and organized TEDxCongaree Vista, featuring speakers whose topics are likely to spark conversation and inspire action.
Students Ansley Martin and Stella Tew have been working with USC Brain Health to launch a program called Vibrant Minds, an expressive arts initiative that combines neuroscience, creativity and social interaction to support older adults living with neurological conditions. The program helps adults facing cognitive challenges connect with their memories and each other through art and creative projects.
Three juniors and one senior have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest.
A South Carolina Honors College chemistry course is teaching students scientific principles in a tasty way by shifting from mixing chemicals to cooking food to learn how different chemical reactions and theories work in our daily lives.
A new Honors course blends a love of coffee-drinking with the foundations of chemical engineering while helping students scientifically explore and analyze the design of the popular beverage.
December Honors graduate Kamryn Carter, a philosophy and religious studies double major, reflects on the people, legacies, courses and leadership opportunities that have shaped her academic trajectory and passion for community-centered advocacy.
Kayla Davenport, an Honors biological sciences major and December graduate, faced many choices during her undergraduate experience--and she selected options that challenged her capabilities and shaped her into an aspiring health professional committed to improving public health.
Paige Canady planned to write a straightforward Honors thesis – but after collaborating with an art education student, the project became a cleverly illustrated children’s book, one that Canady hopes will be read by families everywhere.
Honors College student Michael Pitre gets up around 3 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to make the two-hour drive to Folly Beach to surf at the Washout before heading back to Columbia and his 11:40 a.m. class. It’s a regimen that aligns nicely with the Marshall Scholar finalist’s jam-packed schedule that includes earning his BARSC-M.D. degree in just three years, working as an emergency medical technician and researching the circuitry of the brain on his way to becoming a neurosurgeon.
As the December Class of 2025 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
As a first-generation student, Jonathan Aun's path to becoming a doctor wasn't easy. In USC's Honors College he found friendships, memories and an environment of support and exploration in which to lead and help others do the same. Whether called Major Aun or Dr. Aun today, he continues to build compassionate connection with his patients — and is a true Gamecock at heart.
Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.
South Carolina Honors College alumna Jeanne Britton ('99 English) developed a passion for interdisciplinary learning and history as a Carolina scholar. As a rare books curator and Honors instructor, she challenges new generations of Honors students to investigate historic materials, making connections between the past and present.
Six finalists with ties to USC were recognized by the 2025 InnoVision Awards, with three winning top honors. The winning businesses are led by students in the South Carolina Honors College, alumni and graduate students from the Molinaroli College of Engineering, and alumni from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Honors College.
South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.
As a history and anthropology double major, Honors senior Gracie Bellah dove into historical research and became a leader in student organizations. Her experience helping other students as a McCausland College ambassador helped her decide to take her career plans in a new direction.
A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.
Jamie Hammill (1983, elementary education) encountered incredible courses and mentors in the South Carolina Honors College. It didn't take long for her husband Lanny Secrest to appreciate the Honors College, too. Their significant gift to the Honors College pays homage to Hammill's mentor and ensures that the tradition of "cool courses" continues.
First-generation SCHC junior Tam Dinh talks about her winding path to finding the right major and feeling confident in making life-changing decisions.
Sheila Cregger (1978), Creighton Waters (1993) and Molly Doggett (2012) are this year's Distinguished Honors Alumni. Each has made significant impacts on their local communities and beyond.
Christopher Carter, 2021 graduate of the South Carolina Honors College, conducts cutting-edge materials science research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he's earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. His engineering work might end up in space, but Carter credits his artwork as being central to his growth as a scientist.
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