November 21, 2024 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu

You might know Katie Annan from her five years as the Arnold School’s Assistant Director for Graduate Student Services. Or maybe you met her during the four years she led professional development and training at the USC Visitor Center? Her three years as a University 101 instructor?

Annan’s connections to USC go back more than 20 years. But did you know that she played in the Carolina Band? Is an avid runner (half marathons are a favorite)? Has a four-year-old son who loves Gamecock football? And shares all of this with her husband, Nick?

After graduating from a high school with fewer than 70 students in her senior class, Annan knew she wanted to attend a big university. Her love for playing the clarinet led Annan to USC and she moved the 60 miles west from Lynchburg to the capitol city.

In addition to Carolina Band, she played in marching, concert and basketball pep bands. In the classroom, Annan studied physical education with an emphasis in athletic training and served as the athletic trainer for local schools after her 2007 graduation. In 2011, she returned to USC to earn a master’s degree in Higher Education Business Administration and took a position as the membership services coordinator for the Strom Thurmond Wellness and Fitness Center.

When she made the move to the Visitors Center, Annan became responsible for prepping University Ambassadors to welcome the 100,000 individuals who visit USC each year. In 2019, she joined the Arnold School’s Office of Graduate Student Services.

“I’m passionate about supporting students during this formative time in their lives,” says Annan, who also loves working alongside mentors like Toni Torres-McGehee and Jim Mench from her time as an undergrad. “I enjoy asking them questions and helping them reach their full potential. USC and the Arnold School offer so many opportunities, and I love helping students discover them.”

The main part of her job is to interact with students – both prospective and current. Annan takes phone calls, responds to emails and represents the Arnold School at recruitment fairs. “Being an ambassador for the Arnold School is an essential part of my duties,” she says.

A big chunk of Annan’s time is spent processing applications for the school’s 38 graduate programs. The team updates students and program directors on the status of incoming applications and the progression of each student.

“I love this part of my job for several reasons, but mainly because analyzing each application and its unique requirements is like solving a puzzle,” Annan says.

“Katie is an integral part of the success of the Arnold School,” says Christy Smith, director for the Office of Graduate Student Services. “She is a devoted Gamecock and draws on her wealth of experience at the university to assist students and faculty with a positive spirit of service. I am grateful for her valuable input to ensure we are following best practices for admissions and student services. Katie is a great ambassador not just for the Arnold School, but all of USC.” 

Outside of these core responsibilities, she also serves as a staff advisor for the Dean’s Student Advisory Council, working with student leaders who are committed to elevating their classmates’ voices to help shape Arnold School policy and decision making. And for the past two years, she has represented the school on the USC Staff Senate.

“I love the people at the Arnold School and look forward to going to work every day because of the collegial environment and supportive community,” Annan says. “On a larger scale, being a part of the university and contributing to its broad impact is meaningful and gives me a lot of pride as an alumna.”

Another way she gives back as an alum is by supporting the Carolina Band, like participating in their golf tournament fundraiser, which has raised more than $100,000 in scholarships, facility improvements and travel funds like their trip to participate in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade this month. She also serves as the sponsor for the USC chapter of a national bandmember sorority.

And when she’s not running, surrounded by music or cheering on the Gamecocks, Annan and her family are enjoying the perks of life in Columbia, like the Soda City Market and Riverbanks Zoo. One of her favorite times of year is one that combines her work with her passion for USC.

“I love attending the annual hooding ceremony,” Annan says. “It’s so rewarding to see the students celebrate with family and friends. The excitement and pride are palpable!”

The Staff Spotlight Series is sponsored by the Arnold School's Office of Access and Collective Engagement.