2020 Archive

Maxcy Monument on the Historic Horseshoe with sunlight streaming through the trees.
detail of Richard Greener statue

Presidential Commission re-examines university's complex history

September 18, 2020, Chris Horn

When President Bob Caslen established the Presidential Commission on University History last year, he tasked it with leading a research effort “into the complex history of the university.” That task is every bit as challenging as one might expect for an institution whose nearly 220-year history was shaped first by the antebellum South, the Civil War and decades of state-sponsored racial segregation.

health worker handles forms related to COVID-19 testing

Contact tracing and the classroom

September 03, 2020

As the number of COVID-19 cases has increased among the student body, questions have arisen about the contact tracing process as it pertains to faculty members. Rebecca Caldwell, director of Strategic Health Initiatives, discusses the university’s efforts in this area and what faculty members can expect to see as it relates to their students.

Deborah Beck wearing a blue suit stands near the student health center

Planning for a safe return

August 12, 2020

University leaders have been preparing all summer for a safe return to campus. Student Health Services director Deborah Beck gives an overview of the university's efforts and addresses the responsibility of each member of our community to do their part.

Overlooking the fountain outside Thomas Cooper Library looking at the smokestack near the Horseshoe

UofSC among top universities granted U.S. utility patents

July 08, 2020, Communications and Public Affairs

For the eighth-consecutive year, the University of South Carolina stands among the top 100 universities in the world, based on the number of U.S. utility patents faculty members received in 2019. South Carolina ranks 90th worldwide, named as the lead on 31 patents last year.

The Maxcy monument stands left of center on the historic Horseshoe, which is green with summer

UofSC Board of Trustees subcommittees pass motions, ready for full board approval

June 05, 2020, Dana Woodward

On Friday, June 5, three committees of the university’s Board of Trustees met: the Academic Affairs and Faculty Liaison Committee, the Intercollegiate Athletics Committee and the Audit and Compliance Committee. Here’s a roundup of the committee approvals that will now be up for full board approval at the meeting on June 19.

william tate in suit and tie standing outside

Meet Provost William F. Tate IV

June 02, 2020, Keisa Gunby

William F. "Bill" Tate IV began his tenure as provost at the University of South Carolina on July 1. He comes to South Carolina from Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as the dean of the graduate school and vice provost for graduate education.

archival image of student protests in May 1970

50 years of May

April 27, 2020, Craig Brandhorst

A half century ago, against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and seismic shifts in American culture, the campus of the University of South Carolina became a battleground — between students and the administration, between a young generation and the establishment, between radically different worldviews. But the dramatic events of that spring, which came to be known as The Months of May, weren’t strictly destructive. The lessons of that era also changed lives and changed the university itself.

3D printer

COVID-19 response: Prisma Health collaborates with UofSC on ventilator device

March 25, 2020, David Lee

A collaborative effort involving Prisma Health and the University of South Carolina has resulted in emergency use authorization for a ventilator expansion device to support multiple patients during times of acute equipment shortages such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.

AI Institute

Intelligence, all over campus

March 05, 2020, Megan Sexton

While artificial intelligence research and programs are growing around the country, the University of South Carolina’s AI Institute is among the first in the Southeast to include diverse colleges and departments.

Gov. McMaster shakes hands with USCDM Pres. Justin Gill

Governor proclaims South Carolina Dance Marathon Day

February 26, 2020, Allen Wallace

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster issued an official proclamation declaring Feb. 26, 2020 as South Carolina Dance Marathon Day. The proclamation recognizes the UofSC Dance Marathon for raising a record $1,038,156 for the hospital in 2019 and for their ongoing efforts to support the kids at Prisma Health Children's Hospital.

A headshot of Julian Williams, new VP of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

UofSC announces new Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion

February 21, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina announced Julian R. Williams will serve as its first Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Williams, who most recently served as Vice President of Inclusion and Diversity at Virginia’s George Mason University, was selected by President Bob Caslen following a national search process. His appointment was formally approved by the university’s Board of Trustees on Feb. 21.

Mark Bieger

Meet Mark Bieger

January 23, 2020, Chris Horn

Mark Bieger, a retired Army colonel and 1991 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, was named chief of staff for President Bob Caslen in early January. Bieger served previously as chief of staff at West Point and headed a training brigade at Fort Jackson in Columbia from 2012 to 2014.