Newton elected USC Board of Trustees chair
August 21, 2026, Andy Shain
With Newton’s election as chair, USC joins a small but growing number of South Carolina college boards led by women.
Press Releases
USC board approves freezing tuition, expanding Russell House, building Civil Rights Center
June 18, 2026, Andy Shain
University of South Carolina trustees approved a 2026-27 fiscal year budget that freezes in-state tuition systemwide and advanced key projects tied to the Columbia campus’s USC Next master plan.
Power in play and purpose in family inclusion
June 17, 2026, Anna Francis
Play is the language of children. Through a Duke Endowment-funded partnership with USC, Aiken County school counselors are learning play therapy and family engagement strategies that help students build resilience and feel heard.
Inside USC's National Advocacy Center: Where hospitality and technology support federal training
June 16, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The National Advocacy Center at the University of South Carolina provides an all-in-one training, lodging and learning hub for U.S. Department of Justice professionals, supported behind the scenes by USC Business Affairs and the Justice Television Network.
USC inks licensing agreement for prostate cancer screening tool
May 12, 2026, Andy Shain
The University of South Carolina has agreed to license an algorithm developed by a renowned cancer and nutritional epidemiologist to 20/20 BioLabs, a health sciences company that offers home cancer screening tests.
USC grad Stephen Panus takes steps to honor son after tragedy
May 05, 2026, Thom Harman
Stephen Panus creates ‘Walk On’ scholarship for USC walk-on student-athletes to honor son after tragedy.
USC graduates celebrate spring commencement
April 29, 2026, Jeff Stensland
Thousands of graduates from across the University of South Carolina will celebrate May commencement ceremonies beginning Thursday, May 7. USC President Michael Amiridis will deliver remarks at all four baccalaureate ceremonies taking place at the Colonial Life Arena (schedule below). Separate ceremonies also will be held for the Joseph F. Rice School of Law, the two Schools of Medicine and the doctoral graduates.
USC Board of Trustees receives master plan updates, formally approves hospital and other projects, honors US and USC anniversaries
March 19, 2026, Andy Shain
The USC Board of Trustees formally approved a number of new construction and renovation projects, including a neurological hospital and rehabilitation center, and received updates on the university’s master plan, including redeveloping the student union and developments on South Main Street. Trustees also adopted a resolution in recognition of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 225th anniversary of the founding of USC.
5 recognized for social justice work
January 13, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina has recognized students, faculty and staff members for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2026 Martin Luther King Social Justice Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.
School of Music faculty members nominated for Grammy awards
December 10, 2025, Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell
Ensembles led by School of Music bassoon professor Michael Harley and guitar assistant professor Mak Grgić are nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards to be presented Feb. 1 in Los Angeles. Theirs are the latest of several Grammy nominations for musicians with USC connections.
Jonathan Aun's Honors College experience helped shape his successful career path into medicine
November 18, 2025, Chris Horn
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.
USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards
November 14, 2025, Laura Erskine
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.
Curing Kids Cancer pledge fuels USC, Prisma Health pediatric cancer research partnership
September 24, 2025, Laura Morris
The University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy and Prisma Health Children’s Hospital announced a research collaboration on Sept. 24 aimed at redefining pediatric oncology care in South Carolina. The $5 million pledge from Curing Kids Cancer will fund research aimed at developing and providing access to innovative therapeutics for children with cancer.
Health Watch: 6 Dangerous Heat Stroke Myths That Could Put Your Health at Risk
August 20, 2025, Gregory Hardy
Rising temperatures are making heat stroke a serious risk in South Carolina and beyond, especially during outdoor activities such as youth sports, yard work, recreation and even work. At USC’s Arnold School of Public Health, associate professor of athletic training Susan Yeargin debunks dangerous myths about treating this life-threatening condition.
Alumnus Josh Dawsey publishes best-selling book on 2024 election
July 17, 2025, Laura Erskine
Josh Dawsey works at the forefront of U.S. politics. He has covered the White House extensively and has twice won the Pulitzer Prize for his reporting with teams from The Washington Post. His new book "2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America" tells the story of the tumultuous election season.
Law school alum Betsy Gray reflects on women in leadership
June 05, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Betsy Gray ('77 law) followed the fearless example of childhood neighbor Jean Toal ('68 law) and others in her decades-long legal career. Today, the highly accomplished founding member of Robinson Gray law firm reflects on change, peer support and the opportunity in daily challenges.
USC's College of Arts and Sciences renamed following transformational gift
April 22, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences has a new name honoring the vision and generosity of a prominent alumnus and his family. The official name, the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, was announced on Wednesday (April 23) during a ceremony on USC's Horseshoe.
USC celebrates 2025 Governor's Award for the Arts winners
April 01, 2025, Brandon Pugh
The Koger Center, USC School of Music professor Gail Barnes and USC School of Visual Arts and Design alumnus Wade Sellers have been named winners of the 2025 Governor’s Awards for the Arts by the South Carolina Arts Commission, recognizing exceptional practice or support of contemporary and traditional art forms.
School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus
February 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia. This cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot-plus medical education and research facility will be part of USC’s transformative $300 million Health Sciences Campus, amid 16 acres in Columbia’s reimagined BullStreet District.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist's second act connects athletes' minds and bodies
January 15, 2025, Anna Francis
Natasha Hastings came to the University of South Carolina with dreams of excelling as an athlete. Although her talent eventually would propel her to an NCAA championship, multiple world championships and two Olympic gold medals, her initial start on the Gamecock track and field team was less than stellar. Her body was sound, but she had psychological demons to slay.
USC alumnus finds his true calling in the kindergarten classroom
November 26, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Charleston native Keith Heyward Jr. was a restless third-grader when he realized his career goal was to teach. He knew that young Black boys craved a teacher they could relate to. Today, the University of South Carolina alumnus teaches kindergarten at James Island Elementary School. He makes sure the youngsters who step into his classroom feel safe and empowered.
Honors College alumna is making her mark at CNN Sports
November 12, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Long before she was traveling the world as senior director of business development and operations at CNN Sports, Amy Jordan was an Honors College student sending news releases around the world as a press intern for the late U.S. Sen. Fritz Hollings. To date, Jordan has covered four different Olympic games, numerous Super Bowls, the U.S. Open and more.
USC awarded federal grant to boost state's college and career readiness
November 12, 2024, Brandon Pugh
The U.S. Department of Education has awarded USC one of its largest-ever grants — $35 million — for the College of Education's GEAR UP SC program to help disadvantaged students overcome barriers to college and career opportunities.
USC alumnus, Marine Corps veteran leads nonprofit for vets
November 08, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
University of South Carolina alumnus Robert Chambers LeHeup is a Marine Corps infantry veteran with two combat tours under his belt when he left the service in 2004. In 2012, he founded Bullets and Bandaids to heal and support vets through storytelling and artwork.
Vatican synod open to wider roles for Catholic women
October 11, 2024, Carol E. Harrison
At the current Vatican synod, whose purpose is to address “communion, participation, and mission” in the church, women’s role is on the agenda. History professor Carol Harrison writes for The Conversation on how Catholic women have historically found ways to speak to and about their church leadership, even when they have been excluded from its proceedings.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
How Hurricane Helene became a deadly disaster across 6 states
October 07, 2024, Cary Mock
Some hurricanes are remembered for their wind damage or rainfall. Others for their coastal flooding. Hurricane Helene was a stew of all of that and more. Its near-record-breaking size, storm surge, winds and rainfall together turned Helene into an almost unimaginable disaster that stretched more than 500 miles inland from the Florida coast. Geography professor Cary Mock writes about the hurricane for The Conversation.
Investments in jazz program reverberate in momentum, reputation
September 25, 2024, Carol J. G. Ward
As the USC School of Music celebrates its centennial, the revitalized, internationally recognized jazz program Dean Tayloe Harding envisioned more than a decade ago has become a reality.
USC Alumni Association announces 2024 award recipients
September 25, 2024, Communications and Marketing
USC's Alumni Association announced its 2024 award recipients, seven alumni who will be honored during Homecoming Weekend.
Student ensembles kick off School of Music centennial celebration
September 04, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
The Centennial Celebration Concert joins more than 500 student musicians in the first of a series of events showcasing School of Music programs, students and faculty.
Fall Arts Preview
August 28, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen
Soon all of us will experience an arts immersion like no other — autumn. We will marvel at breathtaking color — yellows, russets, reds and browns — brilliantly lighting up the landscape. The University of South Carolina similarly offers a wide spectrum of arts experiences to ignite your imagination this fall. Here is a sampling.
Student leadership experience leads to Disney dream job for 2024 grad
July 17, 2024, Allen Wallace
At 22 years old, just a few weeks after graduating from the University of South Carolina, Caroline Salisbury is leading a team of more than 350 people at the world’s most famous resort.
Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing
June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing has a new name that reflects the vision and generosity of generations of the Molinaroli family. The official name, the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was announced on Thursday (June 6) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the college’s Swearingen Engineering Center on Main Street.
Let it Reign!
May 14, 2024, Thom Harman
Maybe you were shouting from the stands in Cleveland as Dawn Staley’s remarkable women’s basketball team brought home the third national championship in program history. Maybe you were among the 24 million viewers watching on TV as they turned a so-called rebuilding year into an undefeated season and rings all around. Maybe you were even out there in the Thomas Cooper reflecting pool with several hundred other ecstatic Gamecocks, making a splash all your own.
Gamecocks come together for Carolina Day
February 09, 2024, Communications and Marketing staff
On Tuesday, Feb. 13, alumni and advocates of the University of South Carolina will come together for Carolina Day. The annual event is a chance for Gamecocks near and far to show their love for the university as well as the importance of USC in improving the lives of every S.C. resident.
Journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons helps caregivers through Leeza's Care Connection
January 11, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.
Sara Barber pushes long-term change in handling domestic violence cases
August 14, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
In South Carolina, 42 percent of women have experienced intimate partner physical violence, sexual violence or stalking. Sara Barber knows the statistics. Since 2014, the University of South Carolina alumna has served as executive director of the South Carolina Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, a coalition of 22 organizations that connect survivors with emergency shelter, counseling and other services.
Independent bookstore begins first chapter -- and USC's fingerprints are on every page
August 11, 2023, Megan Sexton
Walk through the doors at All Good Books, a thriving bookstore in the heart of Five Points, and you’ll see neat shelves filled with classics and new releases, a counter for coffee, beer and wine and – perhaps most important of all — a welcoming vibe.
Alumna Caroline Harper works to bring back indigo
January 17, 2023, Rebekah Friedman
Indigo is tightly woven into South Carolina history, but few have worked with the rich natural dye since it fell out of favor nearly 150 years ago. Alumna Caroline Harper is bringing it back.
Circuit Court Judge J. Michelle Childs is more than a trailblazer
November 16, 2022, Craig Brandhorst
School of Law alumna J. Michelle Childs was appointed circuit judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit this summer. Carolinian sat down with her to discuss her time at USC and her career on the bench.
Pharmacy researcher driven to find weapons in the fight against cancer
October 12, 2022, Margaret Gregory
College of Pharmacy professor Eugenia Broude had personal inspiration to pursue a career in science, and a newly awarded $3 million R01 grant from the National Cancer Institute will allow Broude and her co-investigators to continue their work in a groundbreaking area of breast cancer research.
Pharmacy, medicine alumni team up to find treatments for drug-resistant infections
June 14, 2022, Chris Horn
Bacteriophages are viruses that attack specific bacteria and were discovered a century ago. Phage cocktails, which combine several types of phages, could be administered on a broader scale and diminish the need for antibiotics.
Nursing alumnus, medical grad student honored for work on suicide prevention
May 12, 2022, Mollie Roe and Emily Miles
During his sophomore year, nursing student Bradley Quarles lost a family member to suicide. That experience, combined with the medical knowledge he learned in his studies, spurred Quarles to look for ways to prevent suicide and promote mental health on campus.
UofSC to expand civil rights education with $1.5 million gift from Williams to fund civil rights exhibits, programs and collections
February 15, 2022, Peggy Binette
A $1.5 million gift from Williams, an energy infrastructure company, will enhance the University of South Carolina’s Center for Civil Rights History and Research’s ability to share South Carolina’s important role in the broader national movement.
Alumni make their mark in Mars exploration
February 15, 2022, Bryan Gentry
South Carolina graduate students have played instrumental roles in developing the technology used on Mars. Whether in research labs on campus or in NASA offices, they’ve made their mark on the Red Planet.
University of South Carolina names residence hall for Celia Dial Saxon
January 07, 2022, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees voted unanimously Friday (Jan. 7) to name a campus residence hall for University of South Carolina graduate and revered African American educator Celia Dial Saxon, one of the best-known and respected educators in the state’s history.
Smartphone study finds small correlation between usage and well-being
December 02, 2021, Chris Horn
When Robert McKeever and a colleague launched a smartphone usage study in 2017, they timed it to coincide with an update of Apple’s iOS that for the first time tracked weekly screen time.
Boeing supports UofSC's assistance to veterans through free legal clinic
November 11, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward
When Navy veteran Brooks Herring needed help seeking custody of his son, he turned to the Veterans Legal Clinic at the University of South Carolina’s School of Law.
Driving innovation at Michelin
September 21, 2021, Office of Communications and Public Affairs
With an MBA from UofSC, Nathalie Baulain leads the customer innovation lab at Michelin, one of the world’s leading tire companies. The professional MBA program at the Darla Moore School of Business helped Baulain achieve the entrepreneurial and creative problem-solving skills she needed to take on a new role and to be successful in her position.
Alumna plays crucial role in media company's inclusion efforts
September 21, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
As an executive vice president and global head of inclusion at ViacomCBS, Marva Smalls plays a crucial role in the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. And while her commitment to advocacy predates her time at the University of South Carolina, Smalls’ undergraduate and graduate experiences shaped her philosophy in profound ways.
Her Adidas: Vicky Free
August 18, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Broadcast journalism alumna Vicky Free was named vice president for global marketing at Adidas in 2020. Free focuses on marketing strategies, but the ethos of diversity, equity and inclusion informs her thinking every step of the way.
Hindsight 2020: Alumnus talks about how COVID changed the art and business of photography
August 10, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
As a freelance photojournalist, Sean Rayford is used to immersing himself in the crowd. COVID changed the rules. Rayford is one of 10 Gamecocks Carolinian magazine spoke to about how the pandemic has changed the way we work.
Business graduate shares vision for developing historic Greenville location
July 26, 2021, Craig Brandhorst
Greenville developer and business administration graduate Brody Glenn oversees major construction projects for corporate clients nationwide. With Camperdown, a mixed-use, live-work-play development in the heart of downtown Greenville, he is reshaping his hometown.
UofSC No. 1 in U.S. in sport science for fourth time
November 18, 2020, Allen Wallace
The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
UofSC enrollment increases
September 08, 2020, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina welcomed almost 7,800 new students to the Columbia campus this fall and the incoming freshman class is more diverse and has more in-state students than any previous class.
UofSC Dance Marathon tops $1 million fundraising for 2020
March 01, 2020, Allen Wallace
University of South Carolina Dance Marathon completed its 2019-2020 fundraising year with a total of $1,016,822 raised for Prisma Health Children's Hospital.
Scholarship transforms heartbreak into hope
December 11, 2019, Margaret Gregory
In 2002, 8-year-old Wanda Gibbs died after being hit by a car at her bus stop. After her tragic passing, the community came together and launched a fundraising initiative to ensure Wanda’s memory would live on. Their efforts established the Wanda Gibbs Scholarship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, which was awarded for the first time earlier this year.
Distinguished law school alum to speak to graduates
December 02, 2019, Page Ivey
Distinguished law school alumnus I.S. Leevy Johnson will address thousands of students earning their degrees at the University of South Carolina’s annual winter commencement ceremony Dec. 16 at the Colonial Life Arena.
UofSC center brings health care to those in need
November 20, 2019, Margaret Gregory
In South Carolina, a majority of the 46 counties are considered to be medically underserved. The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare is working to improve access to quality care through training programs that are helping grow the health care workforce.
First class of UofSC physician assistant graduates helping improve healthcare access
July 19, 2019, Alyssa Yancey
Alexandra Vezzetti was in the first class of physician assistant students at the School of Medicine and the first PA student to rotate through the neurology department at Prisma Health. Department Chair Souvik Sen, M.D., was so impressed with Vezzetti that he hired her, and next month, she’ll become the department’s first physician assistant.
Students work year-round to pull off annual fundraiser
July 01, 2019, Allen Wallace
They’ve raised more than $2 million in the past two years for the kids at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. They’ve been recognized by Gov. Henry McMaster for their efforts. But just like the dancing at their annual Main Event, the work never stops for University of South Carolina Dance Marathon.
UofSC nursing graduates receive perfect pass rate on national licensure test
September 05, 2018, John Brunelli
May 2018 graduates of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing set a new record on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized test used for the licensing of nurses in the U.S.
'Shark Tank' finale for The Proving Ground set for March 29
March 21, 2018, Taylor Evans
The community is invited to cheer students and alumni of the University of South Carolina as they compete for startup prizes and support in The Proving Ground Thursday, March 29.
Sustainability star
March 16, 2018, Mary-Kathryn Craft
Morgan Hughes, 2017 graduate of the Master of Earth and Environmental Resources Management program, played a key role in the City of Columbia’s recent national recognition as a sustainability leader.
No. 1! UofSC sport science programs top national rankings
December 20, 2017, Allen Wallace
The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the second year in a row, and No. 4 in the world by ShanghaiRanking's 2017 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
UofSC students, young alumni invited to enter big ideas in The Proving Ground
November 06, 2017, Peggy Binette
The Proving Ground startup competition is gearing up for another year of big ideas as students and young alumni compete for cash prizes and startup support. This year’s “Shark Tank-style” competition launched Nov. 1, with the finale set for March 29, 2018, giving competitors more time to shape their idea and ready their business plan.
Newspaper wars
November 02, 2017, Mary-Kathryn Craft
UofSC alumnus Sid Bedingfield will discuss his book “Newspaper Wars” and the role journalists play in South Carolina’s civil rights struggle during a Nov. 8 public lecture sponsored by the College of Arts and Science’s History Center.
UofSC Richland/Lexington County alumni club to host networking breakfast April 11
March 10, 2017, Peggy Binette
The University of South Carolina’s Richland/Lexington County alumni club will host a networking breakfast for university alumni from 7:30-9 a.m. April 11 at the university’s Alumni Center, located at 900 Senate St.
SC party chairs discuss impact of presidential campaign on state
October 13, 2016, Peggy Binette
South Carolina’s political party chairs will meet at the University of South Carolina Thursday, Oct. 20 to discuss the impact of the presidential campaign on the state. The event takes place the day after the final candidate debate and just weeks before the Nov. 8 general election. Titled, “Campaign 2016: The Impact in South Carolina. A conversation with South Carolina Republican and Democratic State Chairs,” the event will take place from 6-7:30 p.m. in the university’s School of Law auditorium.
The Proving Ground startup competition accepting applications
September 20, 2016, Lynn Schutte
The Proving Ground – the startup competition at the University of South Carolina that began in 2010 – is back for its seventh season, ready to help fund and support new startups by students and young alumni. More than $52,000 in prizes and startup support is available for winners of this year's competition.
Carolina Day at the Statehouse
January 26, 2016, Peggy Binette
A stronger University of South Carolina system means a stronger South Carolina.That’s the message alumni, students and supporters from the university’s eight campuses will take to the Statehouse Wednesday, Feb. 3 when they meet with elected officials from their respective districts.