Recent Stories

map of the ocean area south of massachusetts near the nantucket shoals

As the US begins to build offshore wind farms, scientists say many questions remain about impacts on the oceans and marine life

December 01, 2023, Erin L. Meyer-Gutbrod

As renewable energy production expands across the U.S., the environmental impacts of these new sources are receiving increased attention. The Conversation asked USC marine scientist Erin L. Meyer-Gutbrod and others to explain the key findings of a recent report on how offshore wind farms in the Nantucket Shoals region could affect critically endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Arts and Sciences

Students sit at a table, using their laptops to study.

Guide to surviving finals week

December 01, 2023, Maddie Lee and Emily Prillaman

Whether you're a December graduate or it’s your first semester here on campus, the last week of classes is always a bittersweet time. Everyone is excited to finish up the semester and head home for the holidays, but one thing stands in the way— final exams. We compiled a few things to help get you through the week.

Topics: Academics

USC Alumna, Carson Light on being a social media coordinator

From USC to full-time Instagram, TikTok content creator

November 29, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

When taking a look at Carson Light’s Instagram profile, you’ll come across an array of fashion, beauty and lifestyle content. Her social media is a reflection of her personal interests and what she does for a living. The 2020 College of Information and Communications graduate has built her own personal brand through social media, accumulating over 31,000 followers on Instagram and over 4 million views on TikTok.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Academics, Careers, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications

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Remembering the Days -- Hoops venues, 1908 to the present

November 21, 2023, Chris Horn

In the years since USC's first basketball season tipped off in 1908, the Gamecocks have played in no less than seven different venues on campus — including an outdoor court in their first season. For many years, games were played in a now-demolished field house that once occupied a spot in the middle of campus. 

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Searching for hidden connections

November 13, 2023, Page Ivey

A team of researchers, including several in the College of Pharmacy, are hoping to use the computing power of artificial intelligence to find subtle connections among the hundreds of drug-therapy studies published each year. The researchers are mining data on approved drugs and their outcomes, particularly in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Partnerships, College of Pharmacy

Gamecock Pharmacist IPE students

Collaboration, leadership break down barriers

November 13, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

USC’s Interprofessional Education program brings together students in the university’s 12 health science professional programs across six colleges and schools to help them have meaningful interactions with others training to be pharmacists, doctors, nurses, social workers, physical therapists and speech pathologists, among other fields.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Pharmacy

a man leans on a railing with a cable-stayed bridge in the background

USC School of Law named the Joseph F. Rice School of Law

November 10, 2023, Peggy Binette

The University of South Carolina’s School of Law has a new name thanks to the generosity and vision of well-known alumnus and longtime benefactor, plaintiffs’ trial lawyer Joe Rice. The official name, the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law, was announced Friday (Nov. 10) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the law school building at the corner of Bull and Senate streets.

Topics: Alumni, University Leadership, University President, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

woman in scrubs

USC faculty, alumni work to fill health care needs in rural areas

November 10, 2023

Living in a rural community brings lots of advantages: close-knit communities, easy access to nature, less noise and pollution, lower home prices. But a lack of population density also brings challenges, and access to health care is one of them. As daunting as the state’s health issues can seem, the University of South Carolina is well positioned to help.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, The Remarkable We, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, University System

Cheerleaders run across a football field holding flags spelling out Carolina.

Carolina-Clemson: A rivalry for the ages

November 09, 2023, Maddie Lee

November is a very spirit-packed month this year with USC hosting four home football games to close out the 2023 season, including the annual Carolina vs. Clemson showdown. For over 100 years, the rivalry has been heated and every year a new piece gets added to the colorful history.

Topics: History, Signature Events

Seth Rose and his family photographed on the Horseshoe.

Alumnus and tennis standout Seth Rose gives back -- and not just for racket sports.

November 08, 2023, Craig Brandhorst

Seth Rose, ’03, was a first team All-American in men’s tennis, and he paid his alma mater back by helping finance two courts on campus But Rose’s love for the Gamecocks extends beyond tennis. The 2014 Gamecock Athletics Hall of Fame inductee is also a huge Gamecock football fan, and his philanthropy reflects it.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Recognition, Service, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Carolinian

Wendy Lower, author of “The Ravine: A Family, a Photograph, a Holocaust Massacre Revealed”

Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation supports conversation about Jewish history

November 07, 2023, Rebekah Friedman

In the spring, audiences at USC had the chance to learn more about Jewish history from award-winning author and Holocaust expert Wendy Lower. Her weeklong fellowship with the university’s Jewish studies program was made possible by a generous gift from the Henry and Sylvia Yaschik Foundation.

Topics: Faculty, speakers, Diversity, History, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, Carolinian

Ellen Malphrus in a classroom with students.

Carolina Trustees Professorship for System Campuses winner Ellen Malphrus

November 06, 2023, Téa Smith

Professor of English Ellen Malphrus empowers her students to believe in themselves and their writing. To accomplish that, creating an environment where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts while giving them necessary technical knowledge and exposing them to different writing styles is vital. For her efforts, Malphrus has received a 2023 Carolina Trustees Professorship for System Campuses Teaching Award.

Topics: Faculty, Experiential Learning, Recognition, University System

Physician and medical student look at computer screen

Pediatric subspecialists move beyond urban hubs to visit rural patients

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine Columbia. works to improve health care delivery for rural communities by operating and facilitating a range of programs. Through one, the Department of Pediatrics sends subspecialists into areas outside the state’s urban hubs.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Health Sciences, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

Photo of student walking on the Horseshoe

First-generation college students bring resilience, perspectives to USC campus

November 03, 2023, Megan Sexton

First-generation college students come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring a variety of perspectives to campus. At USC, about one-fifth of the student population identifies as first-generation college students, meaning their parents did not earn a four-year college degree.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Diversity, Leadership, Careers, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

woman stands next to a wall with a sign that reads community health

Reaching the most vulnerable

October 23, 2023, Chris Horn

Fifteen years ago, Julie Smithwick was a community health worker focused solely on new Latino mothers and families in South Carolina. Today, she directs a new center at the University of South Carolina that’s training hundreds of community health workers who assist vulnerable populations with health and social needs ranging from children with disabilities to adults with chronic diseases and more.

Topics: Initiatives, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

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Remembering the Days -- The wilderness years: USC sports in the independent era

October 19, 2023, Chris Horn

The two decades between USC's departure from the Atlantic Coast Conference and entry into the Southeastern Conference were a challenging time for Gamecock sports. But USC sports enthusiast Alan Piercy's new book about that era reminds us that a lot of cool things —  including a Heisman Trophy winner and a new iteration of USC's mascot — came about in the midst of those wilderness years. 

Topics: History

Close up of yellow leaves of a tree against a sky background.

50-year partnership powers humanities in South Carolina

October 16, 2023, Bryan Gentry

In the early 1970s, a USC administrator helped organize a committee to manage funds for humanities-related projects in South Carolina. That small step led to a 50-year relationship between the university and South Carolina Humanities, a statewide nonprofit that works to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of South Carolinians. This month, SC Humanities honors four USC-affiliated faculty and former faculty members.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Partnerships, College of Arts and Sciences, University System

Head and shoulders photo of Danny Morrison

HRSM professor Danny Morrison passes on wisdom gleaned from decades in sports industry

October 16, 2023, Megan Sexton

Danny Morrison, former president of the Carolina Panthers and a sport management professor at USC, draws on his long career in athletics to inspire and educate the next generation of sport professionals

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Leadership, Careers, Student Voices, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Tick in test tube

New institute puts USC on map for vector-borne illness research

October 16, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Institute of Infectious Disease Translational Research will allow public health researcher Melissa Nolan to operate complementary studies at labs based in Columbia, El Salvador and Brazil, putting USC on the map as an international hub for maternal and infant health research.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health

wrought iron gate detail

USC covering tuition, fees for talented students across the state

October 13, 2023, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina announced Friday (Oct. 13) the USC Commitment, a new affordability initiative to cover tuition and academic fees at all system campuses for in-state students graduating in the top 10 percent of their high school class and whose family’s annual household income is below $80,000.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, University System

a jockey on horseback waves as two men walk beside the horse

History professor documents Latino excellence in horseracing

October 12, 2023, Page Ivey

The next time you watch a horse race, note the accents in the voices, read the names — not just the jockeys and grooms, but the trainers and owners. Chances are most of the people you see excelling in horseracing are Latino. “Over 80% of the people on the track throughout the second half of the 20th and into the 21st century are Latino,” says University of South Carolina history professor Gabrielle Kuenzli.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Diversity, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences

Wrought iron Horseshoe gates

Latino/a and Hispanic Faculty Caucus fosters unity, embraces differences

October 11, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Latino/a and Hispanic Faculty Caucus is a group of faculty members united by shared heritages and focused on advocacy initiatives to recruit, retain and better support the various needs of Latino and Hispanic faculty members.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Initiatives, Diversity, Recognition, Partnerships, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Arnold School of Public Health

Two female students sit in a classroom with large windows.

Social worker's research offers insight into experiences of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program recipients

October 10, 2023, Carol J.G. Ward

Social Work professor Ben Roth is co-authoring a book about the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. About 500 individuals in six states, including South Carolina, participated in interviews for the research. Roth’s team found that young people who received DACA benefited in important ways but also faced constant signals that make them feel like they don’t belong.

Topics: Faculty, Diversity, Health Sciences, College of Social Work

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Remembering the Days -- Booked solid: the history of USC Press

October 10, 2023, Chris Horn

For nearly 80 years, the University of South Carolina Press has been publishing books — more than 1,000 and counting — on topics ranging from the history of the Palmetto State to literary figures, cuisine and much more. Pull up a reading chair and learn more about the Press came to be. 

Topics: History

April Hiscox smiles in front of a tree.

Michael J. Mungo Award winner April Hiscox

October 06, 2023, Téa Smith

Geography professor April Hiscox wants her students to really understand the material she is teaching, so she encourages them to show what they’ve learned in very creative ways, like making a quilt, creating a board game or even singing a song. For her inventive teaching practices, Hiscox has received a 2023 Michael J. Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award.

Topics: Faculty, Experiential Learning, Recognition, College of Arts and Sciences

Sanaz Sadati wears safety glass in a lab with workers in lab coats in the background

Chemical engineering team pioneers 3D-printing techniques to mimic natural materials

September 27, 2023, Chris Horn

Replicating the shimmering iridescence of a butterfly wing, the hammer-like hardness of a mantis shrimp claw or the strength of mammalian cortical bone is no simple matter. But a chemical engineering scientist and her research team at the University of South Carolina are pioneering 3D-printing methods to create novel soft materials that mimic intricate nanostructures found in nature.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Engineering and Computing

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Remembering the Days -- Double parked: campus parking, parking tickets and the campus shuttle

September 27, 2023, Chris Horn

Visit any urban campus in America and the No. 1 complaint almost always will be the parking situation. Parking at USC became an issue in the 1960s as enrollment skyrocketed. The university dealt with it by building parking garages and adding a campus shuttle system. To enforce the parking rules, there was a regiment of parking officers, which, for nearly half a century, included 'Miss Pat.'

Topics: History

Cocky jumps as a team plays powderpuff.

Homecoming highlights

September 25, 2023, Maddie Lee

Every year, the University of South Carolina welcomes back alumni to celebrate Homecoming. The theme of this year’s Homecoming week is “Under a Carolina Sky,” in reference to the opening video played in Williams-Brice Stadium. Homecoming allows every Gamecock, past, present and future, to come together to celebrate. Here’s a list of highlights.

Topics: Signature Events

Palmer Bowles plays the marimba at Doka Coffee Farms.

Students explore global health perspectives in Costa Rica

September 20, 2023, Hannah Cambre

The Global Health in Costa Rica program is a three-week Maymester program for public health students, designed to immerse students in Costa Rican culture and the Spanish language while giving them real-world exposure to a universal health care system.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Diversity, Health Sciences, Student Voices, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

Julius Fridriksson stands outside with greenery in the background

Focus SC: New institutes will use cutting-edge research to solve South Carolina problems

September 19, 2023, Page Ivey

In May, the University of South Carolina announced that it will invest $10 million over the next four years in five new interdisciplinary research institutes that will address some of the Palmetto State’s biggest challenges, including health, education and water quality. USC Today talked with Vice President for Research Julius Fridriksson about the genesis and goals of the initiative.

Topics: University Leadership, Research, Initiatives, Health Sciences

EMT students transport patient to ambulance

Q&A with Dr. Elizabeth Mannion, EMT Training Program director at the School of Medicine Greenville

September 15, 2023, Laura Morris

USC School of Medicine Greenville was one of the first schools in the country to integrate Emergency Medical Technician training and certification into its first-year medical curriculum. Program director Dr. Elizabeth Mannion takes us behind the scenes to explain what students learn and how those skills are applied throughout medical school and in the real world.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Medicine (Greenville)

maxcy monument on the usc horseshoe

U.S. News: USC retains top rankings in first-year experience and international business, advances in learning communities

September 15, 2023, Dan Cook

This is the fifth straight year that the University of South Carolina has been ranked as the No. 1 public institution for first-year experience and the 25th consecutive year that it has earned the top ranking in international business.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Nursing

Kate Levey headshot

Digital certificate program offers in-demand career skills

September 14, 2023, Hannah Cambre

This fall, the university launched its digital studies certificate program, which helps undergraduate students gain in-demand digital skills. The certificate is the first in a series of anticipated interdisciplinary programs that are set to roll out in the spring of 2024.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Careers, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Information and Communications

Student wearing Masters gear talking to customers at the Masters.

Job opportunities at Masters Tournament offer unparalleled experience for USC students

September 13, 2023, Allen Wallace

Over the past 20 years, thousands of University of South Carolina students have been part of one of the greatest traditions in sport by working at the Masters Tournament. For students in the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, there is no better training ground to gain real-world professional experience than Augusta National Golf Club. But the opportunity is open to all majors.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Student Voices, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

Members of the Carolina Band perform on the field at halftime of a USC football game

Carolina Marching Band selected to perform in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

September 08, 2023, Thom Harman

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® committee has announced the Carolina Band as one of their premier bands selected to perform in the 2024 parade. The announcement was made at halftime of the South Carolina vs. Furman football game on Saturday (Sept. 9). The band was one of just 10 chosen from more than 100 applicants. This is the first time in the band’s 100+-year history that it’s been given this opportunity.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, Experiential Learning, Recognition, School of Music

Brynn Lynagh and classmate on Lake Titicaca

Transformative Peru winter session shapes student passions, career plans

August 31, 2023, Hannah Cambre

In 2021, a group of 20 students from across majors and class standings journeyed to Peru to explore the modern day capital city of Lima as well as the ancient Incan capital in Cusco and the sacred site of Machu Picchu. This year, another cohort will return for a winter session to explore the rich history and culture of Peru.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Diversity, History, Student Voices

USC Cocky Statue

ICYMI: Ten big things happening at the university

August 30, 2023, Lauryn Jiles

The university never sleeps, but it does slow down a bit during the summer. With the start of the fall semester, here’s a reminder of some recent happenings that you might have missed, plus a heads up about some major upcoming events.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University President, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, History, Collections, Recognition, Signature Events, Partnerships, Health Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University Libraries

sophomores in 1965 at USC

Black students in the early years of USC's desegregation

August 30, 2023, Chris Horn

The first three Black students enrolled at USC on Sept. 11, 1963, but the university’s desegregation was a process, not a once-and-done event. In the years that followed, more Black students would enroll — a trickle that would eventually become a steady stream. What were their experiences at what had been an all-white university?

Topics: Alumni

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