Recent Stories

An American flag and SC flag hang behind bright pink flowers out the President's house

University of South Carolina selects leading recruiter for presidential search

July 20, 2021, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina has selected R. William Funk & Associates to assist with its search for a new president, the Presidential Candidate Search Committee’s Chair Thad Westbrook announced Tuesday (July 20). The president of the University of South Carolina serves as the chief executive of the entire University of South Carolina system and of the system’s flagship research university in Columbia.

Topics: University Leadership

The sphere at the top of the Maxcy monument

Major League Soccer and University of South Carolina announce multi-year education partnership

April 13, 2021, Abe Danaher

Major League Soccer and the University of South Carolina announce a historic multi-year partnership making South Carolina an Official Education Partner of MLS. Through the strategic partnership, MLS players and Greats (former players) will have access to online educational opportunities and unique post-secondary academic resources offered through the university system, as well as world-class personal and professional development.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Partnerships

The USC smokestack rises above the skyline of Columbia

Cole to lead UofSC's systemwide efforts

April 09, 2021, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina named J. Derham Cole, Jr. its Vice President for System Affairs following a vote by the school’s Board of Trustees on Friday (April 9). The newly created position will be responsible for coordinating a host of activities and major initiatives among the entire UofSC system.

Topics: University Leadership

Cantey Heath

A long ride draws to a close

March 25, 2021, Chris Horn

Cantey Heath’s 36-year career at the University of South Carolina began in alumni relations, pivoted to fundraising, then took another turn when he became special assistant and chief of staff to former university president Harris Pastides. Now, the university secretary and secretary of the Board of Trustees is headed for retirement.

Topics: University Leadership

Maxcy Monument on the Historic Horseshoe with sunlight streaming through the trees.

Character Counts: 2020 in Review

December 19, 2020

It’s been a year — but that doesn’t mean there wasn’t plenty to celebrate, recognize and honor at the University of South Carolina in 2020. UofSC rose to each and every challenge this year and raised the bar for the year to come.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Diversity, Recognition, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, COVID-19, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, School of Law, Medicine (Greenville), School of Music, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, South Carolina Honors College, University Libraries

detail of Richard Greener statue

Presidential Commission re-examines university's complex history

September 19, 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.

Topics: University Leadership, History, Leadership, University Libraries

health worker handles forms related to COVID-19 testing

Contact tracing and the classroom

September 04, 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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Safety, COVID-19

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.

Topics: University Leadership, Safety, COVID-19

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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Research, Recognition, Economic Engagement, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

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.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, University System

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.

Topics: University Leadership

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.

Topics: Alumni, University Leadership, History, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Information and Communications, School of Law

3D printer

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

March 26, 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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Health Sciences, COVID-19, College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Greenville)

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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, graduate-studies, Initiatives, Economic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Information and Communications, College of Social Work

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.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, University President, Philanthropy, Service, Leadership

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.

Topics: University Leadership, Diversity

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.

Topics: University Leadership, Leadership

U.S. News rankings

UofSC is No. 1 nationwide for first-year student experience

September 09, 2019, Megan Sexton

The University of South Carolina has the top first-year student experience among the nation’s public universities, according to U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Recognition, Leadership, Darla Moore School of Business, South Carolina Honors College, University System

Dr. Green with students

New partnership aims to enrich student growth, opportunity

August 08, 2019, Kathryn McPhail

The Accelerator for Learning and Leadership for South Carolina (ALL4SC) is an outreach project that will bring together researchers and professionals from 12 academic and professional units at the university to create a strategy to close achievement and opportunity gaps for all students

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Research, Initiatives, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Leadership, College of Education

Robert L. Caslen Jr.

Robert L. Caslen Jr.

July 19, 2019

Robert L. “Bob” Caslen Jr., a retired lieutenant general and the former superintendent and president of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, has been named the 29th president of the University of South Carolina.

Topics: University Leadership

President Pastides and Mrs Moore-Pastides at the State of the University

President Pastides reflects on his last commencement exercises

June 04, 2019, Chris Horn

During his 11 years as president of the University of South Carolina, Harris Pastides has participated in more than 100 commencement ceremonies across the university system, delivering remarks, career advice and wise counsel to more than 100,000 graduates. It’s been a bittersweet moment for Pastides, who — with retirement looming on July 31 — considers himself and his wife honorary members of the Class of 2019.

Topics: University Leadership, University President

President Harris Pastides

A president joins the Class of 2019

May 03, 2019, Chris Horn

During his 11 years as president of the University of South Carolina, Harris Pastides has participated in more than 100 commencement ceremonies across the university system, delivering remarks, career advice and wise counsel to more than 100,000 graduates. This week, he and first lady Patricia Moore-Pastides make their final round of commencement events, with the president serving as the main speaker at each campus. It’s a bittersweet moment for Pastides, who — with retirement looming on July 31 — considers himself and his wife honorary members of the Class of 2019.

Topics: University Leadership

global footprint map

Global footprint

March 05, 2019, Craig Brandhorst

The University of South Carolina has been a global player for a long time. But since 2011, when the Focus Carolina strategic plan was announced, the university has significantly increased its internationalization efforts, transforming a healthy overseas presence into a clearly defined global footprint.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Initiatives, Leadership, College of Engineering and Computing, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

football operations center

Under 1 roof

February 19, 2019, Diane Veto Parham

Taking the new Cyndi and Kenneth Long Family Football Operations Center from concept to completion was a team effort that promises a big win. The 110,000-square-foot facility in Gamecock Park will transform the student-athlete experience for football players at the University of South Carolina, Athletics Director Ray Tanner says.

Topics: Alumni, University Leadership, Philanthropy

Day of Advocacy

Day of advocacy

January 23, 2019, Chris Horn

Faculty, staff, alumni and students are invited to participate Jan. 30 in Carolina Day, an annual one-day event focused on communicating to legislators the importance of state support for the University of South Carolina.

Topics: University Leadership

Clark West and Elliott Mitchell

Shared Commitment

November 16, 2018, Alyssa Yancey

Inspired by the University of South Carolina's inclusive environment, donors Clark West and Elliott Mitchell agreed to establish a $500,000 endowment to support scholarships for USC School of Medicine students. West and Mitchell also established a $500,000 endowment to support scholarships for students attending associate degree-granting institutions in South Carolina who wish to transfer to one of the Palmetto State’s baccalaureate-granting colleges or universities, including USC.

Topics: University Leadership, Scholarships, graduate-studies, Diversity, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

Sport management students interning at Williams-Brice

UofSC tops U.S. in sport science for third straight year

October 19, 2018, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are making an impact around the world, and the success has earned global recognition. The programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Maxcy

20 years on top: UofSC's international business program still the best

September 09, 2018, Jeff Stensland

U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings were released Monday, and the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business has reason to celebrate. For 20 straight years, its undergraduate degree in International Business has claimed the top ranking, besting programs that include Ivy League and other large public universities.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business

Pastides on stage

10 and counting

July 27, 2018, Craig Brandhorst

It’s been 10 years since Harris Pastides was named the University of South Carolina’s 28th president, and since Aug. 1, 2008, the university has advanced on myriad fronts. The past decade under his leadership has been characterized by resilience, growth, academic and faculty excellence, diversity leadership, spirit and culture, impact on the state — both economically and advancing health care — and access and affordability.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Recognition

richard riley

UofSC opens Richard W. Riley Collection as part of S.C. Political Collections

July 11, 2018, Peggy Binette

The South Carolina Political Collections — one of the largest political collections in the nation — will expand Monday, Aug. 6 when the University of South Carolina opens the Richard W. Riley Collection. The collection details the life and public career of Richard Wilson “Dick” Riley, a former South Carolina state representative, senator and governor and U.S. Secretary of Education.

Topics: University Leadership, Research, Collections, Leadership, University Libraries

Mitzi Nagarkatti

Breakthrough Leader: Mitzi Nagarkatti

April 27, 2018, Chris Horn

When Mitzi Nagarkatti joined the School of Medicine as chair of pathology, microbiology and immunology in 2005, the department was bringing in about $600,000 a year in NIH funding, 81st among all such departments across the nation. The department now garners some $9.5 million per year in NIH grants (No. 17 in the country) and Nagarkatti continues to build research capacity not only in that unit but in the entire School of Medicine and across the university.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Research, graduate-studies, Recognition, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

Galen Health Fellows

Galen Fellows

March 19, 2018, Megan Sexton

The first class of Galen Health Fellows arrived on campus in August, a group of more than 450 first-year students with dreams of careers in the health sciences.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Experiential Learning, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

Richard T. Greener

Larger than life

February 22, 2018, Chris Horn

Richard T. Greener’s larger-than-life story is one of academic achievement, professional success and civic service, played out mostly in the tumultuous years after the Civil War. It’s a story of firsts — in addition to being USC’s first black professor, Greener was also Harvard’s first black graduate and America’s first black diplomat to a country of white citizenry.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, History, College of Education, University Libraries

Russ Meekins

Remembering Russ Meekins

January 18, 2018, Chris Horn

The university community is invited to a celebration of life at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 23 in the My Carolina Alumni Center in memory of Russ Meekins, executive director of University Foundations who died unexpectedly Dec. 23.

Topics: University Leadership

Exercise science in action

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, graduate-studies, Recognition, Health Sciences, Healthy Carolina, Leadership, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

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