For alumna Emma Jackson, every week is a shark week
June 28, 2024, Valerie Weingart
Emma Jackson, who earned her degree from USC in marine science, is pursuing her passion for elasmobranchs: the family that includes sharks, rays and sawfish.
Stories for Alumni
USC ranked one of top patent-producing universities in the world
June 26, 2024, Collyn Taylor
USC is the top patent-producing university in the state and among the leaders in the SEC.
Honors College alumna finds success in higher education
May 29, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kimberly Rogers recently completed her first year as a college president — an impressive achievement for anyone, especially a first-generation university graduate. She took the first steps on that path in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where she discovered a passion that would lead her far.
Support and passion bring Honors College alumna into the 'ocean twilight zone'
May 22, 2024, Kathryn McPhail
Honors College alumna Kayla Gardner’s passion for protecting the ocean and teaching others to do the same led her to pursue a career in marine science. Unlike many young people who are drawn to dolphins, turtles or sharks, much smaller creatures sparked Gardner’s interest.
Public history alumna helps developers preserve historic buildings
May 21, 2024, Page Ivey
Historic preservation consultant Janie Campbell, 2016 public history, has made a career of going into opportunities with low expectations and coming out of them realizing they were exactly what she needed at the time.
Roll out the Barrel!
May 15, 2024, story by Craig Brandhorst | photos by Kim Truett
Study abroad can change a student’s life. For Bierkeller founder Scott Burgess, it led to a dream come true.
Honors College alumna teaches about the beauty of wine
May 08, 2024, Téa Smith
Kellie Martin thought once she completed her international studies degree, she’d become a foreign service officer, but that never happened. During her studies, she developed an interest in wine and that changed the trajectory of her career. Now, she teaches people the ins and outs of wine as the owner and chief sommelier of the Colorado-based SommSchool.
Unique experiences make graduating Cocky's time as mascot worth it
May 04, 2024, Michaela Taylor
When Tramont Miles first read the email, he thought someone was pulling an April Fools' prank on him. It was April 1, 2022 and the email was telling him he was selected for one of the most undercover jobs at South Carolina.
2024 hurricane faculty experts list
May 01, 2024, Laura Morris
The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2024 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.
Susan Cutter elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Sciences
May 01, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Susan Cutter, director of the Hazards Vulnerability and Resilience Institute at the University of South Carolina, has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the National Academy of Sciences.
Class of 2024
April 25, 2024, Megan Sexton
As the Class of 2024 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
Double honor: USC historian lands Guggenheim Fellowship, Rome Prize
April 25, 2024, Laura Erskine
Carol Harrison is headed to Rome for the upcoming school year thanks to two major fellowships supporting her research on the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). A professor in USC’s Department of History, Harrison recently won both the Guggenheim Fellowship — one of the world’s most prestigious grants for scholars — and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome.
Autism-related research part of wide-ranging USC focus on neuroscience
April 24, 2024, Communications and Marketing
The University of South Carolina is focused on the brain. From autism and aphasia to Alzheimer’s and other related dementias, university researchers are working across several academic disciplines to better understand how the brain works and to develop solutions that will improve people’s health.
Father's writing 'to survive' loss of young son turns into inspirational book
April 19, 2024, Page Ivey
USC alumnus Stephen Panus has written an inspirational book about surviving the loss of his teenage son Jake. Panus, who also established a scholarship for football walk-ons to honor the memory of his son, will be in town to talk about his book "Walk On."
Board member Miles Loadholt dies
April 18, 2024, Communications and Marketing
Attorney, higher education advocate and University of South Carolina trustee Miles Loadholt passed away April 17 at the age of 81.
2024 artificial intelligence faculty experts list
April 03, 2024, Gregory Hardy
University of South Carolina researchers explore how artificial intelligence can be used for advancements in health care, education, manufacturing, energy, disaster management and transportation. They are also helping shape and inform the ethics and policies surrounding these emergent solutions.
USC professor wins governor's award for arts in education
March 28, 2024, Thom Harman
Minuette Floyd, a professor of art education in the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design, won a governor’s award in the arts in education category. The award, announced by the South Carolina Arts Commission on behalf of the sitting governor, is the state’s highest award for exceptional achievement in practicing or supporting the arts.
Researcher hopes to improve access to emerging therapies for autism
March 08, 2024, Chris Horn
Prevalence of autism among children is rising, but access to new, evidence-based interventions is often spotty at best, an obstacle that one University of South Carolina clinician hopes to improve through her research.
Ring polymer research points way to new industrial and biomedical applications
March 06, 2024, Chris Horn
Imagine smartphones that bend, twist and stretch like rubber. Or 3D-printed material that mimics the pliable characteristics of human cartilage found in knees, noses and ears. It’s not much of a stretch for Ting Ge, an assistant professor in chemistry and biochemistry who has just begun a five-year CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation to delve deeper into the field of ring polymers.
From agribusiness to health care to flood management, artificial intelligence research clicks into place
March 01, 2024, Rebekah Friedman
Artificial intelligence is making plenty of headlines these days — and, in some cases, even writing them. Some concerns are valid, some are overblown, but as the global economy embraces the emerging technology, there’s no avoiding the larger conversation. There’s also no denying AI’s real-world potential. For every Sports Illustrated byline scandal or news story about the danger of self-driving cars, there’s an untold story of how AI research promises to change our world for the better, and a lot of that research is happening right here at the University of South Carolina.
USC youth summer camps 2024
March 01, 2024, Communications and Marketing
With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities for their children. USC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all ages and all interests from music to soccer, dance and engineering.
Alumni couple use 'complementary skillset' to create thriving taproom
February 26, 2024, Page Ivey
Brian and Nicole Cendrowski spent more than a decade dreaming of opening their own brewery before settling on a plan and a location. Their Fireforge Brewery & Taproom in downtown Greenville weathered the pandemic and is now a thriving member of the Upstate community they call home.
Improving care in the Stroke Belt
February 19, 2024, Communications and Marketing
As the state’s flagship institution, the University of South Carolina is well has many strengths in both research and treatment of stroke and aphasia — a common consequence of stroke characterized by difficulty speaking or understanding others’ speech. The research is critically important in the state with the seventh-highest incidence of stroke mortality in the U.S.
2024 heart health faculty experts list
February 09, 2024, Gregory Hardy
February is American Heart Month. The University of South Carolina is home to many faculty members who are available to offer their expertise in cardio care and research.
USC students bring untold history of Sumter, S.C., to the public
January 31, 2024, Laura Erskine
Public history student Stevie Malenowski spent his summer digitizing images from boxes of archival materials, uncovering the history of the Williams Furniture Company, a staple of Sumter, South Carolina, for decades, alongside specialists at University Libraries. The archival materials are a key resource for a traveling exhibit coming in 2024.
Former S.C. Gov. David Beasley to join faculty at USC law school
January 25, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley will join the faculty of the University of South Carolina Joseph F. Rice School of Law on March 1.
Atlanta Journal-Constitution editor-in-chief Leroy Chapman inspires next generation of journalists
January 22, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
In March 2023, University of South Carolina alumnus Leroy Chapman Jr. made headlines — as the first person of color to be named editor-in-chief of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was a big deal for the 155-year-old paper, for the city of Atlanta and for journalism in general. It was also a big deal for Chapman’s alma mater, which recognized his professional achievements with the 2023 College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Award.
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly is lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city's tech sector
January 17, 2024, Craig Brandhorst
MapQuest co-founder Chris Heivly has a history of helping early stage entrepreneurs. Now, he’s lending his expertise to a Columbia nonprofit aiming to boost the city’s tech sector.
AI and data science: The new frontier of autism research
January 16, 2024, Chris Horn
Analyzing large datasets of heart rhythms and brain wave activity with AI and machine learning, a team of University of South Carolina professors is making progress toward better understanding of autism spectrum disorder and identification of ASD diagnostic biomarkers.
Class of 2023 December graduates
December 07, 2023, Megan Sexton
As the December Class of 2023 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
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.
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.
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.
Afro Latina alumna works to expand representation of Caribbean culture in theater
October 06, 2023, Téa Smith
Gabriela Castillo doesn’t often see herself represented onstage or onscreen. But in her career as professional actor, she hopes that she’ll be able to help shift the portrayal of Caribbean and Afro Latino cultures to be more accurate and diverse.
Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award: Micky Myrick
September 07, 2023, Dan Cook
It takes a lot of work on the part of chemistry professor Micky Myrick to give students the individualized attention they need to succeed. But it’s true to form for the 2023 Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award recipient — because when it comes to teaching, Myrick does whatever it takes.
Heterodox Academy aims to cultivate free, open debate on campus
September 06, 2023, Dan Cook
From both sides of the political spectrum, the social space for spirited dialogue and debate has been steadily shrinking for years. A new group on campus hopes to expand the conversation.
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.
Travian Robertson Brings It Home
August 24, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
Defensive end Travian Robertson nearly gave up football when his NFL career ended. Now the Gamecocks D-line coach is giving back — plus more.
USC graduates dive deep and discover dream careers at Riverbanks Zoo
August 23, 2023, Alexis Watts
Seven Gamecocks were on the frontlines of the March opening of the Darnall W. and Susan F. Boyd Aquarium & Reptile Conservation Center at Riverbanks Zoo & Garden. With degrees ranging from advertising and public relations to biology and marine science, these University of South Carolina graduates play important roles in powering the No. 1 tourist destination in South Carolina, which attracts more than 1 million visitors annually.
From the classroom to the field, USC students carve their own Carolina paths
August 21, 2023
For a lot of University of South Carolina students, the realization that this is a special place comes quickly. One walk around the Horseshoe, one time cheering in the stands at Williams-Brice Stadium, and that’s all it takes. But those signature experiences are only a tiny part of what it means to be a Gamecock. Life-altering experiences can be found all over campus and beyond.
Poet, professor and first-generation college student Ray McManus defies the odds
August 17, 2023, Craig Brandhorst
No one expected Ray McManus to go to college. Three USC degrees later, he’s a professor of English at USC Sumter and a celebrated poet with three books under his belt.
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.
Curiosity drives consulting career
August 10, 2023, Dan Cook
Curiosity has always been a driving force for Audrey Ware — and it has paid off. She earned three undergraduate degrees at USC: international business, marketing and French. Now, armed with a master’s degree in market research and consumer behavior, Ware continues to explore as a senior business analyst for the global firm McKinsey & Company in Charlotte.
Recovery from post-stroke aphasia hampered by diabetes
August 07, 2023, Chris Horn
Most complications from diabetes already are well known and include heart disease, neuropathy and vision loss. A recent study has confirmed one more: diminished recovery from post-stroke aphasia.
Carolina Master Scholars camps spark curiosity, forge connections
August 03, 2023, Alexis Watts
Summer camp memories don’t often include crime scene blood spatter analysis or creating culinary masterpieces, but the Carolina Master Scholars Adventure Series is not your typical summer camp.
Organic chemistry instructor found her own creative vibe, helps stressed students find theirs
July 25, 2023, Chris Horn
Organic chemistry instructor Laura Lanni rediscovered her love for writing in the midst of a science career. Now she's helping stressed-out students to make time for the things they love and left behind amid their rigorous studies.
Qiana Whitted on Black representation in comics
July 21, 2023, Laura Erskine
There’s no mystery about the disappearance of Ace Harlem. Born in 1947, his story ended just as quickly as it began. Picture this: a Black police detective comes upon the scene of a crime and traces the evidence to robbers holed up in a downtown apartment. A struggle ensues. Only one survives.
Why people tend to believe UFOs are extraterrestrial
July 17, 2023, Barry Markovsky
Barry Markovsky, distinguished professor emeritus of sociology, writes for The Conversation about the continuing fascination with UFOs — unidentified flying objects — and the persistent belief that these things are not of our world.