Press Releases

Civil rights protesters stand with signs reading

Center for Civil Rights History and Research Celebrates 10 Years of Impact

January 26, 2026, Hadley McCollester

The Civil Rights movement in South Carolina has long been overlooked and overshadowed. The Center for Civil Rights History and Research has spent the last decade working to document and bring awareness and scholarship to South Carolina's role in the movement. In this documentary, Bobby Donaldson, executive director of the center, takes us through the amazing work done over the past 10 years and what is on the horizon.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Diversity, History, Collections, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, University Libraries

Three doctors standing in the glass hallway of a clinic

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Health Sciences, Service, Leadership, Careers, South Carolina Honors College

Man standing in medical research lab

Future physician-scientist selected as Marshall Scholarship finalist

November 11, 2025, Valerie Weingart

South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.

Topics: Students, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

Student sitting at a counter in a research lab

Senior public health major named Rhodes Scholarship finalist

November 03, 2025, Valerie Weingart

A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.

Topics: Students, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health, South Carolina Honors College

Satellite image of an Atlantic hurricane

2025 hurricane faculty experts list

June 13, 2025, University Communications

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2025 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Pharmacy, College of Social Work

Ann Vail, dean of The Graduate School, puts an award around the neck of an award winner at the 2025 Recognition of Excellence Ceremony

Graduate award winners recognized

May 19, 2025, Thom Harman, with Matt Klopfenstein

The Graduate School recently announced and recognized its 2025 Graduate Student Award winners and Trustee Fellowship recipients, as well as the graduates from the school’s scholarly initiatives. The school held its annual Recognition of Excellence Ceremony on April 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Topics: Students, Academics, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Medicine (Columbia), College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

Natasha Brison, associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management

HRSM professor melds law and marketing expertise to prepare students

May 08, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett

Natasha Brison has practiced law and worked in the entertainment industry, starting a business as a marketing consultant for professional athletes. She also conducts research and came to South Carolina despite already earning tenure at another top institution. Now Brison brings her experience to USC's classrooms as an associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her diverse background is proving to be a great resource for her students as she prepares them to pursue their dreams after graduation.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

man and woman stand in front of chairs

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Dancers in studio perform a lift

World-renowned Joffrey Ballet residency at USC promises unforgettable experiences

March 06, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen

Dance students in the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program are spending extra time at the barre in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will have collaborating with the world-famous Joffrey Ballet. The company begins a three-week residency at USC on March 17 that will culminate with an unprecedented Koger Center performance on April 5.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Signature Events, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Person at a laptop interacting with digital and AI technology

Professor explores intersection of AI, advertising and public perception

February 26, 2025, Brandon Pugh

As CIC’s associate dean for research, Linwan Wu is leading the college’s work to understand the influence and impact of artificial intelligence in advertising. Through the first two USC AI Index reports and those to come, he’s helping to evaluate national sentiment on the now-prevalent communications technology.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, College of Information and Communications

Two actresses in character as Mormon missionaries

One's a Hugh Grant thriller, one's a hot-mess reality show - and both center on stereotypes about Mormon women

December 09, 2024, Rebecca Janzen

In film, religion is often a way for audiences to wrestle with ideas about gender and social change. That’s all the more true if the religion is considered conservative, or prone to stereotyping, both of which apply to Latter-day Saints. Female characters’ dilemmas are often depicted as the result of their faith – but their characterization may say more about the rest of America than the church itself.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Kindergarten teacher Keith Heyward in his classroom

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Diversity, SC Impact, Leadership, College of Education

Amy and her family pose with a statue of USC's mascot, Cocky

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Leadership, South Carolina Honors College

Student taking notes in class

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Initiatives, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, College of Education

Rural pharmacists helps patient.

2024 rural health faculty experts

October 31, 2024, Laura Morris

More than a quarter of South Carolina residents live in rural areas and must overcome greater health care challenges than their urban counterparts. USC faculty members are available to offer their expertise in rural health services and research. To coordinate an interview, contact the staff member listed with each expert entry.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work

woman stands on a street in italy

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, History, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

man and woman embrace while looking at flooded buildings

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Safety, Economic Engagement, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

man and woman embrace while looking at flooded buildings

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Research, Safety, Economic Engagement, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, The Conversation

Two femaie dancers

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Signature Events, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, School of Music

Overhead view of the South Caroliniana Library's reading room

Four USC building initiatives win awards

July 25, 2024, Thom Harman

Recently, the university was honored by both the state of South Carolina and the Midlands nonprofit Historic Columbia for its historic preservation efforts. In June, USC Columbia and USC Union were both recognized by the S.C. Department of Archives and History for their work in preserving, restoring and renovating buildings. Historic Columbia also honored the university’s Columbia campus with two awards: one for preservation, rehabilitation or restoration for Longstreet Theatre and one for revitalization for Campus Village.

Topics: Academics, Research, History, Collections, Campus Construction, University Libraries

Portrait of USC alumnus and donor Alex Molinaroli

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Research, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Satellite image of an Atlantic hurricane

2024 hurricane faculty experts list

May 01, 2024, Laura Morris

The Atlantic hurricane season officially began 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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Pharmacy, College of Social Work

Carol Harrison smiles outside on USC's campus

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

MInuette Floyd poses with students and teachers in front of a school library in Ghana.

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.

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

Matt White conducts an ensemble

Matt White's approach for "Lowcountry" has him headed to Spoleto

January 26, 2024, Thom Harman

From a new program home to new music to continued research, Matt White, Jazz Studies Program chair, is rather busy. His novel approach to a 2023 release, “Lowcountry” — incorporating Gullah histories and stories with contemporary jazz — has earned White and his collaborators a chance to perform the piece during the 2024 Spoleto Festival.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, History, Recognition, Service, School of Music

Maxcy building

New initiatives expand USC's first-gen support

January 22, 2024, Hannah Cambre

The University of South Carolina is committing to providing more comprehensive support to its first-generation student population, including a First-Generation Center launching in August 2024, a living and learning community for first-gen students, and an expanding partnership with the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Diversity, Student Voices

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

artist rendering of new UofSC nursing facility at Lexington Medical Center

UofSC, Lexington Medical Center enter new partnership

July 05, 2022, Kyndel Lee

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing and Lexington Medical Center have partnered to build a state-of-the-art nursing simulation lab and teaching space to provide clinical training for UofSC’s growing nursing student population.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Initiatives, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Careers, Medicine (Columbia), College of Nursing

Ero Amiridis smiles for the camera with colorful painting in background

Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis is proud to be a Gamecock

May 02, 2022, Chris Horn

President-elect Michael Amiridis isn’t the only Gamecock returning to the roost this summer. His wife, Ero Aggelopoulou-Amiridis, has just as deep a Carolina connection. In addition to her bachelor’s degree in math from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the university’s new first lady holds two advanced degrees from USC — a master’s in art history, ’97, and a Ph.D. in philosophy, ’12.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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

maxcy monument surrounded by fall foliage

UofSC earns top ranking for first-year experience; international business program

September 13, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina is once again recognized for offering the best first-year experience of any public college in the nation by U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Monday (Sept. 14). This is the second year in row UofSC was ranked the No. 1 public institution in the category.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

maxcy monument surrounded by fall foliage

UofSC earns top ranking for first-year experience; international business program

September 13, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina is once again recognized for offering the best first-year experience of any public college in the nation by U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Monday (Sept. 14). This is the second year in row UofSC was ranked the No. 1 public institution in the category.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

summer camps

UofSC youth summer camps 2020

February 18, 2020

With only a few short months until summer, it’s time for parents to find summer activities to enhance the lives and bolster the minds of their children. Fortunately, UofSC offers a wide variety of summer camps for all interests from music to journalism and softball to science.

Topics: Academics, Experiential Learning, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, College of Information and Communications, School of Music

Dr. Patterson and patient

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Diversity, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

Alexandra Vezzetti

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

Katy Pilarzyk in the lab

Brain Power

May 23, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Second-year Ph.D. candidate Katy Pilarzyk was one of three University of South Carolina students awarded a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship this year. She will use her funding to continue her work in Michy Kelly’s lab at the School of Medicine Columbia. The lab studies the inner workings of the brain to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying social and cognitive deficits.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Careers, Student Voices, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia)

Laine Way and Parker Edison

Homegrown doctors to practice in SC

April 26, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Graduating medical students Laine Way and Parker Edison have done their clinical education in Florence at the UofSC School of Medicine's Florence Regional Campus, and now they'll be completing their residencies in Florence at McLeod Health.

Topics: Students, Academics, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

Maxcy monument

UofSC sets new bar in U.S. News graduate school rankings

March 11, 2019, Jeff Stensland

The new U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication released Tuesday (March 12) shows South Carolina now has 53 unique nationally ranked graduate programs—more than twice as many as any other school in the state.

Topics: Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, The Graduate School, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health

Aalia Soherwardy

Fast track to success

December 14, 2018, Alyssa Yancey

The BARSC-MD program, a joint initiative between the University of South Carolina Honors College and the USC School of Medicine, allows a select group of students to complete an undergraduate degree and their medical degree in just seven years. The students receive conditional acceptance to medical school as freshmen, and then enter medical school after their third year of undergraduate coursework.

Topics: Students, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Graduate Studies, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

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

South Carolina Sunset

Building a healthier South Carolina

April 20, 2018, Alyssa Yancey

The staff of the SC Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare at the USC School of Medicine is working to improve access to care in rural South Carolina. Created with state funding in 2017, the center has a number of initiatives underway, including a loan program to encourage health profession students to practice in rural settings, research grant programs and partnerships helping put providers on the ground in critical need areas.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Scholarships, Graduate Studies, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Careers

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

continental tire

Continental establishes endowed chair at UofSC

December 11, 2017, Peggy Binette

The University of South Carolina announced a new endowed chair position at the Darla Moore School of Business Monday (Dec. 11). The endowed chair will be funded by a $2 million grant. University President Harris Pastides announced the Continental Endowed Chair in Global Supply Chain Management and Management Science during the Fall 2017 Industry Summit of the Operations and Supply Chain Center.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Economic Engagement, Darla Moore School of Business

Maxcy Monument on Horseshoe

UofSC continues to climb in latest U.S. News rankings

September 11, 2017, Jeff Stensland

Boosted by a growing reputation for academic excellence and research prowess, the University of South Carolina climbed several spots in the latest U.S. News and World Report’s latest undergraduate rankings publication released this week, now ranking 46th among all public institutions, and 25th among state flagships.

Topics: Academics, Recognition

Press Release Topics