USC named best-in-state employer for 2026
August 13, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has been named one of America’s Best-in-State Employers for South Carolina for 2026.
2026 Archive
USC professor wins state's highest scientific research honor
August 05, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Susan Richardson, Arthur Sease Williams Professor of Chemistry at the University of South Carolina, has been named winner of the prestigious 2026 Governor’s Award for Excellence in Scientific Research.
USC donors power a record-shattering year of giving
August 05, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina system raised a record $357.6 million in private support during fiscal year 2026 — the most in its history, shattering the previous fundraising record of $259.7 million, set just one year earlier, by nearly $100 million.
USC professor Julia Elliott wins one of fiction's most prestigious prizes
July 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Known for her fluid, label-defying prose, author Julia Elliott found herself in excellent company last month among a literary cadre of distinct, even unconventional voices. She read the work of her fellow finalists with awe, never thinking she would win. But it was her name announced over the sound system as the winner of the Carol Shields Prize for Fiction for her critically acclaimed, genre-bending short-story collection "Hellions."
After 1776, the founders designed a government that accounts for 'a degree of depravity in mankind'
July 20, 2026, Donovan Fifield
The Declaration of Independence was only the first step in making a unified country. A competing set of state and local interests required a defense of the U.S. Constitution (the Federalist Papers), which sought to define the role of government to keep basic human impulses toward political abuse, self-interest and even violence in check.
Research center building ecosystem in autism, neurodevelopmental disorders
July 15, 2026, Chris Horn
From helping to establish a popular undergraduate neuroscience major to attracting millions in research grants, the Carolina Autism and Neurodevelopment Research Center at USC has achieved notable success since its launch seven years ago. And the momentum isn’t slowing. The center’s leadership has ambitious plans to serve more citizens of South Carolina.
Building a smarter campus
July 13, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
As USC prepares for the 2026–27 academic year, the university is introducing new technologies, including mobile IDs, smart parking, autonomous food delivery and occupancy tracking and cashier-less stores.
Recent graduate rises to the challenge of Venezuelan earthquakes
July 02, 2026, Zoe Nicholson
Like much of the world, Aquiles Agreda was watching the World Cup on June 24 with friends. But two massive earthquakes — a 7.2 magnitude followed by a 7.5 less than a minute later — shook Agreda’s native country that evening. He and his friends were unharmed, but within a day, he was helping with rescue and cleanup operations. Agreda plans to return to USC in August to begin the Master of International Business program. His only plan right now, though, is to help others.
30 years after 'Reasonable Doubt,' Jay-Z's career embodies hip-hop's biggest contradictions
June 25, 2026, Jabari Evans
The cinematic complexity of Jay-Z’s first rap album “Reasonable Doubt” explains why it still matters 30 years later. Today, hip-hop powers advertising campaigns, luxury branding and streaming platforms. Jay-Z has played an outsized role in that transformation. Writing for The Conversation, USC assistant professor Jabari Evans explores the complicated history of hip-hop’s rise in a capitalist society.
Video: Hot Takes on the American Revolution
June 22, 2026, Hadley McCollester
Combine five incredible artifacts from the USC libraries special collections with four passionate university scholars, and you get 20 minutes of fun facts, lively debate and intellectual inspiration.
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.
How Wall Street is shifting electric utilities toward consolidation and profit
June 16, 2026, Conor Harrison
A corporate merger forming the largest electric utility in the U.S. is underway. What’s driving this deal and others like it is a rising demand for power to data centers for artificial intelligence systems and a desire to increase corporate profits. Conor Harrison explains in this article for The Conversation.
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.
Anne Peters named USC's new vice president for marketing
June 11, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina announced Thursday (June 11) the appointment of Anne Peters as its new vice president for marketing following a national search. She will begin at USC on Sept. 1.
How are Saudis viewing the US-Iran war?
June 10, 2026, Robert Kubenic
Writing for The Conversation, Political Science Assistant Professor Robert Kubenic collaborates with Alexis Montambault-Trudelle, Postdoctoral Fellow in International Studies, Université Laval, to explore Saudis' opinions on the U.S.-Iran war.
University of South Carolina names new dean of Floyd School of Medicine
June 02, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Dr. Jamie P. Dwyer dean of the University of South Carolina Kay and C. Edward Floyd, M.D. School of Medicine.
Samuel Todd named associate vice president and vice provost for Global Affairs
June 01, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina appointed Samuel Todd as associate vice president and vice provost. A respected scholar and experienced university leader, Todd brings extensive experience in global engagement, academic leadership and faculty affairs to the role.
As more athletes speak openly about depression, anxiety and suicide, a minority of fans are weaponizing it
May 27, 2026, Scott Parrott
Because elite athletes are seen as admired role models, many enjoy lucrative contracts as spokespeople for a variety of products. When Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran recently was harassed after revealing a mental illness, his expression of regret could potentially discourage others from talking publicly about their struggles for fear it could be weaponized against them. USC professor Scott Parrott explores this in a recent article for The Conversation.
USC K-9 units earn national recognition
May 21, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina's K-9 unit took home nine awards this month as part of a national competition.
Newest Udall scholar excels in work across surf and turf
May 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Learn about USC's 19th Udall Scholar, Kayla Thompson, a first-generation, science-loving, rugby-playing, future environmental policy advocate. Her journey parallels that of her benefactors in many ways, and this honor motivates her to continually do more.
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.
Jim Mensch named faculty director of Galen Health Fellows living-learning community
April 29, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Mensch currently serves as director of the athletic training program and clinical associate professor in the Department of Exercise Science. With over more than 25 years at the university, he has advanced healthcare education through mentorship, experiential learning, and collaboration.
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.
From segregation to preservation: The story of Florence C. Benson Elementary School
April 24, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw
The University of South Carolina is restoring Florence C. Benson Elementary School, a former segregated school and one of the last remaining landmarks of the historic Black community of Wheeler Hill. The project aims not only to preserve the building’s structure but also to honor its role in the history of segregation and ensure that the community’s legacy is remembered for future generations.
USC expert on molecular plant genetics named AAAS Honorary Fellow
April 23, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Award-winning professor Beth Krizek has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Honorary Fellow. Learn more about her research in plant biology.
Once banned from school, education graduate reflects on completing her Ph.D.
April 22, 2026, Laura Erskine
This spring, doctoral graduate Zo Sediqi will walk across the stage to receive her diploma from USC’s College of Education. As a woman born and raised in Afghanistan in the 1990s, the moment carries special significance: Sediqi is one of only a handful of Afghan women anywhere in the world to earn a Ph.D.
Dawn Staley elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
April 22, 2026, Dan Cook
Dawn Staley has been elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Election to the Academy is a prestigious honor, and Coach Staley joins only three others from USC who are currently part of the academy. Founded in 1780, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is both an honorary society that recognizes and celebrates the excellence of its members and an independent research center convening leaders from across disciplines, professions and perspectives to address significant challenges.
University of South Carolina names new dean of McCausland College of Arts and Sciences
April 15, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He'll assume the role July 1.
University of South Carolina recognized as national leader in advancing first-generation student success
April 14, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
FirstGen Forward has named the University of South Carolina one of its newest FirstGen Forward Network Champions, an exclusive group of institutions recognized as national leaders in advancing first-generation student success.
Associate vice president and vice provost for AI strategy announced
April 10, 2026, Delaney Freistuhler
Building on the University of South Carolina’s early adoption of ChatGPT and its continued commitment to responsible AI use, Provost Mary Anne Fitzpatrick has appointed Mark Uline as the university’s first associate vice president and vice provost for AI strategy.
Mutual aid and self-sufficiency are key to life near USSR's contaminated nuclear test zone in Kazakhstan
April 08, 2026, Magdalena Stawkowski
Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.
US News rankings: Nursing graduate program surges into top 20, business remains top public international MBA in the country
April 06, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has numerous graduate programs ranked inside the top 20 nationally, including the College of Nursing and the Darla Moore School of Business's international MBA program.
Irresponsible parental gun ownership could become a factor in custody disputes
April 02, 2026, Marcia Zug
Last month Colin Gray became the first parent convicted of murder for a mass shooting his son, Colt, committed in 2024 in Georgia. Critics worry that the decision could lead to parental accountability for a broad range of children’s actions. Law professor Marcia Zug writes about the issue for The Conversation.
USC has five Goldwater Scholars in 2026
March 27, 2026, Collyn Taylor
Five University of South Carolina students earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2026. This sets a record for the most Goldwater Scholars at USC in a single year and marks the 34th consecutive year the university has had at least one Goldwater Scholar.
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.
The long history of silent meditation retreats
March 18, 2026, Daniel M. Stuart
Silent meditation and silent prayer have shaped spiritual lives within a variety of religious traditions for thousands of years. Today, however, those practices are often being offered in secular settings. Daniel M. Stuart, an associate professor of religious studies at USC, writes for The Conversation about emerging trends in secular meditation practices.
USC team conducting research on endangered North Atlantic right whales
March 12, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
There are only about 384 North Atlantic right whales remaining on Earth. That’s fewer than the number of students living in the Capstone dorm. The latest count is cause for alarm, and the whales’ leading killers are entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes.
Baruch scientists study food impacts of juvenile blue catfish on native species in Winyah Bay estuary
March 06, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
Scientists at USC’s Baruch Institute are studying the semi-invasive juvenile blue catfish, normally a freshwater animal, that has appeared in estuarine habitats of the Winyah Bay. The researchers are trying to determine whether the interloper’s diet is interfering with the food supply of native estuarine species.
USC students lead in adopting AI at ADDY Awards
March 04, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen
AI is everywhere — and marketing is no exception. This year marked the first time that the American Advertising Federation incorporated an AI category into its Midlands ADDY Awards, and University of South Carolina students rose to the challenge, showcasing what is possible in dynamic, creative concept and design in collaboration with AI.
USC announces new scholarship partnership with South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics
March 02, 2026, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Columbia (USC) and the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) today announced the launch of a new scholarship program designed to support GSSM graduates who choose to continue their education at USC’s Columbia campus.
Michelangelo hated painting the Sistine Chapel
February 23, 2026, Anna Swartwood House
The sale of a small red chalk drawing of a woman’s foot by Michelangelo, which sold at auction for $27.2 million, excited art historians — not because of the money it fetched but because of the attention it has brought to Michelangelo’s lifelong devotion to drawing, a medium he prized over painting. Anna Swartwood House, an associate professor of art history at USC, writes for The Conversation about the significance of the recent sale.
Board of Trustees updated on USC's comprehensive brain health initiative
February 20, 2026, Andy Shain
Sarah Kirby, USC’s associate vice president for clinical affairs, briefed the Board of Trustees on Friday (Feb. 20) on the university’s efforts to develop a comprehensive system of care that could transform health care in the state — a statewide network of brain health clinics, a brain health center and South Carolina’s first stand-alone neurological and rehabilitation hospital.
Is teasing playful or harmful?
February 16, 2026, Molly Dawes
Teasing is a common but complex behavior that can serve pro-social functions, but it can also have anti-social functions and harm the targeted person. Teasing interactions are influenced by factors such as the relationship between teaser and target and the content of the tease. Molly Dawes, associate professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science at USC, writes for The Conversation about the complexities of teasing.
USC Brain Health launches student-driven arts program
February 09, 2026, Nicole Carrico
Students Ansley Martin and Stella Tew have been working with USC Brain Health to launch a program called Vibrant Minds, an expressive arts initiative that combines neuroscience, creativity and social interaction to support older adults living with neurological conditions. The program helps adults facing cognitive challenges connect with their memories and each other through art and creative projects.
Forbes names USC one of America's Best Large Employers
February 09, 2026, Collyn Taylor
USC jumped over 100 spots and ranks in the top 20 of the education industry in Forbes' latest rankings of the nation's large employers.
USC School of Music professor wins 2026 Grammy
February 03, 2026, Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell and Brandon Pugh
Bassoon professor Michael Harley and his new-music ensemble Alarm Will Sound snared top honors in Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for Land of Winter, a collaborative piece that was also nominated for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Harley's nomination and another for fellow professor Mak Grgic were the latest of several Grammy nominations for musicians with USC connections.
2026 heart health faculty experts list
February 01, 2026, 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.
Winter storms don't have to be deadly
January 30, 2026, Brett Robertson
Winter storms pose multiple dangers at once, and people often underestimate how quickly conditions can become life-threatening. Here is what people need to know to reduce their risk of injury during severe winter weather.
USC earns Carnegie redesignation for community engagement
January 27, 2026, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina has earned 2026 Carnegie Classification for Community Engagement and is one of less than 100 public institutions nationally with Carnegie designations in community engagement and as an R1 research institution.
Video: 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.
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.
USC leads the nation in fragile X research and education
January 08, 2026, Bryan Gentry
A new grant from the National Institutes of Health will help USC faculty study fragile X-associated health conditions, which may affect thousands of people in South Carolina, and identify new ways to diagnose and treat the conditions.