Recent Stories

Austin Harper stands in an engineering lab.

Doctoral student gains systems engineering perspective through Scout Motors partnership

May 01, 2026, Chris Horn

This past fall, Scout Motor’s chief technology officer Burkhard Huhnke was the lead instructor for Applied Systems Engineering for Complex Systems, a class offered through the Molinaroli College’s new industrial engineering program. Ph.D. student Austin Harper shares how the course taught him about sophisticated technology and design processes, including those Scout will use at the new plant.

Topics: Graduate Studies, Partnerships, Student Voices, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

USC alumna Stephanie Kyle smiles warmly while standing in front of a financial data display board showing stock tickers

Connecting the dots: Alumna Stephanie Kyle thrives in global supply chain and beyond

May 01, 2026, Dan Cook

From an early age, Stephanie Kyle had an appreciation for people from all over the world. She entertained thoughts of traveling far from South Carolina for college, but everything changed when she toured USC. As a student, she traveled widely and got involved in student organizations focused on global business and supply chain. Today, she is pricing director at a major global company.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Experiential Learning, Careers, Darla Moore School of Business, South Carolina Honors College

person in graduation robes wearing a bedazzled graduation cap with a gamecock and a block C on it

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Signature Events

Michelle Ayala-Perez smiles while outside on USC's historic Horseshoe

Balancing the books: First-gen student navigates pathway to accounting major

April 28, 2026, Chris Horn

What happens when a first-generation college student seeks advice from an instructor who was also a first-gen student? “Inspiration,” says Michelle Ayala-Perez. A conversation with an accounting instructor emboldened Ayala-Perez to explore changing her academic major. She is now enrolled in the accounting program at the Darla Moore School of Business and has her sights set on a career path that seems to have chosen her.

Topics: Students, Academics, Darla Moore School of Business

Student stands and waves at commencement cermony

Class of 2026

April 27, 2026, Megan Sexton

As the Class of 2026 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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Recognition, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, school-of-law, School of Music, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health, College of Social Work, South Carolina Honors College

Young students use remotes to control small robots.

VEX Robotics helps launch summer campers into robot competition and beyond

April 24, 2026, Chris Horn

Now in its 20th year at USC, the VEX Robotics camp offers middle and high school students the opportunity to develop skills in programming, mechanical design and teamwork. The summer program also serves as a gateway to competitive robotics teams and, sometimes, enrollment in the Molinaroli College. For alum Nathanael Oliver, it was as pathway to both.

Topics: Alumni, Experiential Learning, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

View outside of a window of Benson school facing the USC water tower.

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.

Topics: University Leadership, History, Campus Construction

Dawn Staley coaches her team from the sidelines during a game

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.

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

A presenter talks with an attendee at Discover USC.

Students dig in on research, present findings at Discover USC

April 20, 2026, Marketing and communications

Every year, USC students and scholars from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines come together to present at Discover USC. The conference features 1,000-plus research projects. Undergraduates, graduate students, medical scholars and postdocs work with faculty mentors to hone their research skills and learn to present their findings. We talked with a few of the presenters.

Topics: Students, Research, Recognition, Signature Events, Student Voices

A horseback-riding farmer herds sheep across a sparse and hilly, rural landscape.

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.

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

bold garnet USC letters outside of a gray building with students walking by

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.

Topics: Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, College of Information and Communications, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville), College of Nursing

Colin Evans smiles at his desk.

School of Medicine scientist explores new approach to treating blood clot-induced lung tissue damage

April 02, 2026, Chris Horn

Blood clots in the lungs are a leading cause of cardiovascular-related deaths. But what if gene editing, made possible through ultra-small nanoparticles, could effectively treat clot-induced tissue damage? For USC School of Medicine Columbia scientist Colin Evans, the question is no longer hypothetical.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, Medicine (Columbia), Breakthrough Research

Ansley Martin stands next to her poster titled

Discover USC student Ansley Martin shares innovation

April 02, 2026, Marketing and communications

Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Neuroscience junior Ansley Martin shares how presenting has helped her bring greater innovation to her research.

Topics: Students, Research, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Headshot of Peiyin Hung

Making her voice heard: Researcher Peiyin Hung strives to improve rural health disparities

April 01, 2026, Laura Erskine

When Peiyin Hung talks about her path to public health, she comes back to the day her grandmother told her to study hard so her voice will be heard. That seed of passion, planted in a hospital hallway in Taiwan, eventually led Hung to the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, where she continues to grow her research efforts.

Topics: Faculty, Health Sciences, Arnold School of Public Health, Breakthrough Research

group of people together in front of a window with three standing and two sitting

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.

Topics: Students, Research, Scholarships, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, South Carolina Honors College

four squares with images and icons representing cool classes for Fall 2026

Cool Classes Fall 2026

March 27, 2026, Téa Smith

We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2026. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.

Topics: Students, Academics, Experiential Learning, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, University System

Katherine Palmer stands next to her poster titled

Discover USC student Katherine Palmer looks back

March 24, 2026, Marketing and communications

Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Psychology senior Katherine Palmer reflects on what she gained from presenting her research on misophonia.

Topics: Students, Research, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

A vending machine with healthy food alternatives.

USC expands access to healthier options through new vending pilot program

March 20, 2026, Hunter Mutherspaw

The University of South Carolina’s new Healthy Vending Initiative is bringing more nutritious, affordable snack options to high-traffic campus locations. Developed with student input, the Spring 2026 pilot aims to make healthier choices more convenient for students, faculty and staff while supporting overall campus wellness.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, Initiatives, Healthy Carolina

Artist rendering of a new student residence at the McBryde site

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Medicine (Columbia), South Carolina Honors College

A golden pagoda building with several steeples is lit against evening sky

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.

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

University and South Carolina leadership cut a “USC Brain Health” ribbon outside the Brain Health Center, flanked by garnet, black and white balloons.

USC's new Brain Health Center brings leading-edge brain imaging, cognitive care under one roof

March 17, 2026, Gregory Hardy

USC marked a major milestone in providing specialized cognitive care at a ribbon cutting for its Brain Health Center on the Health Sciences Campus on Wednesday. The facility is designed to deliver exceptional diagnostic, treatment and support for patients living with cognitive conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, Medicine (Columbia)

A juvenile blue catfish aligned with a ruler placed on a wooden surface

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.

Topics: Research, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Closeup of rows of golden Oscar-esque statuettes

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.

Topics: Students, Academics, Recognition, Leadership, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, College of Information and Communications

Entrance sign reading University of South Carolina with palmetto tree logo set against landscaped campus background

Learn how to amplify your expertise by writing for The Conversation

March 03, 2026, Gregory Hardy

University of South Carolina researchers can share their scholarship with national and global audiences through The Conversation, a nonprofit news outlet that pairs scholars with professional editors and syndicates stories worldwide. Learn how to get involved when their representatives visit campus March 25–26.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Recognition, Health Sciences, The Conversation

Female student using a camera

USC youth summer camps 2026

February 24, 2026, Marketing and communications

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.

Topics: Experiential Learning, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), School of Music, College of Pharmacy

A sepia-toned Michelangelo drawing of a bust

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.

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

Rendering of USC's Brain Health Center

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.

Topics: Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Campus Construction, SC Impact, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health

Scientist examines cylindrical battery

Video: What is inside a battery?

February 17, 2026, Hadley McCollester

Batteries are part of our everyday lives, but not many of us think about how they work or what they are made of. For researchers at the Lab for Materials Properties and Structures, these questions are a full time job. Golareh Jalilvand and her team at USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing are dedicated to testing alternative battery materials such as lithium iron phosphate that will help make batteries a part of the country's sustainable future. This documentary explains why for batteries, it's what's inside that counts.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Breakthrough Research

A young girl outside laughing at a joke

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.

Topics: Research, College of Education, The Conversation

Headshot of Cassie Lewis Odahowski

Public health researcher uses ArcGIS to map rural health disparities

February 16, 2026, Laura Erskine

On average, rural residents live farther away from hospitals compared to urban residents. Cassie Lewis Odahowski, assistant professor of public health, says those longer distances can lead to worse health outcomes. As a researcher for the Arnold School’s Rural Health Research Center, Odahowski studies access-to-care issues for rural communities using an advanced mapping tool available at USC.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Initiatives, Arnold School of Public Health, Breakthrough Research

Teagan Thomas sits on steps near USC's historic horseshoe.

Pathway to first-year success: Teagan Thomas

February 10, 2026, Chris Horn

Teagan Thomas is enrolled in the 2025-26 cohort of Palmetto Pathway, a bridge program that began in 2019. Like all other students in the program, the Summerville, South Carolina, freshman is enrolled through USC Lancaster but lives in Bates residence hall on the Columbia campus and attends classes exclusively with other Palmetto Pathway students.

Topics: Students, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, SC Impact, Student Voices, University System

podcast artwork

Remembering the Days -- Native tongue: The history of foreign language learning at USC

February 10, 2026, Evan Faulkenbury

Since Carolina opened its doors in 1805, foreign language learning has been an essential part of its curriculum. Classical languages — Latin and Greek — are still taught, but they're now among a much larger group of languages offered, along with many opportunities for students to put their foreign language skills in practice. 

Topics: History, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

A hand dabs a brush into a palette of paint.

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.

Topics: Students, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, South Carolina Honors College

Headshot of Samantha Hinton in front of gates

Pathway to first-year success: Samantha Hinton

February 09, 2026, Chris Horn

Samantha Hinton is on track to graduate from USC in May with a bachelor’s degree in advertising. Hinton started out at Carolina in Palmetto Pathway, a bridge program for freshmen. Palmetto Pathway students are enrolled through USC Lancaster but live in a residence hall on the Columbia campus before transitioning to USC Columbia after their first year.

Topics: Students, Undergraduate Admissions, Initiatives, SC Impact, University System

Nursing student with instructor at bedside

Gamecock nurses lead the way in health care delivery

February 09, 2026, Megan Sexton

From faculty members inventing new tools to help students learn the intricacies of treating heart defects in infants to opening up pathways to nursing careers for people with disabilities, the University of South Carolina College of Nursing is stepping up every day.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Service, Careers, Student Voices, College of Nursing

Modern-day Cocky runs onto the field at the stadium.

The one and only Cocky: Many have worn the suit, but there's just one Cocky

February 06, 2026, Laura Erskine

At the 1980 Homecoming game, USC debuted its mascot, Cocky, for the first time. Cocky would go on to be named one of the “Greatest Mascots in College Football History” by Sports Illustrated. He’s won high-profile national competitions and appeared at sporting events worldwide. But his first appearance definitely ruffled some feathers.

Topics: Alumni, History, College of Information and Communications, Carolinian

A close up of a curled Strongyloides under a microscope

Researchers find rare intestinal parasite could affect 1 in 20 South Carolinians

February 06, 2026, Rebekah Friedman

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal parasite rarely seen in the U.S. University of South Carolina researchers Dr. Melissa Nolan and Dr. Matthew Haldeman wondered if these worms might still be lingering under the radar in South Carolina. What they found surprised them.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, SC Impact, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health, Breakthrough Research

Thomas Mullikin smiles for the camera in a bowtie.

All the tools: Tom Mullikin's eclectic career leads to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources

February 05, 2026, Marketing and Communications

2025 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award winner Tom Mullikin has enjoyed a long and eclectic career. Now, the longtime environmental lawyer is managing the Palmetto State’s fish, wildlife and natural areas as director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, SC Impact, Service, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, South Carolina Honors College, Carolinian

Sophia Comose stands next to a decorated classroom door that reads,

Teacher balanced full-time work, online courses through USC's Palmetto College

February 04, 2026, Chris Horn

Sophia Comose always dreamed of becoming a teacher. While she wasn’t sure if the on-campus college experience was right for her, she loved the idea of working full time while earning an education degree online from Palmetto College. The flexible program allowed Comose to gain hands-on experience in her field, and she landed a teaching position after graduating in 2025.

Topics: Alumni, Initiatives, SC Impact, Careers, College of Education

Residential street after an ice storm, with tree branches coated in ice and sagging over the road while ice-covered power lines stretch between utility poles in bright winter sunlight.

Data centers told to pitch in as storms and cold weather boost power demand

February 04, 2026, Conor Harrison

The government directed data centers to turn on backup generation in parts of the U.S. Conor Harrison, an associate professor of geography in the School of Earth, Ocean and Environment, co-authors this story for The Conversation on how expanding distributed generation could improve grid resilience.

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

Group in formal wear on a red carpet

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.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Recognition, School of Music

Connor Shaw, his wife and their four children are all smiles, posing together at a rec field

Gamecock legend Connor Shaw starts a nonprofit after a close call

January 29, 2026, Thom Harman / photos by Kim Truett

While coaching his son’s flag football team last fall, former USC quarterback Connor Shaw went into sudden cardiac arrest. Quick thinking, the presence of first responders and an automated external defibrillator saved his life. Now fully recovered, Shaw has started a nonprofit to increase CPR training and bring AEDs to athletic fields statewide, and beyond.

Topics: Alumni, Carolinian

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