Recent Stories

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Exploring the world of research at Discover USC

April 11, 2024, Communications and Marketing

Each year, Discover USC showcases the wide-ranging research being done by University of South Carolina students and postdocs. From health science to humanities and AI to public health, USC scholars — including undergraduate and graduate students, medical scholars and postdocs — are working with faculty mentors and others to explore topics that interest them, learn more about research skills and work on how to present their findings to an audience.

maxcy monument on the usc horseshoe

USC retains #1 international MBA ranking, climbs in nursing, education

April 08, 2024, Dan Cook

For the 11th straight year, the University of South Carolina has earned the No. 1 ranking in the country for its International MBA program, according to the Best Graduate School rankings released April 9 by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings show broad-based excellence at USC, with additional business programs also ranked and significant jumps in nursing and education.

four squares with images and icons representing cool classes for Fall 2024

Cool Classes Fall 2024

April 07, 2024, Erin Newman

We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for Fall 2024. For this list, we've brought back fan favorites and added some new classes that are sure to make you say, "I want to take that!" 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.

Gail V. Barnes stands in the doorway with students playing string instruments behind her

USC String Project marks 50 years of hitting the right notes

April 05, 2024, Megan Sexton

The gold standard in string music education is marking its golden anniversary this year. For the past 50 years, the University of South Carolina String Project has been the national model in a program that combines music lessons with community service and teacher education.

students sift dirt at archaeological dig

Honors College students excavate artifacts from the 1800s

April 03, 2024, Emily Prillaman

An Honors College class is excavating the Horseshoe to raise awareness of the enslaved labor force that built the university. This is the first time in 51 years that archaeological research is being done at the heart of campus. Students in “Digging through the past: Exploring the Archaeological Resources of USC” work around three different mapped sites: the old president’s house that was demolished in 1939, enslaved quarters and an observatory.

Icon of how an artificial intelligence brain connects to concepts of technology, transportation, vision, the brain, ideas and health care.

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.

A photo of Aaron Gaga standing outside and looking away from the camera.

Rwandan native makes sacrifices to build his career -- and his country

April 02, 2024, Allen Wallace

Aaron Gaga was born in 1987 as an unwelcome refugee in Uganda, his parents having fled his native Rwanda because of conflict. Thirty years after the Rwandan genocide, he is now a graduate student in the University of South Carolina’s highly ranked Master of Sport and Entertainment Management program, pursuing his master's degree in an effort to advance his career and help his country continue to rebuild.

three people sit on a bench in a garden setting

USC has 3 Goldwater scholars in 2024

March 29, 2024, Communications and Marketing

Three University of South Carolina students were awarded prestigious Goldwater scholarships Friday. They are: Caroline Rucker, a junior biomedical engineering major from Powhatan, Virginia; Jeremiah Tobin, a junior biomedical engineering major from Greenville; and Katelyn Wyandt, a junior computer science major from Summerville, South Carolina. All three are Honors College students studying in the College of Engineering and Computing.

A man plays guitar on stage.

Live at the Underground: USC's live music venue run by students for students

March 29, 2024, Maddie Lee

The University of South Carolina’s Music Industry Studies program is offering a new and exciting venture into experiential learning — a live music venue. Live at the Underground features live music weekly on Wednesdays from 7 to 10 p.m. Located in the Russell House Underground, this venue is completely run and operated by students for students.

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.

Gates to Horseshoe of USC campus

2024 Autism Acceptance Month: USC faculty experts list

March 28, 2024, Gregory Hardy

April is Autism Acceptance Month. The CDC estimates that 1 out of every 36 eight-year-olds is affected by autism, a lifelong developmental disorder. As South Carolina’s leader in health sciences, USC has researchers across disciplines who specialize in autism.

Exterior image of USC's Darla Moore School of Business in Columbia, S.C.

New pathway to MBA for engineering and computing students

March 18, 2024, Laura Morris

USC’s College of Engineering and Computing and the Darla Moore School of Business established a new 4+1 pathway partnership in 2024. This unique collaboration offers students the opportunity to earn an undergraduate degree from engineering and computing and a master’s degree from the Moore School in five years.

Waterfall on a city river with a bridge and buildings in the background

Gamecock Nation: Greenville

March 11, 2024, Communications and Marketing

If you studied at the University of South Carolina and are now living and working in the Upstate, you might sometimes feel like you’re alone as a Gamecock. But the truth is that the Greenville area is home to more than 28,000 USC alumni — making it the top destination for graduates after Columbia. We spoke with several alumni who are making an impact in Greenville.

A student makes the

Get ready for graduation

March 08, 2024, Maddie Lee and Emily Prillaman

Although it feels far away, the countdown to graduation is on. Spring commencement ceremonies will be held May 3-4 in Colonial Life Arena. For graduating seniors, we’ve compiled a roundup of what you need to do before then, along with some suggestions for enjoying the rest of your time at the University of South Carolina.

Portrait of Gracie Vess

Aspiring teacher embraces history's role in guiding future generations

March 08, 2024, Alexis Watts

Gracie Vess’ eyes light up at the mere mention of history. But the South Carolina Honors College senior and McNair scholarship recipient doesn’t dream of chronicling the past. Instead, she hopes to shape the future by becoming a high school history teacher. “I want every student to realize their significance in shaping history," says Vess. “I want to teach my students that history is crafted by the collective actions of many people, which is why being an active citizen is so important.”

woman stands in hospital scrubs with stethoscope around her neck.

Nursing alumna brings health care background to role of county coroner

March 06, 2024, Page Ivey

Growing up in the foster care system in Florida, Naida Rutherford found herself homeless with few prospects just two days after graduating from high school. But the faith of a classmate’s parents and her own determination to get a degree ultimately led her to a career in nursing. In 2020, Rutherford became the first woman, the first person of color and the first person with a medical background to be elected Richland County coroner.

A photo of a group of colorful rubberbands isolated on a white background.

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.

An illustration of a brain with a red targeted spot on it.

School of Medicine researchers pursue new treatment options for glioblastoma

March 05, 2024, Page Ivey

Assistant professor of medicine Deepak Bhere was drawn to the study of stem cell therapy because he wanted to do research that has real impact on patients’ lives. His team at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia has the potential to do just that as they pursue new treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.

An illustration of a robot arm handing a Rubiks cube to a human hand.

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.

Students perform during summer conservatory

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.

A person in protective gear with clipboard observing waste in a landfill.

Engineering team experiments with new method for processing problematic landfill compound

February 29, 2024, Chris Horn

An experimental project led by a team of USC engineering researchers could lead to a more efficient process for converting landfill gases into cleaner fuel — and simultaneously deal with a silicone-based compound called siloxane that has become problematic for landfills.

A photo of an African American hand doing a mic drop.

Toby Jenkins, associate professor of higher education, explores how hip-hop values and ethics can help educators and other professionals succeed

February 28, 2024, Craig Brandhorst

Toby Jenkins is a a professor in USC’s Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the College of Education and associate provost for faculty development. Jenkins’ latest book, “The Hip-Hop Mindset: Success Strategies for Educators and Other Professionals” (Teachers College Press), combines her scholarly expertise with her lifelong appreciation for hip-hop music and culture.

Noah Raganschmalz

A Navy submarine engineer's journey to community pharmacy

February 27, 2024, Alexis Watts

Noah Raganschmalz once orchestrated the inner workings of nuclear submarines as a Navy-trained engineer. Today, the 33-year-old first-year pharmacy student is working toward a career in community pharmacy. “Everyone has had to take medication or has needed help navigating through medical jargon,” he says. “I believe that pharmacy is the front line of helping people.”

two people stand in front of beer vats

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.

A robot hand pushes a red button.

USC researcher leads group studying ethics, safety and impact of AI

February 23, 2024, Kathryn McPhail

Shannon Bowen, a professor in the University of South Carolina’s College of Information and Communications, researches ethical decision making and AI within organizations, heads the AI-Ethics Advisory Board and conducts ethics training with leaders of organizations to help them avoid and solve problems and develop strategic communications plans.

portrait of jackie alexander

Journalism alumna talks about leading student media organization

February 22, 2024, Emily Prillaman

After leaving her mark as a student reporter and editor at The Daily Gamecock, Jackie Alexander, 2009 journalism, has carved an impressive career, first at newspapers and now as director of University of Alabama at Birmingham Student Media. Alexander is currently serving as president of the College Media Association — the first woman of color elected to that role.

head-and-shoulders photo of Michael Roth

Gamecock great Michael Roth trades in his cleats for suit-and-tie world of real estate

February 21, 2024, Page Ivey

As a Gamecock, Michael Roth made some significant pitches from the mound and helped lead South Carolina to three World Series title games. Today, the 34-year-old graduate of the Darla Moore School of Business is making pitches of a different sort — finding and closing real estate deals for himself and his clients while at NAI Earle Furman in Greenville.

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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.

Students with their hands in the air while they dance at USC's Dance Marathon.

Students in Dance Marathon come together to help young patients

February 15, 2024, Allen Wallace

USC Dance Marathon is the university’s largest student-run philanthropic organization, raising more than $8 million since its inception 26 years ago. Last year, the organization raised nearly $800,000 to support Prisma Health Children’s Hospital. Student volunteers hope to meet or exceed that goal at this year’s event on Feb. 24 at the Fitness and Wellness Center.

Fractured shards forming a Gamecock rests on a garnet-painted wall.

Adding the next piece: Scholarship provides financial aid to accounting majors

February 15, 2024, Victoria Nelson

After earning an undergraduate degree in business administration from the College of Charleston, Columbia native Jeff Kososki took advantage of his proximity to USC by enrolling in several accounting classes needed to earn his CPA designation. His love for the Gamecocks, and the community, never stopped. Now his family is honoring his legacy with the Jeff Kososki Endowed Scholarship Fund, which provides financial aid to accounting majors in the Darla Moore School of Business who are working toward their CPA certifications.

man in a suit and tie against a white background

Students will hear from Bob Woodward on history, future of journalism

February 12, 2024, Page Ivey

Bob Woodward brings his lifelong enthusiasm for practicing journalism at the highest level to the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications when he speaks at the 2024 Buchheit Family Lecture on Feb. 28. Woodward will talk with students about his experiences over the past 50-plus years as a reporter — almost all of it at The Washington Post — and what he sees for the future of journalism.

podcast artwork

Remembering the Days -- USC during Reconstruction

February 05, 2024, Chris Horn

USC's modern desegregation took place in 1963 when three African American students enrolled at the historically white university — but they actually weren't the first black students in the university's history. For a brief window in the 1870s, USC became the only state-supported public university in the South to open its doors to white and black students alike.

Stevie Malenowski combs through a box of papers and images in Thomas Cooper Library.

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.

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.

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.

A portrait of Leroy Chapman.

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.

podcast artwork

Remembering the Days -- 3 in 1: The Women's Quad

January 22, 2024, Chris Horn

A century ago, USC built its first dormitory for women, whose presence on campus had not been warmly welcomed when they first arrived in the 1890s. While other women's dorms have come and gone on campus, the Women's Quad retains its status as the original location for and the only present location of women's-only residence halls at the university.