Faculty-Led Living-Learning Communities (LLCs) bring together students with shared interests, whether academic or personal, who typically reside on the same floor(s), engage in common activities, and form an inclusive, often family-like community. Recent research suggests that LLC residents achieve higher grades, graduation rates, sense of belonging, and overall happiness. The faculty-led communities are led by Dr. Kirsten Kennedy and Dr. Lara Lomicka-Anderson.

Meet the Faculty Directors of our Living-Learning Communities

David Cutler

I.D.E.A.

David Cutler serves as Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at University of South Carolina, as well as Faculty Director of an innovative Living Learning Community called IDEA (Impact, Design, Entrepreneurship, Arts). David is known for leading immersive “innovation GAMEs.” These powerful, team-based experiences have empowered business, arts, and education communities from around the globe to solve creative challenges while becoming better collaborators. His full color, illustrated book The GAME of Innovation (McGraw-Hill Professional; 2022) guides readers to gamify the problem-solving process, step up their team, and play to win3. An award-winning, multi-genre composer, pianist, and Yamaha Master Educator, Cutler has performed extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. He is an active member of the Liberty Fellowship and Aspen Global Leadership Network, associations aimed at building a more just society.

Alicia Flach

Galen Health Fellows

Dr. Alicia Flach is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of South Carolina's Physical Therapy Program. She has taught in Doctor of Physical Therapy program curricula for over 10 years. Her primary teaching roles are orthotics, prosthetics, and rehabilitation for adults with neurological conditions and injuries. The USC Provost's office recently recognized her excellence in graduate healthcare education teaching efforts through the 2023 Clinical Practice Teaching Award. Dr. Flach and her partner, Matt, have two children and love to spend time outdoors camping and hiking.

Elise Lewis

Capstone Scholars

Elise Lewis has been at USC since 2009 and with the Capstone Scholars Program since 2020. She teaches in the School of Information Science in the College of Information and Communications. She has a B.A. in Radio, Television, and Film, a Master of Library and Information Science, and a Ph.D. in Information Science. Elise encourages students to challenge themselves within and beyond the classroom. In her free time, she can usually be found outside in a kayak or on her bike. She will always stop to say hi to a dog.

Charlie Pierce

Engineering and Computing

Dr. Charlie Pierce is an associate professor in the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing and the inaugural Faculty Director of the Engineering and Computing Living and Learning Community. Over the past three years, he has served as the Faculty Executive Director of the Center for Integrative and Experiential Learning in the Office of the Provost, where he spearheaded programs to promote high-impact teaching practices and support student engagement in meaningful beyond-the-classroom experiences. Dr. Pierce teaches geotechnical and materials engineering courses in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He is honored to have been recognized as the American Society of Civil Engineers South Carolina Section Educator of the Year in 2021. A firm believer that everyone is an engineer at heart, Dr. Pierce enjoys cheering on Gamecock athletes and, as a native New Englander, is an avid fan of Boston’s professional sports teams.

Armen Shaomian

Preston Residential College for Leadership

Dr. Armen Shaomian is an associate professor in the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Joining USC in 2012, he established and expanded the entertainment management curriculum. His research focuses on the live entertainment industry and performing arts management and leadership, and he is a frequent presenter and keynote speaker at international music industry conferences. He currently holds the position of Immediate-Past President of the Music and Entertainment Industry Educators Association. His partner Wes (a Gamecock alumnus and attorney) splits his time between Columbia and Washington, D.C., where he works on Capitol Hill. 

Stephen Thompson

First-Generation

 Dr. Stephen Thompson is a proud first-generation college graduate. He currently serves as the inaugural Faculty Director of the University of South Carolina First-Gen Living and Learning Community and is also a Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at the University of South Carolina. In his role as Faculty Director, Dr. Thompson seeks to create programs that support first-generation college student success, career advancement, and leadership potential. His work as a science educator focuses on improving K-8 science education, especially in high-need communities, through practice-based models of science teacher development1. Dr. Thompson lives in Columbia, SC with his wife and dog. He also enjoys spending time outdoors (hiking, beaching, biking, etc.) with his two adult daughters.

Krista Van Fleit

Global Fellows

Dr. Krista Van Fleit is an Associate Professor of Chinese Studies in the Department of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures. Her first book, Literature the People Love: Reading Chinese Texts from the Early Maoist Period, 1949-1966, analyzes literature and film in 20th century China. She is currently writing a book on film culture in China and India. Krista lived in Beijing, China for many years, working as the entertainment editor for a local English language magazine during one of them, and was awarded a Fulbright to conduct research in India, living in Mussoorie and then New Delhi for just under a year. Krista grew up in the Midwest but has fallen in love with Columbia summers - if she isn’t in her office you’ll most likely find her at the pool. She lives with her partner, two teenage sons, a dog, and a one-eyed cat.