South Carolina Honors College

2026 News

'I've dared to learn more': senior Jake Arcement reflects on Honors College experience, the importance of mental health care

For Jake Arcement, career aspirations in mental health care began with an open mind, a curiosity about the brain and a passion for human connection. In retrospect, the pieces align perfectly; in reality, Arcement's experiences in and out of the classroom helped him arrive at his future organically.

Honors students selected for inaugural Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program cohort

Five first-year Honors students were selected for the 2026 Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program cohort, a newly developed academic program at the University of South Carolina.

Sullivan winner ready to improve disease treatments

A decades-long fascination with life has inspired Honors senior Rachel Kiser, one of two Algernon Syndey Sullivan Awards recipients, to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.

Sullivan winner dedicated to service, community improvement

Leadership and service is at the heart of everything Honors senior Santiago Avendaño Palacio, one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipients, does.

'To be bold in our learning'

Desiree White has pursued just about every opportunity that the South Carolina Honors College has to offer, including designing her own major, which combines music, statistics and anthropology. Though she's learned a great deal at USC, a two-week Honors Maymester in Paris, France, might have taught her the most important lesson.

Joyce Edwards Named Academic All-America

Honors sophomore Joyce Edwards earns a spot on the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Second Team.

New Honors College course brings collaboration across the SEC, focuses on the future of college athletics

Beginning in fall 2026, the South Carolina Honors College will partner with other honors colleges and programs in the Southeastern Conference to provide students with a new interconnected class experience.

Two Honors seniors selected as 2026 - 2027 IB-Oxford Scholars

Honors international business majors Francesca Cumello and Colby Greene will continue their studies at the University of Oxford in England next fall.

Honors University 101 service project impacts local communities

First-year Honors students completed over 500 service hours during the inaugural Honors University 101 service learning competition - bringing an estimated economic impact of $17,215 to Columbia, South Carolina.

USC has five Goldwater Scholars in 2026

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.

Eagle Scout Ashley Chittum came to USC ready for challenges

Even before studying abroad in Australia, first-generation Honors student Ashley Chittum has been prepared for whatever adventures come her way.

Verzyl Wins First 3-Meter National Title in Program History

Honors senior Sophie Verzyl secured the national title in the 3-meter dive – marking her first national title and fourth All-American honor after scoring a 387.90 in her final event as a Gamecock.

Honors course pours insight into craft beer education

The South Carolina Honors College course "Exploring the Craft Beer Trend," introduces students to the fundamentals of beer production, sensory analysis, alcohol safety and the brewing industry.

Research office honors 2026 award recipients for distinguished service

Dedicated faculty members were recognized by the Office of the Vice President for Research with the Distinguished Research Service Awards. Recipients include Honors faculty Kelly Goldberg, Ph.D. and Joseph McQuail, Ph.D.

Honors College sophomore finds community at USC

Faith Fitzgerald wasn’t sure how or if she could merge her interests in psychology and linguistics. It wasn’t until she was introduced to psycholinguistics, or the study of the relationships between linguistic behavior and psychological processes, that she discovered a new path.

2026 Class of McCausland Fellows Announced

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences announces the 2026 Class of McCausland Faculty Fellows, recognizing six outstanding early-career faculty for excellence in teaching, research and student mentorship. Fellows include Melissa Ellermann, Ph.D. and Tharini Viswanath, Ph.D., who teach in the Honors College.

Looking back at 20 years of Cocky's Reading Express

Cocky’s Reading Express turned 20 in 2025. The folks behind USC’s ongoing effort to promote childhood literacy tell the story, one book at a time. The program provides opportunities for student volunteers, including Honors student Briana Vinson.

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

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.

TEDxCongaree Vista set for March 14

A group of University of South Carolina students has planned and organized TEDxCongaree Vista, featuring speakers whose topics are likely to spark conversation and inspire action.

USC Brain Health launches student-driven arts program

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.

Mauldin junior wins first place in annual state high school writing contest

Three juniors and one senior have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest.

Culinary recipes become chemistry concepts in Honors chemistry lab

A South Carolina Honors College chemistry course is teaching students scientific principles in a tasty way by shifting from mixing chemicals to cooking food to learn how different chemical reactions and theories work in our daily lives.

Honors course blends love of coffee with foundations of chemical engineering

A new Honors course blends a love of coffee-drinking with the foundations of chemical engineering while helping students scientifically explore and analyze the design of the popular beverage.

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