2025: Year in review
December 10, 2025, Dan Cook
Heading into 2025, the field of higher education faced significant challenges. But at the University of South Carolina, all signs point to dynamic growth and institutional strength.
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Clinical Practice Teaching Award: Megan Tran
November 12, 2025, Dan Cook
It would be a stretch to say that playing the clarinet led to Megan Tran’s career as a pharmacist — but not much of one. In high school, Tran — now a clinical assistant professor at the College of Pharmacy — played the clarinet and the tenor sax. Playing in the marching band was a big reason the Clover, South Carolina, native came to USC, and she considered a career as a band director. But an aunt encouraged her to keep an open mind about career options, and Tran ended up falling in love with pharmacy.
Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award: Julie Hubbert
October 03, 2025, Dan Cook
Julie Hubbert, recipient of the Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award, is particularly adept at teaching in the context of forging one's own path. That’s because her interests have always extended beyond music to include film, film music and the social, cultural and economic contexts in which music and film are created. With this broad outlook as a starting point, she helps students understand the wider context in which they operate and to develop the mindset they’ll need to thrive.
USC students excel at interprofessional health event
April 22, 2025, Dan Cook
It’s only been three years since the University of South Carolina began competing in a national competition for students entering health professions — yet it has already placed among the top three competitors twice.
Faculty spotlight: Emily Ruth Allen
December 11, 2024, Dan Cook
From the time she was in her high school marching band, Emily Ruth Allen has loved the atmosphere and celebratory tradition of Mardi Gras. Now the instructor of music and Southern Studies has made a career of studying festivals and celebratory rituals.
Longtime USC board member Eddie Floyd steps down
October 23, 2024, Dan Cook
Retired physician Eddie Floyd, the longest-serving member of the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees, has resigned. A former heart surgeon and chairman of the board from 1992 to 1996, Floyd earned a bachelor’s degree in business from USC in 1956, and he had served on the USC board since 1982.
Propel AI initiative aims to weave AI into scholarship, research
September 11, 2024, Dan Cook
This fall, roughly 60 faculty members will take part in a new artificial intelligence initiative from the Office of the Vice President for Research. Called Propel AI, the effort aims to empower faculty to incorporate artificial intelligence into their work — regardless of their academic area or previous experience with AI. We spoke with Bryant Walker Smith, associate professor of law and an expert on emerging technologies, about the new initiative.
USC research funding jumps double digits
September 03, 2024, Dan Cook
The University of South Carolina reached a new research milestone in fiscal year 2024, attracting $309 million in sponsored awards during the one-year period that ended on June 30. This year’s funding level represents a double-digit percentage increase over last year in critical areas such as health research and energy innovation.
USC hits historic high in enrollment as fall semester begins
August 26, 2024, Dan Cook
USC enrollment hits 38,000 for the first time ever while underrepresented minority students make up almost 28 percent of the freshman class.
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.
U.S. News: USC retains top rankings in first-year experience and international business, advances in learning communities
September 15, 2023, Dan Cook
This is the fifth straight year that the University of South Carolina has been ranked as the No. 1 public institution for first-year experience and the 25th consecutive year that it has earned the top ranking in international business.
Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award: Micky Myrick
September 07, 2023, Dan Cook
It takes a lot of work on the part of chemistry professor Micky Myrick to give students the individualized attention they need to succeed. But it’s true to form for the 2023 Michael J. Mungo Graduate Teaching Award recipient — because when it comes to teaching, Myrick does whatever it takes.
Heterodox Academy aims to cultivate free, open debate on campus
September 06, 2023, Dan Cook
From both sides of the political spectrum, the social space for spirited dialogue and debate has been steadily shrinking for years. A new group on campus hopes to expand the conversation.
Curiosity drives consulting career
August 10, 2023, Dan Cook
Curiosity has always been a driving force for Audrey Ware — and it has paid off. She earned three undergraduate degrees at USC: international business, marketing and French. Now, armed with a master’s degree in market research and consumer behavior, Ware continues to explore as a senior business analyst for the global firm McKinsey & Company in Charlotte.
USC alumnus, former mayor Steve Benjamin tapped for White House role
February 27, 2023, Dan Cook
Former Columbia mayor Steve Benjamin, a two-time alumnus of the University of South Carolina, has been named as a senior advisor to the White House and director of the Office of Public Engagement.
USC alumna DeAndrea Benjamin confirmed to federal court
February 09, 2023, Dan Cook
The U.S. Senate voted 53-44 to confirm DeAndrea G. Benjamin to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Benjamin is a 1997 alumna of USC’s School of Law.
2-time Grammy nominee joins USC music faculty
January 26, 2023, Dan Cook
Achieving a performance career as a professional musician is notoriously difficult. But Mak Grgic, a new assistant professor of guitar at the School of Music, has done just that — playing 80-100 concerts a year, commissioning new pieces and earning two Grammy nominations.
Former journalism professor lands on front lines of Murdaugh trial
January 26, 2023, Dan Cook
The Murdaugh saga is the most talked-about case in the country, inspiring sustained national media attention and an entire podcast devoted to the subject. Right at the center of it is Jay Bender, a former University of South Carolina media law professor who retired in 2016. Bender has been appointed by S.C. Circuit Judge Clifton Newman to serve as a liaison between the court and the media for the high-profile case.
USC selects lead development team for health sciences campus in BullStreet District
December 13, 2022, Dan Cook
The University of South Carolina has selected Gilbane to lead the planning, design, development and construction of the university’s health sciences campus in the BullStreet District in downtown Columbia, South Carolina. The initial engagement with Gilbane was presented to the Board of Trustees at its Dec. 13 meeting.
Stacey Bradley to head new office focused on organizational excellence
November 03, 2022, Dan Cook
Stacey Bradley has been selected to lead a new Office of Organizational Excellence and Effectiveness. Bradley will serve as a senior associate vice president, reporting to the president and focusing on making the university more user-friendly.
Two UofSC alumni part of Pulitzer-winning journalism teams
May 10, 2022, Dan Cook
University of South Carolina alumni Win McNamee of Getty Images and Josh Dawsey of The Washington Post are both part of teams that were awarded Pulitzer Prizes in journalism on May 9.
Music professor gets creative in managing change
April 05, 2022, Dan Cook
When you think of change management, you might think of the Harvard Business Review or McKinsey’s global consultants. You probably don’t think about musicians. But in David Cutler’s new book, the distinguished professor of entrepreneurship and innovation in the School of Music takes lessons that began in the arts and translates them into a broad-based way of thinking about change in any other facet of life.
New faculty spotlight: Colleen Clark
October 15, 2021, Dan Cook
When Colleen Clark signed up to play drums as an elementary school student, she was initially told to play flute instead. In 2019, she became the first woman — and first drummer — to earn a doctorate in jazz performance from the University of North Texas. At South Carolina, she wants to ensure that the jazz program is welcoming to all.
Mungo graduate teaching award: Todd Shaw
June 22, 2021, Dan Cook
Todd Shaw, associate professor of political science and African American studies, has been on the University of South Carolina faculty since 2003. He served from 2017 to 2019 as the chairman of the political science department and recently served as interim associate dean of diversity, equity and inclusion in the College of Arts and Sciences.
University seeks ongoing input on mental, emotional health
September 25, 2020, Dan Cook
As the university develops plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is seeking ongoing input from faculty, staff and students about mental and emotional health. Below, members of the Mental and Emotional Well-Being Committee answer questions about the university’s efforts in this area.
Diversity VP calls for bold leadership to build more inclusive UofSC
July 07, 2020, Dan Cook
Julian Williams is the University of South Carolina’s first vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion. He comes to UofSC from Virginia’s George Mason University, where he served as vice president of inclusion and diversity. UofSC Today asked Williams about the challenges and opportunities of this moment.
Teaming up to deliver innovative music education
February 17, 2020, Dan Cook
Southern Exposure and SAVVY Musician — two long-running successful School of Music programs — are teaming up to present a joint program: the SAVVY competition finals, in which several contemporary groups perform and are judged not only on their musical skills but also their creativity in designing an event for the public.
Meet new faculty: Bruno Alcalde
January 08, 2020, Dan Cook
Bruno Alcalde brings an eclectic background in the relatively new field of music cognition to UofSC students.
5 questions with Phillip Bush
December 10, 2019, Dan Cook
While many of us were eyeing the end of the semester, University of South Carolina music professor Phillip Bush was eyeing his piano — gearing up for an early December trip to Paris, where he performed with acclaimed American composer Philip Glass.
A new look (and more) for UofSC
January 16, 2019, Dan Cook
The University of South Carolina’s brand platform refresh includes new visual elements and a more cohesive way of presenting the university to all of its constituents. It helps everyone understand what makes the university special and gives the tools to talk about it in a consistent voice.
A rare opportunity
November 13, 2018, Dan Cook
Composer Nico Muhly is on campus this week for the world premiere of a new concerto and a residency with the School of Music. Muhly rarely does residencies in the United States, but he’s excited about working directly with music students at USC.
From Carolina to ... anywhere
April 21, 2017, Dan Cook
Last year, some 1,700 undergraduates studied abroad — a 15 percent increase. The quick jump is just one aspect of the increasing internationalization of the University of South Carolina, a coordinated effort led by Global Carolina, a strategic initiative launched two years ago.
Taking it to the next level
December 02, 2016, Dan Cook
In the spring, the University of South Carolina School of Medicine joined forces with Palmetto Health to create the largest multi-specialty medical group in the Midlands. The partnership vastly expands the services available to patients and is making the city of Columbia a medical destination.
The detective of Southern cuisine
November 15, 2016, Dan Cook
Over the past 13 years, David Shields has become a one-man culinary detective team working to understand the crops that first brought Southern cuisine to worldwide acclaim in the 19th century — and to bring them back.
City of Cayce's first female mayor teaches course on civic engagement
November 08, 2016, Dan Cook
Elise Partin is not only an an adjunct professor in the Arnold School of Public Health — she’s also the first female mayor of Cayce. This fall, she’s teaching an Honors College course called “Demystifying Elected Office.” The goal is to teach students exactly what’s involved in the process of running for and holding an elected position.
Old, new friendships bring acclaimed illustrator's works to UofSC
November 04, 2016, Dan Cook
Anita Lobel, the acclaimed author and illustrator of children’s books, will be honored with the Thomas Cooper Society Medal in recognition of her contribution to the arts on Nov. 17. The award comes as part of Lobel's burgeoning ties to the university — and her longstanding friendship with two alumnae.
Can't hack this
October 31, 2016, Dan Cook
From bank accounts to presidential campaigns, it seems that nothing is off-limits for computer hackers these days. That's why SC Cyber — a statewide cybersecurity initiative housed in the Office of Economic Engagement — is working to improve our defenses and raise awareness about how cybersecurity issues impact all of us.
It's all about the kids
October 25, 2016, Dan Cook
Some teachers run from struggling students, but 2009 alumna Kari Croft has staked her career on trying to help them. Now she has a $10 million grant to establish RISE High, a charter school in Los Angeles aimed at serving students who are homeless, in foster care or facing other challenges that make it difficult for them to attend traditional schools.
The road to the academy
October 18, 2016, Dan Cook
For the past 11 years, Ari Streisfeld has played violin in the JACK Quartet, performing at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Center and on stages throughout the world. Now, he is on to the next chapter — as assistant professor of violin and violin pedagogy in the University of South Carolina School of Music.
University poised to lead in transformation of libraries, information science
October 10, 2016, Dan Cook
David Lankes went to college to become an illustrator; he ended up working on websites in the early days of the Internet instead. Now director of the School of Library and Information Science and associate dean in the College of Information and Communications, Lankes has been at the forefront of his field ever since.
Training leaders, harnessing data for better health
September 26, 2016, Dan Cook
Ronda Hughes, director of the Center for Nursing Leadership, has noticed that health care systems are good at generating data — but, so far, not very good about using it to improve patient outcomes. She wants to change that.
Artist creates platters for exclusive California dinner
September 16, 2016, Dan Cook
When Virginia Scotchie was asked to created dinnerware for an exclusive, $700-per-plate experimental gastronomy event, she didn't think twice. Scotchie was attracted not only to working with top chefs and a Dutch arts collective, but also to the artistic puzzle of translating her sculptural skills into functional artworks.
Literature, ethics and technology combine for special learning experience
September 15, 2016, Dan Cook
Both Lara Ducate and Judith Kalb wanted to be teachers from the time they were small children. Now the two have been awarded the Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation, in part for their work on an online-only course on ethics and literature
Students perform world premiere in New York City
September 12, 2016, Dan Cook
Imagine the stakes when you enroll in an experimental music class and it turns out that you’ll not only be listening to challenging sounds, but actually performing such pieces yourself. Not only that, but performing them in New York City just one month into the semester as part of a world premiere.
Web designer forges path, helps others find theirs
August 30, 2016, Dan Cook
When Gene Crawford was a student at USC in the early ’90s, he knew he wanted to combine graphic design with computers. He ended up forging a path in web design — and two decades later, he helps others enter the still-growing field.
Freshman Council offers pathway to leadership
August 24, 2016, Dan Cook
When Julia Frazier first came to the University of South Carolina, she wasn’t sure how she would fit in. Four years later, she's a leader on campus, helping other students find their place in Student Government and the university community as co-adviser of the Freshman Council.
Leading again
August 12, 2016, Dan Cook
Tommy Preston could have gone just about anywhere for college, but a trip to Carolina more than a decade ago opened his eyes to the possibilities in his home state. Now, 10 years after serving as student body president, Preston is taking on a new leadership role as president of the My Carolina Alumni Association.
Revamped advisement process helps students find their way
August 01, 2016, Dan Cook
It’s more important than ever for universities to help students navigate the advisement process. That’s exactly what the University of South Carolina is doing at the University Advising Center, which is part of a university-wide change in advisement philosophy.
Delving into drought
August 01, 2016, Dan Cook
With South Carolina still recovering from last October’s historic floods, it might seem incongruous to study drought. But this state has faced serious drought in the past — and it will again. Enter the the Carolinas Integrated Sciences and Assessment team, which works to improve our understanding of drought over time and space.
Hitting the right notes
July 27, 2016, Dan Cook
When Bryan Gibson first visited the University of South Carolina in 1999 to audition for cello professor Robert Jesselson, it didn’t go well. Seventeen years later, Gibson is touring the world as a cellist and multi-instrumentalist — and Jesselson has fond memories of the student he once saw as unprepared for pursuing a career in music.
Building trust key to medical work abroad -- and at home
July 25, 2016, Dan Cook
Having worked in situations from urban Baltimore to rural Central America, Mark Humphrey has internalized the importance of building trust with partners — and understanding patients’ lives beyond just their medical problems.
Confronting crisis
July 15, 2016, Dan Cook
Prior to an April trip to a Syrian refugee camp in Jordan, cardiologist Moeen Saleem had never done international relief work. Now the 1995 School of Medicine graduate says he’s ready to go back. “As a physician, it is probably the most fulfilling thing I have ever done,” he says.
Hot research
July 01, 2016, Dan Cook
You think it's hot here in South Carolina? University researchers have worked all over the globe under incredibly hot conditions — including places such as Oman, Egypt and Iraq.
Soft skills, holistic approach key to well-trained nurses
June 22, 2016, Dan Cook
Training nurses is no easy task. Yes, students need to absorb medical information and learn procedures — but soft skills like communication and diplomacy are important, too. Luckily for students, Clinical Practice Teaching Award winner Selina Hunt McKinney has thought long and hard about how to prepare nurses for the world beyond the classroom.
Going global
June 20, 2016, Dan Cook
Tourism is a global industry by its very nature — and the United States is a leader in the sector. Enter the International Hospitality and Tourism Academy, a three-week summer program that welcomes foreign students for intensive training in hospitality and tourism management.
Lessons from Paris
June 13, 2016, Dan Cook
In the Maymester course Delicious France, students learned not only about the regional cuisines of France, but also about the cultural significance that food has in French life.
Researcher shines in the classroom, too
June 06, 2016, Dan Cook
Biology professor Beth Krizek fell in love with research years before she gave much thought to teaching. Two decades into her career as a plant biologist, research remains her passion — but she's also the recipient of a Mungo teaching award.
Remaking music education
May 31, 2016, Dan Cook
Today's musicians graduate into a world where they often need to cobble together their careers piece by piece — and that means they need more than just musical training. What exactly that training should be will be the focus of a major summit at the School of Music this week.
Artist shines light on 19th-century neuroscientist
May 24, 2016, Dan Cook
A few years ago, artist Dawn Hunter stumbled upon the medical drawings of 19th-century Spanish neuroscientist Santiago Ramón y Cajal. Since then, her work has taken a completely new turn — and she’s helping neuroscientists learn more about one of their own field’s pioneers.
Another way to hail Carolina
May 12, 2016, Dan Cook
How long has it bothered John Herr that Carolina’s alma mater, “We Hail Thee Carolina,” is paired with a tune also used by other universities? More than half a century. In 2005, he decided to do something about it.
Sail away
April 28, 2016, Dan Cook
Five years ago, there was no Gamecock Sailing Club. Today, there’s an active club with up to 80-plus members during any given semester. Meanwhile, the club’s president, a senior finance major who graduates this week, hopes to turn her passion into a career in the sailing industry.
From horseback to heavy lifting
April 18, 2016, Dan Cook
Exercise science junior Madeleine Giess didn’t always know the connection between horseback riding and heavy lifting. But today, the 5-foot-2 Giess holds four International Powerlifting Association records.
Still searching
March 31, 2016, Dan Cook
Nearly 450 years after it was established, the Spanish settlement of Santa Elena — situated on Parris Island in Beaufort County — has yet to fully reveal its secrets. Scholars know when it was founded and have unearthed thousands of artifacts at the site. But public awareness of the site remains limited, and relatively little is known about the actual layout of the settlement.
HRSM grad lands dream job in Milan
March 22, 2016, Dan Cook
For some recent college graduates, a job overseas is a distant aspiration — maybe even a pipedream. For Danielle Minter, it’s a fast-paced reality.