Press Releases

UofSC campus in the autumn sunshine

New fellowship provides underrepresented South Carolinians a path to graduate education

November 12, 2021, Abe Danaher

The University of South Carolina has started a fellowship aimed at increasing diversity in its graduate school ranks. Through partnerships with historically black colleges and universities across the state, the Rising Star Fellowship will remove financial barriers for underrepresented students interested in continuing their education.

Topics: University Leadership, Scholarships, graduate-studies, Diversity

Thomas Crocker smiling

Constitutional law scholar discusses his new book on presidential powers

October 18, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

Law professor Thomas Crocker specializes in constitutional law, criminal procedure, free speech and democracy, national security and the Constitution. His new book, "Overcoming Necessity: Emergency, Constraint, and the Meanings of American Constitutionalism" (Yale University Press) is an analysis of how the concept of necessity, in conflict with constitutional commitments, creates dynamic challenges to constitutional governance, especially during times of emergency.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Leadership, School of Law

Nathalie Baulain

Driving innovation at Michelin

September 21, 2021, Office of Communications and Public Affairs

With an MBA from UofSC, Nathalie Baulain leads the customer innovation lab at Michelin, one of the world’s leading tire companies. The professional MBA program at the Darla Moore School of Business helped Baulain achieve the entrepreneurial and creative problem-solving skills she needed to take on a new role and to be successful in her position.

Topics: Alumni, Diversity, Economic Engagement, Leadership, Careers, Darla Moore School of Business

Marva Smalls in her office at ViacomCBS

Alumna plays crucial role in media company's inclusion efforts

September 21, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

As an executive vice president and global head of inclusion at ViacomCBS, Marva Smalls plays a crucial role in the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. And while her commitment to advocacy predates her time at the University of South Carolina, Smalls’ undergraduate and graduate experiences shaped her philosophy in profound ways.

Topics: Alumni, Diversity, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business

Bennie L. Harris smiles at the camera

USC Upstate has half-billion-dollar impact on local economy

August 25, 2021, Megan Sexton

USC Upstate is home to about 6,000 students and graduates about 1,300 each year. Studies estimate it has a half-billion-dollar economic impact on the region. As chancellor, Bennie L. Harris hopes the university can lead the way in increasing the number or residents in Spartanburg and Greenville counties who hold a four-year degree, while attracting more companies to a region that already is home to BMW and Michelin.

Topics: University Leadership, University System

The Maxcy monument stands right of center on the historic Horseshoe, which is green with summer

UofSC releases Title IX Task Force report

July 01, 2021, Larry Thomas

The University of South Carolina’s Title IX Task Force report, which will help guide the university’s efforts to improve its response to sexual harassment and violence, was released by the university today (July 1).

UofSC faculty experts list on the Summer Olympics

June 25, 2021, Tenell Felder

Japan will host the Summer Olympic Games July 23 to Aug. 8. Though the Olympics will be taking place in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they will continue to be officially branded as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. To help journalists report on the Tokyo games, the University of South Carolina has compiled a list of faculty experts.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

UofSC experts: 2021 hurricane season

May 20, 2021, Tenell Felder

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Top researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2021 hurricane season, including forecasting, disaster planning and historical perspectives.

Topics: Research

The Maxcy monument stands right of center on the historic Horseshoe, which is green with summer

UofSC announces May commencement speakers

April 21, 2021, Jeff Stensland

Newly appointed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III, U.S. District Judge J. Michelle Childs, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and S.C. Rep. G. Murrell Smith Jr. will receive honorary degrees and address University of South Carolina graduates during May commencement ceremonies on the Columbia campus.

Topics: speakers

The sphere at the top of the Maxcy monument

Major League Soccer and University of South Carolina announce multi-year education partnership

April 13, 2021, Abe Danaher

Major League Soccer and the University of South Carolina announce a historic multi-year partnership making South Carolina an Official Education Partner of MLS. Through the strategic partnership, MLS players and Greats (former players) will have access to online educational opportunities and unique post-secondary academic resources offered through the university system, as well as world-class personal and professional development.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Partnerships

The USC smokestack rises above the skyline of Columbia

Cole to lead UofSC's systemwide efforts

April 09, 2021, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina named J. Derham Cole, Jr. its Vice President for System Affairs following a vote by the school’s Board of Trustees on Friday (April 9). The newly created position will be responsible for coordinating a host of activities and major initiatives among the entire UofSC system.

Topics: University Leadership

President Bob Caslen gestures above a podium while Governor Henry McMaster observes in the background

UofSC announces strategic partners for statewide cyber ecosystem effort

April 06, 2021, Jeff Stensland

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster and University of South Carolina President Bob Caslen unveiled a statewide initiative in February 2021 to develop a cyber ecosystem strategy. The first step in this effort is to conduct a nine-month study to assess the state’s current cyber assets and analyze strengths and gaps. To perform this critical work, UofSC’s Office of Partnerships, Innovation, and Economic Engagement (OIPEE) engaged longtime university partner kglobal, a Washington, DC-based strategic consulting firm.

Topics: Economic Engagement

A set of hands hovers over a Mac keyboard

Governor Henry McMaster, University of South Carolina, and Benedict College announce statewide education initiative with Apple products

March 30, 2021, Jeff Stensland

Gov. Henry McMaster awarded $6 million in Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) funds to the University of South Carolina, who, in partnership with Benedict College, will establish eight Apple computer labs statewide. The labs will be strategically located for use by local school districts, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the South Carolina Technical College System and citizens in the community.

Topics: Economic Engagement

man with red tie, black coat, baseball cap standing with granite marker

UofSC civil rights center unveils historical marker commemorating landmark protest

March 03, 2021, Carol J.G. Ward

The Center for Civil Rights History and Research at the University of South Carolina unveiled a historical marker on March 2 to commemorate the courage of hundreds of students who marched on the South Carolina State House 60 years ago. Many of the students were arrested, and the appeal of their convictions eventually was heard by the U.S. Supreme Court, leading to a legal precedent protecting the rights of protesters.

Topics: Faculty, Diversity, History, Leadership, College of Arts and Sciences, University Libraries

The USC smokestack rises above the skyline of Columbia

UofSC plays essential role in statewide economy, workforce

March 01, 2021, Dan Cook and Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina pumps approximately $6.2 billion annually into the state’s economy, according to a new study, representing a $700 million growth in annual impact over four years. The findings are from researchers at UofSC’s Darla Moore School of Business. Researchers have updated a 2017 report that found the university’s annual statewide economic impact was $5.5 billion.

Topics: Faculty, Economic Engagement, Partnerships, Darla Moore School of Business

Technicians in a lab wearing gloves and safety goggles.

University of South Carolina to help lead Savannah River National Laboratory research innovation and workforce development

February 10, 2021

The University of South Carolina and the Battelle Savannah River Alliance are partnering to conduct critical research at one of the country’s premier national laboratories – the Savannah River National Laboratory. The partnership will contribute to workforce development and provide cutting-edge advancements in national security, energy and environmental research.

Topics: Research, Health Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing

graphic depiction of the state of South Carolina with a star in the middle

South Carolina: Leading in 2021

January 09, 2021

From keeping higher education affordable and partnering with HBCUs to prioritizing health care and focusing on representing all South Carolinians, the University of South Carolina is as determined as ever to transform lives in 2021.

Topics: University Leadership

UofSC, Siemens expand partnership to include product demonstrations, new research projects, workforce development

December 01, 2020, Jeff Stensland

Siemens Digital Industries Software and the University of South Carolina are expanding their partnership by adding new software, collaborating on research for innovative manufacturing solutions, and by adding Siemens’ product demonstrations in the 15,000-square-foot Digital Transformation Lab at the McNAIR Aerospace Center.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, College of Engineering and Computing

Ian MacLeod and Shane Weatherford on balcony smiling.

VA program helps veterans transition to medical careers

November 09, 2020, Margaret Gregory

Two members of the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia Class of 2024 are bringing unique perspectives as they train for their future careers in medicine. Before entering medical school, Ian MacLeod and Shane Weatherford served their country in the U.S. armed services. Both are able to pursue their education thanks to the Veterans Healing Veterans Scholarship.

Topics: Students, Scholarships, Philanthropy, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

maxcy monument surrounded by fall foliage

UofSC earns top ranking for first-year experience; international business program

September 13, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina is once again recognized for offering the best first-year experience of any public college in the nation by U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Monday (Sept. 14). This is the second year in row UofSC was ranked the No. 1 public institution in the category.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing

maxcy monument surrounded by fall foliage

UofSC earns top ranking for first-year experience; international business program

September 13, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina is once again recognized for offering the best first-year experience of any public college in the nation by U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings released Monday (Sept. 14). This is the second year in row UofSC was ranked the No. 1 public institution in the category.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing

Overlooking the fountain outside Thomas Cooper Library looking at the smokestack near the Horseshoe

UofSC among top universities granted U.S. utility patents

July 08, 2020, Communications and Public Affairs

For the eighth-consecutive year, the University of South Carolina stands among the top 100 universities in the world, based on the number of U.S. utility patents faculty members received in 2019. South Carolina ranks 90th worldwide, named as the lead on 31 patents last year.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Research, Recognition, Economic Engagement, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

william tate in suit and tie standing outside

Meet Provost William F. Tate IV

June 02, 2020, Keisa Gunby

William F. "Bill" Tate IV began his tenure as provost at the University of South Carolina on July 1. He comes to South Carolina from Washington University in St. Louis, where he served as the dean of the graduate school and vice provost for graduate education.

Topics: University Leadership

UofSC experts: 2020 hurricane season

May 13, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The Atlantic hurricane season officially begins June 1. Top researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2020 hurricane season, including forecasting, disaster planning and historical perspectives. To coordinate an interview, contact the staff member listed with each expert entry.

Topics: Faculty, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Law, College of Pharmacy, Arnold School of Public Health

girl student taking a test

COVID 19 impact: Seeking alternatives to standardized testing

May 12, 2020, James Kirylo

Because of the COVID-19 epidemic, the Education Department is letting states cancel standardized tests. As a result, 2020 is the first year without federally mandated standardized testing in nearly two decades. Education professor James Kirylo writes in The Conversation that school systems can take advantage of this remarkable time to seek alternatives to standardized tests.

Topics: Faculty, College of Education

plasma donation

COVID-19 response: UofSC partners with The Blood Connection to collect plasma donations from recovered patients

May 11, 2020

A national study sponsored by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Mayo Clinic is examining the use of plasma from recovered COVID-19 patients, known as convalescent plasma, to treat patients who are currently suffering from the virus. Physicians hope the antibodies in the donor plasma will neutralize the virus in these ill patients and improve outcomes.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Health Sciences, COVID-19, Medicine (Columbia)

protester holds sign calling to close the border

COVID-19 impact: Language differences spark fear amid pandemic

May 08, 2020, Stanley Dubinsky, Kaitlyn E. Smith, Michael Gavin

As the coronavirus spreads around the globe, it can cause a fear of others, especially strangers, who may or may not have taken proper precautions against spreading the disease. This fear can cause people to be on heightened alert for anyone who might be different. English professors Stanley Dubinsky, Michael Gavin and doctoral student Kaitlyn Smith write for The Conversation about how language differences can contribute to discrimination.

Topics: Faculty, Research, College of Arts and Sciences

graphic with multicolored lines to show spread of COVID-19

COVID-19 impact: Coronavirus genome allows epidemiologists to track where it's been

April 27, 2020, Bert Ely and Taylor Carter

Following the coronavirus’s spread through the population – and anticipating its next move – is an important part of the public health response to the new disease. Biological sciences professor Bert Ely and doctoral student Taylor Carter write for The Conversation on how the virus's genetic sequence provides insight into where the virus has been.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Research, graduate-studies, COVID-19, College of Arts and Sciences

booker t washington auditorium building

Popular UofSC civil rights exhibit will have a permanent home

April 09, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The university will continue rehabilitation and preservation of the Booker T. Washington Auditorium Building to create a permanent space for the Center for Civil Rights History and Research’s exhibit “Justice for All: South Carolina and the American Civil Rights Movement.” Funded with a $500,000 grant from the National Park Service, the restoration will advance efforts to create a destination for people to learn the history of Columbia and of the school.

Topics: Faculty, Diversity, History, Collections, College of Arts and Sciences, University Libraries

UofSC faculty experts on coronavirus

March 18, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The University of South Carolina’s Office of Communications and Public Affairs has compiled a list of faculty experts who can discuss topics relevant to the coronavirus pandemic.

Topics: COVID-19, College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, College of Information and Communications, School of Law, Medicine (Columbia), College of Pharmacy

Maxcy monument on the historic Horsehoe

UofSC partners with Prisma Health to drive health-care innovation in S.C.

February 21, 2020, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina and Prisma Health – the state’s largest not-for-profit health organization – are announcing a partnership that aims to encourage the development and implementation of innovative health care delivery models, medical devices, digital health applications, and treatments for diseases.

Topics: Economic Engagement, Medicine (Columbia), Medicine (Greenville)

iwo jima medical

75 years later, film collection enriches history of WWII

February 18, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The University of South Carolina’s Moving Image Research Collections in a partnership with the History Division of the Marine Corps is digitizing films shot by more than 50 Marine combat cameramen during the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began Feb. 19, 1945. The goal is to provide public access to the video and expand historical understanding.

Topics: Students, Faculty, History, Collections, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, University Libraries

iwo jima medical

75 years later, film collection enriches history of WWII

February 18, 2020, Carol J.G. Ward

The University of South Carolina’s Moving Image Research Collections in a partnership with the History Division of the Marine Corps is digitizing films shot by more than 50 Marine combat cameramen during the Battle of Iwo Jima, which began Feb. 19, 1945. The goal is to provide public access to the video and expand historical understanding.

Topics: Students, Faculty, History, Collections, Student Voices, College of Arts and Sciences, College of Engineering and Computing, University Libraries

Kassy Alia at the 2018 event standing in front of red TEDx sign.

TEDxUofSC 2020

January 06, 2020, Kohl Friery

The University of South Carolina will host its second TEDx event, TEDxUofSC, on Oct. 15. TEDxUofSC will feature eight speakers that each have an idea worth sharing to better the community.

Topics: speakers, Signature Events

Neema Patel and the Gibbs Family

Scholarship transforms heartbreak into hope

December 11, 2019, Margaret Gregory

In 2002, 8-year-old Wanda Gibbs died after being hit by a car at her bus stop. After her tragic passing, the community came together and launched a fundraising initiative to ensure Wanda’s memory would live on. Their efforts established the Wanda Gibbs Scholarship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, which was awarded for the first time earlier this year.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Scholarships, Diversity, Recognition, Health Sciences, Careers, College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

Dr. Patterson and patient

UofSC center brings health care to those in need

November 20, 2019, Margaret Gregory

In South Carolina, a majority of the 46 counties are considered to be medically underserved. The South Carolina Center for Rural and Primary Healthcare is working to improve access to quality care through training programs that are helping grow the health care workforce.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, graduate-studies, Diversity, Partnerships, Health Sciences, Service, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

Yellow lightbulb icon

Nephron, UofSC researchers improving medication safety through automation

August 24, 2019, Jeff Stensland

Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation has joined forces with the University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing to design and implement an automation process that significantly boosts production of pre-filled medication, reducing the physical burden on workers and increasing patient safety.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Economic Engagement, College of Engineering and Computing, College of Pharmacy

A group of students surround the larger-than-life bronze Cocky statue, all of them flashing the spurs up hand sign.

UofSC welcomes increasingly diverse and talented class of students

August 21, 2019, Jeff Stensland

The approximately 8,700 students arriving in Columbia this week are part of the largest pool of new students ever enrolled at the University of South Carolina’s flagship campus. Preliminary enrollment numbers show the university also is increasing in diversity and serving more students from South Carolina than ever before, surpassing last year’s record and setting a new bar for academic achievement.

Topics: Students, Undergraduate Admissions, Diversity, South Carolina Honors College

Alexandra Vezzetti

First class of UofSC physician assistant graduates helping improve healthcare access

July 19, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Alexandra Vezzetti was in the first class of physician assistant students at the School of Medicine and the first PA student to rotate through the neurology department at Prisma Health. Department Chair Souvik Sen, M.D., was so impressed with Vezzetti that he hired her, and next month, she’ll become the department’s first physician assistant.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, graduate-studies, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, Medicine (Columbia)

Katy Pilarzyk in the lab

Brain Power

May 23, 2019, Alyssa Yancey

Second-year Ph.D. candidate Katy Pilarzyk was one of three University of South Carolina students awarded a prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship this year. She will use her funding to continue her work in Michy Kelly’s lab at the School of Medicine Columbia. The lab studies the inner workings of the brain to better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying social and cognitive deficits.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, graduate-studies, Health Sciences, Careers, Student Voices, College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia)

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