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.
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.
Honors international business majors Francesca Cumello and Colby Greene will continue their studies at the University of Oxford in England next fall.
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.
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.
Even before studying abroad in Australia, first-generation Honors student Ashley Chittum has been prepared for whatever adventures come her way.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Three juniors and one senior have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest.
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.
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.
December Honors graduate Kamryn Carter, a philosophy and religious studies double major, reflects on the people, legacies, courses and leadership opportunities that have shaped her academic trajectory and passion for community-centered advocacy.
Kayla Davenport, an Honors biological sciences major and December graduate, faced many choices during her undergraduate experience--and she selected options that challenged her capabilities and shaped her into an aspiring health professional committed to improving public health.
Paige Canady planned to write a straightforward Honors thesis – but after collaborating with an art education student, the project became a cleverly illustrated children’s book, one that Canady hopes will be read by families everywhere.
Honors College student Michael Pitre gets up around 3 a.m. on Tuesday and Thursday mornings to make the two-hour drive to Folly Beach to surf at the Washout before heading back to Columbia and his 11:40 a.m. class. It’s a regimen that aligns nicely with the Marshall Scholar finalist’s jam-packed schedule that includes earning his BARSC-M.D. degree in just three years, working as an emergency medical technician and researching the circuitry of the brain on his way to becoming a neurosurgeon.
As the December Class of 2025 prepares to walk across the commencement stage, graduates leave the University of South Carolina with memories of enduring friendships, newfound passions, supportive mentors and life-changing experiences.
As a first-generation student, Jonathan Aun's path to becoming a doctor wasn't easy. In USC's Honors College he found friendships, memories and an environment of support and exploration in which to lead and help others do the same. Whether called Major Aun or Dr. Aun today, he continues to build compassionate connection with his patients — and is a true Gamecock at heart.
Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.
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