USC joining Campus Compact network
July 10, 2025, Collyn Taylor
USC is rejoining the Campus Compact network, a coalition of higher education institutions, to enhance its community engagement efforts.
2025 Archive
How Internet of Things devices affect your privacy
June 25, 2025, David Sella-Villa
The Internet of Things includes any device that automatically sends and receives data via the internet. When you use your phone to message someone or social media to post something, the sharing is deliberate. But the data from these devices can reveal a lot about the people who interact with them – and about other people around the devices.
Board of Trustees approves budget, academic initiatives in June meeting
June 19, 2025, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina's Board of Trustees passed the budget for the 2026 fiscal year while also approving a host of new programs and modifications plus two new centers on campus.
USC trustees approve 2026 budget; no tuition increase for SC residents
June 19, 2025, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees passed a budget mitigating tuition for in-state students, enhancing academic support for students and investing in energy innovation and health science research.
Germany's young Jewish and Muslim writers are speaking for themselves
June 18, 2025, Agnes Mueller
The consequences of Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s war in Gaza have reverberated far beyond the zones of conflict. Debate about the war in Gaza feels fraught in Germany, where concerns about rising antisemitism have been used to criticize some Muslim communities. The Holocaust looms over discussions about Israel, with many claiming the country’s sense of historical guilt has made it, until recently, reluctant to criticize Israeli politics.
2025 hurricane faculty experts list
June 13, 2025, University Communications
The Atlantic hurricane season officially began June 1. Researchers at the University of South Carolina are available to discuss multiple aspects of the 2025 hurricane season, including preparation and communication, environmental impact and historical perspectives.
How school choice policies evolved
June 12, 2025, Kendall Deas
School voucher programs that allow families to use public funds to pay tuition to attend private schools have become increasingly popular. School vouchers have a long history in the U.S. Our Kendall Deas weighs in for The Conversation.
USC names new Palmetto College chancellor
June 11, 2025, Jeff Stensland
Craig Wilson will take over as chancellor of USC's two-year campuses and online degree completion program. Wilson has served in positions at the University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin-Platteville, the University of Miami and Miami Dade College.
Is methylene blue really a brain booster? A pharmacologist explains the science
June 10, 2025, Lorne Hofseth
The internet is abuzz with tributes to a liquid chemical called methylene blue that is being sold as a health supplement that enhances cognitive function. Vendors claim it amps brain energy, improves memory, boosts focus and dispels brain fog. A USC pharmacologist weighs in, via The Conversation.
Is AI sparking a cognitive revolution that will lead to mediocrity and conformity?
June 09, 2025, Wolfgang Messner
Artificial Intelligence began as a quest to simulate the human brain. Is it now in the process of transforming the human brain’s role in daily life?
Religious charter schools threaten to shift more money away from traditional public schools
June 06, 2025, Derek Black
The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 30, 2025, in what could be the most consequential case for public education since the court started requiring schools to desegregate in the years following Brown v. Board of Education.
Leaning in
June 05, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Betsy Gray ('77 law) followed the fearless example of childhood neighbor Jean Toal ('68 law) and others in her decades-long legal career. Today, the highly accomplished founding member of Robinson Gray law firm reflects on change, peer support and the opportunity in daily challenges.
Graduate award winners recognized
May 19, 2025, Thom Harman, with Matt Klopfenstein
The Graduate School recently announced and recognized its 2025 Graduate Student Award winners and Trustee Fellowship recipients, as well as the graduates from the school’s scholarly initiatives. The school held its annual Recognition of Excellence Ceremony on April 25 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
Honors College junior named USC's 18th Udall Scholar
May 14, 2025, Brandon Pugh
Rising Honors College senior Ella Michel has been awarded a 2025 Udall Undergraduate Scholarship to continue her work at the intersection of energy, environment and community.
HRSM professor melds law and marketing expertise to prepare students
May 08, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett
Natasha Brison has practiced law and worked in the entertainment industry, starting a business as a marketing consultant for professional athletes. She also conducts research and came to South Carolina despite already earning tenure at another top institution. Now Brison brings her experience to USC's classrooms as an associate professor in the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management's Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. Her diverse background is proving to be a great resource for her students as she prepares them to pursue their dreams after graduation.
2 Gamecocks reflect on life behind the beak
May 08, 2025, Michaela Taylor
For most University of South Carolina students, Cocky is a symbol of school spirit synonymous with USC and complete with beak flaps, spurs up and fun game antics. But for seniors Nicole Hurley and John Sutay, the mascot means something more — it’s a defining part of their college experience, one they kept secret for years.
USC's latest Rotary Scholar seeks global engagement
May 06, 2025, Valerie Weingart
Senior NROTC midshipman Ryan Lohr realized early that, to grow as a communicator, he couldn’t just talk about the world in his classes — he needed to engage with the world.
USC celebrates spring graduates
April 30, 2025, Jeff Stensland
The USC system will welcome thousands of new alumni in a series of commencement ceremonies recognizing bachelor’s, master’s and professional degree recipients as well as awarding six honorary degrees.
USC's College of Arts and Sciences renamed following transformational gift
April 22, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
The University of South Carolina College of Arts and Sciences has a new name honoring the vision and generosity of a prominent alumnus and his family. The official name, the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, was announced on Wednesday (April 23) during a ceremony on USC's Horseshoe.
USC MIND club's mental health awareness challenge goes viral
April 21, 2025, Laura Erskine
The Ice Bucket Challenge is back, and a student organization at the University of South Carolina is behind it. In March, USC's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND challenge, which went viral and hit the national news. Who doesn’t love to see videos of friends, family and even strangers getting doused in buckets of ice water?
USC celebrates 2025 Governor's Award for the Arts winners
April 01, 2025, Brandon Pugh
The Koger Center, USC School of Music professor Gail Barnes and USC School of Visual Arts and Design alumnus Wade Sellers have been named winners of the 2025 Governor’s Awards for the Arts by the South Carolina Arts Commission, recognizing exceptional practice or support of contemporary and traditional art forms.
Joffrey Ballet delivers unparalleled experience for USC student performers
March 27, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
It’s been a whirlwind semester for dancers and musicians at the University of South Carolina. Twenty-four Joffrey Ballet company members arrived on campus March 17 for a three-week residency culminating in an unprecedented collaborative performance April 5 at the Koger Center for the Arts. Students and faculty from USC’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program and the USC Symphony Orchestra have joined forces with members of the Joffrey entourage to marry movement and music into a spectacular concert for the community.
Medical, pharmacy students celebrate Match Day career milestones
March 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy
More than 250 University of South Carolina health sciences students learned where they’ll take the next step in their careers during national Match Day celebrations on March 19 and 21.
Board of Trustees approves budgetary items, academic initiatives during March meeting
March 17, 2025, Collyn Taylor
The University of South Carolina Board of Trustees approved a slew of academic initiatives as well as facilities projects across the USC System during its March meeting.
USC planning SC's first clinical neurological and rehabilitation center
March 14, 2025, Jeff Stensland
The University of South Carolina is developing a unique clinical neurological and rehabilitation center that will house the Palmetto State’s first standalone comprehensive medical facility dedicated entirely to integrated care of patients with brain and nervous system illnesses.
USC sets new application record
March 06, 2025, Jeff Stensland
USC set a record this year with more than 60,000 prospective students applying for fall 2025 admissions.
World-renowned Joffrey Ballet residency at USC promises unforgettable experiences
March 06, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
Dance students in the University of South Carolina’s Betsy Blackmon Dance Program are spending extra time at the barre in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity they will have collaborating with the world-famous Joffrey Ballet. The company begins a three-week residency at USC on March 17 that will culminate with an unprecedented Koger Center performance on April 5.
Dean Tayloe Harding to lead national music accreditation organization
March 06, 2025, Carol J.G. Ward
Tayloe Harding brings more than three decades of experience with the National Association of Schools of Music into his new role as its president to advance the cause of music in American life, establish and maintain accreditation standards and provide a national forum for related issues.
AIs flunk language test that takes grammar out of the equation
February 28, 2025, Rutvik Desai
While the quality of AI systems' output sometimes rivals work done by humans, they are also prone to confidently churning out factually incorrect information. Skeptics have also called into question their ability to reason.
Professor explores intersection of AI, advertising and public perception
February 26, 2025, Brandon Pugh
As CIC’s associate dean for research, Linwan Wu is leading the college’s work to understand the influence and impact of artificial intelligence in advertising. Through the first two USC AI Index reports and those to come, he’s helping to evaluate national sentiment on the now-prevalent communications technology.
School of Medicine Columbia breaks ground on new facility at USC Health Sciences Campus
February 21, 2025, Gregory Hardy
The University of South Carolina broke ground on a facility that will redefine the future of health care education and research during a ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at the site of its new School of Medicine Columbia. This cutting-edge, 300,000-square-foot-plus medical education and research facility will be part of USC’s transformative $300 million Health Sciences Campus, amid 16 acres in Columbia’s reimagined BullStreet District.
Board of Trustees passes resolution, updates Brain Health Center during February meeting
February 21, 2025, Collyn Taylor
The Board of Trustees heard updates on USC's Brain Health Network, Division of Development and Student Health and Well-Being during its meeting Feb. 21.
2024 outstanding student advocate talks career, TRIO, award
February 18, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett
Paulia D. Williams won the 2024 Dennis A. Pruitt Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students Award, the fourth TRIO staff member to win the award since its inception. Williams knows that most students need some help transitioning to college, especially first-generation college students. She sees it every day in her role with TRIO Programs — and she lived it herself.
Annual Carolina Day at the State House highlights USC's impact
February 06, 2025, Andy Shain
On Feb. 11, University of South Carolina alumni and advocates will gather at the S.C. State House for Carolina Day to demonstrate how the state flagship university is building momentum in producing a more prosperous and healthier South Carolina.
2025 heart health faculty experts list
January 29, 2025, Gregory Hardy
February is American Heart Month. The University of South Carolina is home to many faculty members who are available to offer their expertise in cardio care and research.
The Starbase rocket testing facility is permanently changing the landscape of southern Texas
January 28, 2025, Robert A. Kopack
If there is a leader in the aerospace industry, SpaceX is it. Boca Chica, Texas, is home to SpaceX’s flagship assembly and test installation, Starbase. Since 2021, research has been conducted with environmental groups and community members in south Texas who see space exploration as a landscape-altering industry. Geography professor Robert A. Kopack writes about Starbase for The Conversation.
Why government can't make America 'healthier' by micromanaging groceries purchased with SNAP benefits
January 27, 2025, Danielle Krobath
Banning junk food from SNAP is something that has divided public health experts for years. However, research shows that adding to the restrictions that already limit access to SNAP benefits do little to make Americans healthier. Danielle Krobath, an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of South Carolina’s Arnold School of Public Health, writes for The Conversation with Tufts University Assistant Professor of Community Health Benjamin Chrisinger about their research into safety net programs.
FDA bans Red 3 dye from food and drugs - a scientist explains the artificial color's health risks and long history
January 23, 2025, Lorne J. Hofseth
Red 3, a synthetic dye linked to cancer, has been banned by the FDA due to growing evidence of its harmful effects on human health. College of Pharmacy professor Lorne Hofseth writes for The Conversation on the health risks of synthetic food dyes and the implications of stricter regulations.
Hollings Library Exhibit: The Great Gatsby at 100
January 21, 2025, Craig Brandhorst
A new exhibit, “‘Something significant, elemental and profound’: Celebrating 100 Years of The Great Gatsby,” opens Jan. 24 at the University of South Carolina’s Hollings Library. Michael Weisenburg, director of USC’s Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, discusses the novel’s enduring appeal.
USC's economic impact continues growing across SC, new study finds
January 15, 2025, Andy Shain
A new study from USC finds that the University of South Carolina system has a $7.4 billion annual impact on the state's economy.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist's second act connects athletes' minds and bodies
January 15, 2025, Anna Francis
Natasha Hastings came to the University of South Carolina with dreams of excelling as an athlete. Although her talent eventually would propel her to an NCAA championship, multiple world championships and two Olympic gold medals, her initial start on the Gamecock track and field team was less than stellar. Her body was sound, but she had psychological demons to slay.
Public health professor explains wildfires' long-term impact on environment, health
January 13, 2025, Rebekah Friedman
Arnold School of Public Health professor Mohammed Baalousha studies how wildfires affect the formation of nanomaterials and how these ultra-tiny particles are seeping into water and soil.
The good, the bad and the gutsy
January 03, 2025, Kristine Hartvigsen
The USC Baruch Institute's new director, Jill Stewart, is endlessly fascinated by the natural alchemy of the oft-maligned yet mighty microbe. These tiny living microorganisms are everywhere, from the surface of our skin and the air we breathe to the water we drink and the soil beneath our feet. In fact, microbes are essential to the persistence of life on Earth. So why do they sometimes get a bad rap?