College of Nursing

2026 News

The Courage to Serve and Care

From serving aboard a Navy hospital ship during the Gulf War to providing medical care at Ground Zero, University of South Carolina College of Nursing alumna Roxie Merritt ('80 BSN) has dedicated her career to caring for others in the most challenging environments.

Alumni Spotlight: From Bedside to Rural Care

In rural Newberry, South Carolina, nursing alumna Casey Purcell ('19 MSN) is helping patients address barriers to care while providing the education they need to take control of their health.

The Power of Preceptors

With an expanded scope of practice and increased responsibility for patient health, future nurse practitioners need hands-on clinical experiences to develop their skills and confidence. Preceptors like April Hutto (’25 PhD, ’01 BSN) provide mentorship and learning opportunities that help students like Thelma George (’26 MSN) train to become successful providers.

Future Nurse Scientists Named Jonas Scholars

PhD students Katie Darmer and Bryson Martin have been named 2026-2028 Jonas Scholars, joining a national cohort of emerging nurse leaders. Through research focused on maternal and pediatric health, they are working to improve outcomes for women, children and families while preparing for careers as nurse scientists and educators.

Garnet Apple Award for Teaching Innovation: Stephanie Schaller

Associate professor Stephanie Schaller designed Study Navigator, a custom AI-enhanced study tool that prepares nursing students for the decision-making that happens in clinical practice. The tool is just one way Schaller brings classroom lessons to life.

USC expands faculty pipeline to strengthen South Carolina's nursing workforce

A successful USC program that prepares future nursing faculty is now a statewide partnership to help address one of South Carolina's biggest healthcare workforce challenges. Expanding Nursing Faculty Pipeline is a College of Nursing initiative to prepare the next generation of nurse educators.

National analysis highlights USC Nursing's consistent NCLEX success

USC Nursing's consistently high first-time NCLEX pass rates earned national recognition, highlighting the college's sustained success in preparing future nurses and strengthening South Carolina's healthcare workforce.

A different way of speaking

University of South Carolina nursing students are learning to communicate more effectively with patients through a unique simulation that pairs them with standardized patients living with aphasia.

Spring 2026 College of Nursing honors list

Congratulations to our College of Nursing students who made the Spring 2026 President's and Dean's Lists.

Called to Care

Ryan Fox ('24 MSN) shares how a nontraditional path led him to nursing and reflects on men's health, patient advocacy, wellness, and the importance of living authentically.

M. Stuart Hunter Award recipient turns University 101 experience into a career of student support

After first taking University 101 as a student in 2003, Wright Culpepper returned as a peer leader and later an instructor, dedicating his career to helping students find community and connection at Carolina. Two decades later, that commitment has earned him the 2025-26 M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching.

Building a Future in Nursing Through Leadership and Advocacy

Balancing motherhood, nursing school and clinical training, Courtney Geyer is growing as a nurse, advocate and leader while preparing to make a difference in patient care and her community.

Three Generations of Gamecock Nursing

For more than 50 years, nursing has united three generations of one Gamecock family. From bedside care to healthcare leadership, their story is one of family, purpose and a shared calling to care for others.

Lessons Beyond the Classroom: The Impact of Preceptors

Through clinical rotations in emergency medicine and veteran care, Ann Cook ('26 DNP) gained confidence in her clinical skills, strengthened her clinical judgment, and discovered the lasting impact of dedicated preceptors.

USC Alumni Association honors nursing alumnus as Gamecock35 recipient

Blake Frazier has been named to USC's Gamecock35, becoming the first nursing alumnus to earn the honor. A CRNA and educator, he's recognized for his leadership and impact in health care.

Spring Awards Day 2026

The annual University Awards Day Ceremony honors graduating seniors for excellence at South Carolina.

April: Stress Awareness Month

As stress levels rise across the nursing profession, professor Marissa Bartmess shares practical ways to recognize, manage, and prevent burnout before it takes hold.

USC Nursing, EVHN strengthen global ties with renewed education partnership

USC Nursing and Germany's EVHN have renewed their global partnership, expanding opportunities for student exchange and collaboration. The program continues to prepare future nurses with international experience and a broader perspective on patient care.

Landmark investment advances the future of nursing at the University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing has received a landmark gift from the Bedford Falls Foundation to establish the Joanne and William Conway Nursing Scholarship. The investment will expand access to nursing education, support South Carolina students and help address the state's growing nursing workforce shortage.

USC Nursing Earns National Recognition in Simulation Education

The USC College of Nursing's Center for Simulation and Experiential Learning has earned national reaccreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, reinforcing its position as a leader in innovative, high-quality nursing education.

DNP Student advances nurse educator career at USC

After years of caring for critically ill patients at the bedside, Laura Petrarca found her calling in the classroom. Now a Doctor of Nursing Practice student in USC's Nursing Education program, she's combining clinical expertise with innovative teaching strategies to prepare the next generation of nurses.

Alumni Spotlight: Healing while healing

From the moment Kennedy Golden knew she wanted to become a nurse, she had a plan. What she couldn't have planned for was becoming the patient herself. From publishing research as a first-generation honors student to battling a rare cancer diagnosis while continuing to care for others, Golden's journey is a powerful story of resilience, faith and leadership.

Dean Jeannette Andrews to step down in 2026

Longtime leader leaves lasting impact on USC College of Nursing.

Latest U.S. News online rankings show strength, momentum at College of Nursing

USC Nursing continues to be a national leader in online nursing education. Four nursing programs rank in the Top 10 nationally in the latest online rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including our online master's in nursing program, which has been in the Top 5 for six consecutive years.

Student Spotlight: Mental Wellness

January is a perfect month to reset and focus on habits that support emotional wellbeing. The college's Student Ambassadors share how they navigate challenges and manage stress during challenging days.

Why cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers

Nearly 4,000 women in the U.S. die from cervical cancer each year. But it's one of the most preventable gynecologic cancers.

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