Press Releases

USC School of Music professor wins 2026 Grammy

February 03, 2026, Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell and Brandon Pugh

Bassoon professor Michael Harley and his new-music ensemble Alarm Will Sound snared top honors in Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance for Land of Winter, a collaborative piece that was also nominated for Best Contemporary Classical Composition. Harley's nomination and another for fellow professor Mak Grgic were the latest of several Grammy nominations for musicians with USC connections.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Recognition, School of Music

School of Music faculty members nominated for Grammy awards

December 10, 2025, Marlena Crovatt-Bagwell

Ensembles led by School of Music bassoon professor Michael Harley and guitar assistant professor Mak Grgić are nominees for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards to be presented Feb. 1 in Los Angeles. Theirs are the latest of several Grammy nominations for musicians with USC connections.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Recognition, School of Music

Engineering professor named National Academy of Inventors fellow

December 09, 2025, Collyn Taylor

Biomedical engineering professor Ehsan Jabbarzadeh became the University of South Carolina's fourth National Academy of Inventors fellow.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards

November 14, 2025, Laura Erskine

Six finalists with ties to USC were recognized by the 2025 InnoVision Awards, with three winning top honors. The winning businesses are led by students in the South Carolina Honors College, alumni and graduate students from the Molinaroli College of Engineering, and alumni from the Darla Moore School of Business and the Honors College.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Health Sciences, Entrepreneurship, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, The Graduate School, South Carolina Honors College

Over 140 USC experts listed as top-cited global researchers

October 22, 2025, Collyn Taylor

The University of South Carolina had 140 total faculty members across 11 different colleges or schools honored on a recent list of the world’s top-cited researchers.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition

University of South Carolina named one of America's Best-In-State Employers

August 18, 2025, Jasmine Hunter

The University of South Carolina was named one of South Carolina's best employers by Forbes.

Topics: Recognition

Elkins receives Order of the Palmetto

August 08, 2025, Thom Harman / photo by Kim Truett

Susan Elkins, the founding chancellor of USC’s Palmetto College, is being awarded the Order of the Palmetto after a career of service in education. The award is South Carolina’s highest civilian honor. Elkins announced that she was stepping down from her role in May. As chancellor, Elkins oversaw tremendous growth at Palmetto College's four campuses around the state as well as in its online offerings.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Recognition, University System

Law school alum Betsy Gray reflects on women in leadership

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.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Graduate Studies, Diversity, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

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.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Scholarships, Recognition, Service, Leadership, South Carolina Honors College

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.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Recognition, Service, Leadership, School of Music

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.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, History, Recognition, Leadership, College of Education

USC top college in the Southeast for veterans, military service members

November 07, 2024, Katherine Progler

Military Times has ranked the University of South Carolina as the nation’s No. 7 “Best for Vets Colleges 2024,” making USC the top-ranked school in the Southeast.

Topics: Diversity, Recognition

New research explores the 'thoughts' and abilities of AI chatbots

November 04, 2024, Kristine Hartvigsen

Artificial Intelligence advocates might defensively suggest, in good humor, that chatbots are “only human” and therefore prone to occasional mistakes. New research by a team at the University of South Carolina Department of Psychology basically confirms that notion with some important caveats.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Recognition, Leadership, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Breakthrough Research

Student ensembles kick off School of Music centennial celebration

September 04, 2024, Carol J.G. Ward

The Centennial Celebration Concert joins more than 500 student musicians in the first of a series of events showcasing School of Music programs, students and faculty.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Diversity, History, Recognition, Partnerships, Service, Student Voices, School of Music

Introducing USC's Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

June 06, 2024, Gregory Hardy

The University of South Carolina College of Engineering and Computing has a new name that reflects the vision and generosity of generations of the Molinaroli family. The official name, the University of South Carolina Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, was announced on Thursday (June 6) during a signage unveiling ceremony at the college’s Swearingen Engineering Center on Main Street.

Topics: Alumni, Academics, Research, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Let it Reign!

May 14, 2024, Thom Harman

Maybe you were shouting from the stands in Cleveland as Dawn Staley’s remarkable women’s basketball team brought home the third national championship in program history. Maybe you were among the 24 million viewers watching on TV as they turned a so-called rebuilding year into an undefeated season and rings all around. Maybe you were even out there in the Thomas Cooper reflecting pool with several hundred other ecstatic Gamecocks, making a splash all your own.

Topics: Students, Alumni, University Leadership, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, Carolinian

Double honor: USC historian lands Guggenheim Fellowship, Rome Prize

April 25, 2024, Laura Erskine

Carol Harrison is headed to Rome for the upcoming school year thanks to two major fellowships supporting her research on the First Vatican Council (1869-1870). A professor in USC’s Department of History, Harrison recently won both the Guggenheim Fellowship — one of the world’s most prestigious grants for scholars — and the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

USC professor wins governor's award for arts in education

March 28, 2024, Thom Harman

Minuette Floyd, a professor of art education in the University of South Carolina’s School of Visual Art and Design, won a governor’s award in the arts in education category. The award, announced by the South Carolina Arts Commission on behalf of the sitting governor, is the state’s highest award for exceptional achievement in practicing or supporting the arts.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Service, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

USC chemist elected to National Academy of Engineering

March 07, 2024, Hannah Cambre

Susan Richardson was elected to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering for her pioneering work in improving water quality by measuring disinfection byproducts.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, Health Sciences, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Matt White's approach for "Lowcountry" has him headed to Spoleto

January 26, 2024, Thom Harman

From a new program home to new music to continued research, Matt White, Jazz Studies Program chair, is rather busy. His novel approach to a 2023 release, “Lowcountry” — incorporating Gullah histories and stories with contemporary jazz — has earned White and his collaborators a chance to perform the piece during the 2024 Spoleto Festival.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, History, Recognition, Service, School of Music

Journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons helps caregivers through Leeza's Care Connection

January 11, 2024, Rebekah Friedman

After losing her mother to Alzheimer’s, journalist and TV personality Leeza Gibbons devoted her second act to helping caregivers through Leeza’s Care Connection.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Philanthropy, Health Sciences, Service, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, College of Information and Communications, Carolinian

Carolina Marching Band selected to perform in the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Parade

September 08, 2023, Thom Harman

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® committee has announced the Carolina Band as one of their premier bands selected to perform in the 2024 parade. The announcement was made at halftime of the South Carolina vs. Furman football game on Saturday (Sept. 9). The band was one of just 10 chosen from more than 100 applicants. This is the first time in the band’s 100+-year history that it’s been given this opportunity.

Topics: Students, University Leadership, Experiential Learning, Recognition, School of Music

USC Sumter professor Ray McManus wins Governor's Award for the Arts

April 27, 2023, Craig Brandhorst

Poet Ray McManus won a 2023 Governor’s Award for the Arts, but the USC Sumter English professor’s impact stretches beyond the page.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, Carolinian, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

Timir Datta: Magnetism Reimagined

January 27, 2023, Craig Brandhorst

Physics Professor Timir Datta was recently named a 2022 American Academy of Arts and Sciences Fellow for his research on “high-temperature” superconductors. But it’s the puzzling nature of electromagnetism that has pulled at his imagination for the last half a century.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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.

Topics: Faculty, Recognition, Service, Leadership, College of Information and Communications

Supporters celebrate success of Anne Frank Center

December 01, 2022, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina hosted a reception on Wednesday (Nov. 30) to thank those who supported the establishment of the Anne Frank Center on the Columbia campus and its ongoing mission to educate visitors about antisemitism and other forms of discrimination. Reception attendees included university President Michael Amiridis, former President Harris Pastides, state Rep. Beth Bernstein, S.C. Ports Authority Chairman Bill Stern and former state Sen. Joel Laurie.

Topics: University Leadership, History, Collections, Recognition

New vice president for research aims to mentor junior faculty

October 03, 2022, Craig Brandhorst

Julius Fridriksson loves a challenge. After climbing to the top of his field — and building out a research team of more than 40 faculty, post docs and graduate students at the Arnold School of Public Health — the onetime first-generation college student from a small village in Iceland agreed to become USC’s interim vice president for research in 2021.

Topics: University Leadership, Research, Recognition, Health Sciences, Leadership, Careers, Arnold School of Public Health

UofSC ranked #1 college in country for veterans and military service members

September 12, 2022, Grace Salter

The University of South Carolina has been ranked the No. 1 “Best for Vets Colleges 2022” by the Military Times. The ranking, which covers 311 public and private institutions, serves as the gold standard among the veteran and military community in terms of higher education.

Topics: Students, Recognition

University's pioneering first-year seminar recognized for 50 years of innovation

August 22, 2022, Dana Woodward

University 101 began in 1972 as a class to help students adjust to college life and learn more about campus resources. Fifty years later, Gov. Henry McMaster will proclaim Friday, Aug. 26, 2022, as “University 101’s 50th Anniversary Day” in recognition of U101’s international impact.

Topics: Students, Academics, Recognition

Stamps of Approval

July 27, 2022, Craig Brandhorst

Michael Amiridis is a proven leader with the resume to match. But if you want to know what makes the university’s 30th president so successful, ask the people who have worked alongside him.

Topics: University Leadership, University President, Academics, Recognition, Leadership, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

Michael Amiridis named Great Immigrant by Carnegie Corporation of New York

June 29, 2022, Jeff Stensland

Michael Amiridis, who becomes 30th president of the University of South Carolina on July 1, has been named to the Carnegie Corporation of New York’s annual list of Great Immigrants. This year’s list, announced today, honors 34 naturalized citizens whose contributions and actions have enriched and strengthened our society and our democracy.

Topics: University President, Recognition

Nursing alumnus, medical grad student honored for work on suicide prevention

May 12, 2022, Mollie Roe and Emily Miles

During his sophomore year, nursing student Bradley Quarles lost a family member to suicide. That experience, combined with the medical knowledge he learned in his studies, spurred Quarles to look for ways to prevent suicide and promote mental health on campus.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Initiatives, Recognition, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, College of Nursing

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.

Topics: Faculty, University Leadership, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Careers, School of Music

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, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business

Her Adidas: Vicky Free

August 18, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

Broadcast journalism alumna Vicky Free was named vice president for global marketing at Adidas in 2020. Free focuses on marketing strategies, but the ethos of diversity, equity and inclusion informs her thinking every step of the way.

Topics: Alumni, Diversity, Recognition, Careers, College of Information and Communications

Business graduate shares vision for developing historic Greenville location

July 26, 2021, Craig Brandhorst

Greenville developer and business administration graduate Brody Glenn oversees major construction projects for corporate clients nationwide. With Camperdown, a mixed-use, live-work-play development in the heart of downtown Greenville, he is reshaping his hometown.

Topics: Alumni, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Darla Moore School of Business

UofSC No. 1 in U.S. in sport science for fourth time

November 18, 2020, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the fourth consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, Leadership, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

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, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

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, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

ROTC cadet proves himself in combat diving courses

August 17, 2020, Kelsey Hagon

University of South Carolina junior Cole Falkenstine recently completed the U.S. Army’s prestigious Combat Diving Supervisor Course, preparing him to oversee combat dive operations in the Army.

Topics: Students, Faculty, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Service, Leadership, Student Voices, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business

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, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing, Medicine (Columbia), Arnold School of Public Health

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, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Medicine (Columbia)

UofSC sets new bar in U.S. News graduate school rankings

March 11, 2019, Jeff Stensland

The new U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication released Tuesday (March 12) shows South Carolina now has 53 unique nationally ranked graduate programs—more than twice as many as any other school in the state.

Topics: Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, The Graduate School, Joseph F. Rice School of Law, College of Nursing, Arnold School of Public Health

UofSC tops U.S. in sport science for third straight year

October 19, 2018, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are making an impact around the world, and the success has earned global recognition. The programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third consecutive year in the Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Recognition, Leadership, Careers, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

20 years on top: UofSC's international business program still the best

September 09, 2018, Jeff Stensland

U.S. News and World Report’s annual undergraduate rankings were released Monday, and the University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business has reason to celebrate. For 20 straight years, its undergraduate degree in International Business has claimed the top ranking, besting programs that include Ivy League and other large public universities.

Topics: University Leadership, Academics, Recognition, Darla Moore School of Business

UofSC nursing graduates receive perfect pass rate on national licensure test

September 05, 2018, John Brunelli

May 2018 graduates of the University of South Carolina College of Nursing set a new record on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), the standardized test used for the licensing of nurses in the U.S.

Topics: Alumni, Faculty, Academics, Recognition, Careers, College of Nursing

UofSC listed among top patent-producing universities in the world

June 13, 2018, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina is again listed as one the top patent-producing universities in the world, a distinction it has held for six years in a row.

Topics: Research, Recognition, Economic Engagement

No. 1! UofSC sport science programs top national rankings

December 20, 2017, Allen Wallace

The University of South Carolina’s sport science programs are ranked No. 1 in the United States for the second year in a row, and No. 4 in the world by ShanghaiRanking's 2017 Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.

Topics: Students, Alumni, Faculty, University Leadership, Academics, Research, Experiential Learning, Graduate Studies, Recognition, Health Sciences, Healthy Carolina, Leadership, College of Education, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management, Arnold School of Public Health

Art of change

October 03, 2017, Mary-Kathryn Craft

The Ford Foundation recognized professor and acclaimed poet Nikky Finney as a visionary artist driving social change in the United States.

Topics: Faculty, Diversity, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

UofSC receives $500,000 NSF grant to accelerate entrepreneurship

September 20, 2017, Mike Ettlemyer

The University of South Carolina has been named the first Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Site in the state with a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to accelerate entrepreneurship.

Topics: Faculty, Research, Experiential Learning, Initiatives, Recognition, Economic Engagement, Entrepreneurship, Darla Moore School of Business, Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing

UofSC continues to climb in latest U.S. News rankings

September 11, 2017, Jeff Stensland

Boosted by a growing reputation for academic excellence and research prowess, the University of South Carolina climbed several spots in the latest U.S. News and World Report’s latest undergraduate rankings publication released this week, now ranking 46th among all public institutions, and 25th among state flagships.

Topics: Academics, Recognition

3 students win Goldwater Scholarships

April 13, 2017, Peggy Binette

Three South Carolina Honors College students win Goldwater Scholarships. Carolina students have won Goldwater Scholarships for 25 consecutive years.

Topics: Students, Academics, Scholarships, Recognition, South Carolina Honors College

UofSC graduate programs shine in latest rankings

March 13, 2017, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina’s Darla Moore School of Business once again claimed the No. 1 ranking for its International MBA program in the latest U.S. News & World Report’s Best Graduate Schools publication.

Topics: Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, Darla Moore School of Business, College of Information and Communications, Arnold School of Public Health

UofSC commencement set for May 6-7

April 14, 2016, Megan Sexton

The past president of the American Bar Association, the chairman and CEO of Fluor Corp. and the chief public policy officer for the Boeing Co. will deliver the commencement addresses May 6-7 at the University of South Carolina.

Topics: Students, speakers, Recognition, Signature Events

2016 Compleat Lawyer Award recipients

March 22, 2016, Peggy Binette

Nine alumni from the School of Law at the University of South Carolina have been named recipients of the 2016 Compleat Lawyer Awards. Established in 1992, the Compleat Lawyer Award is the School of Law’s highest recognition of professional achievement and civic leadership by the school’s alumni.

Topics: Recognition, Service, Leadership, Joseph F. Rice School of Law

UofSC professor wins AAAS fellowship

January 26, 2016, Jeff Stensland

University of South Carolina geography professor Kirstin Dow has been named an inaugural fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s (AAAS) Leshner Leadership Institute.

Topics: Faculty, Academics, Research, Recognition, McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

UofSC's College of Nursing tops U.S. News online rankings

January 11, 2016, April Blake

The University of South Carolina College of Nursing has been ranked as the top online nursing graduate program in the nation in the 2016 U.S. News and World Report’s Best Online Education Programs rankings released Jan. 12.

Topics: Academics, Graduate Studies, Recognition, College of Nursing

UofSC recognized as national leader in graduating minority students

December 01, 2015, Jeff Stensland

The University of South Carolina was recognized Wednesday as one the leading universities in the country for improving graduation rates for minority students, and ranks in the top five among flagship universities for closing the graduation gap between minority and white students over the past decade.

Topics: Students, Diversity, Recognition