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McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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Teaching Award Spotlight: Rachel Mann, Department of English Language and Literature

English instructor Rachel Mann, a recipient of this year's McCausland College Professional Track Faculty Teaching Award, fosters lively, collaborative classrooms where students engage with complex ethical questions and learn to think through them together.

Teaching Award Spotlight: Alison Luscomb, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry

Chemistry instructor Alison Luscomb, a winner of this year's McCausland College Professional Track Faculty Teaching Award, is known for transforming challenging material into engaging learning experiences while supporting thousands of students through innovative course design and a student-centered approach.

Newest Udall scholar excels in work across surf and turf

Learn about USC's 19th Udall Scholar, Kayla Thompson, a first-generation, science-loving, rugby-playing, future environmental policy advocate. Her journey parallels that of her benefactors in many ways, and this honor motivates her to continually do more.

Celebrating the class of 2026!

Celebrate the University of South Carolina Class of 2026 from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences through graduate reflections, student stories and next steps after graduation.

Theatre and psychology major combines both disciplines toward future in clinical counseling

After discovering she could pursue both her interests as majors, Rachel Vanek brought together her work in theatre and psychology to build a future focused on helping others.

Behind the beak: The student inside Cocky

Before the crowd sees him, there’s a quiet shift. The suit goes on. The posture changes. And Brayden Hensley becomes Cocky. To fans, Cocky is all energy and antics. But inside the suit is a criminology and criminal justice major balancing school and a role that demands constant performance.

Physicist Frank Avignone has fed his scientific curiosity with a steady pursuit of new ideas

Frank Avignone has been fascinated by physics longer than most people have been alive, an intense curiosity that began in the waning days of World War II. Now, more than six decades after being recruited to the faculty of USC’s Department of Physics and Astronomy, Avignone continues to conduct particle physics research with renowned scholars, some of them at international laboratories he helped build decades ago.

Internships help USC students explore their potential

Internships aren’t just for building resumés. When students take that first big step into their chosen career, the hard work of college begins to pay off.

Statistics major finds confidence in the variables

Bennett entered the statistics major wanting to explore what opportunities the field had to offer. She did just that, taking on research projects and internships that showed her a wide range of ways she can make an impact with her statistics degree.

English and biochemistry degrees take graduating senior into health field

At USC, Brayden O'Dell channeled his curiosity into an English and biochemistry double major. He'll used what he learned about the "how" and "why" of human nature as he heads into the biomedical sciences graduate program at MUSC.

Humanities majors lead to path in public health

Blending global perspectives with a passion for equity, Sarah Kouyate turned her majors in international and African American studies into a future in public health and bioethics at Johns Hopkins University.

Retired English Professor David Shields debuts SCETV food show

Retired professor David Shields is pouring his research skills and foodways connections into a new SCETV program with chef, educator and cohost Kevin Mitchell. The Savers of Flavor, produced and directed by filmmaker Ginger Cassell, debuted this spring.

USC broadened the canvas for Mint Museum CEO Todd Herman

Renaissance man Todd Herman fell in love with art history before he got to grad school. The master’s program at USC helped him make it a career.

The nuclear afterlife of the Cold War in the Eurasian Steppe has become the cornerstone of anthropologist Magdalena Stawkowski's research

For Magdalena Stawkowski, an associate professor in the University of South Carolina Department of Anthropology, the nuclear afterlife of the Cold War has become the cornerstone of her research.

USC names McCausland Chair in Civic Engagement to direct civic leadership center

Christopher Tollefsen will lead the Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, focused on preparing students for active citizenship and fostering civic engagement in South Carolina.

Study abroad and internships prepared Honors College senior for career in energy policy

After studying abroad and leading hands-on energy efficiency projects, University of South Carolina Honors graduate Ella Michel is launching a career in energy policy.

Class of 2026

As the Class of 2026 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.

A moment to slow down: USC poets on why poetry matters

USC poets describe poetry as a powerful, accessible way to slow down, process experiences, and connect through language and shared human emotions, regardless of one’s background or path to it.

USC astronomers open the skies at Congaree National Park

USC astronomers bring stargazing to Congaree National Park, supporting dark sky certification and inspiring public interest in astronomy and night sky preservation at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

USC expert on molecular plant genetics named AAAS Honorary Fellow

Award-winning professor Beth Krizek has been named an American Association for the Advancement of Science Honorary Fellow. Learn more about her research in plant biology.

USC public history program marks milestone anniversary

The University of South Carolina's Public History Program celebrated its 50th anniversary, highlighting its national impact, hands-on approach to training historians and vision for a more community-engaged future.

A grandmother's diagnosis inspires neuroscience senior's path in healthcare

Motivated by her grandmother's neurological illness, neuroscience senior Jane Poinsette aims to pursue medicine to better support patients and families.

University of South Carolina names new dean of McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

The University of South Carolina has named Christopher Culbertson dean of the University of South Carolina McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. He'll assume the role July 1.

Sullivan winner dedicated to improving drug treatments for diseases

A decades-long fascination with life has inspired Rachel Kiser, one of two Algernon Syndey Sullivan Awards recipients, to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.

Bobby Donaldson receives Order of the Palmetto

USC historian Bobby Donaldson was awarded South Carolina's highest civilian honor, the Order of the Palmetto, for his decades-long work preserving and elevating the state's civil rights history through research, education and public engagement.


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