Looking back at 20 years of Cocky's Reading Express
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.
All the tools: Tom Mullikin's eclectic career leads to South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
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.
TEDxCongaree Vista set for March 14
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.
USC Brain Health launches student-driven arts program
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.
Mauldin junior wins first place in annual state high school writing contest
Three juniors and one senior have won the top awards in the annual South Carolina High School Writing Contest.
Culinary recipes become chemistry concepts in Honors chemistry lab
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.
Honors course blends love of coffee with foundations of chemical engineering
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.
Advocacy through education
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.
Pillars of undergraduate
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.
How an Honors College student's thesis became a children's book
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.
Marshall Scholarship finalist Michael Pitre studies the circuitry of the brain – and plans a future in neurosurgery
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.
Class of 2025 December graduates
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.
Jonathan Aun's Honors College experience helped shape his successful career path into medicine
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.
A Letter from the Dean
Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.
Exceeding the boundaries of the book
South Carolina Honors College alumna Jeanne Britton ('99 English) developed a passion for interdisciplinary learning and history as a Carolina scholar. As a rare books curator and Honors instructor, she challenges new generations of Honors students to investigate historic materials, making connections between the past and present.
USC students and alumni win South Carolina InnoVision Awards
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.
Future physician-scientist selected as Marshall Scholarship finalist
South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.
Student historian maps out a new direction to a career in student affairs
As a history and anthropology double major, Honors senior Gracie Bellah dove into historical research and became a leader in student organizations. Her experience helping other students as a McCausland College ambassador helped her decide to take her career plans in a new direction.
Senior public health major named Rhodes Scholarship finalist
A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.
Encouraging greatness: Dr. Harold 'Hal' French Course Enrichment Fund enables innovative teaching, honors influential mentor
Jamie Hammill (1983, elementary education) encountered incredible courses and mentors in the South Carolina Honors College. It didn't take long for her husband Lanny Secrest to appreciate the Honors College, too. Their significant gift to the Honors College pays homage to Hammill's mentor and ensures that the tradition of "cool courses" continues.
Making up her mind
First-generation SCHC junior Tam Dinh talks about her winding path to finding the right major and feeling confident in making life-changing decisions.
Three Distinguished Honors Alumni recognized for local, state, international impacts
Sheila Cregger (1978), Creighton Waters (1993) and Molly Doggett (2012) are this year's Distinguished Honors Alumni. Each has made significant impacts on their local communities and beyond.
The art of engineering
Christopher Carter, 2021 graduate of the South Carolina Honors College, conducts cutting-edge materials science research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he's earning a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering. His engineering work might end up in space, but Carter credits his artwork as being central to his growth as a scientist.
'Motivated, challenged and encouraged': IB Oxford Scholar Program fosters intellectual curiosity, international connections
Honors College international business alumni Carter Mulchaey and Amber Tu reflect on their exclusive opportunity to study at the University of Oxford, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the world.
School of Medicine Alumni and Supporters Celebrated at Awards Ceremony
South Carolina Honors College alumna Dr. Elizabeth Mack is a recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Physician Alumni Award.
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