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McCausland College of Arts and Sciences

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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.

Senior chemistry student turns his degree into a career in cybersecurity

Chemistry senior Christian Ruff's journey from the lab to a cybersecurity role at Mastercard highlights how exploring beyond your major can open unexpected career paths.

AutismConnect serves more than 1,000 people in its third year

AutismConnect at USC brings together researchers, families and providers to support individuals with autism, offering workshops, resources and community through the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

Conference will explore civic education as a solution, producing report for South Carolina

University of South Carolina's conference on civic engagement and the constitutional order will bring scholars and campus leaders together to explore civic education, democratic challenges and a new report on civic literacy in South Carolina.

Mutual aid and self-sufficiency are key to life near USSR's contaminated nuclear test zone in Kazakhstan

Writing for The Conversation, associate professor Magdalena Stawkowski describes her field research at a Soviet-era nuclear test site in Kazakhstan. Thousands still live around its cratered perimeter and stay because of their collective refusal to reject systems that had abandoned them and instead create their own terms for survival.

How a chemist became nationally recognized for studying the biology of plants

Learn how USC professor Beth Krizek transitioned from chemistry to plant biology, earning national recognition for her research on transcription factors and mentoring students at the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences.

USC researchers put humans at the center of the AI conversation

Artificial intelligence can churn out a 2,000-word essay in seconds. It can even replicate some of the world's most famous pieces of art in incredible detail. Could it soon replace human creativity altogether?

Remembering Lacy K. Ford

"History, fairly and accurately told, is a valuable guide. It gives us the opportunity to make better decisions."

Discover USC student Ansley Martin shares innovation

Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas by students from all areas of the university. We reached out to students who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Neuroscience junior Ansley Martin shares how presenting has helped her bring greater innovation to her research.

Cool Classes Fall 2026

We're back again for another year and another round of some of the coolest classes you can take for fall 2026. There are a ton of unique learning experiences waiting to be uncovered. Whether you’re into sports, true crime, dancing, cooking or even something a little otherworldly, South Carolina has you covered.

USC has five Goldwater Scholars in 2026

Five University of South Carolina students earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2026. This sets a record for the most Goldwater Scholars at USC in a single year and marks the 34th consecutive year the university has had at least one Goldwater Scholar.

Design internship leads studio art major to optimistic career outlook

Designing logos, collaborating with artists and working with real clients, USC studio art student Jon Glover is gaining real experience and turning his passion into a creative career path.

Discover USC student Katherine Palmer looks back

Each year, Discover USC presents more than 1,000 research projects covering hundreds of subject areas and students from all areas of the university. We reached out to a student who previously participated to learn what the experience is like. Psychology senior Katherine Palmer reflects on what she gained from presenting her research on misophonia.

The long history of silent meditation retreats

Silent meditation and silent prayer have shaped spiritual lives within a variety of religious traditions for thousands of years. Today, however, those practices are often being offered in secular settings. Daniel M. Stuart, an associate professor of religious studies at USC, writes for The Conversation about emerging trends in secular meditation practices.

Award-Winning USC faculty bring Southern history to life in dance

USC professors Tanya Wideman-Davis and Thaddeus Davis earn national honors, including a 2026 United States Artists Fellowship, for their innovative dance work that brings Black Southern history, memory and landscape to life through performance.


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