Valerie Bauerlein on telling the full story of the Murdaugh trial
At the Buchheit Family Lecture, WSJ reporter Valerie Bauerlein explains why the Alex Murdaugh case demanded deeper storytelling and what journalists can learn from it.
New course brings collaboration across the SEC, focuses on the future of college athletics
"The Future of College Athletics” will be facilitated by Honors faculty fellow and CIC sports media sequence head for the Sports Media Initiative in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications.
SJMC student awards celebrate excellence, community and family pride
Students, families and faculty gathered to celebrate standout achievement and community at the 2026 SJMC Student Awards, where academic excellence, leadership and heartfelt moments took center stage.
Who can you trust: Journalism in a chaotic information age
This public lecture by Gina Smith, founder and director of SC Investigate and a 2024 to 25 Nieman Fellow at Harvard, will explore how investigative journalism strengthens accountability and helps rebuild public trust.
Ad team places third in district competition
After months of strategic planning, collaboration and dedicated effort, the 15-member team secured third place overall and also received the prestigious Mosaic Award.
AI and FOIA focus of CIC award-winning faculty research
CIC faculty member Eric Robinson is helping shape the future of transparency in government as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into public information processes.
7th Annual Augusta Baker Lecture features author Emely Rumble
Rumble will present on her acclaimed book Bibliotherapy in the Bronx, a powerful exploration of how literature can serve as a tool for healing within marginalized communities. The lecture will be Friday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Richland Library Main,
Two universities, separated by an ocean, partner to improve outcomes
The new CIC partnership with Makerere University in Uganda engages them in global learning and supports international scholarly endeavors — both core aspects of Global Carolina.
Valerie Byrd Fort receives coveted I Love My Librarian Award
The American Library Association's award honors 10 exceptional librarians from academic, public and school libraries for expertise, dedication and profound impact on the people in their communities. Byrd Fort receives a $5,000 cash prize
Linda Lucas Walling keynotes the annual Deans' and Directors' Lecture and Awards ceremony
It was a night of both cheerful celebration and deep reflection at the annual event. Walling specialized in inclusive library services, especially for people with disabilities; her book The Disabled Child in the Library earned presidential recognition.
Researchers put humans at the center of the AI conversation
Associate professor Sabrina Habib and ad alumnus Jeff Charney — known for the Aflac duck and Progressive’s Flo — explore whether AI, now capable of generating essays and replicating famous art, could replace human creativity.
Multimedia journalists honored by South Carolina Press Association
Students took home top honors across multiple categories, showcasing standout work in reporting, video, photography and design. The wins highlight the program’s strong, hands-on training—and the rising talent shaping the future of journalism.
Broadcast journalism students win Student Production Awards
Work produced in the broadcast capstone course Carolina News earned nine broadcast journalism students four Student Production Awards from the Southeast Chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, with three others named finalists.
College welcomes Clayton Jones as coordinator of information security and cyber leadership program
Jones will blend academic rigor with real-world insight, adding focus on AI-driven defense, quantum threats and global cyber strategy. His network across the DOE, Navy R&D, FBI and Congress will strengthen internships, mentorship and career opportunities for students.
CIC researcher explores how conversational AI Is transforming patient communication
Jungmi Jun and alumnus Nanlan Zhang examine how AI tools are reshaping the way patients and providers connect.
Sports Business Journal to publish men's college basketball postseason social media rankings
The USC Social Media Insights Lab will track men's basketball social media buzz with its College Sports Social Pulse, publishing weekly rankings in Sports Business Journal.
Visual storytelling takes center stage as SJMC students claim 10 VIM Fest honors
Spanning interactive design, animation and compelling photojournalism in both still and video formats, their winning projects showcase the depth, versatility and impact of visual storytelling across platforms.
Message from the dean: Creating opportunities
Creating more transformative, real-world opportunities, like our immersive visit to leading media outlets in New York City, is a top priority for the college as we prepare students to lead in a rapidly evolving communications landscape.
CIC faculty research analyzes AI references in advertising
New research from faculty member Viviana Zambrano examines whether referencing artificial intelligence in advertising increases purchase intent or fuels consumer skepticism.
USC students lead in adopting AI at ADDY Awards
AI is everywhere — and marketing is no exception. This year marked the first time that the American Advertising Federation incorporated an AI category into its Midlands ADDY Awards, and USC students rose to the challenge.
Focus on the Fair
Students in instructor Renée Ittner-McManus’ photojournalism course test their skills and capture the thrills at the South Carolina State Fair.
Award-winning work showcases students’ innovation and industry readiness
Creativity, craft and strategic thinking were on full display as students from the School of Journalism and Mass Communications earned top honors at the Midlands ADDY Awards gala.
CIC instructor examines the human impact of algorithms
As algorithms increasingly shape news, branding and digital experiences, understanding their impact is more important than ever. Kristin Walker is helping lead that conversation.
Story time
Cocky’s Reading Express has been promoting childhood literacy for 20 years. The folks behind the popular program revisit the journey.
Play that heals
SJMC alumnus and former USC mascot Cocky brings kids and families comfort through mascot career.