College of Education Alumni: 12 Under 40
Meet twelve College of Education alumni who are advancing the profession and exemplifying leadership qualities in their local communities.
USC awarded grant to support special education administration
The University of South Carolina special education program, Rutgers University, and Northern Arizona University were awarded a five year, $3.5 million from the U.S. Department of Education. The purpose of the grant is to provide funding for a Ph.D. in special education administration.
New Faculty Q&A: Chad Rose, Ph.D.
Chad Rose is a new Professor of Special Education with nearly 20 years' experience studying bullying and bullying prevention. One of his priorities is developing the Bullying Prevention Center at USC. The Center will support schools and communities across South Carolina.
Get to know Staff Senate President Chris Burkett
Chris Burkett, the assistant dean for student services in the College of Education, spent over 30 years in the field of education, including 11 as a social studies teacher in middle and high schools. He has been a member of Staff Senate since its inception five years ago, representing his colleagues in education before moving to the executive committee. He became president in August.
New Faculty Q&A: Mary Hansen, Ph.D.
Mary Hansen, Ph.D. is a new Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science. She's joining USC after two decades as a faculty member at Robert Morris University near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Full Circle
Joey Muolo came to college with big plans to become an engineer. His goals were set, but a high school experience kept flickering in his mind. During his senior year, he participated in an educational practicum course where a passion for teaching was ignited. "The experience of teaching was life changing," says Muolo. "I loved my students so much and knew I could make a difference teaching math."
New Faculty Q&A: Ashey Plumb, Ph.D.
Ashley Plumb, Ph.D. is a new Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education.
New Faculty Q&A: Brooke Whitworth, Ph.D.
Brooke Whitworth, Ph.D. is a new Professor of Science Education.
New Faculty Q&A: Blair Payne, Ph.D., BCBA
Blair Payne, Ph.D., BCBA, is a new faculty member in the Educational and Developmental Science Department as of Fall 2025.
New Faculty Q&A: Chandler Casner
Chandler Casner is the new Director of the Physical Activities Program. Chandler has over 10 years of experience in physical education, including coaching multiple sports, serving 3 years as an athletic director, and teaching adapted physical education.
New Faculty Q&A: J'haria Dallas, Ph.D., N.C.C.
J'haria Dallas, Ph.D., N.C.C. is a new Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science.
There and Back Again: Albert Robertson goes from classroom to administrator and back... and back again!
Albert Robertson had the opportunity to pursue a master's in education administration at USC. He was a successful administrator, but missed working with students. In 2020, he found joy helping other teachers any way he could, finally becoming an award-winning assistant principal.
New Faculty Q&A: Jessaca Spybrook, Ph.D.
Jessaca Spybrook is a new Professor of Research Methods in the Education Research & Measurement Program.
New Faculty Q&A: Morgan Eckenrod, Ph.D., CMPC
Morgan Eckenrod, Ph.D., CMPC, is a new faculty member in the Educational and Developmental Science Department as of Fall 2025.
CarolinaLIFE partner hotel named "The Lantern Hotel Columbia"
CarolinaLIFE students will soon have a new employment opportunity available in The Lantern Hotel Columbia!
The Duke Endowment funds COE research supporting school mental health
More than 22 percent of children ages 3 to 17 have mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health concerns according to the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. Researchers in USC's College of Education received $636,000 from The Duke Endowment to work with high-needs schools in Aiken County to provide evidence-based approaches to school mental health practitioners, meeting the needs of students and families.
University of South Carolina College of Education among 34 Educator Prep Programs Recognized for National Excellence
- The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that University of South Carolina College of Education is one of 34 providers from 15 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs. The Spring 2025 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council resulted in 34 educator preparation providers receiving accreditation.
GEAR UP South Carolina Partners with National Math and Science Initiative to Expand High-Quality STEM Professional Development Across Seven School Districts
The new $560K initiative will support up to 270 teachers through workshops, coaching, and collaborative training to elevate STEM education statewide
Former student body presidents say USC experience led them to great things in life
Serving as student body president can be a transformative role not only for the university, but also for the individual. We spoke with four former student body presidents to discuss their experiences and how their time at USC aided them in their professional lives.
An update from the Fairfield County Teacher Village
Juan Alvarado is wrapping up his first year of teaching in Fairfield County and living in the newly developed Fairfield Teacher Village. The year has brought the excitement and challenges that all first-year educators face. As the inaugural resident in the College of Education Educator-in-Residence home, Alvarado built a strong foundation with fellow community members.
A Reflection on the Inaugural Summit for Advancing the Higher Education Pathway in the Southeast for Hispanics and Latinos
On March 24, 2025, the University of South Carolina Latino and Hispanic Faculty Caucus and SC Centro Latino co-hosted an inaugural summit, Advancing the Higher Education Pathway in the Southeast for Hispanics and Latinos. This groundbreaking event brought together scholars, students, and leaders from across the state and region to address the needs and experiences of Latino and Hispanic communities within higher education.
2025 Student Awards
Each spring, the College of Education faculty recognizes students for their high level of achievement in their academic pursuits, research and community impact. Congratulations to our Spring 2025 award recipients!
University Libraries Honors Graduate Students with 2025 Data Visualization Awards
Four University of South Carolina graduate students are the winners of University Libraries’ 2025 Graduate Student Data Visualization Award, including Pighla Arerzo Sediqi, Ph.D. candidate in Education Administration in the College of Education.
Championing Inclusivity and Excellence at Airport High School
Matt Schilit, the dedicated principal of Airport High School, has recently been honored as Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children. This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those with special needs. The council's mission is to "improve educational outcomes and quality of life of individuals with exceptionalities and their families through the actions of professionals, advocates and other agencies."
US News Rankings: College of Education soars to spot 27, number 18 in public institutions
The College of Education improved two spots, ranking No. 27 in the overall Best Education Schools, and is No. 18 nationally among public institutions and No. 4 among SEC schools. The college has improved by 60 spots in the rankings over the past three years.