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South Carolina Honors College

2026 News

Six students selected for the 2026 Accelerated Undergraduate to M.D. program cohort

Six first-year Honors students are part of the 12th cohort of the Accelerated Undergraduate to M.D. program. Miles Britton, Joseph George, Nikhil Giddaluri, Muskaan Judge, Kavya Patel and Saanvi Sooda are participating in this "fast track" program in the South Carolina Honors College.

Accommodating the next two centuries of learners: Renovating historic Harper College

Built in 1848, Harper College, one of the buildings housing the South Carolina Honors College, is one of the university's oldest structures. A slate of renovations seeks to maintain the building's historic structure while providing modern spaces for future generations.

Honors in the Family

Meet some of our SCHC siblings, just in time for Family Weekend!

'A world of borders'

While a nation's border might be boldly defined on a map, that's often where the clarity ends. Miranda Borland's Honors senior thesis delves into the complexity of immigration law and policy, highlighting how a proposed agreement between the U.K. and Rwanda might have a lasting impact on global approaches to asylum laws.

Man on a mission

Honors alumnus Braden Guliano has been a man on a mission at USC. In just three years, he completed a bachelor’s degree in integrated information technology at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing while completing multiple internships and launching his own tech consulting business on the side.

“Why should I care about AI?” Inside one student’s effort to connect USC with the future of technology

While over 23,000 active users across the university are benefitting from the power of ChatGPT as a tool to enhance learning and research, Grace Cosby is helping lead conversations on AI usage.

Eight Gamecocks earn Fulbright awards for international study, research, teaching

The Fulbright U.S. Student Program aims to connect students, teachers and scholars from around the world. Recipients will spend approximately a year abroad conducting research, pursuing graduate studies or teaching english. 2026-2027 recipients include five Honors alumni.

The wait is also the reward: Michael Pitre earns NIH OxCam Scholarship for M.D.-Ph.D.

The University of South Carolina's first NIH OxCam Scholar's success didn't happen overnight. Michael Pitre's patience and persistence led to more opportunities than he'd imagined — and his journey to an M.D.-Ph.D. is only beginning.

Above and beyond the classroom: USC students earn opportunities for summer research, study

Where might you find a Gamecock this summer? 12 University of South Carolina students, including 11 from the Honors College, have secured national fellowships to fund an exciting summer of beyond-the-classroom experiences.

Something to crow about: 20 students earn Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship for study abroad

Honors students Elaina Conger, Britten Dugan, Hannah Jewell and Natalie Rose are among the 20 students, a record for the University of South Carolina, to earn the 2026-2027 Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship for study abroad.

Cat Barry's Pro Career Off to Record Breaking Start

Honors College alumna Cat Barry is off to a record-breaking start in professional soccer, leading Lexington Sporting Club to a league championship while setting the Gainbridge Super League single-season scoring record.

Ask the Intern!

USC’s student interns explore a variety of career paths and hone professional skills that will serve them in any field. Honors senior Riley Smith is featured and discusses the experiences that will prepare her for P.A. school.

Emilia Keesey earns Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship

Senior Emilia Keesey is a 2026 recipient of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters scholarship. Funded by the European Union, the EMJM scholarship allows students from across the world to earn two master's degrees in two years while studying in two or more European countries.

From thesis to courtroom

Honors alumni Kathy Carlsten and Peter Siachos say they draw on the critical thinking and collaborative skills, the debate-oriented approach and intellectual ambition that Honors courses cultivate in their legal practices.

Honors senior thesis, revisited

We checked in with South Carolina Honors College alumni from across the world to ask: What was your thesis? How relevant is it to your life and career? And if you were to write one now, what would you explore?

William A. Mould Award winners: The next chapter

From the film production studio to the lab, winners of the William A. Mould Senior Thesis Award have made notable impacts on their fields of study. That's certainly impressive, but we wondered: What happened next? We caught up with a few winners, and they're continuing to make strides in their professional careers.

The senior thesis guide: Catherine Keyser reflects on mentorship, value of the process

Catherine Keyser, professor of English Language and Literature, has lost count of how many Honors College senior thesis projects she has directed. But she remembers her students -- their thesis-writing journeys, the ways in which she's guided them, and the revelations they made.

The Rebel Alliance and the American Revolution

At first glance, Hansel Haase's and Riley Sutherland's Honors College senior thesis projects couldn't be more different: a Star Wars musical and a research thesis on women of the American Revolution. Upon further examination, however, these two theses showcase the impact of an interdisciplinary, passion-driven project.

Letter from the Dean

Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College as he reflects on the senior thesis and the many exciting things ahead.

Connecting the dots: Alumna Stephanie Kyle thrives in global supply chain and beyond

From an early age, Honors alumna Stephanie Kyle had an appreciation for people from all over the world. She entertained thoughts of traveling far from South Carolina for college, but everything changed when she toured USC. As a student, she traveled widely and got involved in student organizations focused on global business and supply chain. Today, she is pricing director at a major global company.

Two USC students earn Boren Scholarships for intensive language study, cultural immersion

Orie Lindler and Honors student Genevieve Robinson have earned Boren Scholarships fro the 2026-2027 academic year.

Here’s a health to the class of 2026

A time old tradition, every year the South Carolina Honors College welcomes a new class of graduates during a special ceremony called Revocation.

Leading with a purpose: 2026 Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students helps students find their home at USC

Recently named the 2026 Dennis A. Pruitt Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students, Honors alumnus Andrew Pana says his leadership is rooted in his love for the communities he found at USC and his desire to help younger students find their home on campus.

Reading between the feathers: How two students turned a mascot role into years of service

You may know Cocky from game day at Williams-Brice, but some of his biggest fans sit on classroom floors, not stadium seats. Behind the yellow beak are two seniors  who’ve been involved with Cocky's Reading Express for the last four years. Meet Emma Connelly and Honors alumnus Walker Weaver.

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

After studying abroad and leading hands-on energy efficiency projects, Honors College alumna Ella Michel is launching a career in energy policy.

Class of 2026

Read the class of 2026 profiles to learn about what made their experiences so special. Honors alumni Shyam Ganesh Babu, Olivia Hoyhtya and Natalie Jacob-Bell are featured and reflect on the past four years.

'Let the world surprise you': senior Rachael Davis reflects on Honors coursework connections

Some students enter college in pursuit of answers. Rachael Davis pursued questions, then connections, developing semesterly themes that synthesized her coursework. We caught up with Davis to learn more about this introspective, reflective process.

Division of IT, Honors College support student innovation through Provost’s AI Fellowship

With support from the Division of IT and the South Carolina Honors College, the Provost's AI Fellowship gives students hands-on experience with faculty while expanding the impact of AI across teaching and research.

'I've dared to learn more': senior Jake Arcement reflects on Honors College experience, the importance of mental health care

For Jake Arcement, career aspirations in mental health care began with an open mind, a curiosity about the brain and a passion for human connection. In retrospect, the pieces align perfectly; in reality, Arcement's experiences in and out of the classroom helped him arrive at his future organically.

Honors students selected for inaugural Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program cohort

Five first-year Honors students were selected for the 2026 Accelerated Undergraduate to J.D. program cohort, a newly developed academic program at the University of South Carolina.

Sullivan winner ready to improve disease treatments

After a decades-long fascination with life, Honors senior Rachel Kiser – one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Awards recipients – is inspired to dedicate her career to improving drug treatments for diseases.

Sullivan winner dedicated to service, community improvement

Leadership and service is at the heart of everything Honors senior Santiago Avendaño Palacio, one of two Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award recipients, does.

'To be bold in our learning'

Desiree White has pursued just about every opportunity that the South Carolina Honors College has to offer, including designing her own major, which combines music, statistics and anthropology. Though she's learned a great deal at USC, a two-week Honors Maymester in Paris, France, might have taught her the most important lesson.

Introducing the 2026 Gamecock35

Each year, the Young Alumni Council proudly presents the Gamecock35 — a select cohort of outstanding alumni under the age of 35 who embody the spirit of Carolina and are making meaningful impacts in their fields, their communities and for their fellow Gamecocks. This year's cohort features several Honors alumni, including Jenni Williams '13 and Erin Brown '18.

Joyce Edwards Named Academic All-America

Honors sophomore Joyce Edwards earns a spot on the 2026 College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All-America Second Team.

New Honors College course brings collaboration across the SEC, focuses on the future of college athletics

Beginning in fall 2026, the South Carolina Honors College will partner with other honors colleges and programs in the Southeastern Conference to provide students with a new interconnected class experience.

Two Honors seniors selected as 2026 - 2027 IB-Oxford Scholars

Honors international business majors Francesca Cumello and Colby Greene will continue their studies at the University of Oxford in England next fall.

Honors University 101 service project impacts local communities

First-year Honors students completed over 500 service hours during the inaugural Honors University 101 service learning competition - bringing an estimated economic impact of $17,215 to Columbia, South Carolina.

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.

Eagle Scout Ashley Chittum came to USC ready for challenges

Even before studying abroad in Australia, first-generation Honors student Ashley Chittum has been prepared for whatever adventures come her way.

Verzyl Wins First 3-Meter National Title in Program History

Honors senior Sophie Verzyl secured the national title in the 3-meter dive – marking her first national title and fourth All-American honor after scoring a 387.90 in her final event as a Gamecock.

Honors course pours insight into craft beer education

The South Carolina Honors College course "Exploring the Craft Beer Trend," introduces students to the fundamentals of beer production, sensory analysis, alcohol safety and the brewing industry.

Research office honors 2026 award recipients for distinguished service

Dedicated faculty members were recognized by the Office of the Vice President for Research with the Distinguished Research Service Awards. Recipients include Honors faculty Kelly Goldberg, Ph.D. and Joseph McQuail, Ph.D.

Honors College sophomore finds community at USC

Faith Fitzgerald wasn’t sure how or if she could merge her interests in psychology and linguistics. It wasn’t until she was introduced to psycholinguistics, or the study of the relationships between linguistic behavior and psychological processes, that she discovered a new path.

2026 Class of McCausland Fellows Announced

The McCausland College of Arts and Sciences announces the 2026 Class of McCausland Faculty Fellows, recognizing six outstanding early-career faculty for excellence in teaching, research and student mentorship. Fellows include Melissa Ellermann, Ph.D. and Tharini Viswanath, Ph.D., who teach in the Honors College.

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. The program provides opportunities for student volunteers, including Honors student Briana Vinson.

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.

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