University of South Carolina Charts Future with Major Campus & Academic Overhauls

Columbia, SC – The University of South Carolina (USC) is set for a significant evolution following a pivotal meeting of its Board of Trustees. On Tuesday, December 16, the board advanced a series of ambitious projects and academic initiatives designed to propel the institution forward, enhance the student experience, and reinforce its position as a leading educational and research hub in the state and beyond.

Reimagining the Historic Campus Core and Student Life

A cornerstone of USC’s ambitious USC Next master plan, several key renovations received Phase II approvals. These projects are strategically anchored to four overarching goals: reinvigorating the historic campus core, improving the student life experience, reimagining the engineering/research district, and realizing a new health sciences campus.

• Thomas Cooper Library: A vital hub for academic life, the library is slated for comprehensive renovations to modernize its facilities and support contemporary learning and research needs.
• McKissick Building: This iconic structure will undergo significant upgrades, with project bond resolutions also approved to secure its future.
• Barnwell College: Similar to McKissick, Barnwell College is set for extensive refurbishment, backed by crucial project bond resolutions.

Expanding Horizons: USC Upstate and Strategic Land Acquisition

Beyond the Columbia campus, the Board also gave Phase I approvals to two critical projects:

• USC Upstate Track and Field Facility: A new state-of-the-art facility will bolster athletic programs and opportunities at USC Upstate.
• Land Acquisition near Founders Park: Strategic land acquisition at Blossom and Williams streets aims to support future campus development and connectivity around the popular Founders Park area.

Elevating Academic Excellence and Innovation

The University of South Carolina is committed to fostering a dynamic academic environment. The Board’s approvals included significant advancements in new programs, strategic shifts, and the establishment of innovative research centers.

New Programs and Strategic Realignment

• Master’s Degree in Environmental Law and Sustainability: A timely new program at USC Columbia, addressing critical global challenges.
• Strategic Program Moves: The Master’s Degree in Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurial Engineering will transition from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing to the prestigious Darla Moore School of Business, fostering interdisciplinary synergy.
• New USC Upstate Programs: Three new bachelor’s degrees were approved: Hospitality and Tourism Management, Applied Language and Global Studies, and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership, catering to evolving industry demands.
• Dual Enrollment Initiative: A new dual enrollment site with USC Union at Lake Wylie High School will offer an Associate’s Degree in General Liberal Arts and Sciences, expanding access to higher education.
• Curriculum Enhancements: Eight programs will see curriculum or concentration modifications, including added concentrations for Bachelor’s programs in Interdisciplinary Studies, Cardiovascular Technology, Hospitality Management, and Sport and Entertainment Management. The Master’s in Anthropology also received an added concentration, alongside a new site in Washington D.C. for the Public Safety Executive Leadership Master’s program.

Pioneering Research and Community Impact

Two new centers underscore USC’s dedication to impactful research and societal betterment:

• Bullying Prevention Center: A critical initiative to address and mitigate bullying, fostering safer communities.
• Institute of Geopolitics, Innovation and Global Competition: Positioned to become a hub for understanding and navigating complex global dynamics.
• The Collaborative for Health Equity Research was also renamed the Center for Collaborative Health, Engagement and Research, reflecting an expanded vision.

Celebrating Faculty Achievements and Strategic Partnerships

The Board also recognized the invaluable contributions of its faculty and strengthened key external collaborations.

Faculty Promotions and Tenure

Personnel approvals during the meeting highlighted significant faculty achievements:

• Promotions to Professor: A total of 35 professors were elevated to the rank of full professor, acknowledging their sustained excellence in teaching, research, and service.
• Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor: Four faculty members — two from the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences, and one each from the College of Pharmacy and Arnold School of Public Health — achieved tenure and promotion to associate professor, alongside one new hire with tenure.
• Honorary Academic Titles: Seven honorary academic titles were approved, celebrating distinguished individuals for their contributions.

Key Contracts and Collaborations

Ten contracts were approved, including vital agreements with Prisma Health for USC’s Brain Health Center:

• A clinical co-management agreement.
• A clinical space lease agreement.
• An equipment lease agreement.

These decisions by the University of South Carolina Board of Trustees mark a significant step forward, promising a revitalized campus, enhanced academic offerings, and a strengthened commitment to research and community engagement for years to come. The future of USC is brighter than ever.