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South Carolina Honors College

2026 News

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.

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.

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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