
" I am an athlete here at USC Aiken. The professors work well with me, and understand that I am going to miss class occasionally. They take time to explain to me the things I missed. USC Aiken is the place for me. "
- Jeremy Smith , Business Administration major

Did You Know?
USC Aiken has some of the best professional schools in South Carolina. All three - business, nursing, and education - have received the highest level of accreditation possible. This means more opportunities for you to learn from the best and brightest the University has to offer.

"USC Aiken has the best faculty around! Professors and advisors really have your best interest in mind and will always work with you."
- Dalisha Williams, Middle School Education major

"USC Aiken has so much to offer. Whether it’s Greek life, student activities, athletics, honor societies, or residential life, our campus is full of opportunities and ways to become involved."
- Aaron Doctor, Exercise and Sports Science major

"USCA has many different students from many different backgrounds, but one thing that ties us all together is the campus atmosphere. When I left high school I was scared that I was not going to meet anyone that would be as good as my friends back home. Within my first couple of days at USCA, I had more friends than I have ever had before."
- John Ellis, Communications major

"During the course of my freshman and sophomore years, I was a resident in the Pacer Downs. When I first met my roommate my freshman year, we became the best of friends from the get-go. We found out that we were so much alike in many ways. We connected like brothers, and we are still roommates today during our junior year. "
- Anthony (T.J.) Langford, Communications major

"Getting involved in Greek Life and participating in intramural sports is a great way to meet new people. I have participated in every intramural sport offered, and it has helped me stay active. "
- TJ Johnston, Business Marketing major

"Working on campus is a great opportunity for students at USC Aiken. You have the chance to meet so many faculty and staff members and see what happens behind the scenes here at school. Your job will also work around your class schedule because they always put academics first. "
- Chris Brown, Fine Arts major

"I love living in the Honors housing here at USCA. Just living on campus makes participating in university events and activities that much easier. Living in the honors wing is an added bonus because it keeps me in close proximity with like-minded students who are committed to succeeding and in turn inspire me to reach my fullest potential. The atmosphere is great for learning."
- Kelsey LopezdeVictoria, Biology and Psychology double major

"Through the wide variety of classes and clubs, USCA offers a little something for everyone. Its small class sizes, charm, and personal professors make it the perfect choice."
- Jessica Walters, Nursing major

"As a sophomore at USCA, I have really enjoyed the college classroom setting. Since the class sizes aren’t too big, I can always get help from professors anytime I’m in need."
- Thomas Mcleod, Exercise and Sports Science major

"Attending USC Aiken has been a great experience for me. From the campus events to classes and to housing, we are a like a family – a home away from home."
- Alyssa Gadsden, Chemistry major

"I love attending USC Aiken because I feel as if am in a family oriented environment. What I love most about is its location, the independence you gain from attending, and our Pacer spirit!"
- Alesha Jones, Communications major

"I never thought I would meet people from all around the world on such a small campus. You can find the best of both worlds: the advantages of a big campus in a small, friendlier environment."
- Dana Hallat, Biology (pre-dental) major
Faculty Research and Teaching
Dr. Allen Dennis: Geology. Dr. Dennis conducts research on mountain building processes. He teaches 101 Physical Geology, 102 Historical Geology, 331 Structural Geology, and 431 Southern Appalachian Geology.
Dr. Andrew Dyer: Dr. Dyer's research interests are in population and community ecology, invasive species ecology, and habitat restoration. His current research focuses on population biology of invasive grasses, including competitive ability and germination traits. He teaches 122 Biological Science II, 370 Ecology and Evolution, and 570 Principles of Ecology.
Dr. Hugh Hanlin: Vertebrate Natural History and Ecology. Dr. Hanlin conducts research in wetlands ecology and the ecology of amphibians and reptiles. He teaches 122 Biological Science, 315 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, 316 Vertebrate Zoology, and 516 Herpetology.
Dr. Michele Harmon: Environmental Toxicology. Dr. Harmon's research interests include aquatic toxicology, environmental fate and transport of metals, and wetland biogeochemistry. She teaches 106 Environmental Life Science, 242 Physiology, and 390 Environmental Science & Human Health.
Dr. William H. Jackson, Jr.: Immunology. Dr. Jackson's experience is in the use of viral vectors as delivery vehicles of therapeutic genes. He conducts research on the use of ribozymes as a means to inhibit replication of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus - 1(HIV-1). He teaches 121 Biological Science I, 340 Virology, 350 Genetics, 502 Advanced Cell/Molecular Biology, and 550 Immunology.
Dr. Wllllam (Bill) Pirkle: Geology. Dr. Pirkle conducts research of heavy mineral sand deposits in the Atlantic and Gulf coastal plains of the Southeastern United States. He teaches 101 Physical Geology and 103 Environmental Earth Science.
Dr. Jeffrey Priest: Wildlife Ecology. Dr. Priest is especially interested in the ecology of coyotes and other mammals. He teaches both graduate and undergraduate courses, e.g. 598 Ecology of the Appalachians, Ecology of the Rockies, and Ecology of the Desert Southwest.
Dr. Harry Shealy: Plant Systematics. Dr. Shealy has a special interest in the history of Botany and Management Strategies for Urban Green Spaces. He teaches 121 Biological Science I, 103 Plant Science, 320 Plant Survey, 528 Seasonal Flora, and 598 Forest Ecology.
Dr. Garriet Smith: Microbiology. Dr. Smith conducts research on microbial ecology of coastal marine and freshwater ecosystems. He teaches 105 Genetics and Society, 325 Plant Physiology, 330 Microbiology, and 580 Ecology of the Bahamas.
Dr. John Spooner: Entomology. Dr. Spooner conducts research on katydid acoustics, mating behavior, taxonomy, and life cycles. Distinguished Professor Emeritus.
Dr. John Westbrook: Zoology. Distinguished Professor Emeritus
Prof. Karin Willoughby: Geology. Prof. Willoughby has interests in sedimentology, environmental geology, museum techniques involving earth materials and science teaching methods. She teaches 103 Environmental Earth Science, 201 Integrated Earth Science, and 401 Environmental Geomorphology.
Dr. James Yates: Molecular Biology. Dr. Yates conducts research on Bacterial Genetics and is investigating how bacteria can be used to remove environmental contaminants. He teaches 121 Biological Science, 302 Cell/Molecular Biology, 502 Advanced Cell/Molecular Biology, and 541 (542) Biochemistry.
Dr. Derek Zelmer: Biology. Dr. Zelmer research interests include among-scale interactions of population and community processes in aquatic systems, determinants of parasite community structure in aquatic vertebrates, and transmission dynamics of parasites in lotic ecosystems. He teachs 122 Biological Science II, 312 Invertebrate Zoology, and 370 Ecology and Evolution.
