October 2026 Update

October 2026

Greetings Pacer Community,

As we reach the midpoint of the semester, I hope everyone enjoyed a restful and refreshing fall break. This time to recharge is well deserved after the hard work and dedication our students, faculty and staff continue devoting to learning, teaching and strengthening higher education. As we return to campus, we look forward to the exciting opportunities and events ahead.

Pacers have had plenty to celebrate in recent weeks. Maj. Gen. Ryan Janovic, commanding general of the U.S. Army Cyber Center of Excellence and Fort Gordon, visited our campus to engage with university leadership, ROTC cadets and students working in the Regional Security Operations Center. During his visit, Maj. Gen. Janovic emphasized the importance of higher education in preparing the next generation of national security professionals. “Our partnership with USCA demonstrates how higher education and national security must reinforce one another to solve our toughest defense challenges,” he said. He also highlighted the value of diverse academic disciplines and the many pathways available to those interested in serving our nation.

We are also proud to share that readers of the Aiken Standard voted USCA Aiken’s Best for Continuing Your Education in the newspaper’s annual Best of Aiken awards program. Jamie Dallas, USCA ’28, and Dean of Students Dr. Jamel Hodges, USCA ’11, joined me in accepting the award during the Red Carpet Extravaganza on Oct. 2. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to providing accessible, high-quality educational opportunities for our community.

Another exciting milestone was the opening of our new $3.5 million soccer stadium. Student-athletes, coaches, alumni and community members gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony ahead of the season’s first home doubleheader on Sept. 26. This new facility represents an important investment in our student-athletes and the continued growth of Pacer Athletics.

Earlier that day, we also enjoyed welcoming students’ families and community members to campus for Family Day. From bounce houses and putt-putt to sports simulators, the event offered a fun-filled opportunity for families to connect and experience the energy of our campus.

I am especially grateful to the faculty, staff and retirees who participated in this year’s Family Fund Campaign. These contributions help support university initiatives and address areas of greatest need, making a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader USCA community. This year, we raised more than $52,500, exceeding our goal of $50,000, and almost 300 faculty, staff and retirees contributed. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped strengthen our university.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration on Jan. 24. As we prepare for this meaningful occasion, we invite you to nominate an individual for the 2027 Human and Civil Rights Community Champion Award. This award recognizes an Aiken County community member who has advanced human and civil rights, strengthened community partnerships and promoted unity. Nominations are open through Dec. 1, and the honoree will be recognized during the celebration.

For a little seasonal fun, bring your family and friends to our Haunted Hike at 7 p.m. Oct. 29, behind the Children's Center. For admission, please bring canned goods or contribute $1 for admission.

Lastly, registration is open for our Open House on Oct. 31. Prospective students and their families will have the opportunity to explore campus and housing, meet faculty and learn more about admissions, financial aid and student life. We encourage you to share this opportunity with anyone considering USCA as their next academic home.

Thank you for all you do to make USCA a place where students can learn, grow and thrive. I look forward to the many accomplishments and opportunities still ahead of this semester.

As always, Go Pacers!

Dan Heimmermann
Chancellor

News from the University

USCA awarded grant for sexual violence prevention education

USCA earned a $4,000 grant from the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses. Funding will increase the visibility and accessibility of USCA CARES, an initiative that includes prevention education, provides students with practical opportunities to develop healthy relationship and bystander intervention skills, strengthens campus and community collaboration and creates reusable materials that can support future prevention programming.

Master's student research published in journal

As a USCA master’s student, Adjunct Professor, Hannah Milius, USCA ’24, worked closely with Dr. Brianne Coulombe, Dr. Bridget Cho, Dr. Jane Stafford and Dr. Kerri Wood, professor emeritus, on a study published in " The Journal of Adolescence” that explored the relationship between teen parents and their children during the first five years of the child’s life. The study challenged common stereotypes about adolescent parents as being "unfit" and showed that, by and large, teen parents adapt successfully to parenthood.

Sumter, Union students observe nursing tradition

Students in USCA’s BSN program at the Sumter and Union campuses celebrated a milestone during their Dedication of Hands ceremonies. Dean of Nursing Dr. Katie Chargualaf and Sumter and Union faculty liaison Heather Jennings joined students for the ceremony, which recognizes their commitment to the nursing profession. Since the partnership between USCA and the Sumter and Union campuses began, four cohorts have graduated, including 36 students from Sumter and 29 from Union, all of whom passed the NCLEX on the first attempt.

SOE dean takes on principal role at Aiken Scholars Academy

Dr. David Buckman, dean of the School of Education, shadowed Aiken Scholars Academy’s Martha Messick, USCA ’02, during Aiken County Public School District’s annual Principal for a Day program. He spent the day meeting students and taking part in the school’s activities, including its Hispanic Heritage Month Food Fest. Aiken Scholars Academy, located on the USCA campus, recently earned U.S. News and World Report recognition as one of the nation’s top high schools. ASA juniors and seniors attend USCA classes, earning college credit before graduation.

Music major to present at state conference

Hailey Goodwin, a piano studies major and Class of '27, will present her research poster "Practice Tracking Systems: Methods and Efficacy" during the South Carolina Music Teachers Annual State Conference on Nov. 6 at Newberry College. Dr. Megan Hall, director of piano studies, is Goodwin's adviser for the project.

Nursing prof's AI efforts recognized by national organization

Professor Mary Kennedy received the National RN-Baccalaureate Faculty Forum Innovation Award for the ways she has integrated AI into the Leadership and Management in Nursing for RNs course, taken in the final semester of the RN-BSN program. NRFF is a group of nurse educators who teach in RN-BSN programs throughout the nation. The organization is "committed to the development and promotion of high-quality RN-Baccalaureate educational programming, expanding the role of faculty leadership in local and national forums, facilitating scholarship opportunities and encouraging collaboration between community college and university nursing programs."

City celebrates alumni, public servants

Former Aiken Mayor Rick Osbon, USCA '93, and his wife, Angie, USCA ’92, joined the community for the dedication and grand opening of the city's new amphitheater on the south side of town. Angie Osbon works in the university’s budget office.

Political science professor moderates statewide civic forum

Dr. Sarah Young moderated a working group as part of the South Carolina Forum’s inaugural civic assembly at the USC Joseph F. Rice School of Law. Participants explored the theme "Improving Opportunity and Affordability for South Carolina’s Workforce" and discussed statewide challenges. By the end of Young’s session, attendees helped create nonpartisan recommendations, which will be presented to South Carolina legislators.

Art professor brings new mural to downtown Aiken

The City of Aiken celebrated the unveiling of Professor Joseph Kameen's original artwork, featured in the heart of The Alley in downtown Aiken. The mural adds to the city’s growing public art scene. Inspired by the creativity found within Aiken’s buildings and community, Kameen’s design also offers a real-world example of the digital tools he incorporates into his teaching.

Counseling resources available on campus

The USCA Psychology Clinic provides high-quality, evidence-based mental health services, including individual and family therapy and psychological assessments. The clinic serves faculty, staff, students and their families as well as community members throughout the CSRA. Concerns addressed include anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, life transitions and childhood behavioral challenges. Graduate students in USCA's applied clinical psychology master's program staff the clinic and work under the supervision of licensed mental health clinicians.

SRMC hires and invests in LIFE students

Savannah River Mission Completion, the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site, deepened its support for the USCA LIFE program by donating $5,000 to the program and hiring Jesse Reyes for another semester. He will continue his job in the SRMC’s Laboratories, where he supports day to day operations and learns workplace skills in a professional environment. This is his second year working for SRMC through the USCA LIFE program.

Teaching Fellows present at educators conference

Teaching Fellows Caroline Watson and Kaitlyn Redd presented at the South Carolina Association of Teacher Educators annual conference in Greenwood. Their presentation, “Building Relationships One ‘Night’ at a Time,” focused on the partnership between Aiken County Public Schools and USCA Teaching Fellows in facilitating math, STEM, literacy or family engagement nights throughout Aiken County. The two education majors were also invited to serve on a panel of pre-service educators from across South Carolina, sharing their insights, expectations and experiences.

USCA’s equestrian team takes top spot at Oktoberfest

USCA’s eventing team scored big during Oktoberfest at Stable View.

Several team members placed in the top spots of their divisions:

Kaitlyn Cobey — 1st Place, Preliminary Rider
Lanie Mourgenos — 2nd Place, Training Rider
Chloe-Renee Hetman— 1st Place, Novice Rider
Dorothy Greenshields — 2nd Place, Novice Rider

New exhibits feature professor's work, state history

Gregg-Graniteville Library’s newest exhibits are open until Nov. 25 in the Memorial Room. One highlights Rebecca Motte’s life and legacy and complements the release of Professor Alexia Helsley’s latest book. The other one, “History and Archaeology of Fort Motte,” is part of the South Carolina State Museum’s traveling exhibit program and is also related to Helsley’s book, “Rebecca Brewton Motte and the American Revolution in South Carolina.”

Etherredge Center patron makes key events possible

Thanks to the generosity of USCA donor Ben Cox, world-renowned multi-instrumentalists Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman will perform at 7 p.m. Nov. 17 in the Etherredge Center. Seating is limited, so advance purchase is encouraged. Each ticket includes a specially crafted charcuterie cup.

Tickets are now on sale for the 2027 Winter Nocturne, featuring acclaimed pianist Spencer Myer at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 in the Etherredge Center. For 19 years, longtime USCA supporter Ben Cox has made this special event possible. His sponsorship includes Myer conducting school outreach programs and a masterclass for USCA piano students.

USCA celebrates Pacer families

During USCA’s Family Day, students, families and community members enjoyed bounce houses, putt-putt, sports simulators and other engaging activities.

Fountain focuses on breast cancer awareness

Zeta Tau Alpha, one of the sororities on campus, helped turn the Quad fountain’s water pink as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness Month efforts. This special tradition brings the campus together to raise awareness, honor those affected by breast cancer and show support for the fight against the disease.

Introducing Pacer Stampede awards

Pacer fans can earn points and prizes every time they attend an athletic event. Download the new Stampede Rewards app, available on Apple and Android platforms, and start adding up the points.

Build a legacy of support for Pacer softball

Make a lasting impact on the Pacer softball program by purchasing a commemorative engraved brick, which will be part of the new fieldhouse construction. Each brick can be customized with names or messages.

Upcoming Aiken in the Exchange events

Aiken in the Exchange continues its free lecture series at 11 a.m. Nov. 4., located in the Tom Young Center for Research and Innovation. Dr. Sarah King will present the “The Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project.”

Harlem Globetrotters return to USCA

Tickets are now available for the Harlem Globetrotters, playing at 3 p.m. Dec. 19 in the Convocation Center.

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