College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Students have many reasons for picking the college they ultimately call home — academic programs, research opportunities, student organizations and dorm accommodations all work to enrich their experiences, while financial aid and scholarships help keep costs down. Students find all that at the University of South Carolina Aiken — and more. Beyond those qualities, some students decide to attend USCA because of the small class sizes and the engaged faculty who know each student by name. With a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, USCA students won’t find themselves in a lecture hall with 200 others, being taught by a graduate student teaching assistant. At USCA, 76 percent of the faculty hold doctorate degrees. Professors, instructors, and lecturers often lead small-group discussions, take classes outside and personally invest in students’ success. Faculty make the difference For Tamea Chappelle from Columbia, South Carolina, life on campus in Aiken has been shaped by what she’s learned in the classroom and through the relationships she has with faculty members who have encouraged her. “[Faculty] saw my potential even when I didn’t,” said Chappelle, USCA ’27. “I extend my utmost gratitude to them for positively influencing my academic experience.” Political science professor Dr. Sarah Young, Chappelle’s advisor, describes her as driven, exemplary and highly capable. “Students can come to class and do really good work,” Young said. “But sometimes it helps to have a faculty member that is cuing them to career-building opportunities that may exist.” Chappelle shared that this kind of assistance helped her make inroads as a growing professional. “Dr. Young is the reason I was able to become a research assistant and an intern,” Chappelle said. “She has regularly encouraged me since I first came to USCA.” She adds that, with Young’s guidance, she feels prepared to find and pursue beneficial opportunities, both educational and professional — like an internship with the Aiken County Voter Registration and Elections office and a research assistantship with Dr. Dakoda Trithara, another professor in the political science program. “I appreciate how down-to-earth and genuine USCA faculty are,” Chappelle said. “Even the faculty I’ve briefly interacted with have left an impact on me. They are understanding and try to help the best they can.” Chappelle’s positive experiences reflect broader trends at the university. On USCA’s 2026 National Survey of Student Engagement, Pacers rated student-faculty interactions higher than students at peer institutions rated theirs. Almost 85 percent of USCA respondents indicated they are satisfied with their academic advisement. Graduation is the destination, but getting there takes guidance and support. Advisors help students chart their courses each semester while also navigating academic and professional decisions along the way. “USCA faculty have assisted me through the good and bad aspects of my academic journey. They saw my potential even when I didn’t,” Chappelle said. To help prepare her students for careers after graduation, Young makes it a goal to support all her students in their search for professional experiences, especially if the students themselves are motivated to take on new opportunities. Recognizing Chappelle’s dedication to her work, Young said she was excited for the chance to help Chappelle find a place to channel that passion. For example, Young knew Trithara was looking for high-performing students to help with an interesting research project. Young told him about Chappelle’s writing and research skills, and he invited Chappelle to join his efforts. The political science major not only helped with the research, but she also earned a Magellan Scholar award, which funded her part of the effort. Young also knew of a USCA alumnus who works for the local elections office and needed interns to assist with primary elections. She gave the alum a heads up about Chappelle. “Tamea was the one that took the initiative to apply to both opportunities and demonstrate how effective she could be. I was more of an intermediary that tried to help open the door for her,” Young said. Chappelle said her interactions with USCA faculty members have been consistently characterized by sincerity and eagerness to assist. For her, faculty members have always been a steady source of direction. Investing time in student success This sense of steadiness is not accidental. It is reflected in the longevity of USCA’s faculty members, many of whom are USCA alumni themselves, who comprise a stable, robust community. Out of 167 full-time faculty members, the average length of service is 12 years, and 30 have served at the school for more than 20 years. Many of them attended USCA and chose to return to their alma mater as professors. Currently, 19 percent of the faculty are USCA alumni. Almost 80 percent of USCA’s faculty have earned doctorates in their disciplines. Many have professional, military and industry-related experiences as well. Through continuing education, conference attendance and presentations and membership in academic and professional organizations, faculty keep up on emerging trends in their fields. Many USCA faculty members have written books in their areas of study. Additionally, faculty offer undergraduates the opportunity to participate in research, including taking students to professional conferences where they present their findings and the impacts of what they’ve studied and learned. This year, USCA faculty have been awarded almost $1.9 million for research, which has included many students. The numbers demonstrate the degree to which USCA faculty members invest in the school. They are in it for the long haul. Students see the difference “It excites and nurtures [faculty] to be able to work with outstanding, caring students and to know that we had something to do with their achievement,” Young said. “Tamea is not only an excellent student; she is a person of great integrity and a leader. So I hope that it is an encouragement to her to know that her professors see that.” Through dependable support and personalized mentorship, faculty members play an important part in students’ academic journeys. Chappelle said life as a student has not been without its challenges. Certainly, navigating them can prove difficult, but with the right support, students can feel confident as they make their educational and professional aspirations reality. “We truly care about our students. Our doors are always open; students can always reach out to us. Faculty and staff in higher education are not removed elitists,” Young said. “We have worked hard to learn and ask probing questions about the world, but we are not sitting in some ‘ivory tower.’ We are just across campus, a visit, a phone call, an email away, ready to help.”

Sixty-five years after the University of South Carolina Aiken began with a promise to provide educational opportunities that would serve students and strengthen the region, that promise is taking shape on a much larger scale. As USCA celebrates its 65th year, record enrollment, expanded academic programs, significant research investments, new campus facilities and increased community engagement are driving a period of strong growth and momentum. Chancellor Daniel Heimmermann highlighted those accomplishments and more during his annual State of the University Address on Sept. 9. “We are one of the fastest-growing universities in the southeast, a testament to USCA’s widening reputation as a premier regional university,” Heimmermann told the audience at the Etherredge Center on campus. For the third consecutive year, USCA has recorded historic enrollment. Fall 2026 enrollment will exceed 4,500 students, including 3,559 undergraduate and 970 graduate students. Overall enrollment has increased nearly 10% from the previous fall, with undergraduate enrollment growing 8% and graduate enrollment increasing 25%. The university also welcomed its largest freshman class in history, while applications from students outside USCA’s traditional service area increased significantly. Freshman applications increased 47% overall, while applications from students outside the university’s traditional service area increased 81%. USCA ultimately enrolled 43% more students from outside that traditional area this fall. Preparing Pacers for what comes next At the center of USCA’s continued growth is its academic mission. During the past academic year, faculty within the College of Sciences and Engineering developed new bachelor’s programs in cybersecurity and electrical engineering, along with an online master’s program in exercise and sports science with a concentration in strength and conditioning. The School of Business also expanded its offerings, with new MBA specializations in areas including artificial intelligence for business, corporate governance, healthcare operations, human resources operations and project leadership. The university’s bachelor’s programs in Process and Mechanical Engineering earned ABET accreditation, while the School of Business was reaccredited by AACSB, an organization representing the top 6% of business schools and programs. “USCA remains committed to delivering a flexible and relevant curriculum that prepares our graduates to meet South Carolina’s current and future workforce needs,” he said. USCA’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, which is celebrating 25 years of preparing graduates for the health care workforce, achieved a 100% pass rate on the National Council Licensure Examination among its December graduates. USCA’s elementary education programs also received a grade of “A” from the National Council on Teacher Quality. More than 320 USCA students completed internships during the past year, with more than 150 employer sponsors. Students gained experience with organizations including Savannah River Site, Savannah River Mission Completion, Savannah River National Laboratory, school districts, health care organizations and other businesses and agencies. Students also gained hands-on experience through undergraduate research and campus-based opportunities. Thirty science and engineering students presented their summer research at the seventh annual Summer Scholar Institute Research Symposium, while biology majors Hayden Driver and Joseph Suazo spent the summer conducting research at Harvard Medical School under the direction of USCA alumna Dr. Connie Arthur. The university’s student-run Regional Security Operations Center also expanded its experiential learning opportunities to students from South Aiken and Aiken High School. These out-of-class learning experiences help students connect their academic preparation with the world beyond USCA, Heimmermann said. Growth that supports student success While more students are choosing USCA, the university is also focused on helping them stay, succeed and graduate. Student retention has increased 11% over the past five years, a result Heimmermann attributed in part to the university’s holistic approach to student support throughout campus, from academic advising and tutoring to coaching and faculty mentorship. The Student Success Center and Gregg-Graniteville Library have expanded collaborative efforts to connect students with the resources they need. Nearly 80% of academically at-risk students who participated in academic coaching improved their cumulative GPA. The Faculty Advisor Academy also continued to grow, offering 50 workshops during the past academic year with 298 attendees. More than 30 faculty members participated in the series. Those efforts are contributing to another important milestone: USCA produced 925 graduates during the past academic year across its certificate, bachelor’s and master’s programs. The university’s commitment to access also remains strong. Tuition rates have remained constant for eight years, while USCA awarded nearly $36 million in federal and state scholarships and more than $1.6 million in private awards to more than 1,000 students during 2025-26. Campus takes shape for the future The transformation happening at USCA is not limited to enrollment and academics. It can be seen across the campus itself. This fall, engineering classes moved into the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative, giving students access to a facility operated in partnership with SRNL. The Dr. Robert Alexander Student Activities Center received upgrades, including improvements to Starbucks, along with completion of the new Pacer Soccer Field. Construction is also underway on the South Carolina National Guard Readiness Center, which will provide training space for guardsmen as well as conference rooms, classrooms and other spaces for the university. Later this fall, construction is expected to begin on the South Carolina National Guard Cyber Integration Center next to the AMC. There, USCA students and staff will have opportunities to work and learn alongside National Guard personnel. Across campus, nearly $9.5 million was invested in maintenance and improvements during the past year. The university also committed more than $1.2 million to technology upgrades across 41 classrooms and meeting spaces. A new high-performance computing research cluster now gives USCA science and engineering faculty expanded access to computing resources for complex research. USCA’s Facilities Master Plan outlines a vision for a campus that increasingly transitions from a commuter school toward a more residential university, including improved gathering spaces, additional green space, a revitalized quad, new wayfinding signage, additional student housing and plans for an entertainment, restaurant and retail district. More than a university USCA’s influence extends well beyond the boundaries of campus. The university contributes more than $350 million annually to the regional economy and supports nearly 2,800 jobs. It also sits at the center of the emerging Aiken Innovation and STEM Corridor, connecting academic programs and applied research with initiatives such as the AMC and the future South Carolina National Guard Cyber Integration Center. The university’s role in developing the region’s future workforce begins early. The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center welcomes more than 75,000 K-12 students annually through educational events and programs, while the Aiken Scholars Academy continues to provide a pathway for high-achieving students into higher education. USCA also strengthened its regional partnerships this year through the inaugural AI & Cyber Innovation Week, which brought together industry, academia and government to focus on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, energy and defense. The university also established the USCA Innovation, Economic and Workforce Development Council to help align research, innovation and strategic initiatives with regional economic development priorities. And this summer, the Aiken Energy & Innovation Exchange opened downtown, providing students, educators, industry leaders and community members with access to USCA’s cybersecurity and innovation resources. The university’s impact is equally visible through its cultural and community programs. The Etherredge Center, celebrating its 40th anniversary, welcomed approximately 32,000 people during the past year, a 14% increase over the previous year. Cultural Series ticket sales increased 52%. USCA LIFE also continued to expand opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This year, the program has grown to 37 students and has expanded to include a four-year program. In March, USCA LIFE partnered with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce to host its first employer summit, connecting students with organizations and agencies to explore employment opportunities. One of those students, third-year USCA LIFE student Breyden Anderson, represented Aiken at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis, where he earned a bronze medal in tennis. The program also expanded its reach this year by welcoming its first student from more than 700 miles away, Ripp LaBorde, who joined USCA LIFE from Shreveport, Louisiana. A stronger foundation for the future Behind the university’s growth is an equally important investment: the people and partnerships that make USCA possible. The university received $2.55 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, its strongest fundraising year in five years and a 15% increase over the previous year. More than $1.6 million of that support went toward scholarships for USCA students. USCA’s newest alumni also began a tradition of giving through the inaugural Reins of Legacy giving society, with more than 130 graduating seniors making their first philanthropic gift to the university. State support also played an important role. USCA received more than $1 million in tuition mitigation, $2.5 million for deferred maintenance and $5 million for the Penland Welcome Center renovation. Looking ahead Sixty-five years into its history, USCA is growing in ways its founders could hardly have imagined. What began as a university serving a much smaller student population has evolved into a growing regional institution with more than 4,500 students, expanding academic programs, nationally recognized research and an increasingly visible role in the Aiken community and beyond. “With your continued support, building upon our tremendous legacy and momentum, USCA will continue its responsive and impactful service to its students and our community in fulfillment of its original promise made six and a half decades ago,” Heimmermann said.

A record number of freshmen began their college careers at the University of South Carolina Aiken for the 2026-27 academic year, marking another year of significant enrollment growth for the university. Approximately 700 freshmen are enrolled for the fall semester, an 18 percent increase from last year’s freshman class.  In addition to its freshman enrollment, the university reported 442 registered transfer students.   “This record-breaking class is a strong signal that families across South Carolina and beyond understand USCA delivers a high value, personal college experience that prepares students for real careers,” said Nathan Rice, vice chancellor of enrollment management and marketing.   Rice added that this year's growth is the result of a campus-wide effort, with admissions, financial aid, and marketing each playing an important role. “The team’s consistency and follow-through helped turn the great work happening on this campus into applications and enrollments.”  The university officially welcomed the Class of 2030 during its annual Freshman Convocation on Aug. 17. Students gathered in the Quad before taking the traditional walk across the bridge to the Convocation Center, where faculty and staff formally welcomed them to the USCA community.  This year’s convocation theme centered around “Home,” encouraging students to think about how they will build their own sense of belonging and community during their time at USCA.  The theme resonated closely with Dr. Brianne Coulombe, an associate professor in the Department of Psychology, who served as one of the event’s guest speakers.  Coulombe shared words of encouragement with the new Pacers, comparing their academic plans to a blueprint for their college experience.  “Sitting here today, you have the blueprint for building a home at USCA that is functional and uniquely yours,” she said. “If you forget, just look back at the major map you got from advising and you’ll see all your general education requirements, your cognate, and specific classes you need for your major. But that’s all it is. A blueprint. Your job now is to make that blueprint into a home.”  For Laura Nolasco-Gonzalez, joining the Pacer community means beginning her college journey close to home while pursuing a degree in Nursing.  Nolasco-Gonzalez, who joins USCA from Johnston, SC, said the university’s location and nursing program were among the top reasons she chose to come to Aiken.   “I chose USCA because it is close to home, it has a great nursing program, and USCA's pride in helping students develop as they adapt to a new environment,” she said.  Nolasco-Gonzalez says she’s thankful to several campus organizations for helping guide her decision to choose USCA, including the Delight ministry, Hispanic Student Association and Project Pacer.   Project Pacer is an extended orientation experience designed to help incoming students build connections, develop a sense of belonging, and feel more comfortable as they transition into college.  “The most exciting part about the start of the school year for me is being able to attend school knowing so many faces. I attended Project Pacer, Leadership Retreat, and I got the opportunity to shadow a pacesetter. These events gave me a head start in this new journey to meet new people and begin to make USCA feel like my new home.”  Rice emphasized that the Class of 2030 shows USCA’s momentum is continuing to build.  “Students are choosing us because they want personal attention and a clear path to career success. A larger class means more energy on campus and more students who will go on to represent USCA well after they graduate.”  The Class of 2030 also reflects a range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences, with students arriving from across the country and around the world.  Among the highlights of this year’s freshman class:  17 states are represented among the freshman class.  15 nationalities are represented.  89% of students are from South Carolina.  32 students speak at least two languages.  The top three majors are Nursing, Mechanical Engineering and Biology.  33 students entered USCA undecided on their major.  Madison is the most popular first name among female students, with nine students sharing the name.  William is the most popular first name among male students, with six students sharing the name. 

Students, alumni, faculty, staff and members of the community to kick off the new academic year for USCA’s Downtown Takeover from 5-9 p.m. Aug. 22 in The Alley on Newberry St.  In partnership with the Aiken Development Downtown Association (ADDA), the free, family-friendly celebration will once again transform downtown into a showcase of Pacer pride, featuring live entertainment by Velvet City Sound, activities, games, local food and beverages, and opportunities for the community to connect with the university.   “We are excited to welcome the USCA Downtown Takeover back to Downtown Aiken,”  EmmaLee Sams, executive director of ADDA said. “This event is a wonderful reflection of our strong partnership with the university and provides an opportunity to bring students, faculty, staff and community members together in the heart of our city.”   Now in its second year, Downtown Takeover builds on the momentum of last year's inaugural event, which celebrated the official launch of USCA's rebrand. The event welcomed hundreds of attendees from across the Central Savannah River Area.   “The Downtown Takeover brings energy and excitement to downtown while supporting our local businesses and strengthening the connection between USCA, Downtown Aiken, and the greater community,” Sams said.   This year's celebration will also honor several significant university milestones. Founded in 1961 as Aiken College, a two-year branch of the University of South Carolina, USCA will celebrate 65 years of providing transformative educational opportunities to the region. Since welcoming its first students, the university has grown into a nationally recognized comprehensive university serving thousands of students while remaining committed to academic excellence, community engagement and student success.   In addition to the university's 65th anniversary, Downtown Takeover will recognize two other anniversaries:   The 40th anniversary of the Cultural Series, which has brought nationally and internationally acclaimed performers, artists and speakers to the Aiken community since 1986.   The 50th anniversary of the Gregg-Graniteville Library, a cornerstone of academic life on campus that has supported generations of students, faculty and researchers since opening in 1976.   Kicks 99 will also be present with a guitar pull stop from 5-7 p.m. It’s one of the CSRA's most anticipated annual country music events. Hosted by KICKS 99, it brings together some of country music's biggest artists for a unique acoustic performance.  The event will be co-hosted by Paul Crook, director of the Etherredge Center, and Cliff Bennett, host of The Morning Mix and a 1995 USCA graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts.  

South Carolina helped forge a nation, playing a pivotal role in the war that led to America’s independence from Britian.  “The United States is a unique experiment. So, two and a half centuries of successful representative government is worth celebrating,” said Alexa Helsley, a senior history instructor at the University of South Carolina Aiken.  “To understand the present, we need to understand the past — the challenges, decision points, good outcomes and mistakes that we as Americans made in the past. We also need to understand who and why certain ones chose to pursue independence and others elected to remain loyal to the king or even to remain neutral.  “The story includes men and women of different ethnic backgrounds, different socio-economic standing, different dreams and fears.”   As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, Helsley, a Revolutionary War scholar, recommends visiting sites throughout the state that give insight into the Palmetto State’s involvement.  The state’s newest license plate references the role of South Carolina in the conflict, claiming the war ended here. Some of the key sites identified by Helsley help visitors understand the pivotal battles that shaped the war’s outcome.  “South Carolina played a critical role in the quest for independence, especially after the Fall of Charlestown in 1780. For example, the Battle of Kings Mountain was pivotal in pushing Cornwallis to defeat Yorktown,” she said.  “Henry Laurens served as president of the Continental Congress and, while on a diplomatic mission to the Netherlands, was captured by the British. They imprisoned him in the Tower of London. Later, he was involved in preliminary peace negotiations to end the war.”  She added that the Battle of Sullivan's Island in 1776 was an early British defeat and major Patriot morale booster.  Helsley, who serves as the university’s archivist, has studied and researched colonial South Carolina for decades. Her newest book, “Rebecca Brewton Motte and the American Revolution in South Carolina” details the Charlestonian’s unique perspective of events during British occupation, the war and beyond. It is available July 28.  She culled a list of three key Revolution-era sites, chosen for the significance of the engagement, how well the site has been preserved and how easily it can be accessed.  Celebrate America’s 250th: Must-see battle sites in South Carolina  Ninety Six National Historic Site, 1103 SC-248, Ninety Six, SC, 1775 and 1781  This well-preserved site is the location for two significant engagements, 1775 and 1781, and includes the Star Fort, an original star-shaped earthen fortification erected in 1781 by the British to defend Ninety Six. It is the site of the only mine tunnel known to survive that was used in the Revolution. The 125-foot tunnel was designed by Polish humanist, engineer and Revolutionary War hero Thaddeus Kosciuszko during the 1781 siege of the earthen Star Fort in the town of Ninety Six.  The Battle of Ninety Six, which took place Nov. 19-21, 1775, was the first major battle in the South. It was an impromptu clash between Loyalist and Patriot Militia, commanded by Andrew Williamson. At issue was a stash of arms and ammunition, held by the Patriots. The two sides fought at Savage’s Old Fields and at Fort Williamson, where Patriots fortified a barn with animal hides. South Carolina’s first known casualty, James Birmingham, occurred during this skirmish, where Patriots fortified a barn with animal hides. With water in short supply, Loyalists withdrew, leaving the Patriots in control of arms and ammunition. The resulting stalemate was the precursor of vicious fighting for control of the South Carolina backcountry.  Several years later, Maj. Gen. Nathanael Greene commanded the Continental Army in the South during the Siege of NinetySix, from May 22 through June 18, 1781. This 28-day siege focused on the Star Fort, an unusual earthen fortification that was the British’s last stronghold in the upstate and which still stands today. Lord Francis Rawdon-Hastings, the de facto British commander in the state, led reinforcements and destroyed the town of Ninety Six and withdrew the British and Loyalist troops to Charlestown after Greene abandoned the area. Rawdon’s actions left Charlestown the sole British stronghold in South Carolina. The British finally evacuated the capital city in December 1782.  Kings Mountain National Battlefield, 2625 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC, Oct. 7, 1780  On the border of North and South Carolina, Patriot Militia fought Loyalist Militia, commanded by Maj. Patrick Ferguson of the 71st Regiment of Foot, who was the only regular army participant. The Patriot Militia led by Benjamin Cleveland, James Johnston, William Campbell, John Sevier, Joseph McDowell and Isaac Shelby included Overmountain Men from East Tennessee as well as Carolina militiamen. An annual event traces their march over the Unaka Mountains to Kings Mountain on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail. Patriots dealt a major defeat that annihilated British forces in upstate South Carolina, which proved a significant morale boost after disastrous American defeats, including the fall of Charlestown in May 1780 and a British victory at Camden in August 1780. Ferguson was killed during the fighting and is buried on the battlefield. Thomas Jefferson, who was the governor of Virginia at the time, said the battle marked “the turn of the tide of success.”   Cowpens National Battlefield, 338 New Pleasant Road, Gaffney, SC, Jan. 17, 1781  The battle at Cowpens proved a crucial American victory when a series of events led to Lord Cornwallis’ defeat in Yorktown, Virginia, and ultimately to serious peace negotiations with Great Britain. Gen. Daniel Morgan, commander of the Continental Army, visited campsites of his troops the night before the battle, encouraging them. His strategy carried the day and dealt quite a blow to Lt. Col. Banastre Tarleton and The British Legion.  In addition to her latest book, Helsley has written several resources that detail South Carolina’s role in this pivotal time in the nation’s history.  Books   “Rebecca Brewton Motte and the American Revolution in SC”   “South Carolinians in the War for American Independence”  “The Henderson County (N. C.) Revolutionary Pensioners of 1840”  Book Chapters  “Lost Livelihood: George Galphin and Silver Bluff,” a chapter in “Lost History of Aiken County, SC”  “Friends & Foes,” a chapter in “Wicked Edisto: The Dark Side of Eden”  “Washington in Retirement,” a requested chapter in “Companion to George Washington”   “Rebecca Motte,” a requested chapter in “South Carolina Women: Their Lives and Times”  “The Battle of Great Cane Brake,” a chapter in “Hidden History of Greenville, South Carolina”  “Toward Independence, 1755-1783,” a chapter in “Beaufort: A History”  “In Pursuit of Liberty: Petition of Moses Irvine,” a chapter in “The Many Faces of Slavery”  Articles  “The Catawba Nation in the American Revolution,” in “Proceedings of the South Carolina Historical Association,” which earned the Daniel Hollis prize for best academic paper 2019-2020 by the SC Historical Association   “’The Pilgrim of Liberty’ Lafayette’s Return to South Carolina in 1825,” in “Proceedings of the South Carolina Historical Association”  “A Roadside Guide to SC Counties in the American Revolution,” in “County Focus, Abbeville – Georgetown”  “Sarah Shattuck” in “An Encyclopedia of American Women at War”   “Thomas Lynch, Sr.,” “Thomas Lynch, Jr.,” in “South Carolina Encyclopedia”   "The Battle of Kings Mountain," in “Henderson County (NC) Genealogical and Historical Society Journal”  "The Catawba and American Liberty," in “South Carolina Historical Magazine 1996  "1854 List of Continental Soldiers," in “Carolina Herald” 

With the summer season underway, some future Pacers are already looking forward to when they step on campus for the first day of school on Aug. 18.   USCA welcomed its first batch of freshman students during the first orientation session on May 20, and already the Class of 2030 is envisioning how their college experience will impact their futures.   For many, USCA stood out not only for its academic programs and affordability, but also for the sense of community, opportunity, and personal connection they discovered during the enrollment process.  Pursuing careers as varied as education, law and cybersecurity, these first-year students see USCA as a place where they can grow academically, professionally and personally.  Sunny Armstrong  For incoming freshman Sunny Armstrong from Summerville, South Carolina, choosing USCA was an unexpected but welcome discovery.  Armstrong plans to major in music education and hopes to one day share her love of music with future generations. A trombone player of seven years, she credits her high school band director with introducing her to USCA.  "He got me in touch with the band directors here, and after my audition, I received a really good scholarship,” Armstrong said.  After initially considering other universities, Armstrong found that USCA offered a more affordable pathway to achieving her goals. Combined with the South Carolina LIFE Scholarship and additional support from the Department of Visual and Performing Arts, the financial aid package made her decision easier.  Beyond affordability, Armstrong was impressed by what she found during her campus visit.  "I don't know how this place isn't more well-known," she said. "There are a lot of benefits here. The campus is smaller, but I like that. It feels more interconnected."  Music runs deep in Armstrong's family. Though she didn't realize it until recently, she discovered that both her great-grandfather and grandmother were musicians. Her great-grandfather directed marching and jazz bands, while her grandmother played clarinet.  Now, Armstrong hopes to continue that family legacy while expanding her own musical horizons.  "I'm really interested in jazz and all of the soul behind it," she said. "Spreading jazz and teaching it is one of my main goals."  She also plans to immerse herself in campus life through arts-related organizations and student involvement opportunities.  "You're going to hear from me a lot in the next few years," Armstrong said with a smile. "I want to be as connected as possible and get to know people."  Emma Highfield   For Emma Highfield, USCA offered the ideal place to begin her journey toward pursuing a path in law.   Originally from Augusta, Georgia, Highfield recently relocated to Aiken and plans to major in political science. Her interest in government and public affairs developed through a love of history and a desire to better understand what shapes our society.   "I've always been really good at history," Highfield said. "I became interested in why certain things happen in the world, and the more I learned, the more I wanted to keep learning."  With aspirations of attending law school after graduation, Highfield was drawn to the opportunities available within USCA's political science program and the chance to engage beyond the classroom.  She is particularly excited about participating in political science-related organizations and student government.  "I'm looking forward to all the political science clubs and student government," she said. "I'm excited to do creative things and work on things related to my major."  As she begins her college career, Highfield said she is eager to establish a strong foundation and transition to university life as smoothly as possible.  "I was ready to have everything situated so I could start and feel confident during my first few days," she said.  Malachi Solomon  Incoming freshman Malachi Solomon of Hampton County, South Carolina, has long been fascinated by technology and problem-solving.  This fall, he plans to major in computer science with a concentration in cybersecurity, a field that aligns closely with both his interests and career aspirations.  "Technology has always been an interest of mine, even when I was younger," Solomon said.  His curiosity grew during the Covid-19 pandemic, when online learning exposed him to new technologies and digital tools.  "When we started doing online meetings and creating PowerPoints and documents, it got me thinking that I could actually do more with this," he said.  As he explored career options, cybersecurity emerged as a way to combine technical skills with community service.  "I realized I could actually help my community," Solomon said.  One of his long-term goals is to educate others, particularly younger generations, about online safety and responsible digital behavior.  "I want to teach them how to stay safe online, especially on social media," he said. "Don't post everything, especially important information."  USCA's growing cybersecurity and computer science programs, along with internship opportunities and hands-on learning experiences, played a major role in his decision to enroll.  "I feel like with the internships and many of the programs offered here, especially for computer science, this is the place for me," Solomon said.