School of Education

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.

Each semester, the University of South Carolina Aiken recognizes students who achieved outstanding grades. USCA celebrates the achievements of these students with the release of its Spring 2026 President's and Dean's Lists. Undergraduate students named to the President's List achieved a perfect 4.0 grade point average while enrolled full-time at USCA. The Dean's List recognizes full-time undergraduate students who earned a 3.5 GPA or higher. "Students who make these lists should be proud of their accomplishments. We celebrate the excellence, dedication and hard work they invested in attaining their academic goals," said Dr. Philip Bridgmon, USCA provost. Students on the President's Honor List are automatically on the Dean's Honor List and will only appear on the President's Honor List.

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.  

One USCA student is making an impact not only in the classroom, but also on the tennis court.  Breyden Anderson, a third-year student in the USCA LIFE program, represented Aiken at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games in Minneapolis. He was one of two athletes from Aiken selected to compete on the tennis team.   The games welcomed nearly 3,000 athletes from across the nation competing in 16 team and individual sports at the University of Minnesota from June 20-26. The event was livestreamed on ESPN+ and Disney+, bringing national attention to the athletes and their accomplishments, along with a $75 million economic impact driven by thousands of visitors to the Twin Cities.   Anderson earned a spot on the Special Olympics South Carolina tennis team, joining athletes from communities across the state, including Hilton Head, Columbia and Florence.  The USA Special Olympics marked Anderson's first national competition. Before qualifying, he competed in Special Olympics tennis tournaments throughout South Carolina.  "Breyden has been competing in Special Olympics tennis events around South Carolina for several years, and it has been incredible to watch his growth," said Carl Rapp, who has coached Anderson for seven years. "His experience at USCA has opened him up to be more outgoing, and I thought that the USA Games would broaden his life even more, and it has."  "He played in 17 matches throughout the competition," said David Andes, who coached the Special Olympics South Carolina's tennis team. "I just think that's significant that he played that many matches."  Anderson earned a bronze medal with a third-place finish in Level 4 singles and placed fourth in Level 4 open doubles alongside his partner and mother, Deloris Anderson. Competing in Level 4 meant facing athletes of similar skill levels from across the country. Anderson competed in both singles, a one-on-one event, and open doubles, a two-player team competition.  His accomplishment also inspired members of the USCA community, including Tirzah Slagle, a junior Sspecial Eeducation major who spent the summer interning with Special Olympics South Carolina. Slagle, who has also volunteered as a mentor with the USCA LIFE program, said the experience has broadened her perspective on athletes with intellectual disabilities.  "I think it's really amazing that we have a Pacer represented at a national convention like this and then we can support him,” Slagle said.   She hopes to become a teacher after graduation and said plans to remain involved with the Special Olympics as a supporter.   Anderson's mother said he was so excited about competing in the USA Games that he began packing nearly three months before the trip.  "Normally he and I would practice once or twice a week with our coach, for about an hour," she said.  Anderson's passion for tennis began in middle school after one of his special education teachers introduced him to Rapp.  "One of the special education instructors invited Carl Rapp, Brayden's current coach, to come and show the students different activities they could get involved in, and tennis was one of them," she recalled. "I remember his teacher reached out to tell me how much he really enjoyed playing tennis and to get in touch with Carl."  Since then, it has been difficult to keep Anderson off the court. He practices weekly on USCA's tennis courts and at facilities throughout the Aiken area.  "For him to have accomplished something like playing in the Special Olympics, everybody is very excited for him," his mother said.  Rapp said Anderson's success on the court is matched by his character off it.  Andes praised Anderson's resilience, noting that he stayed focused, maintained a positive outlook and smiled throughout the competition.  "The most important thing to him is his family. They supported him at the USA Games in Minneapolis. When Brayden turned 21, his mother asked him what he wanted to do for his birthday. He said, 'I want to feed the homeless.' She contacted the Aiken Lions Club and set up a picnic at Gyles Park on Park Avenue. in Aiken, where many homeless people gather, and fed them."  Patricia Friday, who has been a member of the Aiken Lions Club for more than 30 years, has witnessed firsthand Anderson's passion for serving others.   The Aiken Lions Club, the county's oldest civic organization, is dedicated to supporting individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Friday said Anderson's compassion and commitment to helping others remind her why she continues to serve.  “He has such a genuine heart for helping others, and watching him give back has been inspiring,” she said. “Our entire club is proud of both Braden and his mother. We even collected a special donation to help support them with expenses for the games. Everyone wanted to be part of encouraging him.” 

USCA has welcomed Dr. Juan Walker as the new associate dean of the School of Education. Walker officially began the role on July 1, bringing more than 20 years of experience in teaching, educational leadership and teacher preparation.  As associate dean, Walker will provide strategic leadership for curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and field placement initiatives while working closely with program coordinators to strengthen the school's academic programs. He will also help guide continuous improvement efforts to ensure programs meet national, state and University of South Carolina system standards.  Before joining USCA, Walker served as an associate professor of education and interim chair of the Department of Teaching and Leading in Augusta University's College of Education and Human Development, where he had been a faculty member since 2013.  "Dr. Walker brings a unique combination of academic leadership, student advocacy, and operational experience that makes him an outstanding fit for the associate dean role," said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the School of Education. "I look forward to his leadership in strengthening student success initiatives, supporting faculty and academic programs, coordinating curriculum and accreditation efforts, and helping expand partnerships that enhance opportunities for our students."  Throughout his career, Walker has led undergraduate and graduate teacher preparation programs, secured more than $70,000 in competitive grant funding, authored numerous scholarly publications and a textbook, and presented research at regional, national and international conferences.  For Walker, accepting the position was both a professional and personal decision.  "When Dr. Buckman offered me the position, my family was very supportive," Walker said. "I went for a walk that afternoon, and 'You Get What You Give' by New Radicals came on my Pandora station. At that moment, I felt like this was the right move. I always encourage my students to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things, and this opportunity felt right to me."  Walker believes his background in applied research and data-informed decision-making will help advance USCA's mission while strengthening the School of Education's impact across the region.  "As someone whose career began in South Carolina and who is dedicated to serving the state's educational communities, I am well-positioned to contribute to USCA's mission of providing a high-quality education and preparing future teachers for meaningful careers," he said.  One of Walker's first priorities is getting to know the campus community and ensuring students feel supported throughout their academic journey.  "Our students are our best ambassadors for recruitment," Walker said. "Making sure they feel supported and heard is incredibly important to me."  Walker earned a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Social Studies Education from The Citadel before completing his Ph.D. in Secondary Curriculum and Instruction, with minors in Educational Foundations and Social Studies, at the University of Alabama.  Outside of higher education, Walker enjoys gardening, reading Marvel comics, observing wildlife, and spending time with his wife and three children.  "I am excited to return to South Carolina, where I began my teaching career," Walker said. "I'm looking forward to this new adventure and can't wait to begin this next chapter."