Faculty & Staff

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. 

USCA’s inaugural “Summer of Cyber” professional development series is now underway.   The free, three-month initiative delivers specialized cybersecurity training designed to strengthen the region’s workforce and critical infrastructure resilience. Participants are encouraged to register early as space for each class is limited.  The first course began after the grand opening of the Tom Young Center for Research and Innovation at 151 Newberry St., NW, in downtown Aiken. The building is designed to advance innovation, economic development, entrepreneurship, workforce collaboration, and community engagement in Aiken.   The center was constructed using $20 million in plutonium settlement funds provided through an agreement between the U.S. Department of Energy and South Carolina related to materials stored at the Savannah River Site.   “It wasn't just me. It was a team effort. It was a tremendous team effort,” Young said. “I am grateful for the privilege and the opportunity that I have been given to serve with our delegation members and to lead our legislative delegation."  The event was also covered by local and state media outlets.   AEIX launches to engage public   USCA will occupy a portion of the first floor to showcase the Aiken Energy and Innovation Exchange (AEIX), a public engagement center where students, educators, industry leaders and community members can explore opportunities, attend events, participate in programs and connect with the university.   AEIX offers a professional and welcoming environment that supports learning, collaboration, and community engagement. The facility features modern meeting and conference rooms, flexible training and workshop spaces, technology-enabled presentation areas, visitor reception services, guided tour pathways, and event-hosting capabilities. Designed to be functional and adaptable, AEIX accommodates a wide range of activities and programs throughout the year.  “Through initiatives like Summer of Cyber, USCA continues to expand its role as a regional leader in innovation and applied learning,” said Tom Scott, USCA’s cyber workforce specialist.   The program will feature one course each month through August. Members of the National Cybersecurity Preparedness Consortium (NCPC), including Norwich University, the University of Memphis, and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, will lead the courses.  This is just the beginning of programming and events for the community.   Building cyber resilience through education  The Summer of Cyber initiative brings nationally recognized training programs to Aiken, equipping technical professionals, decision-makers, and public-sector leaders with the tools needed to address modern cyber threats — particularly those targeting critical infrastructure, energy systems, and community services.  “Cybersecurity is essential to economic growth and national security,” Scott said.   “Through the Summer of Cyber series, USCA is connecting top-tier national expertise with local and regional professionals to build a stronger, more prepared workforce.”  Program Lineup  Security in Operational Technology and Distributed Energy Resources A six-hour, instructor-led course was held on June 5. Participants were introduced to cybersecurity challenges in operational technology (OT) and energy systems, including SCADA, IIoT, and smart grid technologies. Participants will examine vulnerabilities, attack vectors, and emerging solutions such as AI-driven threat detection and 5G integration.    Cybersecurity First Responder July 7-–10, 2026  This intensive, multi-day course prepares professionals to detect, analyze, contain, and recover from cyber incidents affecting critical infrastructure. Through lectures and immersive lab exercises, participants will simulate real-world cyberattacks and apply structured incident response methodologies.   Cybersecurity in a Resource-Constrained Environment for Public and Rural Utilities August 4–-5, 2026  Designed for public and rural utilities and local government leaders, this course explores cybersecurity strategies in environments with limited resources. Participants will learn to assess digital risk, apply cybersecurity standards, and utilize open-source tools to protect essential services. ​​ 

High school graduates have several options right after graduation: continue their education, jump into the job market or enlist in the military, among them.  USCA saluted area high school seniors who will march off to military boot camp right after graduation.  The university teamed up with Our Community Salutes Midlands South Carolina to sponsor a gala, complete with military-style protocol and decorum, to celebrate the decisions these students made to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.  The seventh annual Enlistee Gala took place May 20 at the USCA Convocation Center. The event recognized the decisions of approximately 40 recruits from Aiken, Barnwell and Edgefield counties, who were sworn into military service by a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient during the event.   Each enlistee received a signed copy of “Living with Honor,” written by Medal of Honor recipient Salvatore Giunta, who was the guest speaker.  As a staff sergeant in an Army airborne unit, Giunta earned the MOH for his actions in Afghanistan on Oct. 25, 2007, during Operation Enduring Freedom. When he received the medal from President Barack Obama in 2010, Giunta was the first living Congressional Medal of Honor recipient since the Vietnam War.  “The opportunities the military gave me made me the man I am today,” Giunta told local enlistees and their families. “It’s incredible the opportunities you will have when you open your heart to the possibilities.  “Some of the things you will have to do in the military will be uncomfortable, but you are doing them for all of us. Sacrifice is sometimes necessary, and you are sacrificing your time and talent. Thank you for your service and your sacrifice.”  Allison Cohuo from Midland Valley High School, who will join the U.S. Navy, earned the Gary Beikirch Award. Beikirch received his Medal of Honor for his actions during the Vietnam conflict from President Richard Nixon in 1973.   After his military service, Beikirch served as a middle school guidance counselor and the Medal of Honor Society chaplain. He founded the Veterans Outreach Center in Rochester, New York, and was instrumental in the creation of the Midlands chapter of OCS. Beikirch served on the board of Our Community Salutes Midlands until his death.   “Receiving the Gary Beikirch award is an honor. This award holds a meaning of being selfless, responsible, being yourself and helping our community as much as we can,” Cohuo said.   The Gary Beikirch Award goes to a local enlistee who will report to active duty within six months of high school graduation. Guidance counselors, teachers and recruiters work together to identify nominees. To earn the award, students must be from Aiken, Barnwell or Edgefield counties. They must demonstrate selflessness, integrity, leadership, respect for others and a commitment to community service.  “Allison has consistently proven herself to be an exceptional asset to our school, our program, and the broader community. Throughout her time in the program, she has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment, and character, making a lasting impact on both her peers and those she serves,” said Stephanie Beikirch, daughter of the Vietnam-era Special Forces sergeant, who presented the award.   As a member of Midland Valley’s Junior ROTC program, Cohuo held three leadership positions: platoon chief, platoon commander and public affairs officer. As part of her responsibilities, she mentored more than 50 fellow cadets.  “Allison treats others with genuine respect and humility, rarely seeking recognition for her accomplishments. Instead, she finds purpose and fulfillment in serving others, a quality that truly sets her apart,” said Beikirch.  Cohuo said her inspiration to enlist in the U.S. Navy came from her ROTC experiences.  “My instructors’ amazing stories and hearing about all their accomplishments and seeing all their awards and medals and knowing they received those because they changed people's lives really inspired me,” she said.  “I really hope to change people's lives while I am in the Navy. I also want to give back to the community as much as I can. They have helped not only myself but my family. It would be an honor to give back to everyone who has helped us through so many hardships.”  Cohuo’s commitment to serving others extends beyond the ROTC program. She has volunteered with Special Olympics, Wreaths Across America, Adopt-A-Highway projects, Run United and other community-focused efforts and initiatives at Midland Valley. She is a member of the school’s cross-country team, the ROTC Rifle, Academic, Drill and Athletic teams.  OCS also presented Jessica Thomas, a counselor at Midland Valley High School, the General Colin L. Powell Memorial Service Award. Local military recruiters nominate high school counselors who they believe represent the service, compassion, and commitment demonstrated by Powell, who served in the Army, as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as secretary of the U.S. Department of State.  “This award is especially meaningful to me because it highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting students who choose military service after high school,” Thomas said.  “These students are committing themselves to something greater than themselves through sacrifice, dedication and service to our country. I believe that it is important to celebrate their decisions, provide support and ensure they feel valued and respected for choosing a path of service and leadership.”  The greater Aiken County community joined OCS and USCA in honoring the military enlistees. Aiken Public Safety, Graniteville-Vaucluse-Warrenville Fire Department and the South Carolina National Guard created an impressive entrance for the gala, and the U.S. flag flew between two fire department ladder trucks ceremonially protected by two National Guard Tactical Vehicles.  Military veterans, service members, high school officials, corporate representatives and other community leaders joined OCS and USCA in the unique salute to say, “thank you” and “congratulations” to those deciding to enlist in the military.  “Our Community Salutes connects future service members to their community and thanks them for their service. At USCA, we take the long view. These students will complete their service and want to come home to a career and a community proud of their decision to serve,” said Robert Murphy, a retired Marine who serves as director of Student Veteran Military Services at USCA and is president of on the board of the Midlands South Carolina chapter of OCS.  “As a Best for Vets and Military Friendly university, USCAstands ready to welcome them home."  This year, USCA once again earned the Military Friendly® “Gold” School designation and was ranked as the #7 Military Friendly Spouse School.  “The significance is seeing the national recognition for the hard work USCA puts forth to ensure our veteran and military student community has what they need for academic success,” Murphy said. “These students often have multiple factors, including benefits, deployments, gaps in semesters, that make completing their degree a little more challenging.   “Knowing this, the VMSS center team connects with and fosters a success mindset from the first day a military-connected student walks on campus.”  This academic year, VMSS processed more than 1,600 student VA GI Bill benefits to ensure students had the funds to pay for school, books, and housing.  According to Murphy, USCA is one of only three South Carolina universities with a Military Friendly School Gold rating.  “USCA is the only South Carolina Small Public University with the gold rating and ranked in the top 10 Military Spouse Friendly Small Public Schools in the nation.” 

Dr. Sarah Young, assistant professor of political science at USCA, served as a guest commentator during FOX54’s election coverage on June 9.   Young provided analysis and context on South Carolina’s primary election results, discussing key races, voter turnout trends, and the potential implications for upcoming elections. Her commentary helped viewers better understand the significance of the results and their impact on the state's political landscape.  About Dr. Young  Young specializes in state and local government policy, with a focus on South Carolina. She is entering her tenth year at USCA and brings 18 years of experience in higher education. 

The Etherredge Center at USCA is celebrating a milestone this year as the Cultural Series enters its 40th season.  To kick off the anniversary, the Etherredge Center hosted a season reveal event May 22 in downtown Aiken to showcase what audiences can expect.  "Since it's the 40th anniversary, we wanted to feature performers and shows that had been here before, kind of a 'best of' season," said Paul B. Crook, director of the Etherredge Center. "We went back through 40 years of programming and looked at which performances audiences loved most."  Since its founding in 1986, the Cultural Series has brought world-class performers, orchestras, theater productions and cultural experiences to Aiken audiences. Over four decades, the series has hosted everything from international ballet companies and symphony orchestras to Broadway performers and acclaimed jazz musicians, becoming a cornerstone of the region's arts scene.  In 2019, the organization expanded its mission with the launch of the Carolina Series, which highlights state artists and cultural traditions.  This year's tagline, “World-class shows with a local touch,” reflects both the series' history and its continued commitment to serving the community.  The Cultural Series will kick off Sept. 12 with a performance by The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra, a band known for its blend of jazz, swing and pop music. Audience members can also purchase tickets to an exclusive black-tie VIP reception held in conjunction with the show.   For the Carolina Series, which features artists exclusively from South Carolina, the Etherredge Center will partner with the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities.   “We're going to feature four events with their students, including theater, dance, music, and visual arts students. That's going to be a fun partnership and gives the Carolina Series its own unique identity this year,” Crook said.  Tickets for the Cultural and Carolina Series will go on sale starting July 13.      Cultural and Carolina Series 2026-27 Lineup  Cultural Series   The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra – Sept. 12  The anniversary season opens with a black-tie celebration featuring the high-energy big band sounds of The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra. The evening will include a VIP reception aimed at donors and sponsors while recognizing past Etherredge Center directors.  Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman – Nov. 17  This intimate cabaret-style concert in the Etherredge Center lobby showcases two acclaimed musicians performing acoustic blues, ragtime, early jazz, folk traditions, and original works. Guests will enjoy charcuterie and a cash bar.  Breach of Peace – Feb. 2  Written and performed by Mike Wiley, this powerful documentary theatre piece tells the story of the Freedom Riders and the fight for civil rights. The event will coincide with Black History Month programming and community partnerships, including educational workshops and exhibits.  ARTRAGEOUS – March 21 Designed for audiences of all ages, ARTRAGEOUS combines live painting, music, dance, and visual arts into an interactive, high-energy family experience celebrating creativity and artistic expression.  Flamenco Vivo Carlota Santana: Quinto Elemento – April 3  The anniversary season concludes with a visually stunning flamenco performance exploring the concept of "ether," featuring award-winning choreography, live music, and internationally acclaimed dancers.    Carolina Series  Drama Showcase – Jan. 24  Governor's School theatre students present a dramatic performance followed by a reception where families can meet faculty and learn about educational opportunities.  Dance and Visual Arts Showcase – Feb. 7 A performance by dance students is paired with an exhibition of student artwork, highlighting multiple artistic disciplines from the Governor's School.  Music Showcase – March 14  The series concludes with a concert featuring Governor's School music students, celebrating young artistic talent from across South Carolina.