Students

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.” 

For one senior accounting student, the path from the classroom passion to real-world experience began with supportive professors and guidance from Career Services.   “Internships are important for future careers since they confirm or deny an area of work and provide an opportunity to meet people and build a network,” said Ansley Dial, USCA ‘26.  She said she fell in love with accounting because “the professors were always really enthusiastic, and it kind of just clicked with me,” but beyond the classroom, Dial has had the opportunity to complete three different internships. Her varied experiences included working with a non-profit organization, a Fortune 500 company, and a nuclear facility.    “It has been really neat to see how different places operate,” she said.    Dial spent part of the summer interning at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions within the site training records department. This team ensures employees are trained and their information is up to date in the system to ensure safety while on the job.   In the spring, she interned in Augusta with ADP, a Fortune 500 payroll services company. She worked with the small business services division, tackling a project that helped ensure statewide compliance with unemployment issues.  Carleigh Whitaker, client service manager II at ADP, praised Dial for the professionalism, curiosity, and dedication she demonstrated throughout her internship.  "She approached the internship with curiosity, accountability, and professionalism, and it showed both her results and how confidently she spoke about them. Those are qualities that will serve you well as you continue your career,” Whitaker said. “Ansley successfully rectified over fifty accounts for our small business owners, helping prevent tax implications related to their state account IDs. Thank you for the energy and thoughtfulness you brought to the team."  Before that, she spent about nine months serving as a fiscal intern at Aiken Barnwell County’s Community Action Agency. In this accounting role, she helped with internal audits, fiscal-year close-out and budgeting.   Dial said what she learned from USCA School of Business professors gave her the skills to operate and adapt in various offices. She also found her leadership and communication classes to be very helpful in the workplace.  “Being ethical in the workplace, carrying yourself professionally and knowing how to correctly write emails are all very important in jobs,” Dial said.  She found each of her internships through USCA’s Career Services and postings around campus. Dial attended the Career Services’ Internship Week and other events where she met recruiters to find good fits for the employers’ needs and her skill sets and interests.   “Get help from the Career Services office; have your resume reviewed; attend networking and career fair events and take advantage of the free headshots that the career office offers,” she advises fellow Pacers.  In addition to internships and other experiential learning opportunities, Dial also recommends creating professional networking profiles on platforms such as LinkedIn or Handshake.  “There is a learning curve anywhere you go, and even though in classes you learn the gist of how businesses operate, you really don’t know until you’re in a business,” she said.

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." 

The Peach Belt Conference announced updates on July 1 to its executive committee, including Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, USCA chancellor, as the chair of the PBC Board of Directors.   “USCA is proud to be part of the collegial PBC community, and I am honored to be part of the leadership team for the next academic year,” Heimmermann said.   Entering his sixth year as chancellor at USCA, Heimmermann has served the last two years as the vice chair of the board.   “The Peach Belt has a great leadership team in place. I look forward to working with Commissioner Diana Kling and the other chancellors and presidents in support of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans,” Heimmermann said.   The executive committee includes the four leadership positions on the Board of Directors: chair, first vice chair, second vice chair and Immediate past chair. These positions are held by current institutional presidents and chancellors. Members serve two-year terms, progressing through each leadership role during their tenure on the committee.  Clayton State University President Dr. Georj Lewis joins the executive committee as first vice chair, while Columbus State University President Dr. Stuart Rayfield begins her term as second vice chair. Georgia College & State University President Dr. Cathy Cox has completed her tenure as chair and will continue to serve the committee as immediate past chair. Lander University President Dr. Richard E. Cosentino has concluded his service on the executive committee after completing his term as immediate past chair.   USCA is a founding member of the Peach Belt Conference. Pacer Athletics include 10 sports programs. Other teams in the conference include Augusta University, Clayton State University, Columbus State University, Flagler University, Georgia College & State, Georgia Southwestern University, Lander University, Middle Georgia University, North Georgia University and USC Beaufort.   

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.