USCA LIFE

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.

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.” 

Julianna “Jules” Gray and Ava Shahbahrami not only shared the decision to attend the same university, but also crossed the stage together with all smiles after graduating from the USCA LIFE program on May 6.   Gray and Shahbahrami, both from Lexington, SC, have Down syndrome and made local and national headlines after enrolling in the program in fall 2024.  Since arriving on campus, the pair have built lasting friendships, grown in independence, and embraced every opportunity that college life had to offer. From attending sporting events and dances to working jobs, the two quickly became familiar faces throughout the USCA community.  “I think I will miss the dynamic between the two of them the most. They encouraged and supported each other in everything that they did,” said Falcone Dunlap, coordinator and teacher for USCA LIFE.   Dunlap said one of the biggest areas of growth she noticed in both students was in their communication skills, which helped strengthen their confidence and ability to advocate for themselves.  “The growth in these skills have increased their ability to be self-advocates and I could not be prouder.” she said.  For Shahbahrami’s mother, Patricia Gates, watching her daughter grow throughout the program has been emotional and rewarding.  “I am completely overwhelmed with pride for Ava’s growth,” Gates said. “Ava’s confidence in her ability to do things has grown tremendously. She loves to say, ‘I got it! I’m an adult.’”  Programs like USCA LIFE, she explained, have given their family reassurance and confidence in Ava’s future.  “We knew she could do all these things, but being in a setting where she had to prove it and then finish with a credential means the world to us,” she said.  Following graduation, Ava has already accepted a new position at Joy in the Journey, a speech and occupational therapy office in Lexington, South Carolina, where she will serve as the office’s joy coordinator. Beginning June 2, she will help therapists prepare rooms, welcome new clients, and assist in the waiting room.  While stepping into the workforce, Ava is also looking ahead to even bigger goals.  “She would like to live on her own or with roommates in an apartment,” her mother said. “She still wants to be like any other college graduate and 23-year-old and start living without her parents.”  Jules’ mother, Toni Gray, has also seen tremendous personal growth during her daughter’s time in the program.  “The changes we’ve noticed are an increase in her day-to-day independence and a definite growth in her level of maturity,” Gray said.  Although Ava will not be returning to campus in the fall, Jules plans to continue in the USCA LIFE Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) program as a third-year student and is already looking forward to the upcoming school year.   “She’s extremely excited about being a third-year student,” Gray said. “She’s looking forward to moving into a new dorm and finding out who her roommates will be.”  Their friendship, however, is far from ending. Gates and Gray say their daughters will still make plans to catch up over the summer.   “Her friendship with Ava is an unbreakable bond,” Gray said. “They talk, text, and/or FaceTime every day, but they are not inseparable. They both have many other friends and activities without each other. Jules will miss her when she returns in the fall because Ava has decided not to return. I’m sure they will still call each other at 8 p.m. every night to say goodnight.”  During her time at USCA, Jules especially embraced the social side of college life while also gaining valuable work experience through a job at ACE Hardware.  “Jules truly enjoyed the social aspects of college the most,” Gray said. “She was always planning her next activity such as sporting events, dances, karaoke, or just spending time with the other students in the dorm lobby.”  “She worked three days a week cleaning, organizing, and helping customers,” Gray added. “She’s excited to find out what new job she’ll get when she returns.”  As the two best friends celebrate this milestone together, their families say the USCA LIFE program has helped provide opportunities, confidence and independence that will continue shaping their futures long after graduation. 

The University of South Carolina Aiken’s LIFE (Learning is For Everyone) program partnered with the South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SC DEW) to host its inaugural employer summit on March 20 in the Student Activities Center. The event welcomed more than a dozen employers and organizations from across the region, including representatives from McDonald’s, the Tri-Development Center of Aiken Co. and more. Attendees shared valuable insights on career pathways, current job openings and the skills employers are seeking in today’s workforce. The summit underscored the growing collaboration between the USCA LIFE program and SC DEW, both dedicated to expanding employment opportunities for students with intellectual disabilities. “We had two primary goals for our first employer summit. First, we wanted to raise awareness of the program across the region and the state. Secondly, we wanted to help connect our students with potential employers for future jobs,” said Dr. Melissa Martin, director of USCA LIFE. Martin also emphasized the importance of access and opportunity, noting that nationally, only about 18% of individuals with intellectual disabilities obtain and maintain employment after completing K-12 education. In contrast, approximately 85% of LIFE program graduates secure employment. “These individuals just need access and an opportunity,” she said. Among the organizations represented was the Tri-Development Center of Aiken County, Inc., where Director of Human Resources Shay Smith described her participation in the summit as a full-circle moment. As a 2001 USCA graduate with degrees in psychology and sociology, Smith expressed strong support for the LIFE program and its mission. “We welcome being a part of that work program and helping students gain experience,” Smith said. “They’re encouraged to apply online or in person, and we assist in pairing them with departments that best suit their needs.” She explained that students interested in administrative roles may work with human resources, while those drawn to hands-on caregiving can gain experience through the organization’s vocational programs. “We absolutely love it; we think USCA LIFE is a great program. We really believe in inclusivity in the community and helping individuals grow, gain quality work experience, and develop their skills,” Smith added. Smith also shared a personal connection with the work. After experiencing a serious car accident during her freshman year that temporarily affected her ability to walk and speak, she developed a deep passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. “This work is very personal to me,” she said. “It’s why I wanted to work with Tri-Development Center, to help individuals with different abilities gain independence.” She added that programs like USCA LIFE not only benefit students, but employers as well. “Participants come ready to work and do a good job, and employers are partnering with a well-established program,” Smith said. Sarah Michlovitz, a transition counselor with Vocational Rehabilitation, also attended the summit and highlighted the role her organization plays in supporting individuals with disabilities. “What we do is assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment,” Michlovitz said. “We usually start working with individuals while they’re still in high school, providing training and helping them build skills so they can secure employment after graduation.” She noted that many students entering the LIFE program already have a foundation through Vocational Rehabilitation services, allowing them to continue strengthening essential skills. “Since joining the LIFE program, they’ve continued building important skills — especially independent living skills, which are essential,” she said. “The program helps them become more independent, take on responsibility and prepare for adulthood. All the classes and experiences they have really help them get ready for these opportunities.” Michlovitz also addressed one of the common challenges within the program, transportation. While Vocational Rehabilitation does not directly provide transportation, she explained that financial assistance may be available in certain cases. “If an individual obtains employment, we may be able to provide a stipend depending on their financial situation,” she said. “Aiken doesn’t have a lot of transportation options, but we do our best to help individuals find and access whatever resources are available.” Together, the summit demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating pathways to meaningful employment and independence for students with disabilities, while also strengthening connections between educational programs and local employers. Employers interested in hiring students from the program are encouraged to contact uscalife@usca.edu for more information. The event was also covered by the Augusta Business Daily. 

Limitless is more than just a business venture for Jayden Rouse, a first-year student in the USCA LIFE program; it’s an opportunity to show that there are no limits for anyone, especially individuals with intellectual disabilities. The motto behind it, “With no end, limit or boundary,” reinforces the idea that there are no bounds. “The goal is to show that students, with or without disabilities, should never limit themselves and can accomplish anything they set their minds to,” Rouse said. His business consists of a clothing line of mainly of T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, ball caps, baby onesies and beanies with items ranging from $20 to $55. Just two years ago at South Aiken High School, Rouse came up with the idea to start Limitless during his junior year. “At first students were wanting to represent it and now my goal is to bring it to USCA and get other students on campus to wear it with the right meaning.” “He’s a warrior,” said Landon Figueroa, Rouse’s best friend and Limitless co-creator. “Anyone with a disability is a warrior in my eyes and Jayden uses the word ‘limitless’ often.” Figueroa first met Rouse in middle school, often joking about their shared memories, and the two have been inseparable ever since. “I remember when Limitless just started out as a brainstorming session,” Figueroa said. “Jayden just wanted something that had meaning and what people could relate to. I just remembering googling terms that could talk about his disability.” At the age of 3, Rouse was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a disorder that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. “I’ve always told him as a kid growing up with a disability you are still a normal kid. Never let your disability define you,” said Tikasha Gabbidon, Rouse’s mother. Gabbidon says she’s proud of her son’s work with Limitless, especially knowing that Rouse has Figueroa to help with orders, allowing him to concentrate on school. “School is a main priority and if anything needs to be done or made, Landon helps and steps in to make and process the inventory.” Rouse added that Limitless has continued to grow, with inventory sold as far away as New York and New Jersey. Monica Martin serves as the outreach coordinator for USCA LIFE program and says the program’s main purpose is to foster the importance of independence for its students. “Having your own business before you leave college is a huge deal,” she said. “What Jayden’s meaning behind Limitless means a lot for our students. Being able to say ‘I don’t have any restrictions’ is very important and being a part of this program is a huge realization in the lives of our students.” Rouse says he’s forever grateful to the program for embracing his business venture. “I’m just getting started,” he said. “My goal is to get all the LIFE students to wear my gear. I feel like once more students see us wearing Limitless, it may encourage other students to wear it as well.”

Representatives from S.C. Works visited the USCA LIFE Program on Wed., Oct. 29, to help students prepare for the workforce. The visit gave students the chance to take part in workshops led by state workforce experts, focusing on essential job readiness skills such as resume writing and interview preparation. S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce Executive Director William Floyd and Commissioner Felicia Johnson of the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department (SCVRD), met with students to discuss college life, career goals and the value of developing job readiness and essential skills. “Tomorrow’s workforce is very important for South Carolina,” said Floyd. “Our workforce includes everyone currently in school, including students in the USCA LIFE Program. As a partner in the SC Works system, our agency engages these future jobseekers through workshops, such as the one they are conducting today, to connect the work in the classroom with skills that will help them find a job.” Johnson added, “At SCVRD, we help individuals with disabilities reach their employment goals through counseling, financial assistance, and ongoing support.” Dr. Melissa Martin, director of the USCA LIFE Program, emphasized the importance of these collaborations. “Our program has an emphasis on employment readiness as only about 18% of individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities are employed after K-12 schools,” she said. “Partnering with existing agencies from around the region and state helps connect our students to meaningful support and services beyond our program that they could tap into after they graduate.” First-year student Marissa Forger shared that she enjoyed the workshops and appreciated learning about job opportunities from the team. Looking ahead, DEW is planning a job fair for Spring 2026 to link LIFE students with potential employers across the region. “SCVRD also routinely provides tuition assistance to our students who are VRD clients to provide financial support for to college,” Martin added. Click here to watch a recap from the DEW’s visit with USCA LIFE students.