College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

USCA held its annual Academic Honors Ceremony on May 5 in the Etherredge Center, recognizing students from across the campus for their academic excellence.  “You have excelled in your studies, and we recognize your commitment to excellence,” Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, provost, told the students at the start of the ceremony.  Ainhoa Colino, originally from Spain, was chosen as the Outstanding Senior Student. She speaks five languages and graduated May 6 with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in psychology and exercise and sports science.   “It is an honor to be recognized as the 2026 Outstanding Senior Student,” she said. “USC Aiken has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them. This university has seen me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it is because of those experiences and opportunities that I am standing here today.  “Thank you again to everyone who has shaped my college experience in any way. I will carry everything this place has given me into whatever comes next.”  Multiple students were recognized by the deans of each college or school and for research conducted with faculty advisors.  “I’m extremely proud of each of you,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor. “The journey does not end here. It’s the beginning.”  “Challenge yourselves, press on and embrace opportunities.”   Magellan Scholars   Emily Walker, “Syntheses and Analyses of Metal-Organic Frameworks for Separation of Water Isotopologues”   Austin Powell, “Is Tobacco Free Really Tobacco Free?”   Skylar Shirey, “Embracing LIFE: Examining the Attitudes about Individuals with Disabilities at a Comprehensive Institution to Promote Learning is For Everyone (LIFE)”   August Beltran, “What is Keeping Immigrant Families Resilient?”  Palmer McCay, “Vietnam Veterans Oral History Project: Wartime Expectations, Realities, and Reflections”   Samantha Keats, “Associations Among Childhood Emotional Maltreatment, Identity Disturbance, and Sexual Functioning”   Cassidy Green, “Examining Causality Between Cultural Mindsets and Help-seeking in Young Adults”  Winifred Branscum, “Examining Decision-Making and P300 Amplitudes in Individuals Exhibiting Successful Life Redirection Following Adverse Childhood Experiences”  Kamya Brooks, “Political Fandoms & Misinformation: Examining the Role of Fan Culture in Political Discourse”  Chloe Elizabeth Grigsby, “Write to Read: An Encoding-centered Approach for Teaching Students with Dyslexia”  William Garlick, “The Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Mexico: Insights from Sediment Trap Fluxes”  Isabella Cardenas and Lucero Rodriguez Lopez, “Teasing apart egg development in Culicoides sonorensis midges.”   Tamea Chappelle and Emma Trotter, “Developers Assemble”  Addisen Alvanos and Laurie Collins, “William Gregg – Digital Edition”   Malia Tatyanna Patten, Allaina Rayne Szilveszter, and Ainhoa Colino, "Measuring mindfulness with electro-physiology: A pain perception study”  Samantha Owen, "Investigating the roles of rcor1 and rcor2 in zebrafish development"   Sanja Becnel, “The relationship between attachment anxiety and zero-sum thinking”     Honors Program Graduates     Emory Owens, biology  Alexa Carnahan, nursing  Andrew Towner, nursing  James Saxon, biology  Emily Walker, chemistry    Library Research Award  Caroline Wright, “The Graniteville Manufacturing Company’s Textile Worker Strike of October 1933”  Alexa Carnahan, “The Need to Please: People-Pleasing Tendencies in Prelicensure Nursing Students”     College of Arts, Humanities and Social Science  Imogen Veal, Mona L. Martin Prize in First-year Writing  Laurie Collins, Phebe Davidson Prize in Creative Writing  Laurie Collins, Virginia Kaplan Writing Award   Kirstie McElmurray, Outstanding Student in English  Kylie Michelle Burns, Ernestine B. Law Communication Student of the Year  Katie Carter, Outstanding Student of the Year in Emerging Media  Angela Grace Hayden, Outstanding Online Palmetto College   Sela Groomes, Albin Beyer Excellence in Art Award  Vivica Birt, Richard S. Maltz Excellence in Music Award  Beth Smith, Jack P. Benjamin Excellence in Theatre Award  Palmer McCay, Outstanding Student in History  Elenora Gazzelli, Outstanding Student in Political Science  Kylie Michelle Burns, Outstanding Student in Sociology     College of Sciences and Engineering  Lauren Strock, Outstanding Student in Biology  William Garlick, Outstanding Student in Geology  Emily Walker, Outstanding Student in Chemistry   Peri Rouillard, Outstanding Student in Physics  Savanna Spires, Outstanding Student in Exercise and Sports Science  Samantha Burns, Outstanding Student in Applied Mathematics  Denton Spivey, Outstanding Student in Applied Computer Science  Chadburn Wells Heath II, Outstanding Student in Cybersecurity  Aidan Clayton, Outstanding Student in Engineering  Sanja Becnel, Outstanding Student in Psychology  Jessica Ann Brannam, Outstanding Graduate Student in Psychology    School of Business Administration  Ian Dumas, Outstanding Student in Accounting  Logan Page, Outstanding Student in Management  Lindsey Greene, Outstanding Student in Marketing  Jenna Couch, Outstanding Student in Finance  Paula Gant, Outstanding MBA Student    School of Education   Skylar Davis, Outstanding Student in Early Childhood Education  Brenne Hoeven, Outstanding Student in Elementary Education  Bailey Davis, Outstanding Student in Middle Level Education   Kayla Cox, Outstanding Student in Secondary Education   Skylar Shirey, Outstanding Student in Special Education   Stephanie Bell, Outstanding Student in the Master of Education in Educator Leadership    School of Nursing  Alexa Carnahan, Outstanding Traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing Student  Philip Joel Harris, Jr., Outstanding RN-BSN Student 

The Rotary Club of Aiken named Preston Gillespie its Student of the Month for April.  Gillespie is set to graduate from USCA on May 6 with a double major in political science and Spanish translation and interpretation. He intends to attend law school and hopes to work for the attorney general or solicitor’s office.  His academic, leadership and professional experiences at the university have prepared him to do just that. He’s interned with Congressman Joe Wilson’s Aiken District office, where he worked closely with the lawmaker’s constituents. This semester, he interned with the City of Aiken, shadowing the city manager and researching potential policies and their impacts. In addition to lawmaking and civil service, he enjoys honing his language skills and volunteered as a medical interpreter at the Clinica Latina in Augusta.  “I continue to be motivated by the many opportunities that I have been afforded while attending USCA as well as the many challenges I have had to overcome in my life,” Gillespie said.  He holds a 3.67 GPA and has earned his spot on the Dean’s List each semester. Gillespie has served in the Foreign Language Honor Society and as a Chancellor Ambassador, representing the university at highly visible events, including those in the South Carolina State House. He has been an engaged leader throughout his time on campus.  “Leadership is the ability to unite people in a common cause and relies on both independence and the ability to work with others to really understand their perspective,” Gillespie said. “Furthermore, I believe that a leader must be able to take those perspectives into account when coming to a decision.”  Gillespie says his most memorable leadership experience was his work on his Eagle Scout project because it allowed him to make a “meaningful impact” in the community. He identified a need and built benches for patrons of Generations Park in Aiken.  “The park had limited structures when the benches were installed,” he said. I wanted people enjoying the park to have additional places to sit and rest along the walking path there.”  The future attorney says he chose to attend USCA because of affordable tuition and smaller student-to-faculty ratio. Approximately 30 percent of currently enrolled undergraduate students have full tuition covered by scholarships and grants. About 40 percent of students in the last fiscal year graduating class who started at USCA as freshmen graduated with no student loans.   The current student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1. 

For Angela Hayden, earning a college degree was never just about checking a box. It was about proving something to herself, to her family, and most importantly, to her son. On May 6, Hayden will graduate from USCA with a degree in communications through Palmetto College, an online program offered through USC System schools, marking the culmination of a journey defined by resilience, sacrifice and determination. Her path to this moment, however, was anything but traditional. “I had already been successful in my corporate career,” Hayden said. “But after I had my son, I was like, I must finish this. I must show him that you always finish what you start, no matter how hard it is.” That motivation carried her through years of balancing a full-time career, frequent travel Her decision to pursue her degree wasn’t easy. At times, it felt nearly impossible. “There’s always that voice in the back of your mind that says you’re too old, that you missed your chance,” she said. “But I finally decided, I’m just going to go for it. And if it doesn’t work out, it doesn’t work out.” Hayden becomes emotional reflecting on the weight of that decision and the challenges she faced along the way. There were moments, she admitted, when exhaustion and self-doubt nearly pushed her to quit. “There were nights when I thought, ‘I can’t do this. I’m too tired. I’m overwhelmed,’” she said, pausing as she fought back tears. “But you keep going, because it matters.” What made the difference, she said, was support, especially from her son. “I’d be downstairs late at night working, and he’d come down and ask, ‘Mom, do you need anything?’” she said. “He didn’t feel like I was taking away from him.He was my biggest champion.” In many ways, the journey became something they shared. Hayden smiled as she recalled how her son, now a teenager, even helped her with assignments during her final semesters. “You can’t replace those moments,” she said. “He got to see it firsthand, that his mom didn’t give up. And now he knows he can do it, too.” The timing of it all feels almost poetic. Hayden will walk across the stage just two weeks before her son graduates high school. “I was like, I did it. I actually did it,” she said. Her accomplishment carries even greater meaning as she becomes the first in her immediate family to earn a bachelor’s degree as a non-traditional student. “That feels big,” she said. “My family has been so supportive. They’ve been cheering me on every step of the way.” Hayden credits the flexibility and structure of USCA’s online program for making her success possible. As a working professional who frequently travels, the ability to complete coursework online allowed her to stay committed without sacrificing her career or family. “At first, I was hesitant,” she admitted. “I wondered if it would just be a ‘check-the-box’ degree. But it was so much more than that. It pushed me to be better, not just as a student, but as a person.” She also found unexpected strength in the sense of community fostered by the program. “It wasn’t just the professors; it was the people,” she said. “Even online, we supported each other. We shared notes, encouraged one another. You weren’t doing it alone.” That support extended to faculty, including Dr. Jason Munsell, an associate professor and department chair of Communication and Emerging Media at USCA. Hayden described him as a transformative influence on her academic experience. “He challenges you to think differently,” she said. “Not just about communication, but about how you see the world and how you present yourself in it.” Munsell said he admires Hayden’s diligence and intelligence, noting, “I was especially impressed by how she approached her capstone project. As a Palmetto College student working full time, she completed a professional project focused on launching a Continuous Improvement Program for her employer. She effectively applied the communication strategies and data-driven decision-making skills she developed through our program.” Despite the challenges, Hayden didn’t just complete her degree — she excelled. When she learned she would graduate with honors, the moment was overwhelming. “I was at work when I got the email, and I just started crying,” she said. “I had to step out into the hallway and just take it in. It wasn’t just that I graduated, it was that I gave it everything I had.” Now, as she prepares for spring commencement, Hayden is focused on what comes next, continuing to grow in her career and supporting her son as he begins his own college journey. For others who may be considering going back to school, her message is simple, and heartfelt. “Do it,” she said, her voice again catching emotion. “Don’t listen to the voice that says you can’t. The only person holding you back is you.” She paused before adding one final thought: “You’re not too old. It’s not too late. You can have it all, you just have to believe that you can.”

One USCA political science professor routinely explores how to tie her classroom instruction to current events while offering a sneak peek into future job prospects for her students. Dr. Sarah Young often invites USCA alumni, elected officials, public servants and public policy administrators to her classes. Most recently her political science class, Parties and Interest Groups, highlighted how organized interests, including higher ed institutions, lobby and advocate for their members and the stakeholders they represent.  Derrick Meggie, director of state government and community relations for the USC system, visited the class and outlined the state legislative process, the importance of committees as key gatekeepers for whether legislation passes, and how his office maintains relationships with committee chairs and other key legislators. He also talked about the importance of hearing from the represented vested parties, including students and faculty. “This class was about to dive into the topic of lobbying and how lobbyists and advocates work to align the interests of their stakeholders with legislative support,” Young said.  “Mr. Meggie gave us real-life examples of how his work at Columbia does just that.”

“This moment belongs to all of us,” said Brianna Jordan, president of the USCA women’s polo team. “But as much as we celebrate today, know this: we aren’t finished. We’re coming back next year to do it all over again and defend our title.” Jordan addressed a crowd of faculty, staff and students gathered outside the Robert E. Alexander Student Activities Center on April 1, where the university celebrated the Pacers’ historic run to the 2026 United States Polo Association Division I Intercollegiate National Championship. USCA secured the national title with a dominant 15-6 victory over Texas A&M University on March 22 in Dallas, marking an impressive season defined by resilience. “In the short history of our polo club at USCA, we have often been seen as the underdogs,” said USCA Chancellor Dr. Daniel Heimmermann. “But year after year, we make sure bigger Division I schools with more established programs know exactly who we are and where we’re from.” That message was reinforced throughout the season. The Pacers opened with a 16-9 win over Texas A&M on Oct. 22, followed by an 11-9 victory against the University of Virginia just two days later. They continued their strong play in the spring, defeating Texas A&M twice more —17-13 on Feb. 5 and 9-7 on Feb. 6. By the time they reached the national tournament, the Pacers were in peak form. They delivered a commanding 25-6 win over Cornell University in the semifinals before carrying that momentum into the championship match. From the opening throw-in, USCA controlled the final against Texas A&M, building a commanding 12-2 lead heading into the fifth chukker and ultimately sealing the title with a 15–6 finish. Beyond the scoreboard, the team’s accomplishments were equally historic. Brianna and her twin sister, Madison Jordan, became the first set of twins to win both interscholastic and intercollegiate national championships as teammates. Individual honors also highlighted the team’s success. Madison and Winnie Branscum were named All-Stars, an award voted on by tournament participants. Branscum’s horse, Fiscal, earned Best Playing Pony honors, while USCA received the Best String award — an impressive feat considering the team competes on rented horses rather than owning its own. During the celebration, the university also recognized the New Bridge Polo and Country Club arena and the Aiken Polo Club for their continued support of the program. Head coach Parker Scott, who was unable to attend, shared his pride in the team through a message read during the ceremony. “We truly appreciate your early support and the consistent encouragement you’ve shared with us since the beginning,” Brianna Jordan said on behalf of the team. The Pacers’ championship season has also drawn recognition at the state level, with the South Carolina House of Representatives passing legislation honoring the team’s achievements, along with local and state news outlets recognizing the success. The team is scheduled to be honored at the state capital later in April. With a national title secured and a legacy growing, the Pacers have made one thing clear — they are no longer underdogs, but a program to beat. The team members have not only delivered standout performances during their championship season, but also excel in the classroom. Brianna is a junior majoring in graphic design, Madison is a sophomore studying sociology, and Winnie is a sophomore majoring in biology, each maintaining a grade point average of 3.5 or higher.

The Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club selected Vivica Birt as its student of the month for March. Originally from North Augusta, Birt is pursuing a dual path in vocal performance and biology at USCA and stands out as dynamic leader, scholar, and performer whose journey shows resilience, passion and purpose. “I love both,” she said, explaining why she chose to major in both the arts and science fields. “There are moments where it feels like a lot, but I just remind myself why I started.” Birt’s connection to USCA began even before she enrolled, inspired in part by her mother, a former Pacer who majored in nursing. “She was already hyping me up about USCA before I was even accepted,” Birt said. Still, her journey to campus wasn’t part of her original plan. After experiencing a difficult period marked by personal loss, she found herself reevaluating her path. Within days of returning home, she was accepted and enrolled at USCA, a decision she now describes as life changing. “It just felt right,” she said. “I’ve grown so much here, and I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities anywhere else.” Birt has taken advantage of a wide range of opportunities, including studying abroad twice and conducting laboratory research with Dr. William Jackson, the co-coordinator for USCA’s Center for Research Excellence. Research conducted in the lab focuses on the molecular biology of HIV and how it can be targeted for antiviral treatments. The goal is to stop the virus from replicating by disrupting key viral functions, such as transcription and infection.   Her academic journey began in biology, but her lifelong love of singing, rooted in her church upbringing, eventually led her to add a second major in music. Encouraged by her voice teacher, Dr. Keely Rhodes, an associate professor of music at USCA, Birt realized that a career in music could take many forms beyond the spotlight. “I always loved to sing,” she said. “I just didn’t realize it was something I could truly pursue.” In the classroom and beyond, Birt has worked closely with faculty mentors, including Dr. Jamel Hodges, the dean of students, and Dr. Jackson, gaining hands-on research experience and guidance that have helped shape her academic and career goals. Among her proudest and most recent honors was being named Homecoming Queen during Homecoming weekend on Feb. 21. It’s an experience she describes as both humbling and affirming. “It made me feel like I’m making a mark on campus,” she said. “It’s a good feeling knowing people believe in you.” She also credits being an Admissions Ambassador with helping her overcome a fear of public speaking while giving campus tours. “That really helped me to obtain the skills I needed to be a leader on campus,” she said. Those skills would later become valuable beyond the classroom. Currently, Birt is a student coordinator for the PEAK Mentoring Program in the Office of the Dean of Students designed for freshman and transfer students to get acclimated to campus life. “Having that one-on-one interaction with a student leader on campus is beneficial for incoming students to make them feel comfortable,” she said. Birt is also the vice president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council on campus and is a proud member of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she serves in various roles. In addition to her leadership involvement, she has earned numerous honors and awards, including the 2025 Dr. Sandra Jordan Trailblazer Award, the USCA National Pan-Hellenic Council Service and Highest GPA Award, and the Velice R. Cummings Servant Leader Excellence Undergraduate Award. Adding to her list of accomplishments, Birt will deliver the invocation at USCA’s Commencement on May 6, where she will graduate with degrees in vocal performance and biology. Looking ahead, Birt is keeping her options open. She has recently auditioned for graduate programs in music while also exploring opportunities in scientific research, including laboratory work and potential Ph.D. programs. Ultimately, she hopes to step beyond her hometown and gain new experiences while always keeping the Central Savannah River Area close to her heart. A deep source of inspiration for Birt is her late grandmother, Vivian, for whom she is named. Although they never met, Birt says she feels a strong connection to her grandmother’s legacy. “I always hear how kind and loving she was,” she said. “I want to live up to that and carry that with me.”