School of Education

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 

For Kayla Cox, graduating from University of South Carolina Aiken isn’t just the end of a college journey; it’s the culmination of a bold decision to start over and pursue a calling rooted in purpose, resilience, and passion. As a non-traditional student and career changer, Cox is earning her bachelor's degree in secondary education with a concentration in English at 6 p.m. May 6 in the Convocation Center. Before stepping into the classroom, she spent more than 15 years in retail management, holding leadership roles with companies like Books-A-Million, Kmart, and Toys “R” Us. However, after experiencing a personal loss within her family, her path in retail took a turn. “We lost my sister to cancer, and it really makes you think about what you want to do with the rest of your life,” Sandy said. “I knew I would regret it if I didn’t go back and do what I felt called to do.” That calling led her to education, a field that, in many ways, was already a part of her life.  With a mother who is a teacher and parents who met through a teacher preparation program, Cox describes teaching as “in my blood.” Since entering the teaching program at USCA, she has immersed herself fully in the experience. This semester, she has been interning full-time at Aiken High School, teaching English 4 College Prep and dual enrollment English 102 courses. It’s a demanding role; one she stepped into daily since the beginning of this year, but one she has embraced wholeheartedly. Her students, she says, make it all worthwhile. “They’re so passionate and inquisitive. They ask the best questions,” Cox said. “They’ll make you stop and think in ways you never expected.” Cox recalls a classroom discussion on Frankenstein when a student posed a philosophical question. “When we were reading the novel, one student asked if the creature would understand death differently since he had been dead before. I had never thought about it that way. They really make you think, and they give me a lot of hope for the future.” Moments like that, Cox says, reaffirm her decision to teach. Cox’s approach to the classroom reflects both her academic training and her real-world experience. She balances traditional writing instruction with modern, creative assignments, like podcasts and digital book talks, designed to engage different learning styles and give students new ways to express their ideas. “I think it gives students a real chance to show what they know in a way that’s comfortable for them,” she said. Her ability to connect with students and translate skills across careers has not gone unnoticed. Back in March, she was named USCA’s Outstanding Student in Secondary Education, a recognition she will formally receive just days before graduation. Beyond the classroom, Cox has also contributed to campus life as a Writing Center consultant, helping fellow students strengthen their communication skills, which she believes is essential for success in any field. “Being able to advocate for yourself, whether speaking or writing, is so important,” she said. Her résumé reflects a deep commitment not only to teaching, but to the profession as a whole. She is an active member of several organizations, including the National Education Association, the National Council of Teachers of English, and the International Literacy Association. She has also dedicated time to her community through volunteer work, serving as a PTSO president and coordinating efforts with Friends of the Aiken Shelter. Balancing school, family, and career has not been easy. As a wife and mother to Aidan Cox  a freshman computer science major, who's also attending USCA alongside her, Cox has navigated the challenges of returning to college later in life with determination and support from her family. “There were moments when I was cooking dinner, listening to a book for class, and trying to keep everything going at once,” she said. “But my family has been incredibly supportive through it all.” Looking ahead, Cox hopes to continue teaching in the Aiken area, where she and her family have lived for the past decade. While she awaits word on future opportunities, her focus remains on making a lasting impact in the classroom. Inspired by historical figures such as Prudence Crandall, an American school teacher and activist, Cox carries a strong sense of purpose into her work. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘These are my convictions. What shall I do with them?’” she said. “I feel like USCA’s School of Education has given me the tools to live out those convictions and help my students build a better world.”

USCA’s Psi Xi chapter of Kappa Delta Pi, the international honor society in education, inducted new members into the organization recently.  “KDP's inductees represent the very best of the School of Education at USCA,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean. “Their commitment to scholarship, service and leadership reflects the values we strive to instill in all of our students.”  Each year, USCA’s Psi Xi Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi invites teacher candidates with outstanding academic standing to join the honor society. The organization fosters excellence in education and promotes fellowship among those dedicated to teaching.    “Kappa Delta Pi offers members opportunities to connect with other educators around the world in professional experiences,” said Dr. Bridget Colemen, advisor for the Psi Xi chapter.   “Locally, our members uplift each other and bring recognition highlighting their peers’ achievements.”  The following USCA students join famous members of KDP, including Albert Einstein, George Washington Carver, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Margaret Mead:     Kayla Cox   Anna Davis   Sarah Dearman   Chelsea McCants   Emma Polewski   Kendall Risher   Makariya Rouse   Shannon Shealy-Blume   Alli Sheffield   Tirzah Slagle   Rose Snipes   Zoe Stewart   Antwone Williams   “Our chapter of Kappa Delta Pi is a community of hard-working future educators who are supported on their path to success,” said Jessica Lawson, USCA’s chapter president. 

USCA’s 2026-27 Teaching Fellows cohort includes a dozen high school seniors from around the region.  “The School of Education is excited to welcome these future educators and looks forward to working with them as they begin their professional development and educational journey in the fall,” said Dr. Tim Lintner, campus director of the Teaching Fellows program at USCA.  The USCA Class of 2030 Fellows received their letters of acceptance into the program in mid-March.  “It is a great honor for me to have been accepted into this fellowship. I am so excited to be able to learn more about the career I have been called to, and I am excited to be doing that at USCA,” said Emma Bozard, a high school senior at Wesfield Academy in Orangeburg, South Carolina.  “I visited several colleges that offered degrees in early childhood education, but the minute I set foot on USCA’s campus, I knew it was where I wanted to be. USCA felt like home, and I am very excited to begin my journey there.”  In its 12th year at USCA, the Teaching Fellows program includes high school seniors planning to major in education. Participants have been identified by the state of South Carolina as having the academic skills and professional dispositions to be exceptional educators while serving schools and communities in the CSRA and across the state.   Through the program, these incoming education majors will have unique opportunities for workshops, seminars, professional development activities, leadership roles, experiential and service learning in area classrooms, research, and access to mentors who will guide their growth.  “I know that this fellowship will give me many opportunities to learn and grow and network with other current and future teachers,” Bozard said.    “I look forward to being challenged to grow in education and be the best teacher I can possibly be.”  The 2026-27 cohort:  Adrianna Ashley, Midland Valley High School  Layla Benton, South Aiken High School  Haeley Bowman, Silver Bluff High School  Emma Bozard, Wesfield Academy  Maliyah Campbell, Woodmont High School  Adeline Clark, South Aiken High School  Linsey Corley, Strom Thurmond High School  Ava Kelly, Saluda High School  Kieranda Peele, South Aiken High School  Hunter Perez, South Aiken High School  Gracie Stroud, North Augusta High School  Alexis Toller, Brookland-Cayce High School  Hannah Ray, South Aiken High 

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. 

The Rotary Club of Aiken named Kylie Babb, an early childhood education major from North Augusta, South Carolina, its Student of the Month for March.  In addition to her academic schedule at USCA, she stays busy with several leadership positions, She currently services as the student coordinator for leadership programs in the Student Life office. She’s also the president of Delight Ministries, the Student Government Association senator for the School of Education, a Pacesetter, Teaching Fellow and a Chancellor Ambassador.  “These unique opportunities have provided so much growth and experience for me that I might not have otherwise been able to do,” she said.  “Leadership is about sacrifice and putting others above yourself. It requires integrity in difficult moments, positivity, intentionality and hard work. It is not an easy path, but it is a well-worth one.”   Despite her course load and leadership positions on campus, she maintains the highest grade-point average possible at USCA.  “My goal is to graduate next May with a 4.0 GPA,” Babb said. “I want to leave here with more knowledge and connections than I came in with.    “I would say I am well on my way in doing that because of how much help I’ve received from the USC Aiken community.”   She says early on she had a sense the university was the right fit for her.   “Initially, I chose USCA because of its proximity to home and inexpensive tuition,” Babb said.   “However, when I started my first semester, I fell in love with its people. The students, faculty, and staff here have quickly become my people and second family.”   While she may have received a little help from her friends, she, too, assists peers, colleagues and coworkers when she can, ensuring their success.   “Getting to see others grow or successfully planning an event and seeing others enjoy it, helps me keep going when things get hard. People bring me so much joy and they are a big part in why I do what I do,” said Babb, USCA ’27.   After graduation, she hopes to teach kindergarten or first grade in the Aiken County Public School District, although, she adds her “biggest dream in life” is to become a wife and mother.   Until then, she will keep growing academically, personally and professionally. And, when she has time, she’ll continue enjoying time with family and friends, and when she's not busy with school, reading, listening to music, crafting, fishing or watching TV.