McGahee reflects on two decades of service to USCA

When Dr. Thayer McGahee started her academic career at the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) in 2005, she couldn’t have guessed it would conclude with her serving as the university’s chief academic officer.

McGahee, who will retire from the university on June 30 after nearly two decades, began her career at USCA as an assistant professor in the School of Nursing. She would go on to serve as the nursing school’s dean, a position she held for half her university tenure before accepting her final post as interim provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs in 2023.

“Every job I’ve had has always been my favorite, but I also know it’s time to pass the baton to the younger generation,” she said.

McGahee has been a force in education throughout her career, tirelessly working to educate and train the next generation of nursing professionals. This passion emerged while studying nursing at Vanderbilt University as an undergraduate. “That institution really provided me with a strong foundation, and I was fortunate to have mentors who helped me see past what I might want to do after getting solid clinical experience,” she said.

After securing her bachelor’s degree in nursing, she moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where she began working in pediatric units and eventually became a nurse manager. “I started doing a lot of teaching with my staff and professional development with new graduates and realized I loved teaching,” she said. “That’s when I decided to go back to school for my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of South Carolina.”

After graduating with her master’s degree, McGahee felt called to continue her academic journey. Guided by a trusted mentor from Vanderbilt, she received her doctorate from the Medical College of Georgia in 1998. “There were very few PhD programs in nursing at that time, so for one to pop up in my backyard was amazing,” she said.

McGahee’s start at USCA would later come at the encouragement of a friend employed at the university. “I came as a favor for her, but when I interviewed in 2004, I knew I wanted to stay,” she said. McGahee was hired the following year as an assistant professor.

“I first met Dr. McGahee in late 2017 when I applied for an assistant professor position in the School of Nursing,” said Dr. Katie Chargualaf, dean of the School of Nursing at USCA. “During the on-campus interview, I met with her one-on-one. I recall our conversation was so positive and supportive. I left campus thinking that USCA was where I wanted to teach.”

Chargualaf said McGahee profoundly influenced the School of Nursing during her time as dean. “Perhaps the biggest endeavor undertaken by Dr. McGahee was to expand the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program to students on the USC Sumter and USC Union campuses,” she said. “In doing so, she increased the number of baccalaureate-prepared nurses in rural and military-connected communities in the state.”

She also credited McGahee for lessening financial burdens on students by increasing scholarship opportunities. “Due to the academic demands of the BSN program, it is often difficult for students to work. These scholarships mean that students can focus more time and energy on their coursework,” Chargualaf said.

Laura Foreman is an administrative assistant at USCA and met McGahee while working in the Department of Human Resources. “She always had a smile on her face and lit up the room when she walked in,” Foreman said. “Thayer is fun!”

Foreman even shared how McGahee had a distinct knack for discovering one-of-a-kind treasures. “We have found unique items for our families and the School of Nursing while hunting at various estate sales,” she said. “Thayer is a wonderful role model for our students, staff, and faculty, and she will be missed by many.”

McGahee said she’s excited about USCA’s promising growth over the next five to ten years, particularly the campus growth, including the opening of the Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative (AMC). “I think we’re poised to grow in incredible ways,” she said. “We’ve got to take advantage of these opportunities that are right in our backyard because this is what the workforce needs.”

McGahee’s contributions to USCA may be coming to an end, but her connection with the university remains. Dr. McGahee bids the Pacers farewell on June 30.

For more information, contact USCA Marketing & Communication at news@usca.edu.