Top Scholars and national fellowship participants bring distinction to themselves and the university. Here’s where their stories unfold. Learn more about our students, their accomplishments and their journeys to success.
Five University of South Carolina students earned the prestigious Goldwater Scholarship in 2026. This sets a record for the most Goldwater Scholars at USC in a single year and marks the 34th consecutive year the university has had at least one Goldwater Scholar.
Carolina Scholar Josh Evans (BARSC, public policy '27) is one of 18 students nationwide selected for the PPIA Junior Summer Institute at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy at the University of Michigan.
South Carolina Honors College student Michael Pitre has been named a finalist for the 2026 Marshall Scholarships. If selected, he plans to pursue an MPhil in biological sciences to develop novel treatments for Parkinson's disease before returning to USC for medical school.
A Rhodes scholar embodies academic excellence, strong collaboration and leadership skills, and dedication to working for the good of humanity — all of which describe South Carolina Honors College student and public health major Hannah Brennen. Her research and involvement in the Columbia community throughout her academic career have her poised to become USC's 11th Rhodes scholar and first since 2016.
First-generation SCHC junior Tam Dinh talks about her winding path to finding the right major and feeling confident in making life-changing decisions.
USC students competing for national fellowships strengthen the institutional academic stature, resulting in heightened distinction of the entire university community. We celebrate national fellowship finalists and winners and invite you to learn about them.
Our Top Scholars are doing amazing things, capitalizing on their extraordinary academic talent, sense of responsibility and remarkable leadership skills. Stamps, Carolina, 1801, McNair and Horseshoe Scholars’ ideas and abilities are shaping the world of tomorrow.
Scholar Stories is compiled by National Fellowships and Scholar Programs, and chronicles the activities of our Top Scholars and alumni.
Annual reports of the on goings and accomplishments of many of our Top Scholars.