Dennis A. Pruitt Outstanding Advocate for First-Year Students Award
Purpose: Recognizes significant and extraordinary contributions to the development of first-year students
Award: Award recipient receives $1,000 and a plaque
Eligibility: University of South Carolina Columbia faculty, staff, and students may be nominated for the award.
Contact: Callyn Fahey, 803-777-8500, callyn@sc.edu
2024 — Paulia Williams, TRIO Programs
2023 — Kim McMahon, Russell House University Union
2022 — Collin Crick, College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management
2021 — Hilary Lichterman, University Housing
2020 — Karra McCray, International House at Maxcy
2019 — Pinkney Epps, TRIO Programs
2018 — Maureen Grewe, Student Conduct and Academic Integrity
2017 — John Grady, Department of Sport and Entertainment Management
2016 — Asheley Schryer, Office of Undergraduate Research
2015 — Elizabeth Norris, Undergraduate Student
2014 — Sylvain Chabra, International Student Services
2013 — Kenneth Frierson, TRIO Programs
2012 — Sgt. Kenneth Adams, University Police Department
2011 — Jan Smoak, Office of Fellowships and Scholar Programs
2010 — Jeannie Weingarth, Koger Center for the Performing Arts
2009 — Nicholas Riley, Undergraduate Student
2008 — Jennifer Jablonski, College of Music
2007 — Brenna Kendrick, Undergraduate Student
Brandon Gates, Undergraduate Student
2006 — Lee Bauknight, First-Year English
Althea Counts, TRIO Programs
Dennis Pruitt, Student Affairs
2005 Lt. D. Henry Garbade, University Police Department
Elizabeth Collins Smith, First-Year English
2004 — Donald Greiner, Provost's Office, Undergraduate Affairs
Ruth Strickland, TRIO Programs
2003 — Carolyn S. Jones, Business Administration
Gene Luna, University Housing
2002 — Manasi Sinha, Undergraduate Student
Brooke Vickery, Undergraduate Student
2001 — Mary Ann Byrnes, Liberal Arts
2000 — Lucille P. Mould, French and Classics
1999 — Harriett S. Williams, Applied Professional Sciences and English
1998 — Viki Sox Fecas, Career Center
1997 — James G. Burns, Transition Year
1996 — Clifton R. Chestnut, Undergraduate Student
1995 — Douglas F. Williams, Science and Math and Honors College
1994 — Julye M. Johns, Undergraduate Student
1993 — Denise Wellman, Financial Aid and Scholarships
1992 — Kenneth E. Peters, Applied Professional Sciences and History
1991 — Mary Ellen O'Leary, Mathematics
M. Stuart Hunter Award for Outstanding Teaching in University 101
Purpose: Recognizes one University 101 instructor who demonstrates exemplary teaching and has made a positive impact on students. The award honors Mary Stuart Hunter, a leader in the first-year experience movement who contributed more than 37 years of service at USC.
Award: Award recipient receives $1,000 and a plaque
Contact: Jasmine Carter, 803-777-0380, jc119@mailbox.sc.edu
In December, students can submit nominations of University 101 instructors who:
- Help students achieve academic success, discover and connect with the University of South Carolina and promote personal development, well-being and social responsibility
- Use interesting, interactive and varied methods to facilitate student learning and achievement of course outcomes
- Encourage and facilitate meaningful class discussions
- Display enthusiasm for the course and students
- Express care and concern for student success and well-being
- Promote an inclusive, enjoyable and welcoming environment and demonstrate respect for students
- Develop meaningful relationships with students by being personable, approachable and available both in and out of the classroom
- Create an intentional and effective course design that reflects best practices and provides an appropriate balance of challenge and support
- Demonstrate knowledge related to course content
- Motivate and inspire others by their passion for learning and personal commitment to each student
- Demonstrate a sustained commitment to professional growth as an instructor and to the University 101 program.
2024 — Kitty Sutton
2023 — Emily Baumann
2022 — Shanna Robinson
2021 — Dr. Jabari Bodrick
2020 — Jessie McNevin
2019 — Jay Pou
2018 — Bob Holdeman
2017 — Steve Curtright
2016 — Alisa Liggett
2015 — Lauren Sanborn
2014 — David DeWeil
2013 — Dr. Viki Fecas
2012 — Kim Smoak
2011 — Andy Shaffer
2010 — Dr. Jeannie Weingarth
University 101 Scholarship
Purpose: Recognizes undergraduate students who have made major contributions to the learning environment and community in the UNIV 101 classroom and have incorporated the course's ideals and experiences into their life outside the classroom.
Award: Each recipient receives $500
Contact: Dustin Roberts, 803-576-5513, rober286@mailbox.sc.edu
To be considered for the scholarship, students must:
- Submit a complete scholarship application
- Have a minimum overall 3.5 GPA
- Be currently enrolled full time at USC Columbia, Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union campuses.
Recipients will be awarded a $500 scholarship to be distributed evenly to University of South Carolina tuition and fee payment over the fall and spring semesters ($250 applied to each semester). Out-of-state recipients may also receive reduced tuition rates for the academic year.
John N. Gardner Inspirational Faculty Award
Description: Initiated in 1999, the John N. Gardner Inspirational Faculty Award is presented each academic year by University Housing and University 101 Programs to a USC faculty member who clearly demonstrates a devotion to residential students’ sense of belonging and education.
Award: Award recipient receives $500 and a plaque
Eligibility: Two criteria are in place for nominees to be considered for this Award.
- Part I: Nominees must serve as faculty within an academic school or college on the USC Columbia campus.
- Part II: Nominees must positively contribute to residential students’ sense of belonging at
USC and development beyond-the-classroom through at least one of the following engagements:
- Service on a Community Education Team with University Housing’s Residence Life unit
- Community service programs partnering with residential students
- Mentorship of residential students
- Undergraduate research engaging multiple residential students
- Other beyond-the-classroom activities to benefit residential students' learning and development and enhance students’ integrative living and learning experiences
Contact: Brandon Mandigo, 803-777-4283, bmandigo@mailbox.sc.edu