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University 101 Programs

Awards & Scholarships

The following awards are offered annually through the University 101 Programs office.

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:

a. Service on a Community Education Team with University Housing’s Residence Life unit
b. Community service programs partnering with residential students
c. Mentorship of residential students
d. Undergraduate research engaging multiple residential students
e. 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


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