The Office of Communications collects and shares news about student, faculty, staff, alumni and college achievement and impact. Please let us know about your successes!
Chris Burkett, the assistant dean for student services in the College of Education, spent over 30 years in the field of education, including 11 as a social studies teacher in middle and high schools. He has been a member of Staff Senate since its inception five years ago, representing his colleagues in education before moving to the executive committee. He became president in August.
Mary Hansen, Ph.D. is a new Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science. She's joining USC after two decades as a faculty member at Robert Morris University near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Joey Muolo came to college with big plans to become an engineer. His goals were set, but a high school experience kept flickering in his mind. During his senior year, he participated in an educational practicum course where a passion for teaching was ignited. "The experience of teaching was life changing," says Muolo. "I loved my students so much and knew I could make a difference teaching math."
Ashley Plumb, Ph.D. is a new Clinical Assistant Professor of Special Education.
Brooke Whitworth, Ph.D. is a new Professor of Science Education.
Blair Payne, Ph.D., BCBA, is a new faculty member in the Educational and Developmental Science Department as of Fall 2025.
Chandler Casner is the new Director of the Physical Activities Program. Chandler has over 10 years of experience in physical education, including coaching multiple sports, serving 3 years as an athletic director, and teaching adapted physical education.
J'haria Dallas, Ph.D., N.C.C. is a new Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Educational and Developmental Science.
Albert Robertson had the opportunity to pursue a master's in education administration at USC. He was a successful administrator, but missed working with students. In 2020, he found joy helping other teachers any way he could, finally becoming an award-winning assistant principal.
Jessaca Spybrook is a new Professor of Research Methods in the Education Research & Measurement Program.
Morgan Eckenrod, Ph.D., CMPC, is a new faculty member in the Educational and Developmental Science Department as of Fall 2025.
CarolinaLIFE students will soon have a new employment opportunity available in The Lantern Hotel Columbia!
More than 22 percent of children ages 3 to 17 have mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral health concerns according to the Data Resource Center for Child and Adolescent Health. Researchers in USC's College of Education received $636,000 from The Duke Endowment to work with high-needs schools in Aiken County to provide evidence-based approaches to school mental health practitioners, meeting the needs of students and families.
- The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced today that University of South Carolina College of Education is one of 34 providers from 15 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs. The Spring 2025 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council resulted in 34 educator preparation providers receiving accreditation.
The new $560K initiative will support up to 270 teachers through workshops, coaching, and collaborative training to elevate STEM education statewide
Serving as student body president can be a transformative role not only for the university, but also for the individual. We spoke with four former student body presidents to discuss their experiences and how their time at USC aided them in their professional lives.
Juan Alvarado is wrapping up his first year of teaching in Fairfield County and living in the newly developed Fairfield Teacher Village. The year has brought the excitement and challenges that all first-year educators face. As the inaugural resident in the College of Education Educator-in-Residence home, Alvarado built a strong foundation with fellow community members.
On March 24, 2025, the University of South Carolina Latino and Hispanic Faculty Caucus and SC Centro Latino co-hosted an inaugural summit, Advancing the Higher Education Pathway in the Southeast for Hispanics and Latinos. This groundbreaking event brought together scholars, students, and leaders from across the state and region to address the needs and experiences of Latino and Hispanic communities within higher education.
Each spring, the College of Education faculty recognizes students for their high level of achievement in their academic pursuits, research and community impact. Congratulations to our Spring 2025 award recipients!
Four University of South Carolina graduate students are the winners of University Libraries’ 2025 Graduate Student Data Visualization Award, including Pighla Arerzo Sediqi, Ph.D. candidate in Education Administration in the College of Education.
Matt Schilit, the dedicated principal of Airport High School, has recently been honored as Principal of the Year by the South Carolina Council for Exceptional Children. This prestigious award recognizes his unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students, particularly those with special needs. The council's mission is to "improve educational outcomes and quality of life of individuals with exceptionalities and their families through the actions of professionals, advocates and other agencies."
The College of Education improved two spots, ranking No. 27 in the overall Best Education Schools, and is No. 18 nationally among public institutions and No. 4 among SEC schools. The college has improved by 60 spots in the rankings over the past three years.
This year's workforce profile examines data by school organizational level, while also comparing state-level findings to national and regional trends, to better understand potential relationships between workforce characteristics and the teacher pipeline.
When most people hear, "principal of the year," they would likely imagine someone who grew up enjoying school and breezing through their lessons. For Matt Sherman, (2011, Education Administration) that was not the case. During his childhood, he struggled academically. With the support of his teachers, he persevered and went on to not only teach but become the 2025 South Carolina Association of School Administrators Secondary Principal of the Year.
Each year the College of Education honors outstanding and innovative educators in South Carolina.