South Carolina Honors College

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'A novel contribution': South Carolina Honors College senior thesis investigates the effects of non-prosecution policies

Do non-prosecution policies related to drugs and drug-related crimes achieve their goal of reducing drug-related overdoses? South Carolina Honors College graduate and McNair Scholar Samuel Maloney spent over a year collecting and analyzing the data needed to answer this important question, focusing on opioid use disorder. His thesis presents unprecedented contributions to the field of public health.

English, Honors College alumnus follows his filmmaking passion

Luke Hodges says he found the arts community he was looking for when he transferred into USC's English and Honors programs more than 10 years ago. Looking back, the writer and documentary filmmaker says he there was an "insane smorgasbord of opportunities" at USC.

Graduate student inspired by U101 experience to get a master's degree in student affairs

Honors alumna and graduate student Morgan Grace Steele decided to change paths after participating in the South Carolina Washington Semester program. After reflecting on her experience in the course University 101, she decided to pursue a master’s in higher education and student affairs.

Philosophy and Political Science student turns big questions into an Ivy League acceptance

Honors student Zach McClure graduates from USC with a deep passion for big questions, complex answers, and a Yale Law School acceptance. From studying abroad to analyzing judicial credibility, his journey blends critical thinking with purpose-driven advocacy.

A Letter from the Dean

Dean Steven Lynn shares an update on the state of the South Carolina Honors College and the many exciting things ahead.

Alumnus credits honors program with building foundation for success

The roots of Adm. Jacob Shuford’s 35-year U.S. Navy career –– which took him to top postings all over the world –– were planted and nurtured in the honors program at the University of South Carolina.

The voice

Meet 2012 South Carolina Honors College graduate and McNair scholar Bryarly Bishop, the voice behind some of America's best-known brands. Her vocal talents span from commercials and video games to vocal albums and short films, showcasing the versatility of the human voice.

The conductor

Alex Thompson is a leader in both choral and community settings. As co-founder and the first president of the Black Honors Caucus, she was determined to create a welcoming space for Black students in the South Carolina Honors College. As a choral conductor, she encourages her students to use their harmonized voices as a form of self-expression.

L'imprévu: the unexpected

It's a long way from South Carolina to France. For Buck Jones, who is now a Parisian author and restauranteur, the first steps of his journey from Aiken, South Carolina, to Paris, France, began in the South Carolina Honors College. He's never forgotten the university, the mentors and the state that gave him his start.

The horror!

Through her writing and her teaching, professor Julia Elliott encourages readers and students to investigate fear and develop their own theories about horror. Behind the grotesque and the jump scares lie insights into humanity's deepest anxieties and concerns.

The research community

To know the University of South Carolina's most recent Goldwater scholars, Linden McGregor and Michael Pitre, is to know about the mentors who support them, the scientific challenges that motivate them and the students they hope to impact outside of the lab.

Alumni News - Spring 2025

See what our Honors College alumni have been doing lately.

Honors College junior named USC's 18th Udall Scholar

Rising Honors College senior Ella Michel has been awarded a 2025 Udall Undergraduate Scholarship to continue her work at the intersection of energy, environment and community.

Heart of the venture

David Prim, Honors biomedical engineering alumnus, stays on mission with work in venture capital.

Ballet and the brain

South Carolina Honors College graduate Carter DiSantis knows a thing or two about balance. Throughout his undergraduate career, he's explored his love of dance and neuroscience, blending the arts and sciences. He's also interested in researching the neural effort required to keep a ballet dancer upright.

USC Honors Course Brews Up Innovation in Nonalcoholic Beverage Education

South Carolina Honors College course allows students to explore a developing niche in the hospitality industry by creating unique nonalcoholic beverages.

Leadership, research roles prep exercise science grad for career in health care

Outstanding Exercise Science Student Award winner Hailey Karns found her home away from home in the Honors College and completes her tenure at USC this month with Graduation with Leadership Distinction and a 4.0 GPA.

'Home is what gives me strength'

South Carolina Honors College senior Muskaan Makkar understands the value of community -- and one's responsibility to make an impact on their own. From research to service to study abroad, Makkar has been a leader on campus and beyond.

2025 graduate follows the data into research bridging biology, chemistry and AI

Christian Geils, USC's first data science graduate, used AI to tackle research in biology and chemistry –– earning a Magellan grant and launching the university's first AI student club along the way.

Honors student builds career path in engineering, while nurturing his passion for music

Honors senior Aidan Billings follows his head and heart by studying both mechanical engineering and music performance.

USC public relations student elected PRSSA international president

Honors student, Alicia Caracciolo, was elected international president of the Public Relations Student Society of America at the organization's leadership assembly in March.

Sullivan award-winner dedicated to research, service

Tremayne Ansani, an Honors College neuroscience major from Columbia, has dedicated his University of South Carolina career to service and leadership in the classroom, in research and in helping his fellow students and the community at large.

Swanger award winner will take service mindset into medical career

Ridha Fatima, a biochemistry and molecular biology major in the Honors College, says her experiences as a service-minded leader at the University of South Carolina will inform her career as a physician and health care advocate.

Sullivan award winner dedicated to health care access in Appalachia

Reese Lycan, an Honors College student from Lexington, Kentucky, is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology with a goal of becoming a physician.

Student government experience leads two USC seniors to Harvard Law

USC’s student government has two graduating Honors seniors who have been accepted to Harvard Law School, one of the nation’s top programs.

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