The University

USC System Mission Statement

The primary mission of the University of South Carolina is the education of the state’s diverse citizens through teaching, research, creative activity, and service. Founded in 1801, the University of South Carolina system is the largest university in the state, serving more than 41,000 students from its flagship Columbia campus, three senior campuses (Aiken, Beaufort, and Upstate), and four regional campuses (Lancaster, Salkehatchie, Sumter, and Union).

The University of South Carolina is a public institution offering degree programs at the associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Through the primary method of classroom and laboratory instruction and through a secondary method of distance education delivered via the Internet, teleconference and electronic media, degree programs are offered in the following areas: arts and sciences; education; engineering and computing; hospitality, retail, and sport management; mass communications and information studies; music; public health; and social work, and in professional programs such as business, law, medicine, nursing, and pharmacy.

With a flagship campus recognized by the Carnegie Foundation as a top research and service institution and nationally ranked in start-up businesses, and an eight-campus system that confers nearly 40% of all bachelor’s and graduate degrees awarded at public institutions in South Carolina, the University has a profound relevance, reach, and impact on the people of the state. The University of South Carolina provides all students with the highest-quality education, including the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for success and responsible citizenship in a complex and changing world through engagement in nationally and internationally ranked research, scholarship, service, and artistic creation.

USC Sumter Mission Statement

The University of South Carolina Sumter, a regional campus of the University of South Carolina, has as its mission to provide higher education and intellectual leadership for its service area. At the heart of this mission is a teaching faculty of high quality dedicated to excellence in instruction, scholarship, public and professional service and creative endeavor which enrich the classroom experience. USC Sumter offers a varied curriculum grounded in the liberal arts, focused on preparing students to continue their education in the University and throughout life.

The University of South Carolina Sumter recruits students prepared to succeed in completing a baccalaureate- level education. While the institution does not offer remedial instruction, it is nonetheless able to admit most students who apply due to the close working relationship between students and faculty. Enrollment varies with community need, but is expected to remain at approximately 1200 students.

The University of South Carolina Sumter was established to encourage higher education in the counties of Clarendon, Lee, Kershaw, Sumter, and Williamsburg. The design of the early institution incorporated a flexibility that has allowed changes in institutional capability with increasing educational demand of constituents.

The institution awards the Associate in Arts and Associate in Science degrees and provides for
the completion of selected bachelor degrees on campus through cooperative agreements and delivery structures with other USC System institutions. USC Sumter also provides general education and upper division coursework applicable baccalaureate degree programs offered through colleges and universities nationwide. In addition to academic coursework, the mission of the campus includes non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops made available to the community for cultural enrichment and professional development.

The traditions of cultural diversity and freedom of thought are valued at USC Sumter. In a learning environment that develops respect for racial, geographical, intellectual, and economic diversity and an awareness of individual, societal, and global responsibilities, USC Sumter promotes courses, activities, and attitudes which influence the life of the mind in men and women and instills in them a thirst to continue learning throughout life.

USC Sumter emphasizes the development of the whole person and especially seeks to foster in students the disciplines essential to an educated citizenry. Core competencies including the ability to communicate through effective writing and articulate speech; computational and quantitative mastery, creative and critical thinking, the duties of citizenship are strategically integrated within the curriculum. Classroom experiences, student activities, and physical education programs also provide opportunities for cultural enrichment, leadership development, intellectual growth and interpersonal relationships contributing to a sense of self-reliance and a joy of learning.

Accreditation

The University of South Carolina is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associates, bachelors, masters, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4501 for questions about the accreditation of the University of South Carolina. The accreditation report of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is available to the public in the Office of the Provost and the Office of Institutional Assessment and Compliance and is on reserve at the Thomas Cooper Library on the Columbia campus.

USC System Officers

Harris Pastides, Ph.D., President
Michael Amiridis, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost
William F. Hogue, Ed.D., Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer
Michelle Dodenhoff, B.A., Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations
Judy Owens, Interim Vice President for Human Resources
Luanne Lawrence, M.Ed., Vice President for Communications
Chris Plyler, Ph.D., Vice Provost and Executive Dean for Extended University
Stephen Kresovich, Ph.D., Vice President for Research and Graduate Education
William T. Moore, Ph.D.,  Vice President for Finance and Planning
Jerome Odom, Ph.D., Executive Director of University Foundations

Mid-Carolina Commission for Higher Education

Joseph S. Sublette, Sumter County, Chair
Austin E. Floyd, Sumter County, Vice Chair
Robert B. Smith, Sumter County, Treasurer
James C. Black, Clarendon County
John M. Brabham, Jr., Sumter County
R. J. “Chic” Mathis, Sumter County
William H. Price, Sumter County
Patricia W. Smith, Sumter County
William W. Wheeler III, Lee County

Sumter Partnership of the USC Educational Foundation

William J. Holmes III, President
Arthur F. Bradham, Vice President
Beverly W. Gagne, Treasurer
Robert N. Boykin, Jr.
Jeffrey W. Davis, Jr.
Kay Oldhouser Davis, Ph.D.
Charles F. Denny III
Barry K. Falin
Robert C. “Bob” Harris
N. Douglas Horne
Thomas C. Kuhn II
Ellen L. Leventis
Daniel A. Lyles
André G. McBride
John Duvall “Jack Osteen
Sandy Reeser
Raymond F. “Ray” Reich
Sandy Reeser
Ramon Schwartz, Jr., emeritus
C. Talmadge Tobias, Jr.
Dennis J. Turner
Earl Wilson
Ronald D. Wilson
Harris Pastides, Ph.D., President, USC, ex officio
Joseph S. Sublette, Chair, Mid-Carolina Commission for Higher Education, ex officio
C. Leslie Carpenter, Ph.D., Regional Campus Dean, USC Sumter, ex officio
Carl R. McIntosh, CFRE, Associate Dean for University Advancement, USC Sumter, ex officio

USC Sumter Administration

Office of the Dean

C. Leslie Carpenter, Regional Campus Dean, Ph.D., University of Oregon
Mary Fran Smith, Executive Assistant to the Dean
Marchetta L. Williams, Human Resources Officer, B.A., Saint Leo University

Academic Advisement and Counseling Center

C. Gail Pack, Director, M.Ed., Clemson University
Rebecca S. Shrader, Academic Advisor, M.Ed., University of South Carolina

Academic Affairs

Anthony M. Coyne, Associate Dean, Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Carol J. Reynolds, Administrative Specialist, B.A., University of South Carolina
Kathleen N. King, Administrative Specialist, B.A., University of South Carolina
A. Lucile Ward, Administrative Specialist, A.S., Central Carolina Technical College

Administrative and Financial Services

Bruce K. Blumberg, Associate Dean, M.B.A., University of South Carolina
Christine G. Stutz, Administrative Assistant, B.A., Francis Marion University
Sharon D. Berry, Receptionist/Switchboard Operator
Joann V. Groover, Director of Budget, Planning, and Grants, M.S., Troy State University

Admissions Services

Keith E. Britton, GCDF, Director, M.P.A., Troy State University
Brenda C. Libner, Administrative Specialist, A.A., Spartanburg Junior College
Lydia L. Johnson, Data Control Clerk, B.S., Winthrop University
Alicia M. Curtis, Counselor/Recruiter, B.S., University of South Carolina Aiken
Sarah L. Martin, Counselor/Recruiter, B.A., Winthrop University

Athletic Department

Bruce K. Blumberg, Director, M.B.A., University of South Carolina
L. Thomas Fleenor, Head Baseball Coach, B.S., Tennessee Wesleyan College
Adrienne N. Cataldo, Head Softball Coach, B.A., University of South Carolina
John M. Borycki, Interim Head Men’s and Women’s Soccer Coach

Bookstore

Julie N. McCoy, Manager
Vacant, Assistant Manager

Business Office

Wendell D. Prescott, Manager/Bookkeeper, B.S., University of South Carolina
Laura L. Curtis, Cashier

Computer Services

George R. Thompson III, Director, B.S., University of South Carolina
Shelby N. Collins, Systems Support Technician, A.A., Central Carolina Technical College
David R. McDaniel, Systems Support Technician, B.A., Francis Marion University

Continuing Education

Susan S. Brabham, Director, B.S., University of South Carolina

Distance Education

Jean D. Carrano, Director, B.S., University of South Carolina

Division of Arts and Letters

Hayes D. Hampton, Chair, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Patricia Arias-Smith, Instructor, Spanish, M.S., The City College of The City University of New York
Mary Ellen Bellanca, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Delaware
James W. Borton, Instructor, English, M.A., University of Maryland
Park S. Bucker, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Joseph C. Delfin, Instructor, Speech Communication, M.A., Northern Illinois University
Bernard F. Fitzgerald, Associate Professor, Foreign Languages, M.A., Michigan State University
Trisha H. Guy, Instructor, English, M.S., University of Tennessee at Martin
Audrey D. Johnson, Instructor, English, Ph.D., Washington State University
Andrew J. Kunka, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., Purdue University
D. Ray McManus, Assistant Professor, English, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Michele N. Reese, Associate Professor, English, Ph.D., University of Missouri-Columbia
Megan Campbell Regnier, Instructor, English, Ph.D., Florida State University
Stephen C. Thursby, Instructor, Music, Ph.D., Florida State University
Jane Luther Smith, Instructor, Music, M.M., University of South Carolina
H. James White III, Instructor, Speech, M.Ed., University of South Carolina

Division of Business Administration and Economics

Kay Oldhouser Davis, Chair, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Christine Borycki, Associate Professor, Management, Ph.D., University of North Texas
Vernon J. Disney II, Instructor, Accounting, J.D., Capital University; M.A., University of Arkansas
Jean-Luc E. Grosso, Professor, Economics, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Sheryl S. Grosso, Instructor, Economics, M.A., Virginia State University
Teresa L. Smith, Associate Professor, Management, Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Hendrikus van Bulck, Assistant Professor, Business Administration, Ph.D., University of Georgia

Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education

Richard S. Bell, Chair, Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Maryland
Timothy J. Bergen, Jr., Instructor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of Oklahoma
Robert B. Castleberry, Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Texas Christian University
Blane DaSilva, Assistant Professor, Sociology, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
David F. Decker, Associate Professor, History, Ph.D., Michigan State University
Nancy E. Macdonald, Associate Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University
Salvador Macias III, Professor, Psychology, Ph.D., Georgia State University
Thomas L. Powers, Professor, History, Ph.D., University of Georgia
Eric M. Reisenauer, Professor, History, Ph.D., Loyola University Chicago
John L. Safford, Professor, Government/Philosophy, Ph.D., University of California Riverside

Division of Science, Mathematics, and Engineering

James E. Privett, Chair, Professor, Chemistry and Physics, Ph.D., Purdue University
Beth W. McLeod, Lab Specialist, A.S., Central Carolina Technical College
Stephen T. Anderson Sr., Associate Professor, Mathematics/Computer Science, M.A., Western Michigan University
Stephen T. Bishoff, Associate Professor, Biology, Ph.D., University of North Carolina
Robert C. Costello, Professor, Chemistry, Ph.D., Stanford University
Claude J. Eichelberger, Instructor, Computer Science, M.A., Webster University
Pearl R. Fernandes, Associate Professor, Biology, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Rigoberto Florez, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., University of Binghamton
Kajal Ghoshroy, Assistant Professor, Biology, Ph.D., University of New Hampshire
Paul R. Herrmann, Instructor, Computer Science and Engineering, M.P.A., Golden Gate University
Rebecca A. Hillman, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., North Carolina State University
R. Austin Jenkins, Jr., Instructor, Biology, Ph.D., Clemson University
Leandro Junes, Assistant Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., SUNY at Binghamton
Odysseas G. Kakaras, Instructor, Mathematics, M.S., Drexel University
Daniel A. Kiernan, Instructor, Biology, M.S., Central Michigan University
R. David Mitchell, Instructor, Mathematics, M.A., University of South Florida
Robert C. Nerbun Jr., Professor, Physics, Ph.D., Case Western Reserve University
Maitland A. Rose, Associate Professor, Mathematics, Ph.D., City University-London

Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Veteran Affairs

Sue A. Sims, Coordinator, M.Ed., University of North Carolina
Jean L. Failmezger, Counselor
Elizabeth A. White, Data Manager, M.Ed., University of South Carolina

Food Court

Deborah M. Shumate, Manager

Institutional Research

Charles W. Wright, Institutional Research Analyst, M.A., University of Tennessee

Library

Sharon H. Chapman, Head Librarian, MLS, University of South Carolina
Connie M. Pender, Library Manager, BA, Saint Leo University
Latoya P. Cooper, Library Technical Assistant, AA, University of South Carolina Sumter

Maintenance Services

Jeffrey D. Lingefelt, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds, B.S., University of South Carolina Aiken
Kathy L. Davenport, Building/Grounds Specialist
Earl Green, Building/Grounds Specialist
Lucille C. Green, Building/Grounds Specialist
L. Otis Holloway, Trades Specialist
Brian S. Privett, Building/Grounds Specialist
R. Allen Turner, Sr., Trades Specialist
Pearson York, Sr., Building/Grounds Specialist

Opportunity Scholars Program

Lisa Sullivan Rosdail, Director, B.A., University of South Carolina
Wanda P. Skinner, Assistant Director, A.A., University of South Carolina Sumter
Elizabeth Costello, Educational Skills Specialist, M.S., University of Lowell, Massachusetts
Mary Wayne James, Counselor, M.Ed., Clemson University
Robert L. Johnson, Cultural Events Specialist, M.Ed., University of South Carolina
Paul E. Thomas, Education Skills Specialist, M.A., Appalachian State University

Records and Registration

Vacant, Coordinator

Shaw Air Force Base Office

Ricky L. Boyd, Director, Shaw AFB Program, M.S., Troy State University

Student Affairs

Lynwood Watts, Assistant Dean, M.S., University of Tennessee
Mary L. Sutton, Administrative Assistant, A.B.M., Central Carolina Technical College

Student Life

H. Frank Marsh, Campus Recreation Coordinator, B.A.I.S., University of South Carolina

University Advancement

Carl R. McIntosh, Associate Dean, M.A., Appalachian State University
Joyce H. Hodge, Administrative Assistant, A.A., University of South Carolina Sumter
Erica M. Christmas, Director of Alumni Relations, B.A., Francis Marion University
Vacant, Director of Marketing and Public Relations

USC Upstate Education Programs

Marilyn J. Izzard, Director, Associate Professor, Ph.D., University of South Carolina
Gail K. Corning, Administrative Assistant
James W. Britton, Instructor, M.Ed., University of South Carolina

Carolinian Creed

The community of scholars at the University of South Carolina is dedicated to personal and academic excellence.

Choosing to join the community obligates each member to a code of civilized behavior.

As a Carolinian…

I will practice personal and academic integrity;

I will respect the dignity of all persons;

I will respect the rights and property of others;

I will discourage bigotry, while striving to learn from differences in people, ideas and opinions;

I will demonstrate concern for others, their feelings, and their need for conditions which support their work and development.

Allegiance to these ideals requires each Carolinian to refrain from and discourage behaviors which threaten the freedom and respect every individual deserves.

History

The citizens of Sumter and adjacent counties saw a need to provide higher-education opportunities at an affordable price. In 1965, by an act of the state legislature, the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education was created and granted authority to establish in Sumter County facilities to offer standard freshman and sophomore courses and such other courses as were deemed desirable. To fulfill this purpose and objective, the commission entered into a long-term contract with Clemson University for the purpose of operating the new educational facilities.

A local bond issue was passed, and with federal assistance a physical plant, with capacity for 550 to 600 students, was erected on an attractive 35-acre tract of land located in the Palmetto Park area, made available jointly by the city and county of Sumter.

In August 1966 Clemson University at Sumter opened its doors to its first class, and in December 1968 the campus was officially accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. The campus has retained its accreditation since that time.

On July 23, 1973, after negotiations between the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education and officials of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina, operations of the Sumter campus were transferred to the University of South Carolina. This change was recognized by the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and after evaluating a self-study and visiting the campus in 1975, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools officially accepted the change. In 1996 the Sumter County Commission for Higher Education was restructured as the Mid-Carolina Commission for Higher Education.

In the fall of 1978, USC Sumter developed a new evening program of courses designed to meet the needs of adult students. This evening program consists of two eight-week sessions per semester and one eight-week summer session, thus enabling students to carry a full-time load solely with evening hours. An identical program is also offered primarily for military personnel at Shaw Air Force Base, but with an emphasis on upper-level courses not regularly taught at USC Sumter.

Student enrollment has increased steadily from the original class of 97 students to nearly 1,300 undergraduates and 100 graduate students.
 

Facilities

The University of South Carolina Sumter is situated on 50 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, with eight modern and attractive administrative and academic buildings.

The Administration Building houses the offices of the dean; associate dean for academic affairs; assistant dean for University advancement; assistant dean for administrative and financial services; assistant dean for student affairs; director of marketing and public relations; director of admissions, services, and recruitment; admissions; financial aid; records; business; advisement/counseling center; and others. It also has conference rooms and a faculty lounge.

The Business Administration Building contains classrooms and a computer instructional lab. It also houses the Opportunity Scholars Program.

The Science Building has three lecture rooms and fully equipped laboratory facilities for astronomy, chemistry, physics, botany, and zoology. Also in the Science Building are offices for the science faculty and a lobby with tables for group study.

The Anderson Library of the Sumter campus provides a pleasant setting for faculty and students to read and study. The 90,000-volume collection is especially selected to assist students in their undergraduate studies. Recreational reading is also provided. The library houses resources in many formats, including books, periodicals on microfilm, cassette lectures, microfilm readers, and a microfiche viewer. Services offered by the library include photocopying, microfilm copying, online indexes, databases, full-text journals, the online catalog, and bibliographic instruction for groups or individuals.

The Anderson Library also contains computer labs and two computer instructional labs. The Computer Services Division is also located in the library. Art displays can be seen in the University Gallery located off the main lobby. The Anderson Library also has private study rooms for students, a conference room, and a lounge area. The rear of the building contains six large classrooms and lobby space for studying.

The Student Union Building features the campus bookstore, a food court, and an open commons area with an adjacent outdoor terrace, as well as meeting rooms for student organizations. The commons area and terrace offer students a place where they may gather to eat, talk, or study. This commons area can also be used for dances and other recreational programs. The building also contains a lounge area for relaxation, reading, and viewing television; a game room with pool and ping-pong tables and electronic games; and two specialized classrooms.

The Schwartz Building houses the Division of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Education. It contains an enhanced classroom with two-way compressed video and audio capabilities, as well as classrooms, faculty offices, and two conference rooms.

The Nettles Building contains the campus recreation and physical education department facilities, which include a wellness center, three racquetball/handball courts, a multiprogram gym, a first-aid facility, and a 500-seat auditorium.

The newly renovated Arts and Letters building is the home of the Division of Arts and Letters. The building also contains a lecture hall/conference center with small break-out rooms, a banquet hall, and faculty offices, classrooms, and art labs.

Dormitory facilities are not available at the Sumter campus. Students whose homes are not in the Sumter area may find rooms in private homes or apartments.

A limited number of classrooms are also provided by the United States Air Force for USC Sumter’s use on Shaw AFB, as well as office facilities for the Shaw coordinator.