2026 Archive

Historic ornamental amber glass globe and decorative green metal framework on the Maxcy Monument at the University of South Carolina, photographed against a clear blue sky with tree foliage in the background

USC campuses must meet new digital accessibility standards by April 24

January 29, 2026, Communications and marketing

The U.S. Department of Justice has finalized a rule under Title II of the ADA requiring public institutions to meet updated digital accessibility standards by April 24, 2026. The rule applies to all USC campuses and covers all digital content and services. Each unit is accountable for ensuring its digital content is accessible. Tools and training are available to help units.

Connor Shaw, his wife and their four children are all smiles, posing together at a rec field

Gamecock legend Connor Shaw starts a nonprofit after a close call

January 29, 2026, Thom Harman / photos by Kim Truett

While coaching his son’s flag football team last fall, former USC quarterback Connor Shaw went into sudden cardiac arrest. Quick thinking, the presence of first responders and an automated external defibrillator saved his life. Now fully recovered, Shaw has started a nonprofit to increase CPR training and bring AEDs to athletic fields statewide, and beyond.

A doctor and nurse review a chart together in a hospital room

Latest U.S. News online rankings show strength, momentum at College of Nursing

January 26, 2026, Dan Cook

The University of South Carolina's College of Nursing continues to be a national leader in online nursing education. Four nursing programs at the University of South Carolina rank in the Top 10 nationally in the latest online rankings from U.S. News & World Report, including its online master's in nursing program, which has been in the Top 5 for six consecutive years.

Civil rights protesters stand with signs reading

Center for Civil Rights History and Research Celebrates 10 Years of Impact

January 26, 2026, Hadley McCollester

The Civil Rights movement in South Carolina has long been overlooked and overshadowed. The Center for Civil Rights History and Research has spent the last decade working to document and bring awareness and scholarship to South Carolina's role in the movement. In this documentary, Bobby Donaldson, executive director of the center, takes us through the amazing work done over the past 10 years and what is on the horizon.

Fabio Matta smiles for the camera as he holds his next-generation building materials

Engineering researchers are studying next-generation materials to improve SC infrastructure

January 22, 2026, Rebekah Friedman

Fabio Matta’s next-generation building materials include fiber-reinforced plastic bars — essentially, glass fibers immersed in a strong polymeric resin. They are stronger than steel, don’t corrode and are lighter than traditional materials — all qualities that make them ideal for bridge and infrastructure rehabilitation.

Two women work together on laptops.

The Carolina Agency: 20 years of student development, community impact

January 14, 2026, Catherine Pruitt

For 20 years, The Carolina Agency has been the student-run public relations and media agency giving College of Information and Communications students real-world experience in a professional setting. In addition to offering students an internship credit and an authentic work experience in a professional setting, The Carolina Agency also prides itself on its service to community clients.

head shots of the five 2026 winners

5 recognized for social justice work

January 13, 2026, Kristine Hartvigsen

The University of South Carolina has recognized students, faculty and staff members for their work on campus and in the larger community with 2026 Martin Luther King Social Justice Awards. The awards recognize individuals who have exemplified the philosophies of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of community service, social justice or racial reconciliation.