USC Aiken

USC Aiken University of South Carolina Aiken The University of South Carolina Aiken is a four-year, public coeducational university offering undergraduate degree programs as well as three master's degree programs.

Additional graduate courses and degree programs are offered through the USC Extended Graduate Campus program. Founded in 1961 in a historic mansion in downtown Aiken, USC Aiken moved to its present site in 1972 and occupies 453 acres. USC Aiken is located in Aiken, SC, in the western region of the state. The campus is 20 miles from Augusta, GA, and 55 miles from Columbia, SC.

Mission: Founded in 1961, the University of South Carolina Aiken (USCA) is a comprehensive liberal arts institution committed to active learning through excellence in teaching, faculty and student scholarship, research, creative activities, and service. In this stimulating academic community, USC Aiken challenges students to acquire and develop the skills, knowledge, and values necessary for success in a dynamic global environment. The University offers degrees in the arts and sciences and in the professional disciplines of business, education, and nursing. All courses of study are grounded in a liberal arts and sciences core curriculum. USC Aiken also encourages interdisciplinary studies and collaborative endeavors. Emphasizing small classes and individual attention, USC Aiken provides students with opportunities to maximize individual achievement in both academic and co-curricular settings. The institution challenges students to think critically and creatively, to communicate effectively, to learn independently, and to acquire depth of knowledge in chosen fields. The University values honesty, integrity, initiative, hard work, accomplishments, responsible citizenship, respect for diversity, and cross-cultural understanding. USC Aiken attracts students of varying ages and diverse cultural backgrounds who have demonstrated the potential to succeed in a challenging academic environment. In addition to serving the Savannah River area, USC Aiken actively seeks student enrollment from all parts of South Carolina as well as from other states and countries. As a senior public institution of the University of South Carolina, USC Aiken combines the advantages of a smaller institution with the resources of a major university system. Located in beautiful, historic Aiken, South Carolina, USC Aiken is an institution of moderate size (2,500-5,000 students) that offers baccalaureate degrees in a number of disciplines, completion baccalaureate degrees at University of South Carolina regional campuses, and master’s degrees in selected programs. USC Aiken endeavors to apply knowledge, skills, and wisdom in ways that promote the common good. Accordingly, the University seeks to build strong community ties. The institution enriches the quality of life not only on campus but also throughout the surrounding region through a variety of activities including the fine and performing arts, athletics, continuing education, distance learning, and community service. In fulfilling its role as an institution of higher learning, the University of South Carolina Aiken is a community of individuals engaged in broadly based educational experiences necessary for an enlightened society.

Operating as usual

The University of South Carolina Aiken has been named to the 2021-2022 list of Military Friendly® Schools, a designation...
02/19/2021

The University of South Carolina Aiken has been named to the 2021-2022 list of Military Friendly® Schools, a designation reserved for educational institutions that have demonstrated a clear commitment to programs that improve the lives of veterans. This recognition is derived from the longest-running and most comprehensive review of college and university investment in military and veteran students.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/uofsc-aiken-again-designated-military-friendly-school/18945

USC Aiken Alumni
02/03/2021

USC Aiken Alumni

Congratulations to our 2021 Core 4 Award Winners!

Steve Miano - '05 Political Science
Dawn Bryant - '07 Elementary Education
Ken Weaver - '71 Biology
Isaiah Hines - '16 Psychology

They were announced last night during our Alumni Virtual Town Hall! Congratulations to all our nominees as well!

South Carolina National Guard
02/02/2021
South Carolina National Guard

South Carolina National Guard

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. R. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for South Carolina, and Dr. Sandra J. Jordan, University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) chancellor, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the UofSC Aiken campus Feb. 1, 2021, in support of the development of a new South Carolina National Guard readiness center with a focus on enhancing cyber initiatives in the state. The readiness center, referred to as a cyber-security DreamPort, is expected to be the home of the South Carolina National Guard’s 125th Cyber Battalion, currently headquartered at McEntire Joint National Guard Base, South Carolina. Constructing the facility on the UofSC Aiken campus allows for the South Carolina National Guard to leverage the academic partnership with UofSC Aiken, as well as utilize the nearby cyber capabilities including the U.S. Army’s Cyber Center of Excellence at Fort Gordon, Georgia and the Savannah River National Laboratory’s Advanced Manufacturing Collaborative.

01/24/2021
2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Community Celebration

Join Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken for the presentation of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Sunday, January 24 at 3 p.m. The keynote speaker for this virtual event will be Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, who will speak on Dr. King's quote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

For more information on the event, visit https://www.usca.edu/mlk

01/22/2021
2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Community Celebration

Join Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken for the presentation of the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Sunday, January 24 at 3 p.m. The keynote speaker for this virtual event will be Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, who will speak on Dr. King's quote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

For more information on the event, visit https://www.usca.edu/mlk

The NCAA Board of Governors selected Dr. Sandra J. Jordan, chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken, as its ...
01/22/2021

The NCAA Board of Governors selected Dr. Sandra J. Jordan, chancellor of the University of South Carolina Aiken, as its vice-chair last week during the association's first virtual national conference. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is a member-led organization dedicated to more than 480,000 college student-athletes' well-being and lifelong success. The organization uses its profits to award nearly $3.5 billion in athletic scholarships every year, providing greater access by making college more affordable. Additionally, the NCAA hosts 90 championships in 24 sports across three divisions, where more than 57,661 participants compete each year.

Chancellor Jordan is the chair of the NCAA Division II Board of Presidents. She serves on both the executive committee of the Board of Presidents and the Board of Governors.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/ncaa-selects-jordan-for-association-s-vice-chair-/18513

The USC Aiken Etherredge Center celebrated the installation of a new fly system for its main stage on Friday.The fly sys...
01/15/2021

The USC Aiken Etherredge Center celebrated the installation of a new fly system for its main stage on Friday.

The fly system is the series of pipes, also referred to as "batens," motors, and winches that allow scenery to fly in and out of the theatrical space. The old system, which had been in place for over 20 years, could no longer be used due to safety concerns.

The new fly system will be used for the first time in its complete form on Saturday, January 16 at 2 p.m. at the live performance of The Queen's Cartoonists.

Tickets for The Queen's Cartoonist can be purchased online at etherredge.usca.edu or over the phone by calling 803-641-3305.

The Etherredge Center is currently operating at 50% capacity, following distancing, mask, and cleaning guidelines set forth by DHEC and the CDC. All patrons will have the temperatures checked upon entry, and seating will follow distancing guidelines. There is also an option view the performance through a livestream.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/the-etherredge-center-celebrates-new-installation/18476

Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken will present the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. C...
01/12/2021

Aiken Technical College and the University of South Carolina Aiken will present the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Celebration on Sunday, January 24 at 3 p.m. In consideration for guests' well-being and safety, the event will be held virtually via the institutions' Facebook and YouTube pages.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, who will speak on Dr. King's quote, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere," the theme for the 2021 event.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/aiken-tech--uofsc-aiken-to-host-virtual-dr--martin-luther-king--jr--community-celebration-event/18390

01/11/2021

Wishing you a warm welcome back as we embark on the first day of the spring semester!

Fine Arts Major Named Rotary Student of the Month
12/30/2020
Fine Arts Major Named Rotary Student of the Month

Fine Arts Major Named Rotary Student of the Month

Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club has selected Bonnie Watson as its Student of the Month for December. Watson is a technology fine arts major with aspirations of becoming a graphic designer. An honors program student, Watson was also active in Pi Gamma Mu a...

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.Please enjoy a series of holiday video messages here: https://r...
12/23/2020

Wishing you a safe, healthy, and peaceful holiday season.

Please enjoy a series of holiday video messages here: https://rb.gy/bth6ab

The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing recently received a gift of 1 million dollars from the estate o...
12/22/2020
UofSC Aiken Receives Million Dollar Donation

The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing recently received a gift of 1 million dollars from the estate of Anna M. Gascoigne-Nixon.

The University of South Carolina Aiken School of Nursing recently received a gift of 1 million dollars from the estate of Anna M. Gascoigne-Nixon. Gascoigne-Nixon, earned a nursing degree at St. Luke's hospital in Cleveland, Ohio where she worked in...

More Than A Game Campaign Completes Phase I of Fundraising
12/21/2020
More Than A Game Campaign Completes Phase I of Fundraising

More Than A Game Campaign Completes Phase I of Fundraising

The First Tee of Aiken and The University of South Carolina Aiken celebrates the completion of phase I fundraising of the More Than A Game Campaign to create a golf practice facility on campus. The facility will include nine holes, putting greens, a...

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will have its rooftop open to view the star from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Tue...
12/19/2020
Rare Christmas star to be visible in Aiken

The Ruth Patrick Science Education Center will have its rooftop open to view the star from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

Jupiter and Saturn will merge in the night sky Monday, appearing closer to one another than they have since Galileo’s time in the 17th century.

12/17/2020
USC Aiken Alumni

USC Aiken Alumni

The UofSC Aiken Alumni Office has a surplus of certain yearbooks. They were stored in the former maintenance building and when the office was preparing to move to their new site, they uncovered these yearbooks.

Specifically, we have a limited supply of (40) each for the years 1987, 1988, 1989, and 1990. What better way to start the holidays than to offer them to you?

The Alumni Office will give one to you free of charge, based on a first-come, first-serve basis. Maybe you lost yours, or maybe you would like an extra copy, so come on by the Alumni House and one will be ready for you!

Please note that this offer is for pick up only at the Alumni House. So, if you live out of town please have a friend of family member pick one up for you today!

Make sure you check out the USC Aiken Alumni silent auction!
11/30/2020

Make sure you check out the USC Aiken Alumni silent auction!

With the cancellation of Pacers and Polo in March, the alumni board has decided to have their silent auction virtually this year.

The auction will take place here, on the USC Aiken Alumni page between Monday November 30th and Friday December 11th. Bidders will comment their dollar amount bid on the picture of the item and at the end of the week the highest bidder wins!

We hope that you will join us in supporting student scholarships!

Rules:
- Bidders will comment their bid on the photo of the item
-Bids are in increments of 5-10
-Bids close at midnight on Friday the 11th. Bids made after then will not be counted.
-Items can be paid for through cash, card or check
-Items must be able to be picked up at the Alumni House on the UofSC Aiken Campus. We will not be shipping items.

Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club has selected Kyle Ready as its Student of the Month for November.This Aiken native made the de...
11/30/2020

Aiken Sunrise Rotary Club has selected Kyle Ready as its Student of the Month for November.

This Aiken native made the decision to follow in his mom's footsteps and major in nursing at the University of South Carolina Aiken.

Ready is involved with several organization on campus, including the Student Government Association and Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. In addition, he is also a member of the men's cross-country team.

Ready is also a member of the Student Nurses Association and plans to become an anesthetist after earning his BSN.

11/26/2020

Happy Thanksgiving, Pacers! Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving! ❤️💙

During The University of South Carolina Aiken's annual One Table event, students, faculty, and staff brought in nonperis...
11/25/2020

During The University of South Carolina Aiken's annual One Table event, students, faculty, and staff brought in nonperishable food items, school supplies, and backpacks to be donated to students at Warrenville Elementary School.

In total, 105 backpacks filled with nonperishable food items and school supplies were delivered to Warrenville Elementary School.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/pacers-supply-food-for-local-elementary-school/17868

Stop by Parking Lot D before your holiday travel and let UofSC Aiken police officers give your car a free check-up. They...
11/23/2020

Stop by Parking Lot D before your holiday travel and let UofSC Aiken police officers give your car a free check-up. They’ll be in Parking Lot D until 1:00 p.m.

The University of South Carolina Aiken celebrated its newest alumni during its fall convocation ceremony on Nov. 20."Do ...
11/21/2020

The University of South Carolina Aiken celebrated its newest alumni during its fall convocation ceremony on Nov. 20.

"Do you realize that of the 7 billion people in the world, only 6% have completed a college degree? You did not just complete a college degree, you did so in the middle of a global pandemic," said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor.

Thanks Aiken High School for letting us hold tonight's graduation on your field!

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/uofsc-aiken-celebrates-fall-graduation/17921

11/20/2020

“Graduates, please move your tassels!” 🎓🎉

11/20/2020

Graduation festivities continue with the School of Nursing pinning ceremony. Students light candles in honor of Florence Nightingale, who is considered the founder of modern nursing.

Starting off graduation day with the School of Education pinning!
11/20/2020

Starting off graduation day with the School of Education pinning!

Two University of South Carolina Aiken visual and performing arts students, Vanya (Kayla) Hutto and Mr. Tres (Lowell) Ta...
11/19/2020

Two University of South Carolina Aiken visual and performing arts students, Vanya (Kayla) Hutto and Mr. Tres (Lowell) Taylor placed first in their levels for the South Carolina National Association for Teachers of Singing (SCNATS) Musical Theater competition held Oct. 25 - 28.

Winners were announced and had their video submissions streamed live on a Facebook event on Oct. 29. According to Assistant Professor of Music and Coordinator of Vocal Studies, Dr. Keely Rhodes, these wins give the students recognition throughout the state and will move them forward into a regional competition with winners from Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina. Based upon those results they may have the opportunity to compete on the national stage.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/usc-aiken-students-advance-in-musical-theater-competition/17795

The week before Thanksgiving, the University of South Carolina Aiken held its 8th annual One Table event on campus.Stude...
11/18/2020

The week before Thanksgiving, the University of South Carolina Aiken held its 8th annual One Table event on campus.

Students, faculty, and staff gathered together for a traditional Thanksgiving meal before students head home for the remainder of the semester.

For the fourth year in a row, those attending the event brought backpacks, school supplies, and non-perishable food, to be donated to students at Warrenville Elementary School.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/campus-community-gathers-to-give-thanks/17869

The University of South Carolina Aiken announced the installation of a new chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta on its campus W...
11/17/2020

The University of South Carolina Aiken announced the installation of a new chapter of Alpha Lambda Delta on its campus Wednesday, November 4, 2020. This marked the 385th chapter of the honor society since its inception over 95 years ago.

The chapter at the UofSC Aiken was installed under the direction of chapter advisors Jason Munsell, associate professor of communication, and Christian Medders, assistant director of student life. Both were instrumental in founding this new chapter on campus. Medders says that the "ceremony when very well and that the university is excited to have ALD on campus." The new chapter was presented with a hand-calligraphed charter featuring names of the 41 founding members and 2 honorary members of the Society.

Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/new-honor-society-installed-at-uofsc-aiken/17793

The University of South Carolina Aiken Police Department wants to wish you happy holidays, and a safe journey as you tra...
11/17/2020

The University of South Carolina Aiken Police Department wants to wish you happy holidays, and a safe journey as you travel home during break.

Think you might need your battery, lights or other details checked on your car before leaving?

On Monday, November 23, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., your UofSC Aiken police officers are offering a free car check-up in Parking Lot D.

Here's a list of items they can check for you so that you know your car is ready to make the trip.

Amethyst Marroquin has been selected as the Outstanding Senior for fall 2020.Marroquin is the recipient of multiple scho...
11/12/2020

Amethyst Marroquin has been selected as the Outstanding Senior for fall 2020.

Marroquin is the recipient of multiple scholarships, including the Student Leadership scholarship and the Lionel and Dot Smith scholarship, and she has been named to either the Dean's or President's List all four years. She is a member of Pi Gamma Mu, the International Honors Society in Social Sciences, she serves as a Peer Mentor, and she is a tutor for the Capstone Research Methods course in Sociology. Marroquin has also worked as the student coordinator for the Office of Diversity Initiatives.

Marroquin has become a respected leader on campus. She has held various positions with the Student Government Association from parliamentarian to community service senator, to vice-president. She is also the president of the College Democrats, the treasurer for UofSC Aiken's chapter of Amnesty International, a member of the University Judicial Board, and a member of the Chancellor's Task Force for Diversity and Inclusion. She is also on the steering committees for Latinx Heritage month and for Women's History month. In addition to her leadership activities on campus, Marroquin has established herself in the wider Aiken community as a passionate voice and effective advocate in the area of diversity and inclusion. She was the keynote speaker at the Lights for Liberty Rally, an invited speaker at the Memorial for Ruth Bader Ginsberg, and a panelist for events discussing issues related to voting and to DACA and immigrant rights.

Upon graduation, Marroquin hopes to become a fellow at the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, and she plans to continue working in diversity and inclusion.

USC Aiken Office of Veteran and Military Student Success
11/11/2020

USC Aiken Office of Veteran and Military Student Success

Happy Veterans Day from Team VMSS!

Address

471 University Pkwy
Aiken, SC
29801

Telephone

(803) 648-6851

Website

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Videos

2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Community Celebration
2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Community Celebration

Today we celebrated the opening of our new USCA Esports gaming center!

If you’re sick, stay home!
If you’re sick, stay home!

Check out this extra special PSA from USC Aiken English Department Chair, Dr. Andrew Geyer, on what to do if you’re feeling sick. https://www.usca.edu/pacer-ready

Labor Day Staycation
Labor Day Staycation

Pacers, we want you to stay safe this Labor Day weekend! To help limit the spread of COVID-19, we want students to stay in Aiken and be safe. Lots of great events will be going on during the weekend and they will be COVID safe. Plus, you get a chance to win a big screen television if you participate in 4 of the events and send pictures of your participation to [email protected] by Tuesday, Sept. 8th at Noon. Got questions? Email [email protected]. Help limit the spread and have a fun and safe weekend!

Today is the first day of the Fall 2020 semester! Although this will be a unique semester, members of the campus community are very excited to welcome Pacers back!

Welcome Back, Pacers!
Welcome Back, Pacers!

Welcome Back, Pacers! Chancellor Sandra Jordan issues a warm welcome to all new, and returning students. We are so excited to have you back on campus!

Pacer Ready: What to do if you have symptoms
Pacer Ready: What to do if you have symptoms

Be Pacer Ready! Nursing Instructor, Betty Abraham-Settles, shares what you need to know about the symptoms of COVID-19. To learn more about symptoms of COVID-19, go to www.usca.edu/pacer-ready

Pacer Ready: Contact Tracing
Pacer Ready: Contact Tracing

Be Pacer Ready! Nursing Instructor, Hannah Mottel, and Student Government President, Samuel Boyd, share the importance of contact tracing. A reminder to keep up with who you who you’ve been hanging out with is at www.usca.edu/pacer-ready

Pacer Ready: What you can do to help
Pacer Ready: What you can do to help

Be Pacer Ready! Nursing Professor, Kay Lawrence, shares how you can help prevent the spread of germs on campus. To learn how you can help keep the campus healthy, go to www.usca.edu/pacer-ready

Pacer Ready: What we've done on Campus
Pacer Ready: What we've done on Campus

Be Pacer Ready! Facilities Director, Brian Enter, shares what we've done to help prevent the spread of germs on campus. To learn how UofSC Aiken has prepared, go to www.usca.edu/pacer-ready

Pacer Graduation Parade and Celebration!
Pacer Graduation Parade and Celebration!

Congratulations to the Class of 2020! It was so fun celebrating with you during our Pacer Graduation and Parade! Students decorated their cars, and families and friends lined the traffic circle on Scholar Loop as grads paraded across campus. As each graduate's name was announced, Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor, presented a diploma cover. Photos from the Graduation Parade and Celebration can be found at www.usca.edu/gradparadephotos

Benjamin Porca, Class of 2026, shares a musical message of H.O.P.E. by performing Take Five by Dave Brubeck.

Happy Friday, Pacers! We hope your exams are going well. To celebrate making it through the week, communication major, Jeremiah Brazzell shares with us a cover of Stand By Me.

Today, we celebrate our undergraduate researchers on what would have been our 13th Annual Scholar Showcase. Meredith Hawcroft, a three-time participant in the event, encourages Pacers to keep discovering!

Homecoming 2020 celebrations continue in Downtown Aiken as Soda City Brass Band featuring some USC Aiken Alumni kicks off Mardi Gras.

Homecoming 2020 Bridge Walk
Homecoming 2020 Bridge Walk

What a gorgeous day for the traditional bridge walk! USC Aiken Alumni

The Benefits of Living On Campus
The Benefits of Living On Campus

Tonight we’re sitting down with Parent and Family Relations Coordination, Sandy Talbott, Housing Director, Kevin Kerr, and Student Senior Resident Mentor, DesTiney Cox to discuss the benefits of living on campus! For more information visit: https://www.usca.edu/parents https://www.usca.edu/housing Contact Sandy: 803-641-2825 [email protected] Contact Kevin: 803-641-3246 [email protected]

Join USC Aiken for Homecoming 2020! More information: https://www.usca.edu/alumni/events-programs/homecoming

Great to hear from the 2020 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration speaker, Bobby Donaldson. Aiken Technical College

Holiday Greetings from USC Aiken
Holiday Greetings from USC Aiken

As the semester and 2019 draw to a close and we prepare to award students their degrees during December Convocation, we want to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday and peaceful new year.

USC Aiken celebrated the completion of its new entrance on University Parkway, which was made possible by the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education. "Every member of the ACCHE is staunchly committed to our students' success and have partnered with us in many ways to help ensure we have the right programs in place. They also help us increase awareness and enhance our brand recognition," said Dr. Sandra Jordan, chancellor. Read more: https://usca.meritpages.com/news/usc-aiken-celebrates-new-entrance/12376

Welcome to the first USC Aiken Facebook Live Q&A hosted by Travis Hardee and Amethyst Marroquin. Today, Chancellor Sandra Jordan will be taking your questions, so make sure you send them in live!

Ace is SO excited about the first day of classes! We hope all of our Pacers have a wonderful first day.

Welcoming the class of 2023 made up by approximately 600 freshmen to USC Aiken!

Ace is so excited to welcome Aiken Scholars Academy students back to campus!

2 days until graduation! 🎓 We’re counting down with some of our graduating students! Today, we're hearing from Brandon McVey from the School of Business Administration. Graduates, share your memories by using #USCAClassof2019 To find out more info about May 2019 graduation: https://www.usca.edu/graduation/

3 days until graduation! 🎓 We’re counting down with some of our graduating students! Today, we hear from Travis Hardee a U.S. Army Reservist. USC Aiken Office of Veteran and Military Student Success Graduates, share your memories by using #USCAClassof2019 To find out more info about May 2019 graduation: https://www.usca.edu/graduation/

5 days until graduation! 🎓🎓🎓 We’re counting down to graduation with some of our graduating students. Today, we hear from Eriq Moultrie from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. Graduates, share your memories by using #USCAClassof2019 To find out more info about May 2019 graduation: https://www.usca.edu/graduation/

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About USC Aiken

Building partnerships has been the cornerstone of the University of South Carolina Aiken since its inception in 1961. It was then that the citizens of the Aiken community voiced the need for a local institution of higher education. In a true demonstration of grassroots politics, the community rallied to show their support for a college to be founded in the area. Through state legislation, a governing board was formed, the Aiken County Commission for Higher Education, which continues to oversee the University’s mission.

The University of South Carolina, the state’s flagship university which was founded in Columbia in 1801, began offering courses in Aiken for students interested in completing their degrees in Columbia. USC Aiken became the fourth campus founded of the eight that would eventually comprise the USC System. Three full-time faculty members, a secretary, and 139 students joined for the university’s first academic semester in September 1961. Classes took place in "Banksia", a former winter-colony mansion in downtown Aiken. For 11 years, the university’s first students attended college in a structure which was developed as living quarters, studying composition in an area which was once a ballroom and algebra in a former sitting room.

Over the years, the student population grew and the need for a new physical location for campus arose. The university purchased property from the Graniteville Company and moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972. One multipurpose building was constructed, which was later named the Robert E. Penland Administration Building. This building’s open courtyard features one of the campus’ most notable landmarks, the Double Knot sculpture by artist Charles Perry, which symbolizes the University's close ties with the local community. At the time, most assumed that this would be the only building ever needed for the campus; however, the university grew to occupy more than 20 buildings and athletics facilities in the years that followed.

As a natural next step, USC Aiken began to seek autonomy in the USC system so students could begin and complete their degrees in Aiken. In 1977, the university was fully accredited as a senior college by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges, now known as the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and granted its first baccalaureate degrees. Master’s degree programs began being offered on campus in 1994.

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Comments

Good Evening Please see this letter from the Black Alumni Council Leadership Team about Senator Kamala Harris becoming the first Black person and first Woman to become Vice President Elect for the United States of America.
You are investigating someone who said they didn’t like the Black Lives Matter stickers on Clemson’s helmets? I and many others agree 100% with him. His belief as well as mine doesn’t mean that he doesn’t agree that all should be treated with kindness and treated fairly regardless of skin color or ethnicity. BLM is openly Marxist. That is not acceptable in America. As a fairly new resident of Aiken I am deeply disappointment with this situation.
Is it true Chancellor Sandra Jordan intends to engage in a fascist act against coach Kenny Thomas because he doesn’t respect the terrorist organization known as BLM? This is disgusting behavior and i will be submitting a claim either the EEOC inWashington.
Roommates Wanted To Share Apartment Near Campus!!!!!! I am seeking roommates to share an apartment near USC Aiken campus. There are adequate parking and it’s within close proximity to shopping centers. Please dm me for further details!
Please google edgraves overcoming obstacles in the south, founder-ON TTRACC BIBLE BUSINESS COLLEGE.
The USC Aiken Black Alumni Council prepared this statement in response to Kenny Thomas's remarks.
Is there dining service on the weekend? Freshman daughter not finding the service available or open.
Can someone please tell Me what time orientation starts tomorrow? The email did not have a time on it and I’ve heard three different start times so far.
Hello, please check this Florida Stormwater Association Scholarship Program Deadline: 7th August 2020 Apply Now
https://youtu.be/yfdhDAGFw2c
When will USCA put out the Dean's List for Spring 2020?
The Concerned Ministers Fellowship would like for you to join us this morning (June 13th) at 9am on WAAW 94.7FM as we continue our topic for the month "What Does Justice Look Like?" with Dr. Sandra Jordan (Chancellor of USC Aiken SC) and the Rev. Michelle Page Bush (career educator and historian). Join us Live Stream on Paul H. Bush FBP where you may text question, and comments or call in live at 803-641-6499 or 803-641-6497. Our forum "You Matter" is all about hearing your voice in our communities about issues that Matter to You. We are looking forward to your engagement.