The National Council on Teacher Quality gave USCA a grade A for its elementary education curriculum and programs, which prepare Pacers to teach reading to elementary students.  “We are proud of this recognition because it reflects the hard work of our faculty and the strength of our elementary education program,” said Dr. David Buckman, dean of the USCA School of Education.  “Reading proficiency remains one of the most important foundations for student success, and our faculty are committed to preparing teacher candidates who can make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.”    The report, Teacher Prep Review: Decoding Progress in Reading Preparation, published on June 9, recognizes USCA for meeting literacy standards and incorporating effective methods of reading instruction. Based on the report, future teachers who graduate from USCA are ready to provide science-based reading instruction, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, comprehension and vocabulary.  “While no single review defines a program, it is encouraging to see our efforts in literacy preparation recognized," Buckman said.  Data included in the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicates that four in 10 fourth graders in South Carolina cannot read at a basic level.   NCTQ believes teacher preparation is key to changing that — but only if aligned to the research-based instructional methods that have been proven to help most students become successful readers.  “Every child deserves a teacher who has been well prepared to teach reading, and every teacher deserves the opportunity to enter the classroom ready to help students succeed,” said NCTQ President Heather Peske.   “Across the country, many teacher preparation programs still do not fully align with the science of reading, but University of South Carolina Aiken is demonstrating what strong preparation can look like.”  NCTQ is a nonpartisan research and policy organization that aims to help ensure every child’s educational success. Its methodology is informed by a panel of reading experts, teacher preparation faculty, reading advocates and measurement experts. To evaluate the quality of preparation being provided, a team of experts at NCTQ analyzed syllabi, including lecture schedules and topics, background reading materials, class assessments, assignments and opportunities to practice instruction in required literacy courses for elementary education majors at USCA.  

Julianna “Jules” Gray and Ava Shahbahrami not only shared the decision to attend the same university, but also crossed the stage together with all smiles after graduating from the USCA LIFE program on May 6.   Gray and Shahbahrami, both from Lexington, SC, have Down syndrome and made local and national headlines after enrolling in the program in fall 2024.  Since arriving on campus, the pair have built lasting friendships, grown in independence, and embraced every opportunity that college life had to offer. From attending sporting events and dances to working jobs, the two quickly became familiar faces throughout the USCA community.  “I think I will miss the dynamic between the two of them the most. They encouraged and supported each other in everything that they did,” said Falcone Dunlap, coordinator and teacher for USCA LIFE.   Dunlap said one of the biggest areas of growth she noticed in both students was in their communication skills, which helped strengthen their confidence and ability to advocate for themselves.  “The growth in these skills have increased their ability to be self-advocates and I could not be prouder.” she said.  For Shahbahrami’s mother, Patricia Gates, watching her daughter grow throughout the program has been emotional and rewarding.  “I am completely overwhelmed with pride for Ava’s growth,” Gates said. “Ava’s confidence in her ability to do things has grown tremendously. She loves to say, ‘I got it! I’m an adult.’”  Programs like USCA LIFE, she explained, have given their family reassurance and confidence in Ava’s future.  “We knew she could do all these things, but being in a setting where she had to prove it and then finish with a credential means the world to us,” she said.  Following graduation, Ava has already accepted a new position at Joy in the Journey, a speech and occupational therapy office in Lexington, South Carolina, where she will serve as the office’s joy coordinator. Beginning June 2, she will help therapists prepare rooms, welcome new clients, and assist in the waiting room.  While stepping into the workforce, Ava is also looking ahead to even bigger goals.  “She would like to live on her own or with roommates in an apartment,” her mother said. “She still wants to be like any other college graduate and 23-year-old and start living without her parents.”  Jules’ mother, Toni Gray, has also seen tremendous personal growth during her daughter’s time in the program.  “The changes we’ve noticed are an increase in her day-to-day independence and a definite growth in her level of maturity,” Gray said.  Although Ava will not be returning to campus in the fall, Jules plans to continue in the USCA LIFE Leadership & Civic Engagement (LCE) program as a third-year student and is already looking forward to the upcoming school year.   “She’s extremely excited about being a third-year student,” Gray said. “She’s looking forward to moving into a new dorm and finding out who her roommates will be.”  Their friendship, however, is far from ending. Gates and Gray say their daughters will still make plans to catch up over the summer.   “Her friendship with Ava is an unbreakable bond,” Gray said. “They talk, text, and/or FaceTime every day, but they are not inseparable. They both have many other friends and activities without each other. Jules will miss her when she returns in the fall because Ava has decided not to return. I’m sure they will still call each other at 8 p.m. every night to say goodnight.”  During her time at USCA, Jules especially embraced the social side of college life while also gaining valuable work experience through a job at ACE Hardware.  “Jules truly enjoyed the social aspects of college the most,” Gray said. “She was always planning her next activity such as sporting events, dances, karaoke, or just spending time with the other students in the dorm lobby.”  “She worked three days a week cleaning, organizing, and helping customers,” Gray added. “She’s excited to find out what new job she’ll get when she returns.”  As the two best friends celebrate this milestone together, their families say the USCA LIFE program has helped provide opportunities, confidence and independence that will continue shaping their futures long after graduation. 

USCA School of Education students, faculty and alumni teamed up with Leavelle McCampbell Middle School on April 1 for Metric Math Olympics, during LMMS’ Enrichment Week.   Dr. Devone McKie, LMMS assistant principal and USCA alumnus, collaborated with Dr. Bridget Coleman, SoE professor, and her students to plan hands-on activities for LMMS and Langley-Bath-Clearwater middle schoolers during the event’s Math Camp.   “The partnership with University of South Carolina Aiken played a major role in the success of our Level Up Math Camp,” McKie said.   “The college students provided extra support, encouragement, and positive mentorship to our students throughout the camp. It also gave our students exposure to college opportunities and helped make learning more engaging.”  Elliott Hendricks, a secondary math education major, led several engaging activities, which included measurements and a lot of fun: javelin straw throw, paper plate discus, sphere marbles grab, and cotton ball shot put. The fan favorite was Hendricks’ sponge squeezing competition to determine which middle schooler could squeeze the most water from the sponge.   “Elliott Hendricks’ involvement added tremendous value through his mathematics expertise and support of both students and staff,” McKie said.  “His involvement helped strengthen the instructional activities and made the experience even more meaningful for our students.”  Other USCA alumni who now teach at LMMS and LBC assisted with the event, including Kali Paczynski, Kayla McPhee, Bryan Hadden and Jalisa McKevie-Daniels.    “Overall, the collaboration created a positive learning experience that benefited everyone involved,” McKie said. 

USCA came out fifth of 34 teams, which included several ACC and SEC competitors, during the USEA Intercollegiate and Interscholastic Eventing Championships at Stable View from May 15-17 in Aiken.  The university entered two teams of four riders in the annual event. USCA Pacers on the Prowl placed fifth, and Ace of Pacers came in 19th “I am extremely proud of how well the girls represented themselves and how they represented USCA,” said Kaitlyn Ingraham, a business management major from Tabernacle, New Jersey, who serves as the president of USCA’s Eventing Club.   “This is such a great accomplishment since we were competing against some of the best teams in the country.”   USCA’s teams went up against Auburn, Clemson, Virginia Tech, University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina in Columbia, James Madison, University of Tennessee, Georgia, University of Florida, Texas A&M, The Citadel, Kenesaw State, and Randolf-Macon College.    While USCA entered two teams, the other schools had three, four — up to six — teams taking part in the championship.    In addition to team achievements, several individual Pacers did well. Many members placed in the top 10 in their classes.  “Everyone tried their heart out competing,” Ingraham said. “I was very pleased to see how everyone was out cheering the other girls on as they went.”   Pacers on the Prowl  Kaitlyn Ingraham Lanie Mourgenos Sydney Shinn Sophia Brady-Owen    Individual achievements  Marissa Redmond – First place, Beginner Novice Rider A  Sydney Shinn – Second, Open Preliminary  Sophia Brady-Owen – Second, Open Beginner Novice  Ace of Pacers  Marissa Redmond Lucy Hill Emma Imhoff Alexzondra Nelson 

Hundreds of graduates officially became alumni after the University of South Carolina Aiken held its annual spring commencement ceremony on May 6.  “To the Class of 2026, this is your moment, and it’s one you’ve truly earned. Some of you will step into new careers, taking everything you’ve learned into communities near and far,” said Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA. “Each of you came to USCA with your own story, strengths, and goals. Along the way, you’ve grown through long nights, challenging classes, and the encouragement of faculty who believed in you.”  The ceremony featured several notable moments, including the commissioning of graduating seniors Elenora Gazzelli, Sairielys Hernandez-Cruz, Irvon T. Malcolm, Tyrell D. Robinson and Ali Samaha into the United States Army. According to Robert Murphy, director of military affairs and external studies at USCA, this is the largest commissioning of students in the school's history.   Another highlight included the awarding of an honorary Doctor of Public Service degree to Dr. Elizabeth Stewart, president of the Aiken Partnership Board. Stewart is chair emerita of Stewart and Associates, a national management training and survey consulting firm celebrating 40 years. She holds undergraduate degrees in French, Spanish and education, as well as master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology and economics and a law degree, all from the University of Florida.  During her remarks, Stewart shared that she had been a competitive surfer for nearly 60 years and offered graduates three life lessons she learned from surfing. “First, know that the first wave you ride will probably not end up being the last wave. Second, most really good surfers become good surfers because they find better surfers to learn from. And third, success is not how many trophies you have won or how much you have.”  The university also recognized Ainhoa Colino as its May Outstanding Senior Student. Originally from Spain, Colino graduated with a 4.0 GPA and degrees in psychology and exercise and sports science. During her time at USCA, she presented at four research conferences, earned recognition as a Magellan Scholar, and became a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.  Beyond the classroom, Colino was a member of the cross-country team and an All-American race walker, served as a resident mentor in student housing, and worked as a global ambassador for the university’s International Program. She is also fluent in five languages.  Colino delivered remarks during the rehearsal session prior to commencement. “USCA has given me friendships and memories I will carry with me forever, and I will never be grateful enough for them,” Colino said. “This university has seen me grow not only as a student, but as a person, and it is because of those experiences and opportunities that I am standing here today.”  Other noteworthy moments included USCA LIFE (Learning Is For Everyone) celebrating the graduation of its second cohort of students with intellectual disabilities. Among the graduates were best friends Julianna Gray and Ava Shahabhrami, who gained national attention after enrolling in the program together in fall 2024.  Gray said she plans to return to USCA LIFE’s Leadership & Civic Engagement program, an extension of the USCA LIFE initiative. Shahabhrami said she will work at the Lantern Hotel in Columbia, South Carolina, while also serving as a coordinator at Joy in the Journey Pediatric and Speech Therapy Services. In both roles, she will help prepare rooms and welcome clients.   Local media outlets also covered USCA’s commencement ceremony:  USCA celebrates May commencement - FOX54 News Now  USCA celebrates spring commencement with more than 400 graduates - WRDW News 12  ‘Give your best from the very beginning’: USCA’s newest grads are ready to take on the world  - Aiken Standard  USCA graduates celebrate 2026 commencement - Augusta Chronicle 

Generac is supporting the expansion of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) programming at USCA’s Ruth Patrick Science Education Center through a $23,500 contribution. The funding will help grow educational programs and sponsorship opportunities throughout the year while furthering the center’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.  The power systems company presented the donation during a check presentation with Dr. Daniel Heimmermann, chancellor of USCA, and Dr. Phil Bridgemon, provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.   The new funding will enhance several key initiatives, including the Science Education Enrichment Day (SEED) STEM Festival, the Full STEAM Ahead summer camp and student program sponsorships for both the physical science and mathematics content series.  “The RPSEC has a foundation built on partnerships and relationships with organizations like Generac,” said Senn. “Without the support of these partnerships, we would be unable to inspire a love for STEM throughout our community, and the RPSEC would not be the STEM education leader it is today.”  According to Kelly Skindzelewski, community programs manager for Generac, the partnership between the company and the center began shortly after Generac opened its facility in Trenton, South Carolina, in 2021.  “When Generac first opened our facility in Trenton, we began searching for local STEM programs we could engage with and discovered the nearby Ruth Patrick Science Education Center,” Skindzelewski said. “The center offers a variety of programs that align with our interests and continue to provide meaningful ways to engage with local schools and the community.”  Skindzelewski said Generac and the Generac Foundation view education and innovation as critical drivers of economic growth and career development.  “Giving back to the community where our employees live and work is an important part of Generac’s culture,” she said. “The RPSEC provides unique opportunities for us to support educational programs that help prepare young people for future careers.”  She added that Generac sees opportunities for continued collaboration with RPSEC in areas ranging from science and cybersecurity to business administration and electrical engineering.  “Middle and high school students are looking for hands-on experiences that help guide their future career paths,” Skindzelewski said. “We’re excited to continue supporting programs that introduce students to those possibilities.”  Skindzelewski added that supporting STEM education is critical to developing future leaders who will solve problems and drive innovation. By investing in youth STEM programs at the Ruth Patrick Science Eduation Center, the company hopes to spark curiosity and create meaningful “light bulb moments” that inspire students to explore future careers in STEM.