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A magazine for alumni and friends of the University of South Carolina Upstate SUMMER 2021 GAME ON Spartan teams celebrate a record season Intimate Conversations Actors learn to talk about their bodies and boundaries Band of Brothers Upstate men's soccer celebrates 40 years as a family Inquiring Minds Students discover the thrill of research
Global Internship
Forum
Wednesday, September 15, 2021
2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. | University Readiness Center, USC Upstate
301 N. Campus Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29303
Join us for a FREE internship and job event that offers the opportunity to recruit talent
from USC Upstate, local community colleges, and high schools. You will be able to
highlight your company, internships, and jobs during roundtable discussions with
students from all academic backgrounds. Enjoy a reception with faculty and
administrators, panel discussion on career readiness, and a networking event.
Register for the forum by Sept. 1 at uscupstate.edu/gif
Our 2021 Sponsors
Please consider becoming an official sponsor of the forum.
For more information, please contact Dr. Alexander Lorenz
at alorenz@uscupstate.edu
UP Magazine
SUMMER 2021
Volume 3, Issue 1
A magazine for alumni and friends of the
University of South Carolina Upstate
MANAGING EDITOR
Jessica Blais
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Elizabeth Anderson
20 / Building Community Trevor Anderson
Debbra Alvarado, ’16, helps Hispanic
residents find support DESIGN
Bridget Kirkland
Hannah Jordan
Studio Upstate
PHOTOGRAPHY
Les Duggins
WEB DESIGN
Eric Swearengin
CONTRIBUTORS
Jarred Bradley
Erin Callicott
Codie Kunstmann
Conner Leonard
Lenny Mathis
Will Meyer
32 / Witnesses to History 38 / A Legacy of Giving MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER
Upstate students preserve COVID-19 Commissioner Anne Flynn carries on Javier Rivera
memories tradition of service
CONTACT US
UMC@uscupstate.edu
A Letter From the Chancellor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 ADVANCEMENT
A Letter From Kim Jolley . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
MAILING ADDRESS
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS Remembering Mac Cates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ATTN: UP Magazine
Bennie Harris Named Next Chancellor . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Seeing Through Their Eyes Exhibit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
University Marketing and Communications
Coaches of the Year Celebrated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Honoring Outstanding Alums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 800 University Way
New Deans Join USC Upstate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Spartanburg, South Carolina 29303
Mastering Exercise Science . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 ATHLETICS
Upstate Launches El Centro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Athletics on the Way UP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 UP Magazine is published by the USC Upstate
Grant to Support MBSON Students . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Soccer’s Band of Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Office of Marketing and Communications. Diverse
Studio Upstate Awarded ASPIRE Grant . . . . . . . . . . 9 A Rifle Comes Full Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 views appear in these pages and do not necessarily
Sports Standouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 reflect the views of the editors or the official policies
FEATURES of the University.
PHOTO FINISH
Lenny Mathis: Upstate Game-Changer . . . . . . . . . 10
Snapshot in Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Meet the Class of 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
InstaReplay: Student Life in Pictures . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Inquiring Minds: Student-Faculty Research . . . . 16
CHE Welcomes Bennie Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Unknown Upstate: For Love of Music . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Sparty’s Ball . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Intimate Talk in Theater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Upstate Celebrates Homecoming . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Upstate Commencement 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
CAMPUS HIGHLIGHTS
Students Honored for Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
LAST WORD
Faculty Achievements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Library Dean Reflects on Past 21 Years . . . . . . . . 56
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 |1
ADMINISTRATION
J. Derham Cole, Jr., J.D. Letter from
Interim Chancellor
Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
THE CHANCELLOR
Chancellor-Elect
David Schecter, Ph.D..
As we publish this latest issue of UP in numerous ways, and perhaps nowhere
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Magazine, I cannot help but reflect on more profoundly than on our athletic
Academic Affairs the last year. We have come through the fields. The Spartans wrapped up the
Daniel Feig, J.D. worst, I believe, having persisted through spring season with men’s soccer having
Director of Athletics and a pandemic the likes of which we hope enjoyed its best season in the Division I
Vice Chancellor for Intercollegiate Athletics never to experience again. So many of us era and culminating with head coach
Kimberly Jolley have endured hardship and loss. But as Scott Halkett being named Big South
Interim Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and difficult as this period in our lives has Coach of the Year. Not to be outdone,
Executive Director of University Foundations
been, the pandemic has revealed our women’s golf coach Todd Lawton was
Robert Katz, Ph.D.
strengths as educators and students. We voted Big South Coach of the Year as
Interim Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and
Dean of Students came together as a campus community well. Our softball, baseball and track
Donette Stewart in ways we never have before, and I am teams set new records, too. You’ll notice
Vice Chancellor for Admissions and Enrollment Services proud that our new chancellor will benefit an athletics thread in this issue — a
Sheryl Turner-Watts by your collective resilience and ongoing strong one.
Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration dedication to the critical work we all do Meanwhile, a number of our students
Alphonso Atkins, Jr., J.D. every day. What a joy it was to gather for were working alongside faculty on
Chief Diversity Officer and EO/Title IX Coordinator commencement ceremonies in May! research projects. Led by Dr. Melissa
Jessica Blais Dr. Bennie Harris, USC Upstate’s Pilgrim and the Office of Sponsored
Associate Vice Chancellor for seventh chancellor, will be settling into Awards and Research Support, these
Strategic Communications and Marketing
his new office this summer as I transition opportunities for undergraduates to
Adam Long
Chief Information Officer
to a new position as vice president of engage in research are invaluable.
System Affairs with the USC System. We Academically, the work is rigorous, and
Stacey Mills
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Regional Engagement and introduced Dr. Harris and his family perhaps more importantly, time with
Executive Director of USC Upstate Greenville Campus during a press conference last month, faculty promotes critical thinking,
Kim Purdy, Ph.D. and I look forward to working with him in communication, time management and
Dean of University College and promoting the increasingly significant other soft skills that make our graduates
Assistant Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
role USC Upstate plays in the region and particularly attractive to employers.
Khrystal Smith, Ph.D. in the state. Also in this issue, you’ll meet a number
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Engagement and
Retention Initiatives
Resilience has shown itself on campus of our recent graduates and one of the
Pam Steinke, Ph.D.
Vice Provost and Associate Vice Chancellor for
Academic Affairs
2 | UP Magazine
SPARTANBURG COUNTY
COMMISSON FOR
HIGHER EDUCATION
Victor P. Austin, Jr. ’90
David L. Church, D.H.A '92 (Chair)
university’s greatest advocates. particularly as we turn the page on the William R. Cobb, ’74
Commissioner Anne Flynn has long been most acute effects of COVID-19 and Patrick Cutler
invested in the success of our students, begin a new chapter in the life of this Renee Dean ’03
following an example provided by her wonderful institution. I am proud to be a David L. Eubanks, Ed.D.
parents. My wife, Suzy, and I have known Spartan, and I look forward to our Anne Flynn
Anne for many years and we enjoyed continued work together. Ron Garner, Ed.D. ’94
reading this latest profile about her Scott Heath
invaluable contributions to the Sincerely, Ben Hines
Spartanburg community. Johnny Lee
USC Upstate welcomes two new Cathy McCabe
deans this summer. John Barnett takes Ryan McCarty
the reins from Library Dean Frieda Harold McClain
Davison, who retires this year having Milton A. "Chip" Smith, ’78 (Vice Chair)
Thomas R. "Tommy" Young III
served USC Upstate admirably for more J. Derham Cole, Jr.
than 20 years. Dr. Tanya Boone steps in Interim Chancellor
EX-OFFICIO
as dean of the College of Arts,
Toney J. Lister
Humanities, and Social Sciences. We
USC System Board of Trustees
thank Interim Dean Rob McCormick for
his leadership over the last two years,
EMERITI
and look forward to working with John Charles Babb
and Tanya, both of whom were selected Jane G. Bottsford, R.N. ’69
following competitive national searches. James R. Smith ’72
It has been an honor to serve as
interim chancellor at USC Upstate. The
university remains on its upward
trajectory, thanks to you, our talented
faculty and staff, current students and
alumni, and community stakeholders. We
recognize your hard work and dedication,
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 |3
INSTITUTIONAL NEWS
Dr. Bennie Harris Named
USC Upstate Chancellor
launching a $225 million comprehensive
campaign and growing fundraising
income to $112 million, an increase of
more than 265% over six and a half years.
MSM has received $177,309,691 from the
National Institutes of Health (NIH) since
2015.
As vice president for Development and
Alumni Relations at Lipscomb University
from 2007-2014, Harris provided strategic
leadership in all areas of development,
grants management, and alumni relations
to include corporate, foundation and
government relations, major and planned
gifts, annual giving, donor stewardship
and advancement services. Under his
direction, fundraising increased by 332%
within four years, to $32,238,899 in
FY2012 compared with $9,716,139 in
FY2009.
“Without debate, external funding from
philanthropic and other sources,
including state and federal grants, will
differentiate USC Upstate and position it
for greatness,” said Harris. “As chancellor,
I will play an integral role in identifying and
acquiring resources to achieve Upstate’s
vision. I believe strongly that growing
USC Upstate’s endowment over the next
five to ten years is necessary and
achievable.”
“Concurrently, growing student
enrollment will position the University to
E
become one of the leading student-
arlier this spring, following a Harris. “Upstate’s strategic plan outlines centered universities in the region,”
competitive national search, compelling objectives that are important added Harris. “By working with the
Bennie L. Harris was named USC in transforming the lives of young people provost, academic leadership and key
Upstate’s seventh chancellor. Harris and the Upstate region. I have always institution stakeholders, I will continue
succeeds Brendan Kelly, who served valued the importance of education, in Upstate’s commitment to growth by
from 2017-2020. not only improving my life and that of my improving academic programs, creating
Most recently, Harris served as senior family, but in building a community of programs that respond to new
vice president for Institutional economically and socially healthy, employment needs, deepening the
Advancement at the Morehouse School prosperous people.” impact of service, adding new facilities,
of Medicine (MSM) in Atlanta, Georgia, a As a senior vice president at MSM, renovating and adapting existing spaces
position he held since 2014. Prior to that, Harris was a member of the executive to emerging technologies and methods,
he was vice president for Development leadership team. He co-chaired the and expanding the permanent resources
and Alumni Relations at Lipscomb institution’s five-year strategic plan and necessary for long-term service and
University in Nashville, Tennessee. served as a key member in the success.”
“I am excited about the opportunity to development of the school’s Leadership Harris’ professional experience also
lead an exceptional regional public Academy, a program designed to includes executive administrative
institution that is well respected, diverse, promote leadership among faculty and positions at DePaul University in Chicago,
mission relevant and located in a region staff. He dramatically impacted the the University of Alabama at Birmingham,
that offers unlimited partnerships,” said school’s fundraising outcomes, and Washington State University in
4 | UP Magazine
The Harris family, from left, Bria, Bennie,
Frankie, Branden, and Bennie II.
Pullman, Washington. He has served as campaign from the International A native of Rosedale, Mississippi,
faculty throughout his career, focusing Academy of Interactive & Visual Arts Harris earned a Bachelor of Science
on courses in management, servant (AIVA). He is a member of the Association degree in industrial engineering from
leadership and strategic marketing, and of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) Mississippi State University; a Master of
most recently was an assistant professor Development Board, and a faculty Business Administration from
in the department of community health member of the “Securing the Largest Washington State University; and a Ph.D.
and preventive medicine at MSM. Gifts” summer program offered by the in educational leadership from the
He has presented at many industry Council for Advancement and Support of University of Alabama at Birmingham. He
conferences and is the recipient of Education (CASE). He currently serves on is married to Frankie Andrea Harris and
numerous honors and awards, including the board of trustees at Lipscomb they have three adult children, Bria,
multiple distinguished service awards University and on the board of the Susan Bennie II, and Branden.
and a 2020 Gold Award for an integrated G. Komen Foundation in Atlanta.
Looking Ahead
Harris was introduced to the campus and Spartanburg
communities during a press conference in May. His vision for the
university calls for innovation while leveraging opportunities to
grow.
“I want to innovate and help transform the university to
participate in the changing dynamics of higher education while
growing enrollment and promoting financial stability,” he told
assembled guests.
Over the past year, he said, students, faculty and staff have
experienced virtual education and job models that have worked,
and that presents an opportunity. “I think it’s going to be hard to
have an exclusive/one method of delivering education. So we have
to be prepared for that, and I think we can lead it.”
Harris’s second goal for Upstate is focused on the university’s
role as a significant contributor to the region’s economic
development. Citing projected growth, he said the university must
be a development “multiplier.”
“When people think about Spartanburg and this region, they
think of USC Upstate as a partner,” he said. “We are important to
the economic viability of this area and I want us to stand up and be
seen.”
In closing, Harris recognized members of the Chancellor Search
Committee, faculty and staff. “I am humbled by your support and
the strong vote of confidence you have provided me,” he said.
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 |5
CAHSS Welcomes New Dean
Todd Lawton Scott Halkett Tanya Boone recently assumed her She joined CSU Bakersfield’s
new role as dean of the College of Arts, department of psychology in 2003 as an
Humanities, and Social Sciences assistant professor and achieved the rank
Athletics Celebrates (CAHSS). She comes to USC Upstate of full professor in 2016. From 2009 to
Coaches of the Year from California State University, 2014, Boone served as faculty
Bakersfield, where she was associate coordinator within the university’s Center
Two Spartans received Coach of the Year dean in the School of Social Sciences for Community Engagement and Career
honors from the Big South Conference this and Education for nearly five years. Education. She was chair of the
season. Boone said she sees her new role as department of psychology from 2013 to
USC Upstate men's soccer head coach supporting and empowering faculty and 2016 and of advanced education studies
Scott Halkett was named Men’s Soccer staff, and helping them provide students from 2016 through 2019.
Coach of the Year, while head golf coach with the kinds of opportunities that will “We are delighted to welcome Dr.
Todd Lawton received Women’s Golf Coach prepare them to succeed in life. Tanya Boone as the next dean of our
of the Year. The honor was a first for both “I am passionate about the power of College of Arts, Humanities, and Social
men. higher education to transform lives, Sciences,” said USC Upstate Provost
In men’s soccer, Halkett and his staff led especially in underserved and first- David Schecter. “More than 100
the Spartans to one of their best seasons in generation communities,” Boone said. candidates applied for this position. With
the program’s Division I era, which was “This passion is the foundation of my more than a decade of leadership in
capped by Upstate’s first-ever trip to the Big work and motivates me to collaborate higher education, as well as her extensive
South Championship final where the with faculty and staff to generate creative experience with community service and
Spartans finished as the tournament and innovative strategies for best meeting engagement, Dr. Boone is highly qualified
runners-up. the needs of our students. I am eager to and extremely motivated. I believe she will
Upstate’s only loss in conference play this continue and expand this work at USC do an outstanding job.”
season came against the league leader Upstate.” Boone’s scholarship has focused on
High Point. The Spartans ranked in the top Boone, a native of Washington state, family and adolescent development. Her
three as a team in the Big South in several earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in leadership experience has centered on
statistical categories, including second in social work from the University of supporting student success, in
shots (154) and corner kicks (58), and third Washington in 1990 and Master of Arts in collaboration with faculty and staff, while
in points (54). Additionally, the club ranked communication studies from the serving on executive teams to promote
third in goals (21) and goals per game (2.1), University of Arizona in 1997. In 2003, she the university’s strategic goals, which
as well as goals allowed (14) and goals received her Ph.D. in human development include improving student retention and
against average (1.35). and family studies from The Pennsylvania graduation rates.
The USC Upstate women’s golf team is State University.
coming off their best season in school
history. The Spartans recorded their lowest
stroke average in school history (297.23)
and recorded the best team winning-
percentage in program history (.896). As a
team, the Spartans won two tournaments in
the same season for the first time ever and
finished inside the top three in all but one
tournament.
Beem Pabsimma became the first female
golfer in school history to capture a
conference championship. With the victory,
Pabsimma became the first female golfer in
program history to play in the NCAA
Regionals. Praew Nontarux earned Big
South Freshman of the Year honors. Under
the guidance of Lawton, the USC Upstate
golf program holds both the Men’s and
Women’s Big South Individual Golf
Championships.
6 | UP Magazine
New Master’s Program
Targets Wellness
Professionals
USC Upstate’s School of Education,
Human Performance, and Health, is
poised to offer a new master’s degree in
exercise and sport science. The
program targets the needs of
professionals in the Upstate region who
wish to further their education and
expand their career options and
employability in health, wellness, and
rehabilitation. Three tracks will be
offered: cardiac rehabilitation,
psychosocial kinesiology, and exercise
physiology.
“We are proud to develop and offer
this graduate program with the
John Barnett Joins Upstate
expertise of our exercise and sport
science faculty and the support of our
as New Library Dean
community partners. This degree is
practitioner focused, with the goal of
exposing graduate students to research
As the new dean of the USC Upstate altmetrics. He was co-editor of Libraries: and developing students’ ability to
Library, John Barnett has large shoes to Research and Practice, an open access apply research focused on experiential
fill. He succeeds Frieda Davison, who journal. learning,” said Nur Tanyel, chair of the
retires after 21 years as Library dean. “The dean of the Library plays a vital department of human performance and
Barnett will oversee the completion of a role in USC Upstate’s commitment to health.
major renovation of the Library building academic excellence, collaborative The need for professionals in exercise
and the implementation of a statewide teaching and learning, and community and sport science in both the public
library shared-service platform, among engagement,” said USC Upstate Provost and private sectors is expected to
other responsibilities. David Schecter. “I am very excited that accelerate. “This graduate opportunity
“I’m really excited to join USC Upstate John has agreed to come and work with will allow the region to meet the
as the new Library dean,” Barnett said. “I us and believe he will do a terrific job.” increased need for highly trained
look forward to working with the Barnett has also served as assistant professionals in exercise, health,
University community and Library faculty director of the Pennsylvania Academic wellness, and rehabilitation resulting
and staff to have a direct, positive impact Library Consortium; director of collection from regional initiatives, population
on services that support teaching, development at Gettysburg College’s growth, and the effect of COVID-19,”
learning and research.” Musselman Library; head of collection said Laura Reynolds, dean of the
Barnett, originally of Swansboro, N.C., development at the University of Texas School of Education, Human John Barnett
has more than 25 years of experience in San Antonio (UTSA) Library; head of the Performance, and Health.
library management, leadership, UTSA’s Downtown Campus Library; and The program is expected to receive
collections, outreach to diverse reference librarian at the San Antonio approval from the Southern Association
audiences, grant writing, scholarly Public Library. He earned a Bachelor of of Colleges and Schools Commission
communication, and reference and Arts degree in English, writing and editing on Colleges (SACSCOC) this summer.
instructional services. Most recently, he from East Carolina University. In 1995, he
served as executive director of the graduated from the Master of Library and
Ontario Council of University Libraries Information Studies program at the
(OCUL), an academic library consortium University of North Carolina at
headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Greensboro.
Prior to joining OCUL in 2015, Barnett Constructed in 1976, USC Upstate’s
served as the scholarly communications 60,000-square-foot Library houses more
librarian for the University of Pittsburgh than 220,000 volumes and an ever-
Library System, where he worked with expanding archive that includes special
students and faculty on issues that collections and artifacts related to the
included open access to research history of the 10-county region of
literature, author rights, copyright and Upstate, South Carolina.
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 |7
2021 cohort of the Emerging Leaders
Program through the American
Association of State Colleges and
Universities (AASCU).
Maria Francisco Montesó, a senior
instructor in Spanish at USC Upstate,
will serve as the center’s assistant
director. Montesó graduated from
Universitat Jaume I in Spain, and earned
a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in
translation and interpreting studies in
Spanish, Catalan, English and German.
She has more than 10 years of
experience teaching Spanish, translation
and interpreting. Montesó is a Ph.D.
candidate. Her research interests focus
on educational interpreting and
pedagogy in translation and interpreting
studies.
Araceli Hernández-Laroche, left, and Maria Francisco Montesó will lead the new South Carolina Centro Latino. “As immigrants from Spain and
Mexico, respectively, Maria and I are
overjoyed and honored to lead El
USC Upstate to Launch Centro,” Hernández-Laroche said. “This
collaborative, community-based, cultural
and linguistic approach will increase the
First University-Based visibility of Latino/a and Hispanic talent
and contributions in all spheres of higher
education and civic life, especially as we
Latino/a Center in SC recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,
which has disproportionately impacted
these communities.”
This fall USC Upstate will roll out the and resources.”
South Carolina Centro Latino (SCCL), the “Considerable work is already being
state’s first university-based center for done in the Upstate and on our campus
Latino/a students, faculty and staff. to support the Latino/a community, but
Nicknamed “El Centro,” SCCL will we will now place that work under the El Centro Mission
seek to establish USC Upstate as the larger umbrella of El Centro and create SCCL will seek to carry out its mission
university of choice for Latino/a students, an institutional space of belonging, civility, through a variety of initiatives that
to increase retention of Latino/a students wellness and equity,” Schecter adds. include:
and to advocate for Latino/a families and
communities across South Carolina and SCCL leadership • Organizing Latina/o Interdisciplinary
beyond. Araceli Hernández-Laroche will serve Studies and Talks on Civic Leadership and
It will carry out its mission by focusing as director of SCCL. She is an associate Mentoring
on three pillars: Latino/a interdisciplinary professor of modern languages, and the • Hosting a “Latinas in Higher Ed Summit”
studies, the public humanities, and foreign language coordinator and • Hosting research forums on local and
translation and community interpreting. assistant chair of the Department of global impacts of migration
Community outreach will also be a key Language, Literature and Composition at • Expanding a Global Studies minor and
part of El Centro’s work. USC Upstate. The first tenured Mexican- certificate
“The needs of our Latina and Latino American professor in USC Upstate • Increasing interdisciplinary and
faculty, staff and students are growing history, Hernández-Laroche has studied multilingual public humanities scholarship
each day as we expand and enrich our and taught in France, directed an • Sponsoring podcasts, interactive lectures
campus with a more diverse student immersion program in Spain, conducted and other public-facing work in other
body and the Upstate region becomes research in Italy and speaks four languages
more diverse,” says USC Upstate languages. • Expanding the Alicante Study Abroad
Provost David Schecter. “The Latino/a Active in the community, Hernández- Program
population in the state is roughly 6 Laroche serves on the boards of • Expanding a Service Learning in
percent, and that is mirrored in our Spartanburg’s Chapman Cultural Center, Translation and Interpreting Studies Minor
campus percentage of students, but it is the Spartanburg Academic Movement
the fastest growing population and one and the LGBT Fund of Spartanburg. She For more information about El Centro,
that we believe needs more attention was selected to participate in the 2020- please email sccl@uscupstate.edu.
8 | UP MagazineFederal Grant
to Support
Underrepresented
Students at MBSON
USC Upstate’s Mary Black School of students in lower division nursing Lee said MBSON will use evidence-
Nursing (MBSON) has been awarded a encounter obstacles, such as financial based strategies to achieve its goals for
four-year, $1.95 million grant from the barriers, academic difficulties and a lack the project, including development of a
federal Health Resources and Services of guidance and support that hinder living/learning community, pre-
Administration (HRSA) that will support them from progressing to upper division immersion experiences, targeted
MBSON’s Holistic Opportunities and nursing,” said MBSON Dean Shirleatha education in rural health nursing, tutoring
Partnerships that Empower (HOPE) Lee. “We are uniquely positioned to and remediation services, and peer and
Nursing Success Project. address this challenge while community nurse mentorships, among
The HOPE Project seeks to increase simultaneously addressing the others.
the percentage of lower division nursing nationwide nursing shortage.” Announcement of the grant comes on
students from underrepresented, ethnic For the 2021-22 academic year, more the heels of the school earning
and minority backgrounds who progress than 30 scholarships will be awarded to reaccreditation from the Commission on
to upper division nursing and to increase freshmen and sophomores. “Our aim is Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE),
the graduation percentage of upper to retain and graduate more of these having met the industry’s highest
division nursing students from those students who are able to provide high- standards. CCNE granted MBSON full
backgrounds. quality, culturally aligned care to our reaccreditation through 2031.
“Many minority and disadvantaged community and beyond,” Lee said.
Studio Upstate Awarded ASPIRE Grant
Studio Upstate, USC Upstate’s
student-run graphic design agency, will
be able to provide a better professional
work experience for graphic design
students thanks to a $38,000 ASPIRE
grant it recently received from the
University of South Carolina’s Office of
Research.
Since its move to Main Street in
downtown Spartanburg, Studio
Upstate has been improving its new
home to provide an environment
comparable to that found at modern
design firms, says Matthew Donaldson,
associate professor of graphic design
and co-director, with associate
professor Bridget Kirkland, of Studio
Upstate.
The grant will provide much-needed Matthew Donaldson and Bridget Kirkland are co-directors of Studio Upstate in downtown Spartanburg.
computer and technology upgrades
that will give students up-to-date tools outcomes in our discipline are supporting one of the only student-run,
to use when creating professional completed design projects for clients, income-generating organizations at the
work, Donaldson says. such as logos, identity and branding, university.
“Student experiences with Studio brochures, posters, and websites.” Studio Upstate is located at 172 E.
Upstate are the equivalent of USC Upstate’s Director of Research Main St. in Spartanburg. USC Upstate
undergraduate research experiences in Melissa Pilgrim worked with Donaldson is among its largest clients.
other disciplines,” he says. “Scholarly and Kirkland to develop the proposal
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 |9Lenny Mathis
Upstate Game-Changer
USC Upstate’s senior associate athletic director for external operations
has been on the job for just under two years. His timing couldn’t have
been better; the Spartans just ended one of their best seasons ever.
L
enny Mathis was working as an we always found it to be such a
assistant athletic director at Wake welcoming and collaborative
Forest University when he spotted community. This is a place that allows
an opening at Upstate. Having served you not only to be involved in impactful
as an associate athletic director at community projects, but to be a leader.
Spartanburg’s Wofford College for Personally, it was enticing to have the
nearly 15 years, Mathis recognized the opportunity to return to a community
potential of the position with the we already loved and had watched
Spartans and the opportunity to return grow exponentially from afar.
to a place he and his family had long Professionally, to be able to lead an
called home. Mathis’ wife, Amanda, was external unit, to help build the USC
recently named executive director of the Upstate brand, is amazing.
Spartanburg Area Conservancy and
they are raising three children, Tripp, What does an associate A.D. for
Virginia and Vivian (ages 7, 6 and 3, external operations actually do?
respectively.) Mathis says he and
Amanda have enjoyed rejoining the In short, my position oversees
community, and when the family wasn’t communications – commonly known as
on campus this spring rooting for the sports information — athletics myself as a child attending games in
Spartans, they were at Tripp’s Little marketing, and video services. My team Sumter, Columbia and Charleston.
League games, cheering on his team. handles athletics press releases; Then, out of the blue, I got the
Mathis brings extensive marketing statistics and social media messaging; opportunity to work in college athletics
and management experience to USC live television event production, which and quickly realized that I now had an
Upstate but admits the job isn’t all fun includes more than 70 events annually, opportunity to work with hundreds of
and games. “Certainly, our industry and primarily broadcast on ESPN+; and the student-athletes, dozens of students
the demands on administrators have in-venue Game Day fan experience. who would help execute a “Game Day
changed dramatically since I started in game plan,” and potentially have an
2003, but it is that adaptation to the What makes Division I athletics impact far broader than baseball alone
challenge that keeps us hungry,” he particularly fun for you? could provide.
says. “To be able to pursue my
professional goals in a place my wife Interestingly, I really never imagined that Where do you see the greatest
and I hold so near and dear really is a I would be in Division I athletics. After opportunities for USC Upstate
dream come true.” graduating from USC in Columbia, I was Athletics?
focused on a career in minor league
What was it about USC Upstate that baseball. I had that path in mind We’re at such a great time in our history!
prompted your return to Spartanburg? because I believed in the impact the Like many institutions, we have some
minor teams can have on their facility needs, but overall, we are
In our 14 years of living in Spartanburg, communities, something I experienced blessed with great venues. We have a
10 | UP Magazinetremendous coaching staff and an Our division works closely with What do you enjoy most about
energetic and positive administrative University Advancement and Alumni working with student-athletes?
team led by Daniel Feig. As a university, Relations, and together we’re building
Upstate is fairly young and there is a better data, while reaching out to alumni What I find the most fun is connecting
whole host of things we can still build to assist us in tracking down those people from the community to our
here. To be clear, we need to have we’ve lost touch with over the years. We student-athletes and our campus. When
success on the field, and you saw that must reconnect emotionally to those young athletes come to campus and
this year with a number of our student-athletes from the “Rifles era.” find something that sparks them to want
programs. That positive energy breeds We have some bridge-building to do to to achieve success on the field and in
tradition, and through tradition, we build bring those proud Rifles around and to the classroom, then we’ve played a
affinity and community. make them proud of our Spartans. small role in changing the course of their
Lastly, we will need to be more lives. What could be more rewarding
Are there challenges we’ll need to aggressive in asking for financial than that?
overcome? support, through both direct program
support and our U Club, which benefits
I don’t wish to oversimplify, but I believe our entire department. But you can’t put
that our primary challenges lie in the cart before the horse. We can tell the
establishing or re-establishing most compelling story in the world, but
meaningful connections with our alumni, first we have to ensure that our story
particularly our former student-athletes. reaches a broader alumni audience.
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 | 11The arrival of spring on the USC Upstate
campus was a particularly welcome sight
after a year with so much uncertainty.
Equally anticipated is the return of students
to campus this fall.
12 | UP Magazineuscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 | 13
Meet the
Class of 2021
Julian Rip
Major: forever. As a student-athlete, we spend
Interdisciplinary Studies with a double countless hours on the field, and being
minor in exercise science and able to do that with the support and help
psychology of professors (some even come to the
games) is amazing.
Post-graduation plans:
Continue my education. I am planning Advice for new Spartans:
on going to medical school in the Get out of your comfort zone as much as
Netherlands (where I am from) to possible; you will only grow from it. Join
become an orthopedic physician. clubs, talk to new people, and explore
the campus, the cities around
Favorite Upstate Memory: Spartanburg and yourself. Upstate offers
Friendships that I have made that will last a lot - take advantage of it.
Mahek Momin
Major: Favorite Upstate Memory:
Biology with a concentration in pre- My most favorite memory was meeting
medical my lifelong best friend during my college
career and the best professors as well.
Post-graduation plans:
I will be studying for my MCAT, which I Advice for new Spartans:
am taking at the end of July. Over the It is OK if you don’t know exactly what
summer, I will also be doing an you want to do in the beginning! You will
internship at Prisma Health in the find yourself as you go along. Just keep
surgery department! Following this, I pushing forward!
will apply to medical school this year!
Hannah Collier
Major: when it snowed in early 2018. We never
Nursing, BSN got much snow at home, and my friends
and I had a blast!
Post-graduation plans:
I will be moving home to be a labor and Advice for new Spartans:
delivery nurse in the local hospital. I do My advice would be to give yourself
hope to continue my education grace – you can't expect to be perfect
someday, but I am excited to gain when you're doing something for the first
experience at KershawHealth. time. People are on your side and want to
see you succeed, but you have to take
Favorite Upstate Memory: care of yourself!
My favorite Upstate memory has to be
14 | UP MagazineMary Snow
Major: Favorite Upstate Memory:
Criminal Justice with a concentration My favorite memories from USC Upstate
in crime analysis and minor in are moments when I have been
psychology challenged to expand on and defend my
viewpoints.
Post-graduation plans:
In summer 2021, I start graduate Advice for new Spartans:
school for a M.S. in criminal justice My advice is to put in the time and effort,
with a concentration in crime analysis be accepting and receptive to new ideas,
and prevention at the University of and do everything you can to ensure your
Cincinnati. success, including reaching out to others
when needed.
Ramonte Smith
Major: much was the midnight breakfast. It was
Middle Level Education a unique way to bring people together,
and I always absolutely loved it.
Post-graduation plans:
My plan is to start teaching seventh- Advice for new Spartans:
grade geography in Spartanburg District My advice is to not be scared to put
7. I also have aspirations to continue my yourself out there. Learn how to stand
education at USC Upstate in their out from the rest in a positive way. You
graduate program. are gradually moving closer to a career
and you have to identify what makes you
Favorite Upstate Memory: different, special, and unique to your
One that made me love USC Upstate so community and employers.
NeTaysia Zeigler
Major: Advice for new Spartans:
Finance/Economics Have fun and make sure you are
passionate about what you pursue! It is a
Post-graduation plans: long journey, but having faculty and staff
I am currently interning at who support you makes it ten times
CommunityWorks Carolina and plan to better. There may be times that you want
work within the finance industry. to give up, but push yourself and know
that there is always someone in your
Favorite Upstate Memory: corner to help! Upstate is a wonderful
My favorite Upstate memory would have university to attend and you will love your
to be going to different events on college experience!
campus and networking to meet those
with similar interests.
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 | 15Inquiring
Minds
USC Upstate students
are discovering the
thrill of research with
help from faculty
mentors.
BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON
Joi Wilder plans to make a lot of
videos this summer.
But they won’t be of sunny beaches or
scenic getaways. Instead, the rising
senior at USC Upstate will be at the
mock courtroom in The George, helping
to record the “testimony” of actors for a
project examining the impact of
appearance and presentation style on an
expert witness’ credibility.
Wilder is one of many Upstate
students who are pursing in-depth
research projects with faculty members.
The work not only benefits their post-
undergraduate careers, but even, in
some cases, the fields to which they are
contributing.
“Research experiences for
undergraduates have always been really Senior Joi Wilder, Lynn McMillan, director of the Child Protection Training Center, and professor Susan Ruppel
important to me, because they were
transformative for me when I was an engaging with each other.” Fostering interest
undergraduate,” says Melissa Pilgrim, Pilgrim says as a first-generation Assistant professor Thanh Nguyen,
director of research in the Sponsored college student herself, she knows how who teaches finance at the George Dean
Awards and Research Support office. important a mentor can be. When she Johnson College of Business and
Pilgram, who is also a biology was an undergraduate, she planned to Economics, shares Pilgrim’s feeling of
professor, believes strongly in providing become a high school biology teacher. paying it forward. “I got help and support
students with research opportunities, One day, after conducting a rattlesnake from faculty who helped me form a
and supporting the faculty who offer survey with a professor, she says he sat research idea and taught me how to
them. Among her many responsibilities her down to say, “You know, if you want write and make a paper publishable,” he
is overseeing the annual SC Upstate to teach high school, that’s great, but says.
Research Symposium and the you need to recognize you’re good at So when he saw William Gregg, a
publication of its proceedings, both of this and there are other options.” senior business major, sitting in the front
which are forums for students to present “That set the trajectory for graduate of the classroom with a textbook open in
their work. school,” Pilgrim says. “I love teaching, front of him, Nguyen wanted to
“To me, it’s pretty neat to help develop and to me that also means mentoring. I encourage his curiosity. Gregg, he says,
programs or events that really benefit our just switched to where I could do that on was always asking questions about
students and also our faculty,” Pilgrim the college level.” finance, and Nguyen thought he might
says. “It keeps students and faculty like to explore a topic in depth.
16 | UP MagazineGregg jumped at the chance. He knew determine the next steps. questions to me and going in their own
he wanted to pursue a doctorate after Strandholm is helping Gregg get up to direction,” she says.
graduation, but hadn’t ever thought to speed on additional concepts he’ll need Fadel assisted Shorter with examining
ask a professor about doing research. to know before graduate school, the impact of excess vitamin B12 on
“You don’t really think that’s something providing him with reading material and nerve cell communications, and she
that’s even possible,” he says. suggesting other courses to take. received a Magellan Scholar Award from
That has led to two co-authored “They’re two completely different the University of South Carolina to fund
papers so far, both on bitcoin, and a professors in how they do everything, some of the work.
third one in the works. While the first two but there’s something I appreciate about She also had an unusual chance to
were published in the SC Upstate both,” Gregg says. contribute to developing research when
Research Symposium journals, Nguyen she became part of a project looking at
is aiming for a professional journal for the A new perspective the factors influencing people’s decision
third. Every publication is important, For Tina Fadel, ’21, undergraduate to practice COVID-19 preventative
Nguyen says, especially for graduate research was also a revelation. Fadel, behaviors, such as mask wearing.
school, where an article will show Gregg who was born in Beirut, Lebanon, had “We learn about infectious diseases in
“knows how to write up a research paper only been living in the United States for a class and how they’re treated and
and go through the process.” year when she started at USC Upstate. prevented, but to have a research project
Gregg says his work with Nguyen Her goal was to attend graduate school where you’re playing a role in gathering
inspired him to seek out another faculty in dentistry, but meeting assistant that information gives the student a real-
member about doing research, assistant professor Kimberly Shorter expanded life experience,” says associate
professor John Strandholm. “Had her thinking. professor Ginny Webb, who tapped
professor Nguyen not reached out and “I started shadowing her in the lab and Fadel for the project. “They’ve had a
started that working relationship, I never was like, wow, you’re able to research meaningful impact on disease research.”
would’ve asked professor Strandholm to the unknown, to answer questions that With Webb, Fadel co-authored a sub-
work with me,” Gregg says. no one knows the answers to,” Fadel study of a larger COVID paper that she
Now, he says, the two professors are says. “I didn’t know you could do that as also contributed to, and with Shorter she
almost as much friends to him as they an undergraduate, and it just completely has two papers that have been
are mentors. He and Nguyen often play changed my thinking.” submitted to scientific journals.
tennis together, and enjoy volleying ideas Shorter recognizes and values that Her experiences inspired her to apply
back and forth along with the ball. Over a spark of realization. “I really enjoy when I to graduate dental schools that included
post-game coffee, Gregg will share his see students get so into the research research as part of their program, and
findings with Nguyen, and the two then that they start bringing up their own she was accepted at several of them.
Assistant professor Thanh Nguyen and senior William Gregg
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 | 17Tina Fadel, ’21, and assistant professor Kimberly Shorter
“Research changed the person that I pursue a doctorate in school psychology. members acknowledge me, it makes me
am,” Fadel says. “I think differently now Since expert witnesses are often critical feel so amazing,” she says. “It makes me
and I appreciate science differently.” in child victimization cases, she sees her feel like everything that I went through
upcoming work as a way to ensure has built my character to be who I am
The bigger picture children’s interests are effectively today, and they see that.”
While having published research is represented in court. While Pilgrim is working on a system to
almost a requirement now for graduate Wilder, who also received a Magellan collect data on how research impacts
school, it’s not the only reason to do a Award, is working with Lynn McMillan, graduation and retention rates at
project, says Pilgrim. The skills students the director of the Child Protection Upstate, she says anecdotally, the
learn in the process – “that ability to Training Center at USC Upstate, and
communicate, whether it’s oral or psychology professor Susan Ruppel. Sarah Di Stefano, ’21, and assistant professor Matthew Placek
written, to be part of a team, to Ruppel regularly works with students on
collaborate” – can be applied to just independent study projects, and says
about anything they pursue. they always grow from the experience.
“Often you’re doing things that have “The big thing it teaches them is
consequences past you,” Pilgrim adds. confidence and follow-through,” she
“There’s a very big reflective piece to says. “I think the students don’t realize
research. You have to put thought into what they’re capable of until they actually
developing the project, but you also start engaging in the process. It instills a
need to think about it through time – confidence in them that they might not
when it’s done, what does that mean?” have had before.”
That future outcome is what excites That has definitely been true for
Wilder, the rising senior working on the Wilder, who still marvels at where she is
expert witness research. “I believe it’s right now. Growing up in a single-parent
going to contribute to findings that will household and experiencing poverty and
hopefully help new professionals homelessness, Wilder says at one point
increase their awareness and change she didn’t think she’d finish high school.
their behavior,” she says. “To be able to blossom from almost
Wilder, a psychology major with a dropping out to considering getting a
minor in child advocacy studies, plans to Ph.D. and having all these faculty
18 | UP Magazinestudents she’s seen who pursue and builds, and then all of a sudden
undergraduate research have higher students like Sarah have this really nice
graduation rates than those who don’t. paper that showcases their talent.”
“If we keep our students engaged, and Like Pilgrim, Placek was also a first-
they’re thinking about communicating generation college student, and shares
their work, in my mind that means they’re her commitment to mentorship. “The
likely to be pretty engaged community main way I try to teach students, both in
members or engaged in the world my upper division classes and research
around them,” Pilgrim says. “That methods, is through research, through
becomes a win for everyone.” data management analysis, through
pursuing interesting research questions,”
Personal discoveries he says.
Sarah Di Stefano, ’21, a political If students have an idea they
science major, says before she took a developed in another professor’s class,
class from assistant professor Matthew Placek helps them find ways to integrate
Placek, she didn’t think she was the it into his class, so they can keep
research type. “I used to think I wasn’t exploring something they care about.
really a curious person, but then I Even if the topic doesn’t exactly fit his
realized it’s not that I wasn’t curious, but class, the methods and sources used in
that nothing had ever really grabbed my the research are often the same, he says.
interest,” she says. Di Stefano, like Fadel, found herself Melissa Pilgrim, director,
Placek’s Middle Eastern and North expanding her criteria for graduate Office of Sponsored Awards and Research Support
African politics class changed that. school. While she always planned to go
Di Stefano recalls watching a to law school, she originally thought something you’re interested in. If you’re
documentary on the Arab Spring she’d do corporate law. She credits shy about dropping by office hours, then
uprising and how the pro-democratic Placek for planting a seed about an email is fine too, they advise.
movement transformed over time to international law. Faculty are also a good resource even
become violent. That shift intrigued her, “He said, this is what you’re looking at, when students aren’t sure what they’d
and got her wondering why it had this is what you’re interested in and what like to work on. Shorter, like many faculty
happened so easily in that region. Placek you’re researching, have you considered advisors, keeps track of what her
was happy to encourage her interest. that avenue?” she recalls. departmental colleagues are working on
“It takes a lot of work to get a paper She is now applying at schools with so when students come to her, she can
like Sarah’s done, where it’s really well- strong international law programs, and summarize what’s in progress.
written,” Placek says. “It’s just amazing was awarded the best undergraduate Students also shouldn’t feel they have
to watch that process of how it goes paper submission to the USC Upstate be thoroughly versed in a subject before
from a small idea and then just builds Student Research Journal. “You always asking to work with a professor. Webb
want to feel like you learned something in says she assures students, “I can teach
four years,” she says. “I feel like I’ve you the science, I can teach you the
accomplished something, and that I’ve research process. All I ask for is
come out with more than I went into it with.” commitment and responsibility for doing
That is exactly the outcome Pilgrim what you say you’re going to do.”
loves to see. “For me, the undergraduate Placek says at times the most
research experience epitomizes satisfying result isn’t seeing a top student
experiential learning,” she says. “It helps receive awards and accolades for their
students be very functional graduates in work, though that makes him very proud,
terms of being more competitive for the too. Sometimes, he says, it’s seeing a
workforce and for professional student who “came here with no idea of
programs, things that help them with what they’re doing” follow an idea
their lifelong goals.” through to completion and have
something to show for it at the end.
Just do it “Because that’s what it’s about,” he
Students and faculty alike say getting says. “It’s not about perfection, it’s about
involved in research is as easy as growth.”
approaching a professor who teaches
uscupstate.edu/magazine Summer 2021 | 19ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Building Community
Alumna draws on experiences to support South Carolina’s Hispanic residents.
BY ELIZABETH ANDERSON
Debbra Alvarado,’16, is the operations and network manager for Hispanic Alliance in Greenville. Her work involves
Debbra Alvarado, ’16, remembers coordinating with volunteers and staff to provide programs and services to the Upstate’s Hispanic residents.
when the privileges of citizenship came
into sharp focus for her.
A native of Puerto Rico who moved
to the mainland United States as a
teenager, Alvarado hadn’t really
thought about immigration issues while
she was growing up. Puerto Ricans
didn’t discuss the topic much, since
they’re already U.S. citizens, she says.
TV, which was limited to local channels
then, didn’t cover global news.
Then in October 2008, when
Alvarado was a student at Mauldin
High School, there was an Immigration
and Customs Enforcement raid at the
Pilgrim’s Pride poultry plant in
Greenville. Hundreds of workers were
arrested and deported. Alvarado
recalls the anxious conversations
among her Hispanic friends, many of
whom were frantically trying to reach
relatives or loved ones.
“That was a turning point for me in
realizing I have privileges that other
students don’t have,” she says. “I think
that’s where I really started
understanding how I could be more
civically engaged in my community. If
Greenville is going to be my home,
then I really need to start learning more
about how things are done here.”
Since then, Alvarado has dedicated
herself to that education process,
working to improve the lives of the
Upstate’s Hispanic residents. She has
spent the last four years at Hispanic
Alliance in Greenville, where she is the
operations and network manager. As
part of her job, she looks for ways the
organization can better serve the
community with its services and
programs.
Her own experiences have taught
20 | UP MagazineYou can also read
