Enrollment in University of South Carolina Arnold School of Public Health’s undergraduate programs has more than tripled since the first public health students matriculated in 2008. Now offering both bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in Public Health as well as a bachelor of science degree in Exercise Science, more than 2,200 undergraduates call South Carolina home. South Carolina also offers a minor in Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and a minor in Nutrition and Food Systems. Emphasis areas for the Exercise Science program include Health Fitness, Scientific Foundations, and Motor Development.
At South Carolina undergrads serve as leaders (e.g., Student Body Leaders) and are frequently the recipients of university-level scholarships and awards. Beyond campus, South Carolina undergraduate programs impact local, state, national, and international communities and contribute to students’ professional development. Some recent success stories include the following highlights.
Rising senior Ms. Laja Wright participates in Summer Public Health Scholars Program at Columbia University
The CDC-funded 10-week program kicked off with two weeks of \training followed by eight weeks at various field placement sites working with health professional mentors of an array of disciplines in public health settings.
Exercise Science undergraduate Ms. Elizabeth Rizor to spend her summer in prestigious biostatistics program
The NIH-funded Colorado Summer Institute in Biostatistics program aims to introduce advanced undergraduates and early-stage graduate students to the field of biostatistics and data sciences.
Ms. Lindy Kyger, Ms. Kimberly Narro and Ms. Haley Yaw named 2017 Outstanding Exercise Science students
The Department of Exercise Science has selected three graduating seniors, from among those nominated by faculty members, to receive the 2017 Outstanding Exercise Science Student Awards.
http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2017/exsc_awards.php#.WX-E41V96po
May graduate Mr. Kyle McCoil uses lessons learned from public health program and leadership roles to pursue career in higher education
McCoil’s extracurricular leadership activities sparked his interest in a higher education career. His public health program’s lessons (e.g., mental health, access to education, determinants to health) helped prepare him for the master’s program he will begin this fall.
Arnold School undergraduate researcher Ms. Olivia Reszczynski named 2017 Mount Vernon Fellow with public health project
UofSC sophomore Olivia Reszczynski has been named a 2017 Mount Vernon Fellow. The Integrative Muscle Biology Laboratory mainstay will pursue a capstone project through the program, and she’s chosen one that is decidedly public health-focused.
Engineers Without Borders brings diverse disciplines together to improve public health in local and international settings
Engineers Without Borders is a non-profit humanitarian organization that is committed to partnering with lower-income communities around the world in the areas of water supply, sanitation, energy, agriculture, civil works, structures and information.
http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2017/ewb_ecuador.php#.WX-DGlV96po
South Carolina Law Review elects first black woman editor in chief
Arnold School alumna Chelsea Evans has been named the editor-in-chief of the South Carolina Law Review. UofSC Today features the second-year USC School of Law student, including how her service and policy work led her to study law.
Public health major Mr. Ross Lordo wins election to become 109th student body president
Ross Lordo, a senior majoring in public health and the sitting vice president of the USC student body, has been elected the 109th student body president of the University of South Carolina.
http://www.dailygamecock.com/article/2017/02/sg-election-winners
Fostering a passion for global health
Exercise science senior Ms. Stephanie Hirth and Arnold School alumnus/College of Nursing Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Patrick Hickey Discuss their passion for global health with @UofSC.
Former miracle child, student shares story at USCDM
Ms. Sara Svendsen, a junior majoring in public health, shares her own health scare with the Daily Gamecock and explains how she gives back by volunteering with Dance Marathon, the largest student-run organization at UofSC.
http://www.dailygamecock.com/article/2017/02/former-miracle-child-shares-story-at-uscdm
UofSC sophomore selected for national public policy and leadership conference at Harvard University
Ms. Taylor Wright, a sophomore public health major in the Honors College from Goose Creek, S.C., has been selected to attend the 17th annual Public Policy and Leadership Conference at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Arnold School helps University of South Carolina rank No. 1 nationally and No. 3 globally among sports science schools and departments
The 2016 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sports Science Schools and Departments has rated the University of South Carolina as No. 1 in the United States and No. 3 in the world—thanks largely to the success of the Department of Exercise Science and its Athletic Training program.
December graduate to promote health and economic policy changes through position with WREN
Ms. Megan Plassmeyer, a December public health graduate, has found a career path that fits her perfectly. It begins with a position as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN).
December graduate builds on military experience and Arnold School education to pursue career in disaster relief
Mr. Robert Green spent four years as a preventive medicine specialist with the U.S. Army before earning a degree in public health from the Arnold School. Now he will begin a master’s program in emergency management.
http://www.sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/public_health/about/news/2016/robert_green.php#.WX96XlV96po
Exercise Science graduate turns trials into triumph, overcoming a neurological disorder to blaze a career in neuroscience
Moving to a city for college made Ms. Paige Vargo-Willeford feel a bit vulnerable, but she used the challenge to her advantage. She’s taken what she’s learned about her condition (Tourette’s Syndrome) to chart a career aimed at tackling the neurological disorder.
Making a difference in and out of the pool
Gamecocks Online features public health major Ms. Taylor Vincent, a senior on the USC swim team who plans to pursue a career in global health.
http://www.gamecocksonline.com/sports/c-swim/spec-rel/121316aab.html