The University of South Carolina Upstate has expanded its commitment to student well-being with the opening of the John M. Rampey Jr. Center for Health and Counseling Services, a centralized facility designed to provide accessible, comprehensive care.
Located on Hodge Drive adjacent to the residence halls and across from campus recreation, the center brings health and counseling services together in one location, making it easier for students to access care and support their overall well-being.
University leaders, faculty and community partners gathered to celebrate the opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant investment in student health.
“This ribbon cutting represents a meaningful investment in the health and well-being of our campus community. At USC Upstate, we understand that student success extends beyond the classroom. By expanding access to high-quality health and counseling services, we are strengthening the support systems our students need to excel academically and personally,” said Bennie L. Harris, chancellor.
The new facility reflects the university’s broader commitment to integrating wellness into the student experience.
“The student experience and success are inseparable. When students feel a true sense of belonging, have access to meaningful support and see clear pathways from the classroom to their future, they don’t just persist, they thrive. Our responsibility at USC Upstate is to create environments where well-being, engagement and academic excellence are fully integrated, because when students are well, they are positioned to succeed at the highest levels,” said Tierney Bates, vice chancellor for student affairs.
According to the Division of Student Affairs, approximately 60% of students engage with at least one campus wellness department each year. Health Services alone averages more than 3,500 patient visits annually and serves more than 1,300 students, roughly one-third of the active on-campus population. The department also maintains a 98% immunization compliance rate among incoming students.
“Health Services provides accessible, high-quality medical care that meets students where they are. Our team supports students in addressing immediate health needs while helping them build a foundation for long-term well-being and success,” said Mary Bucher, director of health services.
The expansion allows the university to meet current demand while preparing for continued growth.
“It just speaks to the university not only caring about students’ academic success, but their overall well-being,” Bucher said.
Health Services features a welcoming lobby with a designated sick nook and wellness check-in area, along with a separate checkout space to enhance patient privacy and confidentiality. The facility includes seven clinical spaces — six exam rooms and a larger procedure room equipped to treat minor injuries, administer IVs and EKGs and provide urgent care. Additional features include a lab, medication room and a dedicated sterilization area.
“The changes will help our workflow, our efficiency and increase our capacity,” Bucher said. “So as Upstate grows, we can help support that growth and serve more students because of this new layout.”
Designed with natural light and calming wood tones, the space creates an inviting environment for students seeking care. Health Services operates with a five-person staff and provides preventive primary care and reproductive health services regardless of insurance status, while also helping students navigate campus and community resources.
Counseling Services has also been enhanced as part of the project, with updates including a more welcoming lobby, improved reception area and dedicated staff spaces. Expanded hours have reduced wait times and increased access to care.
“Supporting student mental health is essential to overall well-being and success. We’re grateful to offer a space where students can feel at ease while connecting with the care and resources they need,” said Jennifer Gregory, director of counseling services.
The project builds on decades of growth. What began in the 1990s as a one-room operation has evolved into a comprehensive, student-centered health system. Over time, Health Services expanded its scope, transitioned to electronic medical records and integrated into Student Affairs, continuing to grow in response to student needs.
University leaders say the new center represents both a milestone and a foundation for the future.
“By embedding wellness into the student experience, from first-year programs to clinical care, the university is not only responding to student needs but anticipating them,” Bates said.
The facility was made possible through support from partners, including the Mary Black Foundation Mental Health Grant, which has already provided meaningful support to the campus community. University officials also recognized Messer Construction for its role in the project and Goodwyn Mills Cawood Architects for designing a space centered on patient care, safety and accessibility.
As USC Upstate continues to grow, university leaders say the center will play a critical role in ensuring students have access to the care, resources and support needed to succeed — both in and beyond the classroom.
More photos from the event can be found on our Flickr album.
Health Services is located at 995 University Way until May 7, 2026.
From May 8-15 we will be closed to conduct the move to our new location at the John M. Rampey Center, 490 Hodge Drive.
Health Services will reopen for patient appointments on May 18 our new location.
Schedule future appointments on www.uscupstate.edu/myhealth. You can find local providers on our additional resources page for time sensitive medical needs during our clinic closure.
If you have any questions about USC Upstate Counseling Services, please call them at 864-503-5195.