This year was one of many achievements and successes at USC Upstate. Our Spartans continue reaching greater heights—from making strides in academics, to history-making athletic teams, and breaking ground on facility expansions.
As we finish out this academic year and begin 2025, we look back at some of our top stories that offer a snapshot of what we’ve accomplished and where we’re headed in the future.
1. USC Upstate Awarded $4.9 Million Grant
USC Upstate received a $4.9 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to create an innovative internship program that enhances humanities education, particularly for underserved students. The program aims to increase humanities internship participation by 600%, boost enrollment by 15%, and improve graduation rates by 5%, offering students transformative opportunities to develop critical thinking, cultural understanding, and career readiness. By partnering with local organizations and redesigning curricula, USC Upstate will position itself as a national leader in humanities education, promoting social mobility and preparing students for impactful careers.
2. USC Upstate Launches Engineering Program
USC Upstate has launched a new industrial engineering program to meet regional workforce demands and provide students with opportunities to gain industry experience close to home. Designed with a “lab in industry” approach, the program blends hands-on training with rigorous academics, ensuring students are workforce-ready upon graduation while meeting ABET standards. Supported by local industry partnerships, this program highlights USC Upstate’s commitment to serving community needs and supporting career-ready graduates in critical fields like infrastructure development and sustainable energy.
3. Upstate Softball Makes History
USC Upstate softball made history by defeating Winthrop 5-1 in the Big South Tournament final, securing their first-ever Big South Tournament Championship alongside their Regular Season title. Junior Alanna Deal’s pivotal home run and Alyssa Kelly’s stellar pitching, earning her Tournament MVP, led the Spartans to victory, supported by a strong defense that held the Eagles to one run. With this historic win, the Spartans advance to the NCAA Regionals for the first time since 2017, continuing their legacy of championship success.
4. Women’s Soccer Wins 2024 Big South Championship
USC Upstate women’s soccer made history on Sunday, November 10, winning the Big South Championship for the first time with a 3-0 victory over High Point. Dara Russo opened the scoring in the first half, followed by Paige Armstrong and Savannah Noll adding goals in the second half. Four Spartans were named to the All-Tournament team, with defender Catarina Dantas earning MVP honors.
5. USC Upstate Breaks Ground on library addition
USC Upstate broke ground on a $21 million library expansion on April 4, featuring a 22,000-square-foot addition and renovations to enhance student learning and collaboration. The project includes a Student Success Center, Career Management resources, open study areas, and modern classrooms, designed to foster innovation and provide cutting-edge services. The expansion reflects USC Upstate’s commitment to supporting academic growth and creating a welcoming space for students and the community.
6. Center For justice and society Dedication
USC Upstate has named its new Center for Justice and Society in honor of South Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty. The announcement was made on Sept. 19 during a retirement celebration at the Spartanburg County Courthouse. The center, aimed at supporting students in criminal justice and law fields, serves as a tribute to Beatty’s career and legacy. It will focus on using legal change for social transformation and provide opportunities for students to engage with issues like social justice and victims’ advocacy. Beatty’s commitment to justice and public service continues to inspire the center’s mission.
7. Dual Credit Courses Jumpstart Nursing Degrees
USC Upstate and Dorman High School are partnering to offer new dual credit anatomy and physiology courses for high school students. A $120,000 grant will fund classroom equipment, enabling students to earn college credit toward nursing prerequisites. This initiative aims to reduce time and costs for nursing degree completion and is designed to increase access for underrepresented students.
8. Upstate Theatre Receives National Honors
USC Upstate Theatre received eight Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival awards for its production of “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” directed by Laura Rikard. The play, which explored an unconventional love story, was performed at the FUSE International Festival in London and selected for the Region IV Festival. Upstate Theatre was one of only four finalists, earning honors in areas such as direction, performance, and design, reflecting the program’s growth and excellence.
9. USC Upstate celebrates 97% Pass Rate on NCLEX
Graduates of USC Upstate’s Mary Black College of Nursing achieved a 97% pass rate on the 2023 NCLEX, nearly 15% higher than the previous year. With 143 out of 148 BSN graduates passing on their first attempt, the college exceeded the national average and its own goal. The improved results reflect targeted efforts to enhance curriculum and support student success, addressing South Carolina’s nursing shortage by preparing skilled healthcare professionals.
10. USC Upstate Named A Best College
USC Upstate earned top rankings in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report, including No. 2 in Top Public Schools (South) and No. 7 in Regional Colleges (South). The university also ranked No. 2 in Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 6 in Social Mobility, highlighting its commitment to serving veterans and promoting student success. USC Upstate’s nursing program was also ranked No. 149 among the best in the nation.
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