The University of South Carolina received three awards this year for recent renovation projects across campus. The South Caroliniana Library, Longstreet Theatre and Campus Village were all highlighted as construction projects worthy of recognition.
USC received a record $309 million in external research awards for projects like Alzheimer's and stroke research, renewable energy development and more. The university hopes it will be used to "solve the problems of this state."
After serving in law enforcement for over 30 years, Cayce Police Chief Chris Cowen is taking a position with the Joseph F. Rice School of Law. His new role as Director of Strategic Initiatives for the Excellence in Policing and Public Safety Program will encompass a variety of different tasks, including ensuring professional development for executive police officers.
The USC College of Nursing is partnering with Lexington Medical Center to build a nursing building on the hospital's campus. The three-story building, opening in fall 2024, will have classrooms, faculty offices and lab space.
The Science and Technology Building is scheduled to start renovations to hold four new lab spaces and 16 classrooms. The $25 million project is expected to be complete in fall 2025.
After officially closing down in 2023, Richland Mall is set to begin its redevelopment into a lifestyle shopping center. Located at the entrance of Forest Acres, the project will include the addition of a grocery store, retail spaces and restaurants in the style of a town center.
Former South Carolina Gov. David Beasley is joining the Joseph S. Rice School of Law's faculty. As the previous director of the United Nations' World Food Programme, Beasley will provide his global perspective to students of the law school.
With over $6 million in grants from The National Parks Service, the Booker T. Washington auditorium is being renovated to make way for the Center for Civil Rights History and Research. New exhibits, classrooms and meeting spaces will display the civil rights history of the university and state.
The University of South Carolina's board of trustees approved plans in December for a $300 million medical school, which will look to collaborate more between education and research. The new building, located in the BullStreet district, is the first step in what the university hopes is the development of a larger health science campus.
USC's multimillion-dollar project aims to provide an "upgraded fan experience" and includes renovations for Williams-Brice Stadium and beyond. For university students, this plan could mean additional recreational fields and a new sports complex.