Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence
During the academic year 2024-25, USCB is commemorating a significant milestone: our 20th anniversary as a baccalaureate degree-granting institution. With the opening of our Bluffton campus in 2004, USCB evolved from a two-year school to a four-year institution, empowering students with expanded educational opportunities and fostering a vibrant academic community.
As we celebrate and reflect on two decades of growth and achievement, we invite you to join us in honoring this remarkable transformation and the impact it has made on our students and the Lowcountry.
USCB 20th Anniversary Public Forums: Focus on Regional Needs
To celebrate its past, present and future leadership role serving the Lowcountry, USCB hosted a kick-off event and three dynamic, interactive panel discussions with community leaders, scholars, and students.
Panel 1: How USCB's Educational Vision Became a Reality
October 30 | 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
USCB Beaufort Campus
How USCB’s Educational Vision Became A Reality
Moderator: Dr. Jane Upshaw, Distinguished Chancellor Emerita
The University of South Carolina Beaufort would not be as it is today – enrolling
more than 2,200 students this year, winning national awards, and seeing its faculty,
students, and staff receiving accolades and recognition – had it not been for the
energies of this panel group. This event showcased the “beginnings” of the youngest
baccalaureate institution in South Carolina and highlighted the strengths of USCB’s
Art, History, Cybersecurity, Marine Science, Honors programs and more.
Panelists
- Wes Jones - Former member of the USC Board of Trustees
- Lila Meeks - Former Vice Chancellor for Advancement
- Larry Rowland - Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History
- Dick Stewart - Vice Chair, USCB Education Foundation
- Abby Vaughn - Class of 2010
- Victoria Riddle - Current student, Beaufort College Honors
Panel 2: The Lowcountry's Waterways & Ecology
January 9 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
USCB Bluffton Campus
Lowcountry’s Waterways & Ecology
Moderator: Dr. Joe Staton, Professor of Biology & Marine Science
This panel discussion explored the unique Lowcountry waterways, ecosystem and marine
biology into the 21st Century. It was led by Dr. Joe Staton, Professor of Biology
& Marine Science, along with several topic specialists, and community leaders. This
session delved into the ecological significance, challenges, and conservation efforts
shaping the region’s natural environment.
Panelists
- Dr. Mercer Brugler – Chair of the USCB Natural Sciences department.
- Jody Hayward – Executive Director of the Port Royal Sound Foundation.
- Dr. Daniel “Tye” Pettay – Director of the Water Quality Lab at USCB.
- Dr. Kim Ritchie – Director of Research for USCB’s Pritchard’s Island.
- Dr. Al Segars - Veterinarian; former lead scientist of SCDNR In-Water Loggerhead Sea
Turtle Project; former Stewardship Coordinator for the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve.
Panel 3: The Changing Landscape of Our Region’s Education
Thursday, March 27, 2025
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
USCB Hilton Head Island Campus
Moderator: Dr. Beth Hammond, Chair, Department of Education, USCB
This dynamic panel discussion explored the long-standing collaboration between USCB and the school districts from Beaufort and Jasper counties. Panelists highlighted the profound impact of this collaboration on our local schools and communities while sharing forward-thinking strategies to address future educational challenges.
This dynamic conversation provided valuable insights for educators, students, and community members. A Q&A session followed with audience participation. A special reception featured a live, interactive action painting by renowned artist and USCB adjunct faculty member, Amiri Farris.
Panelists
- Dr. Frank Rodriguez - Superintendent, Beaufort County School District
- Constance Goodwine-Lewis - Principal, Saint Helena Elementary School
- Althea Wigfall - Principal, Royal Live Oaks Academy
- Kattia Chaves Herrera - USCB Education Alumni Coaching and Support Coordinator
- Ashley Icard - Teacher, Bluffton Middle School
20th Anniversary Title Sponsor
20th Anniversary Presenting Sponsor
