USCB Alumni

We love seeing a USCB Alumni Happily Ever After!
Congratulations, Hayden and Darian. 💍🎉

Tune in tonight! �USCB alumna Danielle Cobb (Communication Studies, 2024) recently joined WSAV’s News 3 team in Savannah as a multimedia journalist. Originally from Spartanburg, she honed her skills through the university’s partnership with SCETV to produce “By The River.”

First day of class vibes ☀️💙
Sand Shark Alumni, leave some first day advice for our new & returning Sand Sharks below!

A small turtle 🐢 that lives in the salt marsh recently drove scientists from USCB, the Port Royal Sound Foundation and other institutions above their waists in pluff mud. Learn more: https://ow.ly/U8HE50SXeEX

Calling all alumni! Registration link is in bio. We look forward to seeing you there!

🌟 Honoring Excellence at USCB! 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that Samantha Hearing is the recipient of this year's Vincent P. Mesaric Award at USCB! 🏆 Named after our first Dean of student services, this award celebrates Samantha's outstanding dedication to students beyond the classroom. Sam is the Coordinator of Leadership and Service for Student Life and the

Staff Advisory Council Interim Co-Chair. Her big heart and love of non-profit work shines through as she plans and participates in student activities, making a profound impact on campus life. Congratulations, Sam, and thank you for your incredible service! 🎉👏

Please join us in congratulating 🎉 two USCB alumni on their new leadership roles at schools in the Beaufort County School District!
🎓 Jamie Allen will be the new principal at Broad River Elementary School. She previously served as principal at Whale Branch Middle School. Jamie has a strong connection to Broad River Elementary—she started her education career there in 2006 as a third-grade teacher and went on to serve as a literacy interventionist, TAP mentor/master teacher, and as an assistant principal until 2021.
🎓 Whale Branch Middle School welcomes Brantley Wilson as its new principal. Brantley has served in many leadership roles at BCSD including as assistant principal at Hilton Head Island Middle School and Lady’s Island Middle School.

🦈 Brantley and Jamie, you make USCB proud!

🌟📚 Celebrating Excellence in Teaching at USCB! 🏆✨

Congratulations to Chelsea Ponce, our Adjunct Professor of the Year! 🎉 Chelsea's exceptional dedication to teaching and our university community goes above and beyond expectations. Her passion and commitment create a transformative learning experience for students. She has worked at USCB for three years and teachers University 101 and University 102 (Well-Being in the University), USCB’s academic support course. Thank you, Chelsea, for your outstanding contributions! 👏

🌟Meet Aiden Dirscoll-Sandsuky, USCB's Gordon Haist Interdisciplinary Studies Outstanding Student of the Year!🎓

During his time at USCB, Aiden has been a model scholar and athlete. In his coursework, he has followed his curiosity to explore new and diverse fields of study and excelled in all of them. Aiden’s scholastic interests evolved as he has pursued the learning not just with diligence but also with joy. He has consistently shown excellence and leadership as a member of the USCB Baseball team. And through his employment on campus, he has shown dedication in making and keeping USCB beautiful and inviting for students, faculty, staff, and guests. Aiden, with his quiet persistence and discipline, elevates every terrain he traverses. His sense of loyalty and generosity permeates, best showcased by his leadership on the field, his fierce advocacy for his colleagues, and his remarkable commitment to embodying the ideal of a scholar-athlete.

🌟Meet Sandrea Park Welch, USCB's Outstanding Online Hospitality Management Student of the Year! 🎂

Sandrea graduated in Hospitality Management program at USCB Online, while also teaching at the Culinary Institute of Charleston in North Charleston, South Carolina. Outside of being in school or teaching school, she is a wife, mother of two, and makes custom specialty and wedding cakes. Sandrea started college at the University of Georgia in 1998 but decided to go into management for several years before returning to school in 2007 and obtained an Associate of Applied Science degree in Baking and Pastry Arts in 2011. It was not until 2023 that she was able to return to a university to complete this bachelor’s program. She adores learning, being creative, meeting inspiring people, and being supportive, so starting a career in education is extremely fulfilling. Sandrea intends to begin a master’s program for Adult Education in Fall 2024.

🌟✨ Celebrating Excellence in Academic Advising at USCB! 📚🎓

We are thrilled to announce Morgin Jones-Williams, Ph.D., as our Academic Advisor of the Year! 🏆 Dr. Jones-Williams is an Assistant Professor of Mathematics who gets high praise from students for the guidance she provides. She came to USCB in 2017 and exemplifies dedication, knowledge, and a heartfelt commitment to student success at USCB. Known for always going the extra mile, Dr. Williams is a beacon of support for our Sand Sharks. Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your unwavering dedication and positive impact on our academic community! 🎉👏

🌟 Celebrating Excellence at USCB! 🎓✨

Congratulations to Kelly McCombs, MS, RD, LD, CDCES, our Professor of the Year! 🏆 Dr. McCombs is Senior Instructor & Advisor in USCB’s Department of Public Health & Human Services and the Sports Dietitian for our Athletic Department. Dr. McCombs was one of the leaders who developed and implemented the Nutrition Minor at USCB. In addition to being a Registered and Licensed Dietitian, she holds a national certification as a diabetes care and education specialist. Her commitment to students, our university, her professional field, colleagues, and the community is truly inspiring. Thank you, Dr. McCombs, for your outstanding contributions and positive impact! 👏📚

🌟Congrats to Kelly McCombs, USCB's Professor of the Year! 🌟

This is awarded to the professor who exemplifies the best of the profession. The person who is committed to students, the university, to the professional field, to colleagues, and to the community. Professor McCombs is a Senior Instructor, course developer and academic advisor for the Department of Public Health and Human Services. She also is a Sports Dietitian for USCB Athletics. Congrats Professor McCombs! ⭐

🌟 Meet Alex Clark, USCB's Tombe/Eby Outstanding English Student of the Year! 📚

Alex began to combine her passion for secondary English education and theater immediately upon arriving at USCB. Together with English and Theater faculty, Alex developed a research agenda that investigated the potential for arts integration across the curriculum. In Fall 2023, Alex was awarded the Sand Shark Voyager Award to support her participation as a presenter at the Palmetto State Arts Education Annual Arts Integration Conference. Alex questions (almost) everything, always doing so in service of understanding not just what a text or an idea means but also how to apply what she learns to pedagogy. She is an outstanding example of an English major who will take her experiences at USCB and begin a rich and rewarding career.

🌟Meet Haley Massenburg, USCB's Pamela J. Cooper Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the Year!📲

Haley’s commitment to academic excellence, associated scholarly research, and service to the university and the greater community reflects the core values instilled by Dr. Cooper, founder of the Communication Studies program at USCB. She was a proud member of the Alpha Delta Sigma chapter of Lambda Pi Eta National Honor Society, Haley was also heavily involved in charitable work with her Public Relations class for a local food bank, assisted with campus intramurals programs throughout her career here at USCB, and was a leader on the university softball team from 2020-2023. Haley will continue her legacy of excellence as she advances her education this fall at the Elon University School of Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, with the goal of practicing family law. Haley is incredibly grateful for the support of her parents, Rob, and Tracie Bailey, as well as her siblings, friends, and her extended family.

Thanks to everyone who turned out for Alumni Happy Hour on our Hilton Head Island Campus! 🥳 Charleston and the Lowcountry ✅ Where should the Sand Shark Society go next? 🦈

Pura vida 🇨🇷! Led by Dr. Bruce Marlowe and Kattia Chaves Herrera, USCB education students and local teachers are spending 10 days co-teaching at two schools in Costa Rica. After visiting the Arenal Volcano region, the USCB group taught several lessons at West College, a bilingual school in Guachipelin de Escazu. This study abroad is fantástico!

🌟Meet Anna Szalc, USCB's Outstanding Studio Arts Student of the Year! 🖌️

Anna has contributed greatly to the program through her exemplary artwork, cheerful participation, encouragement of her peers and tireless professionalism as an intern at USCB's Sea Islands Center Gallery. Her artwork in watercolor, graphite, printmaking, and oil has been featured (and awarded) in juried exhibitions at USCB, "The Pen" literary and arts journal, SEISMA Magazine, the All Things Considered show at Las Laguna Art Gallery, and Small Works 2023 at Main Street Arts in Clifton Springs, NY. In addition to art, Szalc enjoys birdwatching, listening to audiobooks, and examining the little patterns found throughout nature.

🌟Meet Jasmine White, USCB's Palmetto College Human Services Outstanding Student of the Year! 🎓

Jasmine plans to create programs that integrate therapy and the creative arts. She is passionate about encouraging the use of writing and the arts to provide peace and comfort through hard times. Employers describe Jasmine as hard-working, highly intelligent, and respectful. She always displays a desire to learn and to help others. Jasmine has volunteered at Rock Hill Hope, which provides crisis intervention for those in need. She interned at Be Great Academy in Rock Hill, where the focus is on achieving academic success, healthy lifestyles, and character development.

🌟Meet Mattie Wolff, USCB's recipient of the Newman Civic Fellowship Award! 🎓

Six years ago, Mattie was able to get clean and in recovery after fighting 17 years of drug addiction, thanks to her involvement with LRADAC (Lexington/Richland Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council). Mattie was asked to share her story in a video produced by LRADAC and distributed via various media platforms in hopes of helping others struggling with addictions. In the past six years, she became a mother, earned her GED, and enrolled in Midlands Technical College, where she was invited to join Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. Now a junior at USCB, Mattie continues to excel in the classroom and through community service. Currently, she is an active member of the LRADAC MOMs group, which celebrates and supports mothers in recovery. Mattie’s sincerity and strength shine in her many leadership roles. Her motivation and commitment to improving other’s lives are of the highest distinction.

🌟Meet Eugene McLaurin, USCB's Outstanding Elementary Childhood Education Student of the Year!🍎

Eugene's passion for learning, reflection and growth stood out during his time as a Sand Shark and now as a recent graduate. He eagerly and actively participated in USCB's recent collaboration with the Beaufort County School District to reflect on our programs. Eugene is now a fourth-grade teacher at Red Cedar Elementary in Bluffton, where he is fostering a love of learning and perseverance in his students. Eugene communicates from such an optimistic and forward-thinking place that you can’t wait to see what happens next. His energy is contagious, and he inspires all who know him with his desire to learn, grow, and lead.

It's your turn, Beaufort County USCB Alumni!
🍻 Bring a buddy and enjoy drinks with old and new friends.
Every USCB alum who likes or shares this post will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win USCB SWAG!

*Must be 21 to consume alcohol. Photo I.D. required.

🌟Meet Kayt Pierce, USCB's Madison Riley Adkins Outstanding Secondary English Education Student of the Year! 📕

Her professors describe Kayt's work as imaginative and sharp. During her coursework in high school classrooms, Kayt tried different pedagogical approaches and always looked to serve her students' best interests. Her rapport with students and classroom management skills show a willingness to meet students where they are. Through her commitment to education and service, Kayt exemplifies the empathy and teaching skills that we strive for in the secondary English education major.

🌟 Meet Iyinda Kirkland, USCB's Outstanding Nursing Student of the Year! 🩺

Iyinda stands out for her determination, perseverance, integrity, compassion, and strong clinical skills. On campus, she was an Honors student, a member of the Student Nurses Association and one of the hosts of the USCB nursing community health fair. Iyinda completed internships and externships in local post-anesthesia, emergency and trauma intensive care units. She finds inspiration in a quote by Mary Mahoney, “We hold space by creating safe, comfortable environments where our clients can be heard. We physically hold our clients through supportive and nurturing touch.” Iyinda is a native of Irmo, South Carolina and will work as an RN resident in the CVICU at Emory University Hospital Midtown in Atlanta.

🌟Meet Maya Stovcsik, USCB's Outstanding Hospitality Management Student of the Year! 🎓

She has been in the Hospitality industry almost her whole college career, working for the Hospitality research department as well as numerous event planners in the area. She also served as Vice President of the Student Ambassadors on campus, supporting the university's admissions team. Maya loves to work behind the scenes and put smiles on others’ faces, making sure they are having the best experience possible! Maya's goal is to work in the corporate events industry or in the human resources industry.

�Meet Jonas Demant, USCB’s Outstanding Business Student of the Year!�Meet Jonas Demant, USCB’s Outstanding Business Student of the Year!�

For this Hamburg, Germany native, the past four years have been about personal growth. After visiting USCB in 2019, Joans knew he wanted to spend the next four years here pursuing his education and his passion for golf. � With the support of family, faculty, coaches, and friends, he has learned many life lessons and in his own words “has grown from a young boy to a young man.” Jonas graduated as a USCB Honors Student with a degree in Business Administration and concentrations in Management and Marketing. He is returing to Germany to attend an elite business school for his Master’s degree while continuing his pursuit of a career in professional golf.

The Bluffton Campus library is getting a makeover! � Stay tuned for a welcoming, open, and technologically-equipped library space including our Makerspace and updated Innovative Media Lab. Construction is scheduled for completion by Sept. 4 (subject to change). The first floor is closed during construction but library services are being provided on the second floor. Patrons can request books from the library staff. The main library entrance is closed temporarily. Enter by the east or west entrance and proceed to the second floor.

Thank you for your understanding and patience as we enhance the Bluffton Library for students, faculty, staff and community members.

� Meet Brianna Wells, USCB’s Charles L. Spirrison Outstanding Psychology Student of the Year! �

Brianna is originally from New Jersey. She was a member of the Beaufort College Honors program, the Psychology Club, the International Honor Society in Psychology (Psi Chi), and The National Society of Leadership and Success. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors and says she is beyond grateful for all the opportunities she was given during her years at USCB. Brianna is looking forward to spending some time traveling and expanding her professional pursuits, with plans to eventually attend graduate school.