Dr. Doug Daniel has loved mathematics for as long as he can remember. 

As a child, Daniel had completed nearly every level of math his elementary school offered by the time he had reached 6th grade, and in high school, he had completed every math course available to him by the end of his junior year. 

“I went to college with the idea of being a math major,” he said. “I did end up declaring a math major, and I was very happy that I did.” 

A family tradition

While in college away from home, Daniel spent much time with his grandparents. His grandfather, a retired chemistry professor, would often talk to him about his experiences at the small liberal arts college where he taught. 

As a graduate student, Daniel held a teaching assistantship, an experience which helped him decide to take on a full-time teaching position in between finishing his master’s and pursuing his Ph.D. 

“I drew on the discussions I’d had with my grandfather, and the experience that I was having as a full-time teacher, and I really, really liked it,” he said. 

Daniel’s coworkers were highly supportive of him, encouraging him to take the leap and pursue a career as an educator, though he credits Dr. Jim Porter as his main source of support. 

“We had a lot of good conversations about how to make that happen, and I’m very grateful to him for that,” he said. “In many ways, it’s because of him that I’m here today.” 

Since both of Daniel’s parents and his brother attended small liberal arts colleges, �㽶��’s environment was one with which he was very familiar and with which he felt comfortable. 

He earned a teaching postdoc at Wake Forest University, and it was there that he earned the experience to make him a compelling candidate for a school like �㽶��. 

Daniel has been teaching at �㽶�� since the fall of 2003, and the highlight of his experience has been the chance to interact and work with students over the years. 

“I’ve had the joy of having some really curious, interesting people to work with,” he said. “We’ve had some majors who were maybe better at math than I am, in some ways, so it’s been really good getting to know them.”

Hopes for the future 

When he thinks about the years yet to come, Daniel sees a future of overcoming challenges, starting with the small size of the mathematics department, both in faculty and students. 

“I like to think that I’m hopeful,” he said. “We’ve got some good students in the pipeline, and I’m hopeful that we can get some more.” 

Another area of growth that Daniel hopes to see within the department is student-led research. Having recently attended a large regional conference for math educators, Daniel was left feeling inspired by the students and their research. 

“It was really heartening to me to see all of the projects and all of the enthusiastic young students,” he said. “I hope we can get a core group of those kinds of students in the future.” 

The post Faculty Friday: Dr. Doug Daniel  appeared first on �㽶��.

When Lois Cooper entered the ring at the XIX Festival Hípico Internacional de Salto “Héroes de Paz” in Quito, Ecuador, she carried more than the expectations of competition. She carried the weight of adaptation, determination, and the quiet confidence forged through years of discipline.

A sophomore at �㽶��, Cooper was one of just four riders from the United States invited to compete in the prestigious international show jumping event, hosted by Ecuador’s National Police. Riders from across the Americas gathered for the three-day competition, held at a training facility just outside the capital city.

By the end of the weekend, Cooper stood atop the field—winning her class after navigating not only a challenging course, but the complexities of riding an unfamiliar horse in an unfamiliar place.

Trusting the partnership

Unlike many competitions, Cooper did not travel with her own horse. Instead, she was paired with Lothbrock, a borrowed mount owned by a local rider.

With only a short window to prepare, Cooper had to do what elite equestrians are trained to do: build trust quickly.

“You take it as a challenge,” she said. “Every horse is different. They all have their own personalities, and you have to adapt the way you ride to fit them.”

That adaptability proved critical. Show jumping is a precise and technical discipline, often compared to an obstacle course. Riders must memorize a course of jumps, measure distances between them, and execute a plan with speed and accuracy—all while maintaining harmony with the horse beneath them.

It’s a sport that demands not just physical skill, but mental discipline.

“There’s a lot of technicality in it,” Cooper said. “You want to be clear, and you want to be quick—but especially on a horse you don’t know, it takes a lot of focus.”

By Saturday, that focus paid off. Cooper delivered a clean and controlled ride, outperforming a field of roughly 20 competitors to claim first place in her division.

Resilience in motion

For Cooper, success in the ring is rarely defined by a single moment. It is built over time—through setbacks, adjustments, and persistence.

Her journey to Ecuador is no exception.

A lifelong rider, Cooper began taking lessons at a young age alongside her sister. By 14, she had committed fully to the sport, transitioning from gymnastics to competitive equestrian training. Since then, she has worked with multiple horses and trainers, refining both her technical skills and her mental approach.

That mindset has been tested repeatedly.

Her horse at home, a 12-year-old gelding named Impala, has been both a challenge and a reward. Injured in 2023, Impala was sidelined for nearly a year—a period that required patience and perspective.

“The challenge makes the reward with him,” Cooper said. “That was a mental hurdle I had to get through. It taught me patience, which has never been my forte.”

It’s a lesson that extends beyond the arena.

“You think you’re doing great one day,” she said, “and then the next day you get thrown off. That’s true for everybody with horses.”

Rather than discouraging her, those moments have reinforced a deeper resilience—one that carried her through competition in Ecuador and continues to shape her outlook.

Learning beyond the saddle

While Cooper’s success in the ring is impressive, her journey at �㽶�� reveals an equally important dimension of her growth.

The daughter of Chip and Miki ’95 Cooper of Clinton and a graduate of , Cooper chose to attend �㽶�� in part to remain close to her family—and to her horse. But what she discovered on campus has expanded her vision in unexpected ways.

Initially focused almost entirely on equestrian pursuits, Cooper has since embraced the broader opportunities of a liberal arts education.

“I came into �㽶�� thinking that my only passion in the world was riding horses,” she said. “And I was wrong.”

Now a biology major, Cooper credits her coursework—and particularly the influence of biology professor Dr. Mike Rischbieter—for opening new pathways.

“I had a class that just made me realize how much I love natural science,” she said. “That’s something I didn’t expect.”

That discovery has begun to shape her future goals. While she continues to compete at a high level, Cooper is also exploring careers that intersect her academic interests with her lifelong passion for horses.

“I’ve been thinking about working with horses in a clinical way,” she said, citing fields such as equine chiropractic care and acupuncture. “Something that keeps me active, working with people and with horses—that’s important to me.”

Balancing passion with purpose

In a sport where careers can be unpredictable, Cooper approaches her future with both ambition and pragmatism.

Riding at an elite level requires not only skill, but also resilience in the face of risk. Injuries are common, and long-term stability is never guaranteed.

“It’s a volatile thing,” she said. “One bad fall, and you could be out for weeks. There’s no guarantee.”

That reality has shaped her commitment to academics.

“I put school first,” she said. “You always have to have a backup for the backup.”

At �㽶��, she has found the space to pursue both tracks simultaneously—developing as a student while continuing to compete.

“The ability to do both is something I’m really grateful for,” she said. “I’m a very lucky person to have that opportunity.”

A broader perspective

Traveling to Ecuador offered Cooper more than a competitive platform. It also provided a glimpse into a global community united by a shared passion.

“It’s amazing to be around people who love their horses the same way you do,” she said. “That kind of connection goes beyond language.”

The experience reinforced a perspective she continues to carry forward—one shaped as much by the classroom as by the arena.

“Horses teach you very much,” she said, “and very little of it has to do with horses.”

It’s a lesson rooted in discipline, responsibility, and perseverance—qualities that define both her academic and athletic pursuits.

Looking ahead

As Cooper continues her journey at �㽶��, her path remains open—guided by both experience and discovery.

Whether her future leads deeper into competitive equestrian sport, into a clinical field, or into a combination of both, she approaches it with the same mindset that carried her to victory in Quito: preparation, adaptability, and resolve.

For now, she returns to familiar ground—back to Clinton, back to campus, and back to Impala—carrying with her the lessons of an international stage.

And perhaps most importantly, a clearer understanding of what drives her forward.

“I’ll always have a passion for horses,” she said. “But now I know I have other passions, too.”

The post From Clinton to Quito: �㽶�� sophomore wins international equestrian event through grit and growth appeared first on �㽶��.

�㽶�� welcomed educators from across the region for the 11th Annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute, an event dedicated to professional learning, collaboration, and advancing inclusive practices in education. This year’s institute featured nationally recognized speaker Jed Dearybury, a playologist, who led participants in an engaging exploration of the power of play for learners of all ages.

Dearybury’s session emphasized that play is not simply an activity, but a critical component of learning and development. Through a combination of research and hands-on experiences, participants explored how play supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Attendees actively participated in a variety of playful learning experiences, including recreating their learning environments using play-doh and engaging in the high-energy “Alleycat Dance.”

These activities were intentionally designed to model classroom strategies that promote physical activity, collaboration, and student engagement while also supporting brain development.

Throughout the session, Dearybury connected playful experiences to neuroscience, explaining how play stimulates the release of key neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, which support attention, mood, and motivation. In addition to hands-on activities, participants reflected on their own childhood experiences with play, fostering meaningful connections with colleagues and reinforcing the importance of joy and creativity in educational settings.

The institute brought together a diverse group of professionals, including general and special education teachers, related service providers, administrators, instructional coaches, and higher education faculty. The event continues to serve as a vital space for networking and professional growth within the education community.

Dr. Julia Wilkins, associate professor of education, established the institute 11 years ago after learning about the Charles Chadwell Endowment at �㽶��, which was created to provide funding for workshops as well as scholarships for students who plan to continue their
education in the field of special education.

“I am incredibly grateful for the Chadwell Endowment,” Wilkins said. “Dr. Chadwell believed deeply in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities, and he was always so appreciative of these institutes. He would be proud to see them still going strong—bringing educators together and continuing to promote inclusive practices for all learners.”

The event honored the legacy of Dr. Charles Chadwell, a longtime advocate for individuals with disabilities. His daughter, Ann Chadwell Humphries, addressed attendees and shared that her father strongly believed in the importance of play—not only for his own children, but also for individuals served in the residential centers where he served as superintendent, including Whitten Center in Clinton and the Midlands Center in Columbia.

The success of this year’s institute was supported by �㽶�� students who played a key role in organizing the event. Early Childhood Education majors Victoria Smith, Kacie Tharin, and Bea Polinario, along with Special Education major Sarah Elrod, demonstrated a strong commitment to the teaching profession through their leadership and involvement.

Their participation highlights the college’s emphasis on service and preparing future educators who value collaboration, professional learning, and innovative instructional practices.

The post �㽶�� hosts 11th annual Charles Chadwell Special Education Institute focused on the power of play appeared first on �㽶��.

Dr. Katherine Hill discovered her passion for clinical oncology pharmacy by coincidence. 

Going into her first year at the , Hill always knew that she wanted to work in a hospital setting. But it was during her fourth year when her mom was diagnosed with breast cancer that her path became clear, and was further solidified by her field experience. 

“One day, I ended up shadowing an oncology pharmacist on rotation,” she said. “I’d already enjoyed learning about it in the classroom, and then during my residency, I decided that’s what I wanted to do.”

Originally from Louisiana, Hill’s father, the Rev. Joseph Hill, a 1972 �㽶�� graduate, encouraged her to look into the pharmacy program. 

“I looked into it, and immediately everybody was so welcoming, so happy to see you, and it just felt good to be on campus,” she said. “I came back, and I was like, ‘Dad, I don’t know what it is, but I think I’m going to go there.’” 

Following her father’s footsteps, Hill graduated in 2021, 49 years after her dad. 

Since graduating from �㽶��’s School of Pharmacy, Hill has made a name for herself, currently serving as the lead outpatient oncology clinical pharmacy specialist at in Dallas, Texas, a position she’s held for just under a year. 

“It’s been fun to have different insight, not only when practicing, but through training my coworkers and being a resource and an aid for them as well,” she said. 

Hill attributes her success in her career to her time as a graduate student at �㽶��, expressing her gratitude for the school that made her feel at home while miles away from her own, and the program that went above and beyond to prepare her for the future. 

“If at any point I can give thanks to �㽶��, I always do,” she said. “I really think that I wouldn’t be here doing what I’m doing if it wasn’t for �㽶��.” 

She credits the small class sizes, the close relationships she was able to build with her professors, and the endless opportunities for helping her transform into the leader she is today. 

“There are a lot of opportunities that �㽶�� offers to be involved with organizations, or even at the state level that you probably wouldn’t find elsewhere,” she said. “Those experiences develop you as a leader and as a professional, so I owe a lot of my successes to that.” 

While her education was undoubtedly essential to her success, Hill also encourages students to take some of the pressure off themselves academically, because what happens outside of the classroom is just as important. 

“Take those opportunities to get to know people, to network, to step out of yourself and your comfort zone,” she encouraged. “The academics are important, but they’re not everything.” 

The post �㽶�� School of Pharmacy alumna Katherine Hill ‘21 transforms personal experience into motivation  appeared first on �㽶��.

Dr. Christine Boone discovered her interest in occupational therapy through the process of earning her bachelor’s degree in sports medicine and athletic training. 

As she progressed through her schooling, she realized that her heart wasn’t set on working with athletes in that capacity, and at the suggestion of her professor, she began to observe various rehabilitation services, including occupational therapy. 

Boone’s “aha” moment hit her during one of those sessions, in which a two-year-old boy was receiving early intervention services. 

“There was a moment when the occupational therapist put the child on a large ball and was bouncing him, and there was just so much joy there,” she said. “That was the moment I knew that that’s what I was going to do.” 

From that moment forward, Boone’s path became clear. Putting all of her eggs in one basket, she applied to only one school and was accepted not long after. 

From the field to the classroom

 As a pediatric OT, Boone frequently worked with students from a variety of programs, acting as their clinical educator during their field work. 

While teaching level one and two �㽶�� students, Boone met Dr. Allie Turner, �㽶�� OTD’s field work coordinator, who encouraged her to consider pursuing an adjunct teaching position.

Turner put her in contact with assistant professor Dr. Courtney Addison, who reached out with an offer to adjunct for a few pediatrics courses offered at the college. That summer, a position opened up, and Boone seized the opportunity. 

“It was kind of like the stars aligned,” she said. “I was teaching �㽶�� students in the field, and then I was asked to come adjunct, and everything kind of fell into place.” 

For Boone, now an assistant professor, this was a dream come true, as educating the next generation of clinicians was something she’d always known she wanted to do. 

“That was always my ultimate goal,” she said. “I had always known very early on, after I had gotten my feet wet and really understood OT in the field, that I wanted to teach future clinicians.”

Since adding classroom teaching to her repertoire, Boone’s favorite aspect of educating students in this new environment has been the opportunity to watch them thrive in their learning. 

“When they first come into the OT program, and then watching them over the course of the year, really applying everything that they’ve learned – watching that growth has been incredible,” she said. “Watching them turn into clinicians in front of your eyes is a really exciting thing.” 

A future of growth

When Boone thinks about the next few years at �㽶��, she’s most excited about the opportunity to continue growing and developing the Occupational Therapy Program, hoping to gain recognition within the OT educational community. 

�㽶��’s OT program is still young and growing, with the incoming 2026-2027 cohort being only the seventh group since the program opened its doors. 

“It’s really exciting to be a part of the program and watching the growth at the same time as we’re educating our professionals who will go out into the field,” she said. “I feel confident knowing that the next generation will be successful practitioners.”

The post Faculty Friday: Dr. Christine Boone  appeared first on �㽶��.

For two days, the Supreme Court of South Carolina traded its courtroom in Columbia for a stage in Clinton, offering students, educators and community members a rare opportunity to see justice unfold in real time at �㽶��.

The special session, held March 31–April 1 in Belk Auditorium, marked a significant outreach effort by the state’s highest court — one Chief Justice John W. Kittredge described as a “civics lesson on the road.”

“This is about bringing the court to the people,” Kittredge said, noting the strong turnout of students from across South Carolina. “We’ve been blown away by the interest.

Justice for every corner

For �㽶�� president Dr. Anita Gustafson, the moment carried both institutional and civic significance.

“We are genuinely grateful you have chosen �㽶�� for this historic occasion,” she said in welcoming remarks. “Our students are watching real arguments before the highest court of South Carolina. They are seeing — not just reading about — how justice is argued, decided and delivered.” 

Gustafson framed the event as part of a broader mission to expand access to learning and civic understanding.

“This is a statement about who justice belongs to,” she said. “It belongs to everyone in every corner of this state.” 

Drawing on her background as a historian, Gustafson also reflected on the court’s legacy, noting its origins in the 1868 state constitution and its role as “the guardian of the rule of law” for more than 150 years.

Learning in real time

The audience included students from across the region — from middle schools to high schools and college classrooms — many experiencing oral arguments for the first time.

That exposure, Gustafson said, is transformational.

“Some of them will leave this room and carry what they witnessed into careers in law, public service, medicine, education and business,” she said. “They will carry it into their communities and into the world to make a difference.” 

That sentiment was echoed by , a 2007 �㽶�� graduate, trustee and appellate attorney with in Columbia. The sessions took place on the Whitney B. Harrison Stage, named in recognition of her support for the college.

“�㽶�� is a place where people discover their calling,” Harrison said. 

Harrison, who once clerked for the state Supreme Court, described appellate law as work that shapes legal precedent for generations.

“Appellate courts are not here to decide what happens,” she said. “Their job is to determine what the law should be and how it should be applied.” 

For students in attendance, she added, the experience offers a glimpse into that process — one that demands precision, persistence and a deep sense of responsibility.

“I hope each of you finds your calling and has the courage to follow it,” Harrison said. 

A community effort

Hosting the court required weeks of coordination across campus and beyond, with Gustafson and others recognizing the contributions of faculty, staff and community partners who made the event possible.

Local and state leaders also emphasized the broader impact of bringing the court to Laurens County.

“This is truly a great laboratory experience,” said S.C. Sen. Danny Verdin, who represents District 9. “Bless you for bringing the courthouse to Laurens County.” 

Verdin placed the visit in a wider historical context, noting the long-standing importance of law and justice in shaping communities.

“An exceptional experience is before us today,” he said, adding that its effects “will be long-lasting and measured in years to come.” 

State Rep. Doug Gilliam echoed that sentiment, calling the event a rare opportunity for citizens to witness the judicial process firsthand.

“This is democracy in action,” Gilliam said. 

Bridging classroom and courtroom

Throughout the sessions, the justices heard oral arguments in a range of cases, including civil and criminal appeals involving issues such as immunity under state law, jury procedures and post-conviction relief.

But for many in attendance, the substance of the cases was secondary to the experience itself — seeing how legal arguments are presented, questioned and weighed at the highest level.

Kittredge emphasized that point, encouraging students to engage with the process and recognize its relevance to their lives.

“We hope this is an enjoyable experience for you,” he said, addressing the audience of students and educators.

Lasting Impact

For �㽶��, the visit represented more than a two-day event. It was a convergence of mission, opportunity and public service — one that connected classroom learning with real-world application.

By bringing the Supreme Court to campus, Gustafson said, the college created a moment that could shape how students understand both their education and their role in society.

And for those who filled Belk Auditorium — from aspiring attorneys to curious middle schoolers — the experience offered something rare: a close-up view of how justice works, and who it serves.

As Verdin noted, the significance of that moment may not be fully realized until years later.

But its impact, he suggested, is already underway.

The post A Court Comes to Campus: Supreme Court of South Carolina holds historic session at �㽶��, bringing ‘civics lesson on the road’ to students and community appeared first on �㽶��.

Long before she ever opened a dataset or wrote a line of code, Vanessa Palisin, a senior economics and business administration major from Myrtle Beach, was learning the rhythms of hockey from the rinkside.

“I was around ice skating and hockey before I could even walk,” she said.

Now a senior at �㽶��, Palisin has transformed that lifelong passion into a rigorous honors research project that applies advanced analytics to one of the most debated questions in professional sports: Do players perform differently depending on where they are in their contract cycle?

The answer, she found, is more nuanced than conventional wisdom suggests.

From the rink to the research lab

Palisin’s project examined player performance before, during, and after the signing of NHL contracts, exploring whether athletes elevate their play in pursuit of a new deal—or relax once they’ve secured one. Using a combination of statistical modeling and machine learning techniques, she analyzed performance trends across multiple seasons and player cohorts.

Her findings revealed a complex picture.

While some players do show measurable increases in performance leading up to contract negotiations, the effect is not universal. Similarly, fears that players consistently decline after signing lucrative deals are overstated. In many cases, performance stabilizes rather than drops off dramatically.

“It’s not as simple as ‘players try harder in contract years and then stop,’” Palisin said. “There are a lot of variables at play—team dynamics, injuries, role changes—that influence performance just as much as contracts do.”

Her research ultimately suggests that NHL organizations must take a broader, more contextual approach when evaluating player value, rather than relying on simplified narratives about motivation and effort.

A real-world application of classroom learning

For Palisin, the project represents more than an academic exercise. It is a direct application of the skills she has developed through her studies at �㽶��, where she has pursued multiple concentrations within the business program.

She credits the college’s small class sizes and hands-on approach to teaching with giving her the confidence to tackle a project of this scope.

“You’re not just sitting in a lecture hall,” she said. “You’re working closely with professors, asking questions, and actually applying what you’re learning.”

That environment proved especially important as she navigated the technical demands of her research, which included coding, statistical analysis, and the integration of machine learning methods alongside traditional economic modeling.

Dr. Suzie Smith ‘82, the Robert M. Vance Professor of Business Administration, said Palisin’s work stands out for both its rigor and its relevance.

“Vanessa’s project demonstrates an impressive ability to combine sophisticated analytical techniques with a clear, real-world application,” Smith said. “She not only tackled a complex question, but she did so in a way that reflects the kind of work being done at the highest levels of sports analytics.”

Stepping onto a bigger stage

Palisin recently presented her research at the 55^th annual meeting of the in Jacksonville, Fla., where she earned first place in the undergraduate paper competition. The experience pushed her to translate months of work into a concise and compelling presentation.

Condensing a paper that exceeded 60 pages into a 15- to 20-minute talk was no small task.

“It was definitely a challenge,” she said. “You spend so much time digging into the details, and then you have to step back and figure out what really matters for your audience.”

Adding to the pressure was the presence of familiar faces in the crowd, including her father and several of her professors.

“I was nervous at first,” she said. “But once I got a few slides in, I found my rhythm.”

By the fifth slide, she said, the nerves had faded, replaced by a sense of confidence in both her work and her ability to communicate it.

The experience, she added, reinforced her interest in pursuing a career that blends analytics with decision-making in the sports world.

A foundation built on family and passion

Palisin’s path to this moment has been shaped by both personal passion and family influence.

Her father introduced her to hockey at an early age, fostering a love for the game that has remained constant throughout her life. Her mother, meanwhile, inspired her interest in business and analytical thinking.

That combination—sports and data—ultimately guided her academic and professional aspirations.

“I’ve always loved hockey, but I also knew I wanted to do something in business,” she said. “This project let me bring those two interests together in a really meaningful way.”

Even lighter moments from her past, like selling Girl Scout cookies, hint at the blend of interpersonal and analytical skills that now define her work.

Preparing for what comes next

As she prepares to graduate, Palisin sees her research as a stepping stone toward a career in sports operations, finance, or analytics—fields where data increasingly drives decision-making.

Her work on NHL contracts has already given her a clearer understanding of how organizations evaluate talent and allocate resources, as well as the limitations of relying on surface-level metrics.

“It’s about making better decisions,” she said. “Teams have access to so much data now, but the key is knowing how to interpret it.”

That mindset reflects a broader shift in professional sports, where analytics departments play an ever-growing role in shaping roster construction, contract negotiations, and long-term strategy.

More than a senior project

For �㽶��, Palisin’s work exemplifies the kind of undergraduate scholarship the institution aims to foster—projects that are both intellectually rigorous and practically relevant.

Smith said Palisin’s ability to bridge theory and application is a testament to her dedication and to the opportunities available to students willing to take on ambitious challenges.

“Vanessa represents what is possible when students fully engage with their education,” Smith said. “She has taken what she’s learned in the classroom and applied it in a way that prepares her for the next stage of her career.”

For Palisin, the experience has been equally transformative.

What began as a question rooted in a lifelong love of hockey has evolved into a sophisticated analysis with real-world implications—and a clear direction for the future.

“I started this because I was curious,” she said. “Now I see how it can actually make an impact.”

As she looks ahead, that combination of curiosity and purpose is likely to carry her far beyond the rink.

The post �㽶�� senior turns lifelong love of hockey into data-driven research on NHL performance appeared first on �㽶��.

As a critical care pharmacist, Dr. Martin Gordon spends his days caring for the sickest patients in the hospital – those in intensive care whose conditions can change hourly. 

As a result of the intricacies of his patients’ needs, Gordon is responsible for managing complex medication regimens, responding to medical emergencies, and helping patients and their families understand every step of the treatment process. 

Critical care is just one of the numerous routes pharmacy students can take. For Gordon, it was his calling. 

Gordon discovered his interest in critical care during his third year of pharmacy school while taking a course surrounding toxicology pharmacotherapy, and his passion was solidified during a surgical/trauma ICU rotation in his fourth year. 

During that rotation, he learned under preceptor Sarah Frye. 

“I greatly admired the impact she had on patient care and the respect she earned as an integral member of the healthcare team,” he said. “Sarah inspired me to follow a similar path.” 

In an incredible full-circle moment, Frye later became the director of his residency program during his PGY2 year. 

Gordon largely attributes his success, both during residency and in his career, to �㽶��’s program and the preparation and opportunities it provided him as a student. 

Born and raised in Potchefstroom, South Africa, Gordon’s family relocated to the States when he was a teenager after his mother, also a pharmacist, was recruited to work in Phoenix, Ariz. 

Gordon eventually found himself in South Carolina at �㽶��’s School of Pharmacy, a decision he feels the rewards of every day. 

“The coursework was rigorous and provided a strong clinical foundation, but it was the required volunteer and professional service hours that truly began shaping me into a well-rounded pharmacist,” he said. “Those experiences pushed me to develop a deeper understanding of the communities we serve.”

Grateful for the opportunity that �㽶��’s program provided to explore and discover his passion for critical care, Gordon heavily encourages current pharmacy students to do the same. 

“Pharmacy is a field with countless paths, some of which don’t even involve any clinical work at all,” he said. “Explore and experience different practice areas, and learn what truly excites you before deciding on a specialty.” 

Gordon originally thought he would be working in a community setting after graduating, having never heard of critical care pharmacy prior to his pharmacotherapy courses. 

However, as he progressed further into his education and his interests began to change, he began immersing himself in other specialties, ultimately finding what was meant for him.  

“The more you expose yourself to, the better you’ll understand just how many meaningful and fulfilling directions a pharmacy career can take,” he said. 

The post �㽶�� School of Pharmacy alumnus Martin Gordon ‘21 reflects on career and lifelong impact of a �㽶�� education appeared first on �㽶��.

 The world of business has always been of interest to assistant professor of accounting Scott Barker ’93, even as a teenager. 

As a Laurens native, Barker attended �㽶�� after finishing high school, where he majored in business and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1993. 

“I think I’ve always had an interest in business,” he said. “And when I got here, Dr. Jerry Slice and Dr. Suzie Smith were my professors, and they helped spur that interest along, too.” 

The road back to �㽶��

After graduating from �㽶��, Barker worked for for five years before working for the , where he spent 16 years. 

Soon after beginning work at the SCDOR, Barker began teaching nighttime business courses at Piedmont Technical College as an adjunct professor, a position he held until retirement. 

Barker made the transition to full-time teaching in 2023 after retiring from both the state and his position at Piedmont Tech, having come across an open position within �㽶��’s business administration program. 

“It was a chance for me to come back to Presbyterian,” he said. “I enjoyed my years when I was here, and it was a way for me to reconnect to the college.” 

Since then, Barker has spent 3 years at �㽶�� as a professor of accounting, though he has taught a variety of classes within the program. 

As an alumnus, the opportunity to come back and serve his alma mater has been incredibly fulfilling for Barker, along with the chance to work side by side with his former professors who inspired him so much when he was a student. 

“I still look at Dr. Slice and Dr. Smith as my professors,” he said. “I still view them that way, even though I’m working with them in the department.” 

A future of growth and community

What excites Barker the most about the coming years at the college is the opportunity for growth, both within the department and in campus interactions with the surrounding community. 

“I had a student, Emma Erwin, who worked on a project last semester studying the economic impact of �㽶�� on the community, and it was really good to not only see a student do that work, but to see how �㽶�� as a whole impacts not just the surrounding community, but the county as a whole,” he said. 

In addition to looking forward to more opportunities to work with dedicated students, Barker hopes to continue to strengthen the impact of the college on the nearby community.

The post Faculty Friday:  Scott Barker ’93 appeared first on �㽶��.

�㽶�� rolled out the True Blue welcome mat on Saturday, March 21, as admitted students and their families came to the Clinton campus for Accepted Student Day. The event was a celebration of achievement and a first real taste of life as a Blue Hose.

“Days like this are what make this work meaningful,” said Josh Tyson, executive director of . “When you see these students walking across campus, laughing, making new friends, and starting to picture themselves here — that’s the moment you know �㽶�� is working its magic.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited about the class that’s coming.”

In Belk Auditorium, �㽶�� president Dr. Anita Gustafson, student leaders, and admissions leadership officially welcomed the incoming class.  An academic advising overview followed, giving students an early look at navigating their first semester and the First-Year Experience courses designed to help them hit the ground running in the fall.

After the welcome session, future Blue Hose connected with current and future �㽶�� students as they made friends and learned more about what to expect at �㽶��.  Meanwhile, parents gathered for sessions on financial aid, campus resources, and student support services.

“Accepted Student Day made me excited for my future at �㽶��,” said Kendall Williams of Woodruff, S.C.

“From the moment I arrived, everyone was incredibly welcoming. The campus is beautiful, and the atmosphere is truly refreshing.”

The afternoon brought everyone together on East Plaza for the True Blue Celebration. Students and parents met with professors to learn more about the academic offerings at �㽶�� as well as campus leaders to learn more about the many ways  students can get involved on campus. 

A cookout with yard games and a live DJ capped off an event full of new friendships and first impressions.

“The experience I had at Presbyterian was amazing!” said Kameron Hailstock of Piedmont, S.C. 

“Everyone I met was so nice and made me feel like I belonged. It was fun doing the activities on campus. I met a lot of great people who also had an amazing time!”

The post Blue Hose welcome future classmates at Accepted Student Day appeared first on �㽶��.