Introduction
The University of South Carolina (USC) is a public research university located in Columbia, South Carolina. Founded in 1801, it is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System and the oldest historically black college or university in the United States. With a rich history, USC has become a major research university with an enrollment of nearly 50,000 students. But there is more to USC than just its academics. Here are some fun facts about the university that you may not know.
Longest Serving President
The University of South Carolina is home to the longest-serving president in the history of American higher education. Dr. Harris Pastides served as president of USC for 12 years, from 2008 to 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw the expansion of the university’s academic programs and research initiatives, as well as the construction of new buildings and facilities. He also worked to increase diversity and inclusivity on campus.
First African-American Student
In 1966, the University of South Carolina became the first public university in the South to admit an African-American student. The student, Henrie Monteith, was a transfer student from Claflin University, a historically black college in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She went on to become the first African-American woman to earn a degree from USC, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science in Education.
First Female Student
The University of South Carolina was the first public university in the South to admit a female student. The student, Mary Ann Lee, was admitted in 1877, just one year after the university opened its doors. She was the only female student at USC for the first three years of her enrollment, but she persevered and graduated in 1881 with a degree in Latin and Mathematics.
Longest-Running Student Newspaper
The University of South Carolina is home to the oldest continuously published student newspaper in the United States. The Gamecock, which began publication in 1908, is still in print today. It is published by the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, and it covers news, sports, and entertainment on campus.
Oldest Building on Campus
The oldest building on the University of South Carolina campus is Rutledge College, which was constructed in 1805. It was originally built as a residence hall for students, but it has since been repurposed as an administrative building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a National Historic Landmark.
First Rhodes Scholar
In 1904, the University of South Carolina produced its first Rhodes Scholar. William Banks Capers was a graduate of USC’s School of Law, and he went on to become a prominent lawyer and judge in South Carolina. He was also an active member of the Methodist Church, and he served as a delegate to the United Nations.
First African-American Graduate
The University of South Carolina was the first public university in the South to award a degree to an African-American student. The student, Richard T. Greener, graduated in 1870 with a Bachelor of Arts in Latin and Greek. He went on to become a prominent lawyer, diplomat, and educator, and he was the first African-American professor at Harvard University.
First Nobel Prize Winner
The University of South Carolina is home to the first Nobel Prize winner in the United States. Dr. Charles H. Townes, a professor at USC, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1964 for his work on the laser. He also served as the first provost of the university, and he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1985.
First College Football Team
The University of South Carolina was the first college in the South to form a football team. The team was established in 1892, and it was one of the first teams in the country to play intercollegiate football. The team has since gone on to win six conference championships and two national championships.
First College Basketball Team
The University of South Carolina was the first college in the South to form a basketball team. The team was established in 1903, and it was one of the first teams in the country to play intercollegiate basketball. The team has since gone on to win six conference championships and one national championship.”