Parent and Family News-April 2021

Volume 3 - Issue 10, April 2021 Spring Semester

In This Issue:

Dr. Daniel Heimmermann Named UofSC Aiken Chancellor

The University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) is pleased to announce that following a national search, which produced more than 100 applications, USC System President Bob Caslen has named Daniel Heimmermann, Ph.D., as its next chancellor. Heimmermann currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas Permian Basin (UT Permian Basin), a position he’s held since 2014. Prior to that, he served at the same capacity at Mississippi University for Women. The University of South Carolina’s Board of Trustees approved the appointment at its meeting on Friday, April 9. Dr. Heimmermann will assume leadership of UofSC Aiken effective July 1, 2021.

For more information click here.

New Director of Diversity Initiatives

UofSC Aiken is pleased to announce alumnus Jamel Antwon Hodges, Ed.D., will join the university as Director of Diversity Initiatives within the Student Affairs division.

Dr. Hodges comes to the university from the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia, where he served as assistant director of programming in the Office of Multicultural Services and Programs. In that position, Dr. Hodges developed and managed various programs, including seven identity-based student organizations with more than 300 active students. Additionally, he provided extensive support to Black, Hispanic/LatinX, APIDA, and native American students intersection of their identities within other areas of diversity (i.e., sexuality, gender, and socioeconomic status).

Before that, he served as the Director of Admissions and Recruitment at Albany State University, where he managed a professional staff of 12 and oversaw all operations related to recruitment. From 2012 to 2018, Dr. Hodges served in several roles at Augusta University. Beginning as an admissions recruiter, he next moved into the role of Manager of the Enrollment Services Center (“one stop shop”). Finally, he served as the Assistant Director for Communications, where he collaborated with several university offices to successfully engage and recruit students through strategic messaging and communication plans.

Dr. Hodges earned his Ed.D. in Educational Innovation at Augusta University. His dissertation focused on the recruitment and retention of Black students at Greenwood University. He has a Master of Public Administration from Augusta University. He is a UofSC Aiken graduate, Class of 2011, a Bachelor of Arts in Middle-Level Education/Mathematics and Science.

Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Ahmed Samaha, stated, “I am extremely excited to welcome Dr. Hodges back to our campus community to lead our diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. A South Carolina native and alumnus of UofSC Aiken, Dr. Hodges brings his personal experiences to the position, and, combined with his knowledge from other campuses, will help move our Diversity, Engagement and Inclusion department to the next level. Our community is lucky to have such an outstanding leader as a resource as we continue to create an environment of inclusion and understanding.”

Dr. Hodges will begin his appointment at UofSC Aiken effective July 16.

May 2021 Commencement

Dear Pacers,

The university continues to implement our COVID-19 protocols and guidelines set forth in the “Ready, Set, Return” mitigation plan for your safety and wellbeing for these upcoming ceremonies and activities.

The formal commencement ceremony will take place, face-to-face, at Aiken High School at 6 p.m. on May 5. Dr. Belle Wheelan, president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, (SACSCOC) will be our May, 2021 Commencement Speaker.

The Academic Honors Ceremony will take place on the evening of Tuesday, May 4. Earlier in the day on May 5, there will be a School of Education Pinning Ceremony, a School of Nursing Pinning, and a Master’s Hooding Ceremony. Times and locations will be forthcoming.

To order your cap and gown, please contact the UofSC Aiken bookstore at 803-641-3457 or uscaikenshop.com.

ALL updates will be posted as they become available at https://www.usca.edu/graduation.

Pacer Care Package

Order a Pacer Care Package TODAY!

They are student-approved and ready to order!

Packages contain snacks, school supplies, resources to help with finals, and more, all in a reusable shower caddy. Only $35 and no shipping fee.

If you have questions please contact parents@usca.edu.

Purchase Deadline: April 16

click here to order.

UofSC Aiken and First Tee-Aiken Break Ground for Golf Practice Facility

Aiken, SC (04/05/2021) — The University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken) and First Tee-Aiken broke ground on their golf practice facility on the university campus on March 31, 2021. The facility will serve as the home for both the Pacer Golf program and the First Tee - Aiken.

The More Than a Game Campaign team raised about $1.3 million in cash, pledges, and in-kind gifts to construct Phase I of the facility that includes nine holes, putting greens, and a driving range along with a temporary classroom facility.

The university's need for a dedicated golf practice space is an especially needed resource for the team and will serve as a powerful recruiting tool. The facility is also essential before the university can consider expanding its golf program to include a women's N.C.A.A. Division II Golf Team.

For more information about More Than A Game, visit usca.edu/giving/campaigns/more-than-a-game.

UofSC Aiken to Host ROTC Pacer Detachment

Reserve Officers' Training Corps program to begin fall of 2021

Aiken, SC (03/19/2021) — The University of South Carolina Aiken will be hosting a Reserve Officers' Training Corps, (ROTC) Pacer Detachment program starting fall 2021. In collaboration with Augusta University, UofSC Aiken will offer Military Science courses for students enrolled in the Army ROTC Program. Active-Duty Army Cadre, assigned to Augusta University, will instruct the Pacer Detachment Cadets on campus.

Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Jeffrey Keenan, Chair of the Military Science at Augusta University ROTC will lead this effort. According to LTC Keenan, "Our goal is to identify talented rising juniors at UofSC Aiken who possess the skills, ability, drive and desire to earn an Officers Commission. These students will chart a new path for UofSC Aiken in shaping the development of the Pacer Army ROTC Detachment."

Students will now have an on-campus path to commission as a Second Lieutenant, and serve as a leader in the U.S. Army. Currently, two UofSC Aiken students have cleared the requirements for acceptance into this challenging opportunity.

UofSC Aiken Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, Dr. Daren Timmons states, "Over the next few weeks, the university is seeking rising juniors who are interested in being part of the inaugural Fall 2021 Pacer Detachment Class. During the Fall of 2022 this opportunity will be open to all freshmen, sophomores, as well as rising junior students."

As the University of South Carolina Aiken continues its distinction as a Military Friendly® School, the Army ROTC Pacer Detachment is the next strategical step in offering students both educational and military service opportunities. Students enrolled in ROTC may be eligible for full tuition and fees, and/ or room and board.

For more information about the ROTC Pacer Detachment, or to speak with a recruiter, contact Ryan Dimm, Recruiting Operations Officer, at 706-667-4795 or email dimm@augusta.edu

UofSC Aiken Student Leader Podcast

I hope you enjoyed the Parent and Family Relations Podcast this semester. We recognized student leaders who have made a big impact across campus. We also discussed how students can be involved on campus and upcoming events for all students. Please take time to listen to all the great students from the semester.

Click here for Podcast

Spring Break 2021

The university's leadership continues to be encouraged that our Ready, Set, Return plan is being followed and that this mitigation plan allowed us to hold on-campus classes during Fall 2020.

Looking forward to the Spring 2021 semester, the university needs to make adjustments to continue protecting our university community from the spread of the coronavirus. Instead of having a traditional spring break week, UofSC Aiken students will have four days off spread throughout the semester as wellness/break days and a second reading day just before final exams.

See the updated academic calendar for details.

UofSC Aiken and DHEC Provide

Free COVID-19 Testing Site

Free drive-up COVID-19 testing continues for all UofSC Aiken students, faculty, staff, and the greater Aiken community.

Testing site and guidelines:

Testing is conducted six days a week - Wednesday through Monday, 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
The Convocation Center parking lot located at 2049 Champion Way, Graniteville, provides two drive-through testing lanes.
No insurance card is needed, but you will need to present a driver’s license or UofSC Aiken ID.
No insurance card needed, but you do need a driver's license or UofSC Aiken ID.
SC DHEC (SC Department of Health and Environmental Control) will provide trained staff to administer the test. They will follow all HIPAA guidelines and regulations.
SC DHEC will analyze and provide results of testing within 24-48 hours of testing
A pre-registration link is available for your convenience. It is rrtesting.com/uscaiken.
For more information, please contact Mr. Deri Wills at Deriw@usca.edu or 803-641-3787.

Please continue to revisit Ready, Set, Return, our comprehensive, campus-wide mitigation plan. The revision date appears on the front cover when new information is added.

Updates on the campus’s condition will be reflected on the dashboard each Friday and will cover weekly updates on Thursday evening each week.