By Katlyn Aleman Dominguez (English ’24) Many people see a world languages and cultures degree as a ticket to study abroad, but the reality is that world language degrees are relevant to a range of careers locally in the US. Christine Scott‘s experience as a Spanish major at USC Upstate has influenced her career and…
Author: Celena Kusch
Alumni Spotlight: La’Porsha Smalls Attorney and Entertainment Industry Executive
By Taylor Arana (English ’24) La’Porscha Smalls (English & Honors ’15) stands as a testament to the power of determination, intellect, and passion. As a graduate of USC Upstate, she has carved an extraordinary path for herself not only as an accomplished attorney, but also as the CEO of her own entertainment company, L.Tonise Presents…
Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Buzzard Ascends
By Josh Lanier (English) Ashley Buzzard (English ’08) understands that education is a powerful weapon that can be used to change the world. As a professional in the field of higher education, she has made a career out of helping her students realize their full potential. Buzzard earned her bachelor’s degree in English at USC…
Alumni Spotlight: Kylin Hunter, Empowering a Community Through Writing
By Josh Lanier (English Major) Kylin Hunter (English ’16, cum laude) is a true artist—he pours every ounce of heart and soul into his creative pursuits. He is also a man who utilizes his talents to help others in his community realize their full potential. Hunter graduated from USC Upstate with a major in English and…
Alumni Spotlight: Patrick Mack, Braille Instructor at the SC Commission for the Blind
By Catherine Gordon (English *24) The famous novelist Alice Walker once wrote, “Activism is my rent for living on the planet.” If anyone in our region perfectly embodies these words, it is USC Upstate alumni Patrick Mack (English ’21). Mack majored in English literature, with a focus in disability studies, and minored in education. Currently…
Alumni Spotlight: Erika Pertell’s True Callings
By Kellie Addie (English ’24) Erika Pertell (English ‘13) uses her degree in English, Literature, and Creative Writing to inspire a passion for reading in the minds of children at the High Point Academy of Spartanburg. While she did not always want to teach, she has found her true calling in teaching. Being inspired by…
Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Thomas McConnell, Award-winning Author and English Professor at USC Upstate for 23 Years
By Lauren Reitz Dr. Thomas McConnell talks upbringing, The Wooden King, and advice for aspiring writers For Dr. Thomas McConnell, growing up in the South meant growing up with a reverence for the past—thanks, in part to living near his grandparents who had lived through the Spanish Flu, the Great Depression, and WWII. “The sense…
Alumni Spotlight: Mason Turner Admitted to the South Carolina Bar
Mason Shelby Turner (English ’17) is a recent graduate of Mercer University’s Walter F. George School of Law and one of the newest members of the South Carolina Bar. She serves an Associate Attorney at Nimmons & Malchow, P.C., in Augusta, Georgia. Turner joins fellow English alums, Spencer Woodstock (English ’14), LaPorscha Smalls (English ’15),…
Alumni Spotlight: Exploring Graduate School Panel Video
In case you missed it, join via video as moderator Maria Franciso Montesó, senior instructor of Spanish, discusses a range of graduate school pathways with a panel of USC Upstate alumni and faculty. Featured Panelists: Dr. Xinyi Tan (Education ’14), assistant professor of Chinese and French at Coastal Carolina University Sheryl Mann (English ’12), assistant…
Alumni Spotlight: Tamira Moore, Writer and Filmmaker
The 2020-2021 academic year has not been particularly kind to everyone, but Tamira Moore (English ’19) has much to celebrate. This spring, she earned her Master’s Degree in Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University and has been inducted into the Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society. She also completed filming for a short…