Speaking of ... College of Charleston

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, we sit down with President Andrew T. Hsu to reflect on highlights of the year. From reaching an all time high of 32,000 applicants to establishing new academic programs like the BA in entrepreneurship, Hsu talks about his drive to keep moving, full speed ahead, to ensure the College's position as a leader of academic excellence.Some key achievements in the last year include the reorganization of STEM programs into two schools; the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences and the School of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematics. "Splitting stems into these two schools gives our university more precision, more flexibility and certainly more visibility across diverse scientific and technological domains, while still allowing for interdisciplinary collaboration," says Hsu.President Hsu emphasizes the importance of liberal arts education for developing durable skills in graduates to make them competitive in the work force. "When I talk with industry leaders, they are looking for graduates, not just with just technical skills, which can be learned on the job, but they want people with durable skills such as communication, creativity, teamwork, problem solving, emotional intelligence and a global mindset. These skills will help our students stay relevant far into the future. And and those are the types of graduates we're producing across disciplines."He reflects on proud moments from the year, including the college's national visibility and events such as the College of Charleston Orchestra's performance at one of the most prestigious stages in the world — Carnegie Hall.“Each of these moments showcase how amazing our university is. Truly, extraordinary events happen here at the College of Charleston every single day,” says Hsu. We are not going to argue.Resources From This episode:College of Charleston Orchestra at Carnegie HallA Year in Review  President Hsu's Instagram and X Accounts

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking of College of Charleston, guest host Tom Cunneff interviews James London '07, owner and chef of Chubby Fish and the cocktail bar Seahorse in Charleston. London, a native of Charleston, discusses his journey from growing up fishing on Edisto Island to pursuing his career in fine dining after attending the College of Charleston. He talks about the impact of COVID-19 on his business and the creation of an outdoor dining space at Seahorse. London shares insights into his unique dock-to-table philosophy, the importance of relationships with local fishermen and farmers and his diverse culinary background. He also speaks about learning new things daily and teaching the next generation of chefs while reflecting on his restaurant's success, including multiple James Beard nominations and widespread acclaim. The interview concludes with stories of his formative years, influenced by his family's educational background and his fishing time, which shaped his passion for seafood cuisine.Featured on this episodeJames London, a Charleston native, came up cooking in barbecue and Southern restaurants in South Carolina. Upon enrolling at the College of Charleston Chef James decided to pursue his passion in food and began to work full time in fine dining restaurants while pursuing a double major at the College.Once he graduated he made the leap to New York City where he enrolled at The French Culinary Institute. After graduation James went on to work with Chef Josh Dechellis before becoming the Executive Chef at Niko, a fine dining Japanese Restaurant in Soho.After his time in New York, James ventured West to San Francisco where he led the kitchen at The Elite Café, a Creole restaurant in Pacific Heights.James eventually made it back to Charleston where he and his wife, Yoanna, opened Chubby Fish, a dock to table seafood concept that has taken the city by storm. Chubby Fish has garnered a Best New Restaurant nod from Bon Appetit, was ranked #7 Restaurant in the US from Food and Wine Magazine, and a James Beard finalist for Best Chef Southeast 2024.Resources from this episode:College of Charleston Alumni magazine winter issue 2025, interview with James LondonChubby Fish RestaurantSeahorseJames Beard Semifinalists 2025

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, we have a great conversation with Joe Kelly, director of Irish and Irish American Studies and Colleen Glenn, director of film studies at the College about Irish books and movies. The colleagues first met playing softball with faculty from the English department and quickly became friends. They put their heads together and took a group of students to Ireland for a study abroad program, traveling from Dublin to Galway.“When we do those visits, the students follow our discussions of films, like In The Name of the Father and they're really able to see the landscape and the culture that inspired the movie they they saw on the big screen,” says Glenn.They recount trips around Ireland, emphasizing locations featured in Irish films such as Dublin, Galway, Connemara, and Belfast. Films discussed include The Quiet Man, Michael Collins and Banshees of Inisherin among others, illustrating the socio-political history and cultural identity of Ireland. The episode also touches on significant Irish cinematic movements and celebrates the storytelling legacy and literary richness of Irish culture.The way Kelly's describes the landscape, and the novels are a clear indicator of his knowledge and love for the country. He's an in-demand professor for a reason.“John Huston did a film version of The Dead, which is a very quiet story,” says Kelly. “And it ends with this beautiful scene where Gabriel Conroy is looking out the window at the snow falling onto the streets of Dublin and he imagines it falling across the mutinous Shannon waves and the bog of Allen and out onto the crooked crosses in the graveyard where Michael Furey lay buried. It's the most beautiful prose I've ever read and it's a absolutely beautiful 10 minutes of cinematography too.”Featured on this Episode:Joe Kelly, director of Irish and Irish American Studies at the College of Charleston, has been studying and writing about Irish literature since the 1990s, and in the last fifteen years he's been writing narrative histories about American democracy. His next book, The Biggest Lie: A Hundred Years of American Fascism, 1818-1918, will be out this time next year.Colleen Glenn, director of film studies at the College, teaches courses on film history and American Cinema as well as special topics courses on topics like Irish Cinema & Hollywood Auteurs. In addition to co-editing an anthology on stardom, she has published on Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, and other film stars.Irish movies mentionedThe Quiet Man (John Ford, 1952)The Crying Game (Neil Jordan, 1992)In the Name of the Father  (Jim Sheridan, 1993)Michael Collins (Neil Jordan, 1996). The Wind That Shakes the Barley (Ken Loach, 2006 '71 (Yann Demange, 2014).  Hunger (Steve McQueen, 2008). The Field. (Jim Sheridan, 1990)**Banshees of Inisherin. (writ and dir by Martin McDonagh, 2022) Philomena (Stephen Frears, 2013) The Magdalene Sisters (Peter Mullen, 2002)Small Things Like These (Tim Mielants, 2024) (Claire Keegan wrote the book).Waking Ned Divine (Kirk Jones, 1998)-The Commitments (Alan Parker (ENGL), 1991). Once. Glen Hansard (John Carney, 2007). My Left Foot (Jim Sheridan, 1989). 

Send us a textOn this episode of the Speaking of … College of Charleston podcast, in honor of Valentine's Day, we ask Colleen Glenn, associate professor and director of the College's Film Studies Program, to weigh in on her favorite romantic movies.We discuss some of the classes she teaches at the College, including Dreams and Movies and The Myth of the Road in American Cinema. As we shift to the upcoming holiday, she highlights her favorite romantic dramas, including Casablanca, An Affair to Remember, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, as well as romantic comedies like The Shop Around the Corner and Moonstruck.Glenn also talks about how rom-coms have evolved and now include a wider variety of perspectives.“Films have become more diverse in terms of representation,” says Glenn. “We have better representation of people of color – of different races and ethnicities – on screen today, and we also see different gender orientations and sexual orientations. So, the classic rom-com formula of 'boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back' might now be 'boy meets boy' or 'girl-meets-girl.'"Glenn encourages moviegoers to watch movies in the theater instead of on their devices to get the full experience. She says romantic movies are just one of the many cultural systems that facilitate the “happily ever after” myth of love – and, if we're going to blame rom-coms, we have to throw music, theater and poetry into the mix.What's your favorite romantic movie to watch on Valentine's Day? Text us your favorite romantic movie on the Apple Podcasts or comment your favorites on Spotify.Resources From This episode:Romantic Dramas: Casablanca (1942)An Affair to Remember (1957)Cold Mountain (2003)Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)Romantic Comedies: It Happened One Night (1934)The Shop Around the Corner (1940)The Philadelphia Story (1940)Some Like it Hot (1957)The Apartment (1960)Moonstruck (1987)The Princess Bride (1987)When Harry Met Sally (1989)Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)Film Noir/Thrillers: Double Indemnity (1944)The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)Fatal Attraction (1987)Body Heat (1981)Oscar NomineesCinemaScopeGreat Local Theater: The Terrace

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, we speak to Ian O'Byrne, associate professor of literacy education at the College about AI in higher education. His work centers on teaching, learning and technology and is incredibly prolific, publishing newsletters, blog posts and videos on digital literacy. O'Byrne is innovative in the classroom and always seeking new ways to keep students engaged.O'Byrne discusses how higher education can integrate AI to support learning while maintaining academic integrity. He addresses concerns about cheating and fostering creativity and critical thinking. O'Byrne also highlights the need for authentic assessment and broader ethical considerations, advocating for more inclusive discussions involving students, faculty and alumni.Most importantly, he encourages educators to have more dialogue about what these things mean for the classroom.Resources from this episode:O'Byrne's BlogDigital Garden

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking Of...College of Charleston, Father Gregory West, a 1980 College of Charleston graduate and pastor of Saint Clare of Assisi on Daniel Island, shares his journey from a devout Catholic upbringing on Sullivan's Island to a successful career in the maritime industry and eventually to the priesthood. He discusses the challenges and divine interventions in building the church including financial hurdles.The initial cost estimate for the church was around 14 million, but due to rising construction costs in the Charleston area, the final bill came closer to 25 million. This escalation required West and his team to rethink parts of the project. For example, the church had planned to include several stained glass windows, but it wasn't financially feasible. According to West, either coincidence or divine providence intervened and they were able to secure the exact number of stained glass windows they needed from a church in Pittsburg that was closing that just happened to include a large stained glass window of Saint Clare of Assisi."Einstein said there are no such things as coincidences, just God's way of remaining anonymous," says West.Resources from this episode:Saint Clare of Assisi, Daniel IslandThe Reverend H. Gregory West, JCL – Pastor

Send us a textOn Wednesday, February 26th, the College of Charleston Orchestra will have the experience of a lifetime performing on one of the most prestigious stages in the world — Carnegie Hall. Their performance, together with performances by the Charleston Symphony and Charleston Symphony Youth Orchestra, will give a taste of the cultural jewels of Charleston.  Under the direction of Yuriy Bekker, conductor of the College's orchestra, these artistic powerhouses will pay tribute to Charleston's exceptional musical legacy and connections to New York City. The College's ensemble will play Antonín Dvořák's New World Symphony Finale, which premiered at Carnegie Hall in 1893; Professor of Music Yiorgos Vassilandonakis's Corsaro, which will have its world premiere; and former CofC music professor Trevor Weston's Subwaves. Music Professor Edward Hart's A Charleston Concerto, will be performed by the Charleston Symphony. On this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, we speak to Yuriy Bekker and two of his students, Rj Grant and Isaac Hill about the performance at Carnegie Hall. We talk to Bekker about emigrating from Minsk, Belarus when he was ten years old and his journey from studying music to teaching and performing. Grant and Hill share stories about their passion for playing music and their plans for the future. Resources from this episode:More information, including ticket and donation links that support this student journey can be found at go.charleston.edu/carnegie-hall.DETAILS: Watch the CofC Orchestra perform on Monday, Dec. 2, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Sottile Theatre, 44 George St. Tickets are $25-$45 for general admission with discounts available for CofC students/faculty/staff.  Info and ticket links: https://calendar.charleston.edu/event/college-of-charleston-orchestra-concertOR buy tickets from George Street Box Office in person at 44 George St., by emailing gsbo@cofc.edu, or calling (843) 953-4726.  

Send us a textFeatured on this episode:Chris Mack, one of just 19 coaches in college basketball history to lead their team to a No. 1 ranking within the first two years at their school, has agreed to a five-year contract as the new men's basketball head coach at the College of Charleston entering the 2024-25 season.Mack, whose teams have participated in the NCAA Tournament in nine of his 12 seasons as a head coach, returns to coaching collegiate basketball after a two-year hiatus. His 259 victories were the 12th most amassed by a coach in their first 11 seasons. The Cincinnati native becomes the 8th head coach in the program's Division I history. Mack and his wife, Christi, have three children: Lainee, Hailee and Brayden.Coaching Career2024               Head Coach, College of Charleston2018-22          Head Coach, University of Louisville2009-18         Head Coach, Xavier University2004-09        Assistant Coach, Xavier University2001-04         Assistant Coach, Wake Forest University1999-2001     Assistant Coach, Xavier UniversityResources from this episode:CofC BasketballCoach Mack's press conference

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, we talk to Bret Lott, professor of English and New York Times Best-Selling author, about his latest book, his upcoming retirement after decades of teaching at the College and the importance of maintaining hope. Jesse Kunze, our sound engineer, is stepping into the host's seat today because he is a former student of Lott's and because the two spent a lot of time together in this very studio recording the audio version of Lott's latest book, Gather the Olives, On Food and Hope and the Holy Land. 

Send us a textIn this episode of Speaking of…College of Charleston, we talk to Michael Lee, professor of communication and Director of the Civility Initiative. Lee has been an influential figure at the college since 2002, focusing on political communication. His research delves into political branding, identity, and strategic communication, earning him numerous awards. Lee is getting ready to launch season two of his podcast When We Disagree, which is focused on powerful, human stories about arguments, conflicts and disagreements.The podcast is a guest driven show, and Lee says the goal is “to have a bunch of people from various walks of life telling a bunch of stories about the conflicts they've had. The conflicts they've wanted to have and the conflicts they've deeply, deeply avoided.”Conflict is an embodied experience. “Think about how you feel during a conflict. Your blood pressure is rising, your brain is flooded with what some psychologists call the devil's cocktail, the combination of cortisol and adrenaline at the same moment," says Lee. "And so, the ways in which we can be mindful of how we show up during that embodied experience and the way it makes us feel can really help us navigate difficult conflicts in our lives.”The Civility Initiative was launched in 2023 and features panels, debates, speakers and workshops that promote communal engagement and healthy disagreement. Upcoming events include the film screening of UNDIVIDE US, a film about polarization and free speech. The film challenges the idea that citizens who disagree are not capable of civil conversation and demonstrates the truth that, even in our differences, the American experiment is still alive and well. Ben Klutsey, executive director of the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, stars in this film and will lead a Q&A discussion following the screening.Lee offers practical tips for navigating difficult conversations, particularly in the context of the impending election. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and the embodiment of communication as tools for navigating conflicts, especially in highly polarized environments.Resources from this episode:We Are Not One People: Secession and Separatism in American Politics Since 1776When We DisagreeCivility Initiative Events calendarUncivil Agreement, How Politics Became Our Identity by Lilliana Mason

Send us a textOn this episode of Speaking of…College of Charleston, Edward Hart, professor of music, sits down with Jayme Host, Dean of the School of the Arts, to discuss her background, career and first impressions of the college and the city of Charleston. Host speaks of her passion for dance and education, highlighting her past roles and achievements which include working with various international dance companies and educational institutions. Host talks about the newly renovated Albert Simons Center for the Arts, emphasizing the state-of-the-art facilities that will support the arts programs. She expresses her excitement about the opportunities and her commitment to fostering a vibrant and successful environment for students and faculty.Featured on this Episode:Jayme Klinger Host, Dean, School of the ArtsHost has more than 25 years of student success and higher education experience. Her comprehensive knowledge of higher education has been developed through work at three different public and private institutions of higher education. Host has extensive experience directing complex departments and projects, and intentionally bringing people together across divides and generating a positive vision that is long term, expansive and solution driven. In her previous role as the director of East Carolina University's School of Theatre and Dance, within the College of Fine Arts and Communication, Host led the school's strategic plan while serving as its senior academic officer, and was responsible for curriculum, human resources and fiscal operations. Her extensive administrative, artistic and academic career is steeped in a tenacious advocacy for student success and support. She is intentional in cultivating artistry, inclusive practices and global citizenship.Originally from Central Pennsylvania, she is a professor, dancer, choreographer, STEAM educator and Arts Integration specialist with 28 years of experience of teaching dance in higher education. As a dancer, she performed with Tandy Beal Dance Company in Tokyo, with the Pennsylvania Dance Theatre in State College, PA and as an independent artist. She has created over 50 original works throughout her career.  Resources from this Episode:·      Renovated Simons Center·      School of the Arts·      2024-2025 Event Season 

Send us a textJoin host Corey Werkheiser as he sits down with Ron Magnuson, the Executive Director of Graduate and Executive Programs at the School of Business, to explore the newly launched Executive MBA (EMBA) Program at the College of Charleston. In this episode, Magnuson discusses his extensive experience in business and higher education, shedding light on the distinct features that set the one-year MBA apart from the new EMBA program. Listeners will learn about the innovative cohort structure, personalized executive coaching, and international opportunities that the EMBA offers, along with its family-oriented approach. Magnuson also details the rigorous selection process designed to cultivate a diverse and supportive learning environment. Tune in to discover how this groundbreaking program is tailored to meet the evolving demands of the business world and enhance career growth for working professionals.Featured on this Episode:Ron Magnuson is the executive director of graduate and executive Programs for the School of Business at the College of Charleston. He provides strategic guidance and direction for the MBA program in alignment with the College's mission and values. He is dedicated to working closely with faculty, staff and students to continuously strengthen and improve the program. Magnuson earned his bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from Bucknell University. He received an MBA from Mount St. Mary's University and completed the Advanced Management Program from Wharton.Resources from this Episode:MBA or EMBA? Which one is right for me?: https://charleston.edu/mba/mba-or-emba.phpExecutive MBA website: https://charleston.edu/mba/executive/College of Charleston to Offer Executive MBA Program: https://today.charleston.edu/2024/06/04/college-introduces-new-executive-mba-program/Business Graduate and Executive Programs: https://charleston.edu/school-business/academics/graduate-executive/index.php 

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of Speaking of College of Charleston, Mark Del Mastro, associate provost for academic and international programs, and Chris Korey, associate provost for student success, discuss the concept of meta majors. They explain how meta majors can help incoming students explore various academic fields intentionally while building an academic community. Join us as they discuss the advantages of meta majors for both undecided and declared students, highlighting the essential skills gained through these programs and their role in enhancing student retention and success. Plus, learn how you can access more information about meta majors and discover how these initiatives align with the broader mission of the College. Tune in for insights that could shape your academic journey. Featured on this Episode:Mark Del Mastro, professor of Spanish/Hispanic Studies and associate provost for academic and international programs provides leadership and support in the area of curriculum development and review and academic policy. He also oversees the Center for International Education, the Office of the Registrar, and the Office for Institutional Effectiveness. Born in Bowling Green, Kentucky and raised in northern New Jersey, Del Mastro earned his B.A. at Wake Forest University, his M.A. at Middlebury College, and his Ph.D. at the University of Virginia. After defending his doctoral dissertation in August 1992, he relocated to Charleston, South Carolina to begin a career at The Citadel, where for 18 years he taught a variety of courses to include Spanish language and literature, and Hispanic culture and business. In July 2010 Del Mastro joined the College of Charleston where he served as Chair of the Department of Hispanic Studies until August 2019 when he transitioned to his current role as Associate Provost for Academic and International Programs in the Office of the Provost and Academic Affairs. Chris Korey, professor of biology and associate provost for student success, leads the office for the academic experience, which provides students with educationally purposeful activities that lead to deep learning, integrated social and intellectual development, and engagement with local and global communities. In this role, Korey leads eight units and multiple programs. Korey joined the College of Charleston's Department of Biology in 2003. Most recently, Korey served as Associate Dean for the School of Sciences and Mathematics, a role he has served since 2020. Korey earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in Cell and Developmental Biology from Harvard University. An active scholar, his past research focused on the development and plasticity of the invertebrate nervous system and model systems for studying human genes associated with neurodegenerative disease. Currently, he is part of an interdisciplinary research team that studies student experiences of college transitions.Resources from this Episode:Meta MajorsStudents Explore Interests with Meta MajorsFall 2024 Meta Majors

Send us a Text Message.On this episode of Speaking of…College of Charleston, George Johnson, Executive Director of Strategic Communications, interviews Hayden Cohen, a junior theater major and student orientation leader. Hayden's Tips for Incoming Students:Less is more when it comes to packingSpeak up for yourself, ask for help when you're feeling homesickParticipate in Weeks of Welcome to meet people on campusFeatured on this Episode:Hayden Cohen is a Junior at the College of Charleston majoring in Theatre, with a concentration in Youth Theatre, and is currently on track for a master's program at the college (M.A.T. in Performing Arts). She's a former CofC Bridge program participant, Leadership Council Member, and Peer Mentor. She's a second year Orientation Intern who started the Photography Club, is currently the Vice President of HSAB (Halsey Student Advisory Board), and is a member of CofC Hillel!  Resources from this Episode:Campus Housing: https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/what-to-bring.phpCampus Housing – Move in information: https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/move-in.phpWeeks of Welcome: https://charleston.edu/admission/admitted-students/next-steps/welcome-week.phpHillel: https://cofchillel.orgCougar Connect: https://cougarconnect.cofc.edu/Cougar Free store:  Instagram  https://www.instagram.com/sustaincofc/Technology checklist out for students who are looking for a new laptop: https://help.charleston.edu/technology-resources/Student Wellness: https://charleston.edu/wellness/index.php  

Send us a Text Message.On this episode of Speaking of…College at Charleston, we talk about the college admission process with Jimmie Foster, Vice President of Enrollment Planning at the College. The conversation covers various aspects of preparing for college, from when to start thinking about applying to understanding the importance of grades, extracurricular activities and campus visits. Foster addresses common misconceptions about college admissions, the reduced significance of standardized tests like the SAT and the holistic review process adopted by many colleges. Foster offers advice for parents on supporting their children and emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit financially, academically and socially.Foster's take away advice is that campus tours give students the opportunity to preform a bench Test. “Every student should have that moment where they can sit down for just five minutes by themselves on a bench somewhere on that campus and just watch and get that feel of campus to know if they can see themselves here.” Featured on this Episode:Jimmie Foster Jr. is vice president of enrollment planning as of May 2023. In this role, Foster leads the Division of Enrollment Planning, made up of the Office of Admissions, the Visitor Center, the Office of Financial Assistance and Veterans Affairs and the Office of Enrollment Information.Foster returns to this position at the College of Charleston after spending three years as vice president of enrollment management at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania.Foster's experience at the College spans more than a decade where he held several roles including vice president of enrollment planning and director of first-year student admissions. Foster also served as dean of admissions and orientation at Northeastern University in Boston. He began his career in admissions at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia.Before moving into higher education, Foster worked on national political campaigns, including time on a U.S. Presidential campaign. He has been a presenter at national professional development conferences including NACAC, ACT/NRCCUA and Ruffalo Noel Levitz.Foster has enjoyed being a part of the College's First Year Abroad Experiences where he has been involved with the UK Soccer Experience course since its inception in 2012. Foster is passionate about English football and enjoys having the opportunity to work directly with first-year students by co-presenting the eight-week long seminar that culminates in leading study-abroad experiences to the United Kingdom based on the theme of the sociology, history and economics of soccer.Resources from this Episode:Admissions website: https://charleston.edu/admission/index.phpCofC Quick Facts: https://charleston.edu/admission/rankings-accolades/quick-facts.phpHow to apply: https://charleston.edu/admission/apply/index.phpCollege at a glance: https://charleston.edu/about/college-at-a-glance.phpOffice of Admissions Hours  Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.Phone 843.953.5670Email  Office of Admissions admissions@cofc.edu International Students  international@cofc.edu  

On this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston we talk to Dr. Rénard Harris, associate professor of management in the School of Business. Dr. Harris is the host of Teachable Moments, a radio program about education topics for parents and students on South Carolina Public Radio.Teachable Moments airs every Friday at 6:44 a.m., 8:44 a.m., 1:33 p.m., and 4:48 p.m., but you can listen any time on South Carolina Public Radio.org or today.charleston.edu/podcast.Launched in April 2024, Teachable Moments covers topics that range from cell phones in the classroom to getting ready for college to teacher shortages. This is a great partnership between the College of Charleston and South Carolina Public Radio for many reasons, one of which is the opportunity to showcase the expertise of our faculty to the 315,000 weekly listeners across the state. “The College of Charleston is proud to partner with S.C. Public Radio on educational content that will inform and, maybe, even entertain its listeners,” says President Andrew Hsu. “Professor Harris is a gifted teacher-scholar and he can pack a lot in only a minute of instruction!”Dr. Harris says he loves hosting Teachable Moments because each episode is a conversation with the wider community. “It's not about high-end research. Nobody's going to get tested on it, nobody's going to fail, we're just having a conversation in the studio,” he says. “It's a teachable moment that hopefully inspires listeners to talk about with their neighbor, family and community and hopefully those discussions will make those spaces better.”Sean Birch, director of South Carolina public radio, says Teachable Moments aligns with their mission to keep South Carolinians informed and connected to the world around them in a way that's entertaining and accessible.  “Dr. Harris' energy and positivity – not to mention the tasty licks of his harmonica – are a natural fit for our public radio style. We are proud to partner with the whole College of Charleston team and look forward to growing our shared efforts in the future.”Featured on this episode:Dr. Rénard Harris is an Associate Professor of Management in the School of Business at the College of Charleston. He holds an Ed.D in teacher education. Since his time at the College of Charleston and several years prior, he has explored multicultural education, diversity, equity and inclusion, storytelling, cultural relevance and leadership. He is often called upon to serve as a keynote speaker, inclusion facilitator and consultant for businesses and educational institutions.Resources from this episode:·      S.C. Public Radio and the College of Charleston launches “Teachable Moments”·      Teachable Moments·      Teacher Shortages episode·      School of Buisness·      School of Education·      Rénard Harris Celebrates International Blues Day on Harmonica·      MTA's 'Music Under New York' program   

On this episode we speak with Student Government Association President, Lilli Taylor about her time at the College, her academic pursuits, extracurricular activities, experiences as the student body president, involvement in student organizations, academic achievements, upcoming graduation and future plans like participating in the Disney College Program and pursuing medical school or a master's in public health.Featured on this Episode:Lilliana “Lilli” M. Taylor, Student Government Association president, spoke at the ceremony. Taylor is a senior in the Honors College majoring in public health and minoring in music and medical humanities. She is the first Asian American SGA president in College of Charleston history.Resources from this Episode:Chucktown Sound website: https://www.chucktownsound.com/homeSGA website: https://charleston.edu/student-gov-association/index.phpInstagram: @cofc.sgaIntroducing VP Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X4ES3PHi1QMUSC Internship: https://musckids.org/our-services/developmental-behavioral-services School of Health Sciences website: https://charleston.edu/school-health-sciences/Disney College Program

On this episode of 'Speaking of College of Charleston,' host Ron Menchaca, Vice President of Marketing and Communications at the College of Charleston, has a year-end discussion with President Andrew Hsu, focusing on the accomplishments and future directions of the institution. President Hsu celebrates his five years in office, discussing the significant strides the college has made academically and financially through collaborative efforts involving faculty, staff, students and the wider community. He outlines strategic moves towards achieving national university status, including the introduction of new doctoral programs. Other highlights include a surge in applications, achievements in philanthropy, sports successes, creation of new academic schools, and the implementation of new programs and online platforms. President Hsu also addresses the value of a liberal arts education in today's economy and the college's strategies to navigate the imminent demographic challenges in higher education. Resources from this episode:1967 Legacy ScholarsStrategic PlanCollege of Charleston Launches First Doctoral ProgramNew basketball coach, Chris MackCofC DayHistoric MarkersPresident Hsu's IG and X accounts

On this episode, we speak with Anne Pryor, the Vice President of Alumni Affairs that was founded in 1888 to support the College of Charleston and according to Ann Pryor, in the subsequent 136 years the mission has not changed one iota. The Alumni Association is an international organization of more than a 103,000 members worldwide. Pryor says there are many tangible benefits for members including free professional certificate courses through Coursera, a platform that was launched earlier this year. Pryor talks about the network of alumni clubs across the country, the pride alumni take in the College and much more.  Featured on this Episode:Ann Looper Pryor '83Vice President, Alumni AffairsIn November 2015, Ann Pryor returned to her alma mater to become Vice President, Alumni Affairs. Ann earned her BA degree in political science from the College in 1983 and moved to Washington, D.C., to begin her professional career on Capitol Hill. Prior to joining the College staff, Ann was Chief Operating Officer of The Cultural Landscape Foundation in Washington, D.C., and directed its business operations, communications, and marketing programs. She worked for the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for 13 years. From 1998-2002, Ann served as Director of Regional Alliances for McGraw-Hill Construction, promoting Architectural Record and Engineering News-Record magazines, among other brands. She was Director of Government Affairs for the American Institute of Architects from 1989-1995, representing the architecture profession before Congress and the White House on issues including historic preservation, small business, and surface transportation.  Resources from this Episode:The Alumni Association's LinkedIn group: https://bit.ly/CofCAALIGroup Class Note Form: https://bit.ly/CofCCNA Charleston Affair tickets: https://bit.ly/ACAtickets2024

On this episode of Speaking Of...College of Charleston, Julia Heslin, CofC senior majoring in communication, speaks with Jim Allison, executive director of the College's career center and Karen Fritchman, director of employer relations at the career center.  Allison kicks off the conversation by talking about the various offerings at the career center for students of all ages. "In higher education and student development, probably the areas that are most underutilized or areas that would be the most appropriate to emphasize, for soon to be graduates, are to please make sure to have your resume critiqued by someone in the Career Center before you graduate," says Allison. "The hardest thing for an undergraduate student to do is apply for a job after graduation cold." Fritchman shares some of the most common questions students ask when they come to the center. She also talks about the upcoming Spring Career Exploration Fair that is curated for all students, including those just starting to take a peek into what career might fit their passions and interests and those who are graduating and ready to start their careers. The EXPLORATION format will encourage career exploration and discovery, as well as extensive networking options beyond the traditional career fair. The fair will have workshops and programming before and after to effectively prepare students for the fair – like writing a resume, planning professional attire and enhancing communication skills. The event is on Thursday, February 29, 202, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Most Frequently Asked Questions:1. Does my resume have to be one page?2. Do I need a cover letter?3. Where do I start if I have no job experience?Final Words of Career Center Wisdom:"National data has shown for several decades that students who utilize their college career centers have a much higher percentage of securing an internship as well as securing an interview for a full time job."Featured on this Episode:Jim Allison, executive director career center, earned his Bachelor's degree in English from Wake Forest University and a second degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina Greensboro. He earned his Master's degree in Counseling with a concentration in Student Development in Higher Education. When he is not busy in the Career Center, Jim enjoys spending time with his family, his dog, and his bird! Karen Fritchman, director of employer relations , career center, earned her Bachelor's degree in Communication and her Master of Education degree in the Art of Teaching from Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA.  Her previous experience within Higher Education includes alumni engagement, student advising, event planning, recruiting, and fundraising. She and her family love spending time at the beach with their dog, Ivy, a rescued German Shepherd, and at home with her twenty pound cat, Beefy!  Resources from this Episode:Career CenterHandshakeFinancial WellnessIGrad

On this episode of Inside the College of Charleston, we speak to Kameelah L. Martin, dean of the graduate school and professor of African American Studies and English and Keonya Booker, associate professor of educational psychology and associate dean of the Graduate School about the history of the Graduate School, its current programs and future initiatives. Martin discusses the history of the Graduate School, its range of programs and recent additions such as the first Ph.D. program in mathematics. Kiana sheds light on the diverse student population, including those in certificate programs, and highlights the popularity of the MBA program.Featured on this Episode:Kameelah L. Martin is dean of the graduate school and professor of African American Studies and English at the College of Charleston. She joined the College in 2017 and assumed the role of dean of the graduate school in 2021. As dean of the Graduate school, Martin serves as chief administrator and advocate for graduate education. Martin holds a doctorate in African American literature and folklore from Florida State University, a master's in Afro-American studies from the University of California Los Angeles and a bachelor's in English with an Africana studies minor from Georgia Southern University.Keonya Booker is an associate professor of educational psychology and associate dean of the Graduate School. Booker conducts research on school belongingness, mentoring, and classroom community for students of color. A secondary research track examines the interpersonal effects of mentorship for underrepresented faculty and students. Booker holds a doctorate in education from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a master's and a bachelor's in school psychology from the College of William and Mary.Resources from this Episode:·      MBA program, Master of Business Administration·      Graduate Ambassador Program (GAP)·      Research Poster Session·      Masters of Science in Child Life program·      Graduate School Scholarships    

In this episode we talk to Brian Rutenberg,  College of Charleston alumnus and one of the great American painters of the past 30 years.  "My entire experience here at the College of Charleston can be summarized in a single word. The word is yes. For the entire four years I was here 1983 to 1987. I never heard the word no, not even once. The answer to my every question was yes. And that made all the difference."On this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston podcast, we talk to Brian Rutenberg '87, College of Charleston alumnus and one of the great American painters of the past 30 years. CofC is a home away from home for Rutenberg who is one of 5 family members that attended the College, including his son and daughter who are currently enrolled in the Honors College. He has stayed actively engaged with the College over the years and generously donated his painting “Sandspur” (2017, 62x80 in., oil on linen), which will be hung in the recently renovated Simons Center for the Arts. Rutenberg grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC and lives and works in New York City.“Myrtle Beach, as you all know, is a resort town full of spastic neon blinking lights and arcades and amusement parks, surrounded by some of the most ravishing landscapes on the East Coast. And I paid attention,” says Rutenberg.  “So, what I saw was miraculous, I saw two landscapes, one artificial and one natural, colliding head on at 200 miles an hour right in front of my eyes, and colliding so violently, that they seem to fuse into a third thing. And that elusive third thing has been the subject matter of my work for four decades. It's a pulsating energy. It's a visual propulsion that I couldn't articulate, but even as a kid back then knew that I had to do something with it, so that's what sort of set the tone for me to become a visual artist.”Rutenberg is nothing if not generous with his time and sharing lessons he's learned with the next generation of art students. “I feel like if I can do anything, to be of service to younger artists, or less experienced artists, then I feel like it makes me a better painter. (…) Working as an artist can be isolating so the reason I make the videos is to remind artists around the world that they are not alone. (…) By doing this, I hope to bring people into my studio, and not just show them technical stuff, which can be as boring as Novocain in a dental chair, I try to show them what an artist's life is like. I talk a little philosophy, a little personal anecdote, and then I mix some technical and art historical references in as well.”Resources from this Episode:Rutenberg's first painting class at the College was William Halsey's last before retiring. He credits Halsey as one of his major influences. https://vimeo.com/280620313To learn more about Rutenberg's time at the College and his artistic process:https://today.cofc.edu/2016/01/20/southern-landscape-painter-rutenberg/A Father figure to Rutenberg, professor and artist, Michael TyzackMFA at SVAA few of Rutenberg's favorite quotes:“If you can't explain it simply, you don't understand it well enough.” – Albert Einstein “Don't think. Thinking is the enemy of creativity. It's self-conscious, and anything self-conscious is lousy. You can't try to do things. You simply must do things.”— Ray Bradbury“The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude. ”― Friedrich Nietzsche

On this episode, we speak with Aimee Arias, Dean of the School of Languages, Cultures and World Affairs (LCWA). Arias shares some upcoming events, internship opportunities, study abroad programs and much more.Featured on this Episode:Aimee Arias, Ph.D., was appointed the dean of the College of Charleston School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs on July 1, 2023. In this role, Arias will build upon the school's dedication to preparing students to become discerning, knowledgeable and engaged global citizens. An innovative leader, educator and researcher, Arias fosters collaboration in teaching and research; builds industry, community and international connections; and handles all aspects of research funding.In her previous role as associate dean of research and creative activity in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University, Arias worked to develop a research strategic plan for FAU to increase proposals for external funding, diversify the external outlets for proposal submission, expand cross-discipline faculty collaboration and enhance the promotion of research success.Among her achievements is the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Brazil's Universidade Federal Fluminense to support faculty research collaborations and student exchanges. Also at FAU, Arias was assistant director of the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program. In this role, she trained students for participation in Model European Union competitions, served as the on-site advisor for National Model United Nations and created the South Florida High School Model European Union. She also served as chair of the Department of Political Science, where she developed a five-year plan focused on enriching education, promoting cultures of research and inquiry, and connecting FAU to the community and industry. Resources from this Episode:School of Languages, Cultures, and World AffairsStudy Abroad in Trujillo, SpainGerman American Business SummitInternational Studies ProgramJohn Edwin Mroz Global Leadership InstituteLCWA Scholarships

On October 3rd, 2007, the College of Charleston started a brand new political communication lecture series called the Bully Pulpit Series. The goal was to have national politicians who were running for president come to the College and speak to students about politics and how they planned to communicate to the public if they were elected President of the United States. Over the last 15 years, 32 politicians have participated in the series. The events have ranged from very small, intimate gatherings to huge events attracting thousands of people. Some of the more memorable candidates include then Senator John McCain, former president Barack Obama, president Joe Biden and Stephen Colbert, who was the host of the Comedy Central program, The Colbert Report at the time, and his "ROCK ME LIKE A HERMAN CAIN" Primary Rally in Cistern Yard. Featured on this Episode:H. Gibbs Knotts was appointed the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences in October 2020. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is comprised of the following academic departments: communication, English, history, philosophy, political science, psychology, religious studies and sociology and anthropology.Before assuming the role of dean, Knotts served as the department chair of the College's Department of Political Science from 2012 to 2019. In the area of political science, he teaches undergraduate courses in American politics and graduate courses in the public administration program.Knotts has published works on political participation, Southern politics, public administration and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Articles have appeared in a variety of outlets including the Journal of Politics, Public Administration Review, Political Research Quarterly, The American Review of Public Administration, State Politics and Policy Quarterly, PS: Political Science and Politics, Social Science Quarterly, Southern Cultures, Southeastern Geographer and Social Forces. He also co-edited The New Politics of North Carolina (University of North Carolina Press, 2008). He has two co-authored books: The Resilience of Southern Identity: Why the South Still Matters in the Minds of Its People (University of North Carolina Press, 2017) and First in the South: Why South Carolina's Presidential Primary Matters (University of South Carolina Press, 2019). He received the College of Charleston's Distinguished Research Award in 2017.Amanda Ruth-McSwain is an associate professor of communication at the College of Charleston. Her teaching and research interests are in strategic communication placed in agricultural contexts. More specifically, her specializations are in leadership communication and organizational public relations. Since her 2005 start at the College of Charleston, Dr. Ruth-McSwain has taught over 12 different courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, including Leadership Communication, Strategic Communication Campaigns, Public Relations Cases, Business Communication and Ethics in Leadership Communication. Ruth Mc-Swain has served in a variety of leadership roles at the College. From 2011-2021, she served as the Director of the Bully Pulpit Series. She also served as the Interim Associate Dean for the School of Humanities and Social Sciences from 2019-2021, and as Director of the Master of Arts in Communication program from 2013-2019.Resources from this Episode:The Bully Pulpit SeriesStephen Colbert at the College “Rock Me Like A Herman Cain: South Cain-Olina Primary Rally”

 On this episode of Speaking Of...Jen Wright, director of the first-year experience, Jennifer Bradley, director for the center for excellence in peer education and Gabriella Gibson, peer facilitator join us to talk about the First-Year Experience program."We challenge students in a supportive environment," explains Jen Wright. "Our goal is to help them really challenge themselves, challenge their beliefs, challenge their knowledge, challenge their capacity for things. We want them to really fall down and struggle with things, but know that it's okay to do so, that we're there to support them, we're there to make sure that they get the help that they need. We encourage students to believe that they're capable of great things, that they're going to find their way to where they want to be on their life path."Featured on this Episode:Jen Cole Wright is a professor of psychology and director of the First Year Experience at the College of Charleston. As director of this vibrant program, she recruits talented faculty to teach first year seminars and learning communities. Wright teaches introductory courses in psychology and lifespan development, but her passion lies in courses on the psychology of human conflict and social change – teaching courses like Psychology of War and Conflict; Psychology of Oppression, Resistance and Regeneration; and Psychology of Social Change. She has been teaching in the First Year Experience program since 2009, teaching both seminars and learning communities with other faculty across campus. She has been a faculty fellow in both the Honors College and the Center for Sustainable Development.Jennifer Bradley Smuniewski is the director of the Center for Excellence in Peer Education (CEPE) at the College of Charleston, supervising the FYE peer facilitators and assisting other offices on campus with creating and maintaining their peer education programs. She served as the associate director for CEPE for many years and also worked in the main office of the Office for the Academic Experience, now the Office for Student Success, providing direct support to the associate vice president for the academic experience.She has a bachelor of arts in organizational communication from Clemson University and a master of education in counseling and student affairs from The Citadel Graduate College.Gabriella Gibson is a senior at the College of Charleston and will graduate with a bachelor of science in sociology with a minor in psychology. San Diego–born and East Coast–raised, she has a passion for helping others and hopes to open a private practice in acceptance and commitment therapy. She enjoys traveling around the world, discovering new music and the arts. Resources in this Episode:First-Year ExperienceBe a Peer FacilitatorSpring 2024 ClassesFaculty Invited to Get Creative With First Year Experience CoursesFirst Year Experience Classes Offer Transformational Opportunities

John White, the dean of the libraries, talks about the recent renovations at Addlestone Library,  programs and services available to the College of Charleston community, and the future of libraries.The host is Mike Robertson, senior director of media relations in the Office of University Marketing and Communications.

On today's episode of Speaking Of… College of Charleston, Nick Plasmati, associate director of marketing and academic programs in the Honors College, speaks with Sydney Pearson, a junior majoring in systems engineering in the Honors College, about her summer internship. Sydney interned as a project manager for Mercedes-Benz Vans at its production plant headquarters in Charleston. She spent time developing data-driven tools for MBV employees across the world to make the production process more efficient.Sydney says the soft skills she learned from her colleagues and mentors at Mercedes-Benz will benefit her personally and professionally in the future. For CofC students who are interested in pursuing an internship, she offers this advice:“The biggest thing I would say, is that it's never too early to start looking for an internship. As soon as you get to college, you have the opportunity to intern at different companies. Never say no to an opportunity. The biggest thing that I would tell any new intern is to just go for it!”Featured on this Episode:Sydney Pearson is a Systems Engineering major and Mathematics minor from Charlotte, NC. She has always had a passion for leadership and mentorship, and exercises both of these activities through various campus organizations like the SSME Ambassador Program, Charleston Fellows, the Engineering Club and Army ROTC. Outside of the classroom, Sydney enjoys travelling, long days on the beach, exercising and exploring Charleston. Resources from the Episode:CofC Army ROTC CofC Engineering Club Shalosky Scholarship CofC Systems Engineering student opportunities and internships

This episode of Speaking Of...College of Charleston is a special edition about cannabis legislation in South Carolina. The program is hosted by Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker. Guest panelists include South Carolina State Senator Tom Davis, Gary Hess, the founder and executive director of the veterans alliance for holistic alternatives and Pawleys Island attorney Margaret Ann “Muffy” Kneece. Featured on this Episode:Kathleen Parker writes a weekly column on politics and culture. In 2010, she received the Pulitzer Prize for Distinguished Commentary "for her perceptive, often witty columns on an array of political and moral issues. gracefully sharing the experiences and values that lead her to unpredictable conclusions.” A Florida native, Parker started her column in 1987 when she was a staff writer for the Orlando Sentinel. She joined the Washington Post Writers Group in 2006. She is the author of Save the Males: Why Men Matter, Why Women Should Care (2008).“Parker writes with grace, wit and style and is always prescient, prophetic, ahead of the curve.” Doug Marlette, Political cartoonist & author (1949-2007)HONORS & AWARDSErnie Pyle Lifetime Achievement AwardSouth Carolina Academy of Authors2010 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary1993 H.L. Mencken Writing AwardParker divides her time between Washington, DC, and South Carolina —and points beyond. When she isn‘t immersed in writing, she enjoys interior design, an array of fur and winged friends, and long pauses with nature.Senator Tom Davis has lived in Beaufort, South Carolina, since 1985, practicing law at the firm of Harvey & Battey, P.A. He is the managing partner in the firm's real estate department. Sen. Davis obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Furman University in 1982, obtained a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1985. He served in Gov. Mark Sanford's administration as senior policy advisor, co-chief of staff, deputy chief of staff and chief of staff from 2003 to 2007. In November 2008, he was elected State Senator for South Carolina Senate District 46 and was re-elected to second and third four-year terms in 2012 and 2016. Gary Hess is the founder and Executive Director of the Veterans Alliance for Holistic Alternatives (VAHA), CEO of Teleleaf, and Partner of Dynamic Growth Solutions – organizations he founded to help destigmatize and provide access to medical cannabis.Gary served in the Marine Corps for 11 years, both enlisted and as an Infantry Officer. After serving during the heaviest levels of fighting in Irag, Gary experienced the challenges of living with PTSD, traumatic brain injury, chronic pain, and pharmaceutical dependency first-hand. He used cannabis not only to manage his conditions safely on his path to recovery, but also to catalyze and expedite Post-Traumatic Growth. He is now an advocate and activist for the use of medical cannabis in post-traumatic recovery – both for veterans and trauma survivors.Margaret Ann “Muffy” KneeceIn 1992 Muffy received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of South Carolina, with a major in History. She received her Juris Doctor from The University of South Carolina School of Law in 1995. After law school Muffy was employed with the Fifth Circuit Solicitor's Office.Muffy initially worked in the Family Court Division and was the Chief Prosecuting Attorney for the Fifteenth Circuit Family Court when she returned to her true passion as a General Sessions Assistant Solicitor for Georgetown County.  It was there she tried an array of cases from Murder, Homicide by Child Abuse, Criminal Sexual Assault, Armed R

Katherine “Katie” Houser, director of the N.E. Miles Early Childhood Development Center, talk about the mission, the play centered curriculum of ECDC and why it's considered the gold standard of early childhood education in the region. ECDC is celebrating its 50 year anniversary in 2024 with a continued drive to help children become life-long, enthusiastic and self-directed learners and responsible citizens. The host is Amy Stockwell, associate director of public information and media relations  in the Office of University Marketing and Communications.Resources:Parent Informationhttps://ecdc.cofc.edu/parent-information/index.phpYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/@nemilesecdc/videos Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/ecdccofc/

On this episode of Speaking Of...College of Charleston speaks with acclaimed author Bret Lott about his 34 years of teaching writing, his writing process and upcoming non-fiction book and the international writing program he established in Bahrain. Lott shares moments from his life, including the infamous story of becoming an overnight, international best-selling author when his book Jewel was chosen as an Oprah's Book Club selection. Featured on this EpisodeBret Lott is the author of fourteen books, most recently the essay collection Letters and Life: On Being a Writer, On Being a Christian (Crossway, 2013) and the novel Dead Low Tide (Random House, 2012). He received his MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1984, studying under Jay Neugeboren and James Baldwin.From 1986 to 2004 he was writer-in-residence and professor of English at The College of Charleston, leaving to take the position of editor and director of the journal The Southern Review at Louisiana State University. Three years later, in the fall of 2007, he returned to The College of Charleston and the job he most loves: teaching.He has spoken on Flannery O'Connor at the White House, and served as Fulbright Senior American Scholar to Bar-llan University in Tel Aviv, Israel. From 2006 to 2013 he served as a member of the National Council on the Arts. From 2010 to 2022 he was director of the Spoleto Summer Study Abroad program in English at the College.Resources on this Episode Michael Connelly, Bosch SeriesBarbara W. Tuchman: The Guns of August, The Proud Tower

Gibbs Knotts, the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, talks about the achievements in the School of Humanities and Social Science and the collaborations between HSS and local businesses and communities.The host is Mike Robertson, senior director of media relations in the Office of University Marketing and Communications.

Mari Crabtree, associate professor of African American Studies at the College, joins us on this episode of Speaking Of… to talk about her latest publication, My Soul Is a Witness: The Traumatic Afterlife of Lynching. The book, which was published by Yale University Press, provides an intimate look at the aftermath of lynching as seen through the personal accounts of Black victims and survivors who lived through and overcame the trauma. Crabtree speaks with Matthew J. Cressler, associate professor of religious studies at the College, about her research.“I wanted my book, to be kind of resting on the foundation of that work (from the Equal Justice Initiative), and focus on stories of individual people, because those lives are the reason the numbers matter, ultimately and that was something I didn't want to lose,” says Crabtree. “So that's why I wanted to invite the reader into these particular communities, and kind of weave these communities, these stories, these families into the book. (…) I wanted people to feel the full weight, or as much of the weight as they could carry, of the personal side of these of these lynchings.”Featured on this Episode:Mari N. Crabtree is a writer and an associate professor of African American Studies at the College of Charleston. Her research seeks to excavate Black life beyond the binary of suffering or resistance by exploring how culture provides a lens for understanding the struggle for Black liberation but also Black ingenuity, joy, and love. Her book, My Soul Is a Witness: The Traumatic Afterlife of Lynching, was published in 2022 by Yale University Press as part of the New Directions in Narrative History series. She also has published essays in Raritan: A Quarterly Review, Rethinking History, Contemporaries, Chronicle of Higher Education, and elsewhere.Matthew J. Cressler is associate professor of religious studies at the College of Charleston. He is the author of Authentically Black and Truly Catholic: The Rise of Black Catholicism in the Great Migrations (NYU Press, 2017) and has written for America, The Atlantic, National Catholic Reporter, Religion News Service, The Revealer, Slate, U.S. Catholic, andZocalo Public Square. He is a member of the Charleston Area Justice Ministry, a grassroots coalition of more than thirty congregations coming together to make the Lowcountry a place that is just and equitable for all. Resources:My Soul Is a Witness: The Traumatic Afterlife of Lynching (Yale University Press, 2022)Mari Crabtree's WebsiteReview in The New Republic of My Soul Is a Witness: James Baldwin's collected essays, The Price of the Ticket

 Sebastian van Delden, the dean of the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, talks about the addition of engineering degrees to the College and collaborations between the School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Engineering, and local business.The host is Mike Robertson from University Communications. 

On this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, President Hsu sat down with Ron Menchaca, vice president of marketing and communications, to share some highlights from the past 2022-23 academic year. “I'm very proud of what the college has achieved during the last four years, and proud of the progress we're making on our strategic plan,” says Hsu, who celebrates his fourth anniversary as president of the College in May 2023. “We have assembled an all-star team of higher education leaders during the past four years and now the college is making significant gains in many areas including student success, faculty success, diversity and more. It's very gratifying to see the positive momentum of this great institution.”Year in Review Highlights:•A record number of applications for 2023/2024 •Avery Research Center Awarded $2 Million Grant From Mellon Foundation•Men's Basketball Claims CAA Title, Clinches Spot at NCAA Tourney•The Committee on Commemoration and Landscapes (CCL) rededicated the Septima Clark Auditorium in the education center. This is one of the first – of many projects – to tell a more complete story of our campus and our city. CofC Celebrates Life of Activist Septima Clark With New Exhibit, Mural•First annual Food Security Summit, College of Charleston to Host Nationally Recognized Experts for Inaugural Food Security SummitPresident Hsu talked about the 10-year strategic plan, Tradition and Transformation, and what has been accomplished in the past year. He shared updates on the following cross-cutting themes; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Innovation and Partnerships.CofC Prepares to Kickoff Strategic PlanPilar one: Student Experience and SuccessPilar two: Academic DistinctionPilar three: Employee Experience and SuccessPresident Hsu was pleased to report the hiring of three new deans under the leadership of Suzanne Austin, Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. These deans include Wes Dudgeon, dean of the brand new School of Health Sciences, Paul Schwager, dean of School of Business, and Amiee Arias, who will join the team later this summer as dean of the School of Languages, Cultures, and World Affairs. New additions to the president's cabinet include Dan Frezza, who joined the College as the new chief advancement officer, and Jimmy Foster, vice president of the Division of Enrollment Management. Chuck Baker is the interim General Council."What really moves a university to a new level of excellence is the leadership team, and without a strong leadership team, we would not be able to effect the changes that we're trying to make. I'm very proud to say that if I were in a professional basketball program, then I would say I now have an all-star Dream Team on this campus.”

Fran Welch, dean of the School of Education, talks about the collaborations between the School of Education and local school districts.  She also discusses attracting students into the teaching profession during difficult times. The host is Mike Robertson from University Communications.   

In this episode of Speaking Of... Tom Cunneff, College of Charleston Magazine editor talks to Navid Hashemi and Sarah Schoemann, computer science professors about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT and what this means to higher education. "It's revolutionary," says Hashemi who compares the development in technology to the Industrial Revolution. "In the industrial revolution, we tried to replace our muscles with robots or tools. But here, the systems are trying to help our brain to make better decisions and somehow make our life easier. If the paradigm shift is exponential in the next in the next few years, I believe that we are going to see a lot of new advancements in many different fields, in drug discovery, in music, in art, in robots, social living, driving and self driving."One of the biggest questions and hottest debates is how these large language models will change higher education and whether educators should embrace or ban AI from classrooms. "I think it's a technology that you really need a nuanced approach to," says Schoemann. "Ultimately, the idea of banning it outright will fail because students are savvy, and trying to ban any technology from students is never really the right move. But I'm not sure that it needs to become the center of the classroom."Featured on this Episode: Sarah Schoemann is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, she received her PhD from GA Tech in 2021. At College of Charleston she is the director of the Critical Art and Technology Lab or CATLab. She primarily teaches courses in the CS department's Computing in the Arts or "CITA" program, which combines the study of the arts with computation. Trained as both a fine artist and a researcher in the field of Human Computer Interaction and Game Studies she is focused on the design and evaluation of new technologies such as games and interactive experiences with a focus on how creativity, and playfulness can have real-world impacts. She is particularly interest in the implications of technologies for critically engaging with broader social questions regarding justice, equity and inclusion.Navid Hashemi is the director of the graduate program in Data Science and Analytics at the College of Charleston. He joined the Computer Science department in 2020 as an assistant professor and founded the Data Mining and Connectivity (DMC) research lab. He is an active researcher in spatiotemporal data mining, machine learning, Internet of Things (IoT) analytics, and crowd-sensing. Hashemi holds a doctorate in computer science from the University of Georgia, and prior to joining the college, he held a visiting faculty position at Emory University.Resources from this Episode:AI expert Timnit Gebru talks to 60 minutes about bias in large language models like ChatGPTArticle about Getty Images lawsuit against Stable Diffusion for copyright infringementRefik Anadol, artist who uses AI to create wall-sized generative art, using only “ethically sourced data” as training data.Official chatGPT/GPT-4 webpages:https://openai.com/blog/chatgpthttps://openai.com/research/gpt-4

Paul Schwager, dean of the School of Business, talks about program growth in the School of Business, partnerships with local and regional businesses, student internships and more.  The host is Mike Robertson from University Communications. 

"Fuel for the Future," tips on healthy eating, sustainable eating and solutions to food insecurityIn honor of National Nutrition Month, this month's episode is all about food; how to eat sustainably, reduce food waste and enjoy delicious local fruits and veggies from our campus farmers market.The world's population has grown from 5 billion in 1987 to almost 8 billion today, but our resources can't keep up. Agriculture and related land-use change account for almost 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode we sit down with Regan Henry, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist for Dining Services at the College of Charleston. Henry shares her wealth of knowledge and offers suggestions on how to adopt healthy and sustainable eating habits.FeaturedRegan Henry is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and a Certified Eating Disorder Specialist. She is a Charleston native and joined the College of Charleston in April 2022 as the Registered Dietitian for Dining Services. Her interest in sustainable eating began during her college days when she started studying motivators for local food consumption and other sustainable behaviors among college students. And she's had a passion for working with college students since then.Students can meet with Regan to talk about anything from their personal health goals, to managing food allergies, dietary restrictions and learning how to plan and prepare meals independently. Regan works with campus chefs to help take the mystery out of healthy eating. Dining Services recognizes and accommodates food allergies, preferences, and special dietary needs in a way that's personalized, sensitive and supportive. Registered Dietitian services for meal plan holders include:Nutrition consultationsDining hall toursFood allergy solutionsIf you have any questions or concerns regarding your nutritional needs, please contact Regan at Henry-Regan@aramark.com.Tips for healthy eating:Fewer animal products, especially red meat, and more fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. Consider making small, realistic changes to your diet. Eating plant-forward meals is a way to emphasize healthy plants at the center of the plate. Meat can be added as a flavor enhancer, but in smaller quantities than most of us are used to.Tips for sustainable eating:Eat fewer animal-based foods. Reduce food waste and plan meals ahead of time. Pick your produce wisely. Eat localTips for food insecurity on campusThe Lowcountry Food Bank, in partnership with the College of Charleston's Riley Center for Livable Communities and the City of Charleston has an online, interactive Lowcountry Food Finder Map, which helps people in need find free food in Charleston County and beyond. Cougar Pantry, which provides food to students, no questions asked.Swipe Away Hunger is a way for students with meal plans to donate unused meal taps to support students facing food insecurity.ResourcesCampus Dish Menus for Liberty Fresh Food Company and City Bistro are housed here, including the vegan/vegetarian/cool foods icons mentioned.CofC Dining Instagram (Includes communications about wellness events and farmers markets)Charleston Farmers Market

Sandy Butler, Benefits Manager in the Office of Human Resources, talks about the best ways to plan for retirement from the College of Charleston. The host is Mike Robertson from University Communications. 

Over the last 10 years Kameelah Martin, dean of the Graduate School and professor of African American Studies and English, has been researching the ancient Yoruba religion of West Africa, a religious practice that came to the Americas during the transatlantic slave trade. The practice has flourished in places with large Catholic communities like Cuba, a country that is known for having the most pristine practice outside of Nigeria.On this episode of Speaking Of … College of Charleston, Martin discusses her personal evolution from researcher and scholar to initiate of the Yoruba religion. The experience was a spiritual and professional journey for Martin who wanted to evolve as a scholar and learn about African spirituality in real time.In the summer of 2022, after extensive preparation, she traveled to Cuba to participate in the initiation ceremony and undergo the 375-day process as an initiate.Featured on this EpisodeKameelah L. Martin is dean of the Graduate School and professor of African American Studies and English at the College of Charleston. She joined the College in 2017 and assumed the role of dean of the Graduate School in 2021. Martin holds a doctorate in African American literature and folklore from Florida State University, a master's in Afro-American studies from the University of California Los Angeles and a bachelor's in English with an Africana studies minor from Georgia Southern University. Prior to joining the College, Martin held faculty positions at Georgia State University, the University of Houston and Savannah State University.Martin's research explores the lore cycle of the conjure woman, or Black priestess, as an archetype in literature and visual texts. Other areas of interest include the evolution of 20th century Black folk heroes, the fiction of Tina McElroy Ansa, Gullah Geechee heritage and culture, African American genealogical research and the writing of family histories.Resources for this EpisodeBrooks, Kinitra, Kameelah L. Martin, and LaKisha Simmons. “Conjure Feminism: Toward a Genealogy.” Hypatia 36, no. 3 (2021): 452–61. Gleason, Judith, Elisa Mereghetti, Teresita Martinez, Miriam Cruz, Francisco Rivela, and Judith Gleason. The King Does Not Lie. New York, NY: Filmakers Library, 1993.Martin, Kameelah. “Envisioning Black Feminist Voodoo Aesthetics: African Spirituality in American Cinema” (2016)Martin, Kameelah. “Conjuring Moments in African American Literature: Women, Spiritwork, and Other Such Hoodoo” (2012) “The Lemonade Reader,” an academic look at the work of pop icon Beyoncé.

The first episode features Wes Dudgeon, interim dean of the College of Charleston's new School of Health Sciences. In this episode, Dudgeon talks about the growth of SHS and discusses some of the research being conducted at the school.  The host is Mike Robertson from University Communications. 

Famed American author Edgar Allan Poe, who lived from 1809 to 1849, was a poet, literary critic, short story writer and creator of the modern horror tale. He experienced great tragedy in his life and was notorious for his drinking and dark temperament, which frequently got him into trouble. Poe spent time in the Charleston Lowcountry while serving in the U.S. Army (under an assumed name) he at Fort Moultrie on Sullivan's Island from 1827 to 1828. As Poe's 214th birthday approaches on Jan 19, 2023, his enduring popularity in American popular culture only continues to grow. Netflix recently released The Pale Blue Eye (the title comes from Poe's short story The Tell-Tale Heart). The historical thriller, based on a 2006 novel by Louis Bayard, is set at West Point, where Poe was a cadet before he was court-martialed in 1831. In this fictionalized film, Poe is enlisted by a detective (played by Christian Bale) to help solve a series of grisly murders. In this podcast episode, Scott Peeples, a Poe scholar, English professor and interim chair of the Department of English, takes us on a tour of some of the Lowcountry landmarks associated with Poe. Featured on this EpisodeDuring his 26 years at the College of Charleston, Scott Peeples, English professor and interim chair of the English Department, has taught a wide array of courses on topics ranging from Gothicism to nineteenth-century American poetry to Bob Dylan. He has published extensively on Edgar Allan Poe and other nineteenth-century writers, most recently as author of The Man of the Crowd: Edgar Allan Poe and the City and as co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Edgar Allan Poe. Peeples served as chair of the English Department from 2012 to 2017 and is a past president of the Poe Studies Association and the Southeastern American Studies Association.Resources for this EpisodeThe Man of the Crowd: Edgar Allan Poe and the City by Scott PeeplesThe Afterlife of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott PeeplesEdgar Allan Poe Revisited by Scott PeeplesEdgar Allan Poe's suburban dream essay by Scott Peeples Why should you read Edgar Allan Poe? TED-Ed video on YouTube with more than 1.7 million views written by Scott Peeples The Pale Blue Eye (adapted by the director, Scott Cooper, from Louis Bayard's 2006 novel of the same name)The Raven by Edgar Allan PoeAnnabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe