| Tell us about your city (founding year, notable events/history, festivals, notable residents, etc.) |
Aiken, South Carolina was founded in 1835. Aiken was named after William Aiken who was the president of the South Carolina railroad. By the beginning of the 20th century, Aiken was a winter colony for the wealthy and was known for equestrian sports, especially polo. The Savannah River Site is also a great resource that resides in Aiken. The 2020 census accounted for 30,984 residents. |
| What are your school's unique traditions? |
One tradition that USC Aiken has is Winter Fest. The annual event, which spotlights holiday traditions from different cultures, is fun for students but also educational. |
| Tell us about your school's founding and history. |
USC Aiken was started in 1961. The University of South Carolina, the state’s flagship university which was founded in Columbia in 1801, began offering courses in Aiken for students interested in completing their degrees in Columbia. UofSC Aiken became the fourth campus founded of the eight that would eventually comprise the USC System. Three full-time faculty members, a secretary, and 139 students joined for the university’s first academic semester in September 1961. Classes took place in "Banksia," a former winter-colony mansion in downtown Aiken. For 11 years, the university’s first students attended college in a structure which was developed as living quarters, studying composition in an area which was once a ballroom and algebra in a former sitting room. Over the years, the student population grew and the need for a new physical location for campus arose. The university purchased property from the Graniteville Company and moved from Banksia to its present site in 1972. |
| What is your school's mascot? What was it originally (if different). What is the history of the mascots you have had? |
Originally, the school’s sports teams were initially known as the Rebels. The mascot name was changed to Pacers in 1971. UofSC Aiken student-athletes adopted the Pacers as their mascot, named for Aiken’s well-known status as an equestrian community. Aiken is famous for breeding thoroughbreds that compete in both steeplechase and flat racing. It all began with the Aiken Steeplechase Association, which was founded in 1930 and has been hosting annual races ever since. These competitive races draw more than 30,000 in attendance each year, bringing the local community together and attracting visitors from around the globe. |
| What awards or recognition has your school received? |
U.S. News and World Report (2021): #1 Regional Comprehensive Public College in the South. This 2021 distinction marks USC Aiken’s 23rd consecutive ranking among the top three in this category. The university has won the first place ranking fifteen times.
College of Distinction (2020): By demonstrating continued dedication to high-impact educational practices that influence both student learning and student success, USC Aiken has been named as one of the nation's Colleges of Distinction.
Military Times (2020): USC Aiken once again ranks as one of the top institutions committed to the success of military and veteran students, according to Military Times, a highly ranked source among the armed forces. The rankings are based on the results of Military Times' annual survey - the most comprehensive school-by-school assessment of veteran and military student services and rates of academic achievement - as well as a detailed review of public data collected by federal agencies.
Tree Campus USA (May 2020): The Arbor Day Foundation has once again designated the University a Tree Campus USA®. |
| What notable alumni has the school had? |
Scott Brown
Roberto Hernandez
Roberto Diaz
Adam Riggs
Reggie WiIliams |
| What is the mission of your institution? |
Character
We value integrity, honesty, and accountability. We encourage initiative and take pride in hard work and accomplishment.
Citizenship
We value the rights and responsibilities associated with membership in a community. We embrace efforts to work for the common good and opportunities to enrich the lives of all community members.
Curiosity
We value and embrace life-long learning and inquisitive pursuits. To that end, we endeavor to impart knowledge, skills, and wisdom in a high-quality learning environment.
Collegiality
We value a nurturing community where people support one another, embrace diversity, and encourage mutual respect. |
| What kind of community engagement activities has your school and athletic department conducted? |
Make-A-Wish
Golden Harvest Food Bank
Salvation Army
Aiken Center For The Arts
Buddy Walk
Campus-Wide Clean-Up |
| Any other fun facts about your school or athletic department you want to share? |
USC Aiken is one of two schools with a three-peat for the Division II men’s golf national championship. |
| What are your social media accounts? |
Facebook: USC Aiken Athletics
Twitter: PacerAthletics
Instagram: PacerAthletics |