Servant leadership is a concept I talk about often, and a concept I try to embody every day in my work as chancellor of the University of South Carolina Upstate. Focusing on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong, this leadership model puts the needs of others first and makes us all stronger, better, and more connected for doing so.
Every day I see our students stepping up as servant leaders by participating in campus organizations and activities that connect us to the broader community. These students are making a major difference in the issues of homelessness, poverty, health care, and other areas of concern for the Upstate.
Here are just some examples of the USC Upstate community’s commitment to servant leadership:
- We are part of the Racial Equity and Economic Mobility (REEM) Commission in Greenville, which convenes around matters of social justice and disparities that impact the Black community in Greenville County.
- Our South Carolina Centro Latino (El Centro) programs in Latinx interdisciplinary studies, the public humanities, and translation and community interpreting help build bridges to belonging, civility, and equity.
- IMPACT is a student-led service organization that connects students with the Upstate community through bi-monthly service projects that address local issues. Members participate in direct service, explore diverse societal needs, and develop leadership skills.
- Our partnerships with the United Way have helped address poverty, economic gaps, and inequality issues, and our partnerships with NAACP branches across the state have improved voter participation among minority and youth voters.
Our students and faculty are cultivating relationships with community organizations and building awareness of our campus. They are working side-by-side with the public to improve our cities, our state, our country, and our world. The same is true of so many of our alums.
In this issue of the magazine, you will have the opportunity to learn more about our campus partnerships with community organizations, and the good work being done by our alumni. I hope you enjoy these stories about servant leadership, connection, and impact. I could not be more proud of our Spartans.
Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor