The University of South Carolina Upstate is home — home to students from all over the world. And the recent landfall of Hurricane Helene put that home in some peril. The devastation tested us in ways we could not have anticipated. Yet in the face of this adversity, I witnessed something truly remarkable: a community, spanning continents and cultures, coming together with strength, compassion, and determination.
Our commitment to being a home for all — no matter where our students, faculty, or staff come from—has never more evident than in these days and weeks following Hurricane Helene. Members of our university from across the globe offered their support in countless ways. Students organized relief efforts, faculty shared their expertise, and staff worked tirelessly to ensure everyone had the resources they needed to recover. It was a testament to the diverse and inclusive family we’ve built here at USC Upstate.
In this spirit of this global unity, our international outreach has taken on even greater significance. At USC Upstate, we are dedicated to creating a campus that reflects the rich diversity of the world. Our international recruitment efforts continue to grow. We are proud to be a place where students from all corners of the world can come together, learn from one another, and build lifelong connections.
Through partnerships with international universities, innovative exchange programs, and scholarships for students from underrepresented regions, we are broadening our global footprint and offering opportunities for learning and growth to all. These efforts are essential, not only to the academic enrichment of our students, but also to fostering a culture of mutual respect, understanding, and shared humanity.
Even as we continue to expand our global reach, we remain committed to providing a welcoming, supportive environment for all who call USC Upstate home. Despite the physical damage from Hurricane Helene, this campus remains more than just buildings and classrooms. It is a place of belonging—a place where students, faculty, and staff from around the world can feel secure, valued, and empowered to succeed.
I have no doubt that the same determination and collective strength that saw us through the storm will propel us forward. Together, we will continue to grow, to welcome new faces, and to foster the sense of community that makes USC Upstate such a special place to live, learn, and work.
Thank you for being a part of our Spartan family. No matter where you come from, you will always have a home here.
Bennie L. Harris, Ph.D.
Chancellor