Speaking of ... College of Charleston: Recent Episodes
with University Communications
Produced by the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina, “Speaking of… College of Charleston” features conversations with faculty, students, staff, alumni and supporters who bring prestige and positive recognition to the university across a wide array of academic endeavors, professional interests and creative passions.
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Nobody likes to struggle, but what do we lose when every answer is just a click away?
As artificial intelligence continues to disrupt and transform classrooms, new questions are emerging. What’s the best way for students to learn? Why does struggle matter in the learning process? And happens when technology eliminates the struggle? In this episode of Speaking Of... College of Charleston, Ian O’Byrne, associate professor in the School of Education, answers these questions and discusses the future of learning in an AI-driven world.
In This Episode
- Why learning isn't supposed to be effortless
- The promise and pitfalls of AI in education
- What AI-powered schools like Alpha School are getting right—and wrong
- The growing debate over cognitive offloading and whether AI is changing how we think
- The difference between the “orchestrator” and the “outsourcer” when using AI
- Why great teachers still matter in an age of artificial intelligence
- How students can thrive in an AI-driven future
Featured Guest
Ian O'Byrne, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the School of Education at the College of Charleston. His research focuses on digital literacy, artificial intelligence, online reading comprehension, emerging technologies and education. He works with educators and students to better understand how technology can support meaningful learning while preserving the human elements that help people grow and succeed.
Resources
- Read Ian O’Byrne’s article in The Conversation: AI Schools Promise Efficiency, but Can't Replicate the Messy Process That Helps Kids Learn
- Learn more about Ian's work at wiobyrne.com
- Explore more episodes of Speaking Of... College of Charleston on the College of Charleston podcast page
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In this episode of Speaking Of… College of Charleston, College of Charleston marketing professor Kelley Cours Anderson discusses her latest research on burnout among social media managers and the pressures shaping digital marketing careers. The work, recently published in The Conversation as The hidden burnout crisis facing social media marketers, traces its origins to a student project in Anderson’s social media class. The alumna’s bachelor’s essay on social media wellness helped identify the early themes that informed Anderson’s research.
As Anderson and her co-authors write in The Conversation, “For the people who run brand accounts on social media, the workday never really ends.”
Drawing on interviews with industry professionals, Anderson explains how constant content demands, real-time engagement and the expectation to monitor trends make it difficult for social media managers to fully disconnect. Many spend significant portions of their day on social platforms, blurring the line between work and personal time.
The conversation also explores the realities behind what is often seen as an entry-level role. Social media managers are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including content creation, brand voice, analytics, customer service and crisis communication, often with limited support.
Anderson shares what students and aspiring professionals should understand before entering the field, including the importance of setting boundaries, managing expectations and developing both creative and analytical skills.
Beyond the workplace, the episode highlights the often-invisible labor behind social media and encourages listeners to better understand the human impact of managing the digital spaces people use every day.
Key Topics
- Burnout among social media managers
- Digital marketing careers
- Always-on work culture
- Social media job expectations
- Digital wellbeing
Resources
- [Dis]Connect Collective
- AIC (American Influencer Council)
- Academic Article that The Conversation article is based upon.
- CofC + Global Day of Unplugging - CofC Unplug Week this Fall will be the last week of September 28th
- We will screen Your Attention Please (date tbd - aiming for Mid-September)
- Recommend Summer Reading List:
- Attensity by The Friends of Attention
- Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams
- How to do Nothing by Jenny Odell
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President Andrew Hsu joins Speaking of… College of Charleston to look back on a landmark academic year for the College. In this year‑end conversation, he highlights record‑breaking philanthropy, major academic expansions, and the continued rise in student demand that’s shaping the future of the university.
The episode explores transformational gifts supporting new facilities and programs — including the Michael and Amy Bennett School of Hospitality and Tourism Management and the expansion of the School of Business. President Hsu also discusses the launch of high‑demand academic offerings such as the joint BS in Nursing with MUSC, along with growth in engineering, computing, and STEM programs.
Listeners will hear standout stories from across campus: NCAA tournament appearances, CAA championships, national research awards, and student achievements reaching the International Space Station. President Hsu also welcomes new academic leaders and shares a heartfelt message to the graduating Class of 2026.
A celebratory, forward‑looking episode for students, families, alumni, and anyone invested in the future of the College of Charleston.
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Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, U.S.). In South Carolina, you can also call the Mobile Crisis line at 833-364-2274. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
On this episode of Speaking of… College of Charleston, alumnus Luke Shirley ’18 shares how depression and isolation shaped his sophomore year and how that experience helped inspire Quest, a Charleston-based nonprofit focused on strengthening the mental fitness of students and young adults through community and peer support.
Luke also explains what Quest means by “mental fitness” and why movement and the outdoors can help people get out of their heads and connect with peers.
Featured event: Quest’s flagship fundraiser, Sound of Mind, is March 29 at The Refinery in Charleston with headliner River Whyless.
Learn more:
- Quest (Quest in Recovery): questinrecovery.org
- Quest on Campus (student-led program at the College of Charleston and The Citadel): questinrecovery.org
- CofC Office of Student Wellness and Well-being: charleston.edu/wellness
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In this episode, we explore the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center and how it helps students move from uncertainty to action through individualized coaching, practical tools, and community support.
What You Will Learn
- What the College of Charleston’s Life Design Center is and how it helps students build clarity and confidence with practical tools and coaching. Life Design Center
- How Life Design differs from traditional advising or career planning by focusing on individualized support and real-world experimentation.
- What students can expect in a first visit, including the kinds of questions coaches ask to help students clarify what they want and what to try next.
- The difference between Design My Charleston (for early college exploration) and Life Launch: Design My Life (for students preparing for graduation), and how students can start in either place.
- How to take the first step, including where to find the Life Design Center and when to drop in.
- Where to go next on campus for degree planning and job or internship preparation, including Academic Advising and the Career Center.
Resources from this episode:
- Life Design
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The College of Charleston is excited to announce the launch of a new podcast from the Athletics department. On the Prowl with Charleston Athletics is hosted by longtime men’s basketball play-by-play announcer Everett German. For more than two decades, German has been the voice behind some of the College’s most memorable moments on the court. A job that he says brings him joy.
“As I often tell people, I have the coolest part-time gig in the world,” says German.
On the Prowl will bring listeners behind the scenes of Cougar athletics, offering candid conversations with student-athletes, coaches, and administrators across all of the College’s 19 varsity sports.
“We’re excited to launch “On the Prowl,” says Matt Roberts, Director of Athletics at the College. “With the everchanging landscape of college athletics, we continue to look for unique ways to communicate with Cougar fans around the country. On the Prowl will deliver in-depth stories from student-athletes, coaches and staff giving our fans, donors, and stakeholders insight to the happenings of not only Charleston athletics, but the college athletics landscape as a whole.”
And for German, who was recently named a 2025 Cougar Trailblazer for his impact on the College and the local community, the opportunity to spotlight the next generation of athletes is especially meaningful.
“We have so many unique student-athletes who represent the College on and off the court, and we want people to see who they are beyond the jersey,” says German.
“They’re not robots, they’re going to make mistakes, and they have feelings and emotions just like everyone else. Some of them have overcome serious medical challenges to get where they are. Others have come from countries where English isn’t their first language. This podcast is a chance to tell those stories and help people understand what our kids go through, the training, the travel, the academics and the pressure from social media. Hopefully this can connect generations of Cougar fans and give everyone a deeper appreciation of who these student-athletes really are.”
On The Prowl will launch in February 2026. Cougar fans can listen and follow the show on all major podcast platforms.
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Artificial intelligence is everywhere, but how does it fit into the world of art and arts education? On this episode of Speaking Of…College of Charleston, three faculty members discuss how AI is reshaping creative practice and teaching, from sculpture studios to fundraising classes and art history seminars.
Guests include:
- Bex Ferrell, assistant professor in Arts Management
- Jarod Charzewski, studio art professor in sculpture
- Marian Mazzone, professor in Art History
They share candid insights on the opportunities and tensions AI brings to the arts, why the creative process still matters and how educators are helping students balance efficiency with authenticity.
From fundraising and marketing to sculpture and art history, this conversation dives into the opportunities and tensions AI brings to the arts.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- Real classroom examples of students experimenting with AI tools
- How arts managers gamify AI for fundraising and marketing
- Why the creative process is messy and why that matters
- Insights on the future of AI art, including major museums collecting AI-generated works
Resources and links:
- Learn more about the College of Charleston’s Arts Management, Studio Art and Art and Architectural History programs
- Explore contemporary AI artists like Refik Anadol
- Los Angeles’ AI Museum Dataland, opening spring 2026
- Full transcript and additional resources in the episode show notes
Or, visit today.charleston.edu/cofc-podcast for more episodes.
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Lauren’s tips for hosting dinner parties:
- Get people involved and feel wanted in the kitchen, give them tasks
- Handwritten timeline
- Get as much done ahead of time as possible
Resources from this episode:
Focaccia Bread Recipe
Les Dames d’Escoffier
Lauren’s Favorite Cookbooks:
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"Deep Run Roots" by Vivian Howard
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"Mastering the Art of Southern Cooking" by Nathalie Dupree and Cynthia Graubart
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"Dining In" by Alison Roman
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"Everyday Italian" by Giada de Laurentiis
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"Essentials of Italian Cooking" by Marcella Hazan
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"Chasing Flavor" by Dan Kluger
Lauren’s Faves:
- Best olive oil ever is available locally at farmers markets and from the owner, they also ship directly to customers
- Local wood shop owned by Brad Ferguson
- The Veggie Bin is a great spot for local food products, produce and more, plus the friendliest hospitality: https://www.instagram.com/veggiebinchs/?hl=en
- Crosby's Seafood
Butchers:
- Ted's https://www.tedsbutcherblock.com/
- NY Butcher Shop in Mount Pleasant https://www.nybutcher.com/mount-pleasant
- Peculiar Pig Farm https://www.peculiarpigfarm.com/
Farmers:
- Fire Ant Farms, https://www.fireantfarm.org/
- LowLand Farms
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Discover how CofC students are leading a movement for civil discourse. Hear their strategies for navigating tough conversations and why empathy is the key to bridging divides.
Does pineapple belong on pizza?
It’s an easy yes or no question for most. It’s an easier question to answer then one about politics or religion and it’s the kind of question that the Civility Initiative Free Expression Fellows call “low stakes.”
Resources from this episode:
Want to join the conversation? Follow the Civility Initiative on Instagram at @cofc_civility or visit the Civility Initiative webpage for upcoming events.
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Ed Macy 91’ knows truth is stranger than fiction.
The College of Charleston alumnus is a professor, historical journalist and a Charleston tour guide. He is the author of the best-selling books Haunted Charleston and Haunted Harbor and has spent many years researching and telling Lowcountry ghost stories.
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On this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, we talk about something that impacts every student: money. From tuition and textbooks to coffee runs and weekend plans, managing your finances in college can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’re diving into financial wellness—what it means, why it matters, and how you can take control of your money while you’re here at CofC and beyond. Joining us is Liz Cooper, associate director for financial wellness in the Career Center and Elisa Peñaloza student ambassador. Whether you’re a first-year student or getting ready to graduate, this conversation will help you take control of your finances and set yourself up for long-term success.
Campus Resources:
- iGrad – CofC Financial Literacy Digital Platform (Free for Students, Staff, & Alumni)
- Cougar Pantry – Open to All CofC Students. Currently located at 26 Coming Street
- Cougar Free Store – 207 Calhoun Street, Room 102 (next to Addlestone Library) Open M-Th 10 am – 5 pm
Apps:
- Blackbird – Earn rewards to use at local restaurants
- Class Pass – 1 month Free to try fitness classes at studios in Charleston
- Financial Wellness at the College of Charleston
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What makes Charleston one of the most vibrant arts cities in the South? The College of Charleston’s School of the Arts (SOTA) might just be the answer. From Agatha Christie mysteries to Broadway classics, from world-class pianists to cutting-edge contemporary art, this season is packed with creativity that pulses through the city like a heartbeat.
In the latest episode of Speaking Of… College of Charleston, host Amy Stockwell sits down with three dynamic leaders from SOTA:
- Gretchen McLaine, Chair of Theatre and Dance
- Michael O’Brien, Chair of Music
- Michael Dickins, Director and Chief Curator of the Halsey Institute of Contemporary Art
Together, they share insider details on the 2025–26 season and why SOTA is truly the artistic heartbeat of Charleston.
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What happens to human creativity when machines can write, paint, compose and even evoke emotion? On this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, we explore the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence with Anurag Tiwari, a computer science instructor in the College of Charleston Computing in the Arts program whose background is in computer vision, AI and digital animation.
Tiwari’s journey, from developing video analytics for surveillance to creating interactive installations at places like the Kennedy Space Center, reflects a career at the intersection of technology and art. Now teaching at the College, he helps students navigate a world where AI tools are reshaping creative industries.
Resources from this episode:
- Moondog Animation Studio
- The experiment that argues about what it really means to understand something as a human: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D0MD4sRHj1M
- Chinese Room theory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinese_room
- The decline in the storytelling aspect of movies and the overreliance on CGI: https://www.theintrinsicperspective.com/p/cgi-did-in-fact-ruin-movies
- How compelling stories in movies are independent of whether CGI is used or not: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14441778/
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On this episode we're revisiting a popular and timely episode from 2022 with three former College of Charleston students, Jaylen Newell, Bella Pack, and Lauren Pinto about successfully managing the first few weeks and months of college.
Their advice is timeless and will benefit new students who are starting classes, finding their way around campus and making new friends. From finding parking and making friends to avoiding dorm kitchen disasters (yes, water does go in microwave mac and cheese), the trio offers heartfelt insights drawn from their own college journeys. They discuss the importance of getting involved in clubs, exploring Charleston’s vibrant culture and embracing academic resources like the Center for Student Learning.
The episode also touches on deeper themes like homesickness, mental health, and the value of taking risks and staying open to change, whether it's switching majors or discovering unexpected passions.
With humor, honesty, and encouragement, Jaylen, Bella, and Lauren remind new students that college is not just about academics, but about growth, connection and finding your place.
Resources from this episode:
- Clubs and organizations
- Center for Excellence in Peer Education
- Office of Student Wellness
- Department of Residence Life
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At the College of Charleston, Clyde the ai powered chatbot is transforming how students engage with campus life—from academic questions to emotional wellness. In this episode, we explore how Clyde is reshaping student support—one message at a time. Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for student affairs, and Chris Korey, associate provost for student success dive into the origins, development and evolving capabilities of Clyde. They also highlight how Clyde's strategic outreach is improving student engagement and retention, drawing on both general and customized outreach. The episode covers the detailed workings of Clyde, its integration into the student success platform and how it's helping address specific student challenges in real-time.
"One of the great things about Clyde is that we get the information about students in real time which means we don't find out in December that somebody's been homesick since August," says Caudill.
In partnership with the education technology company EdSights, Clyde serves as a resource for questions and connects students to support services focused on four key areas:
- Academics
- Financial Matters
- Campus Engagement
- Mental and Physical Health
Featured on this episode:
Alicia Caudill executive vice president for student affairs
Chris Korey associate provost for student success
Resources from this episode:
- Vincent Tinto: A nationally recognized expert in student retention, referred to as the “grandfather of retention,” and a partner in the development of EdSights' platform.
- EdSights: The company that developed Clyde and its underlying platform, including the retention calendar and outreach tools.
- For more information about Clyde the chatbot, email clyde@cofc.edu.
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What began as a stack of forgotten letters in a college archive became a transatlantic journey of remembrance, culminating in a powerful tribute to the Landsmann family, Holocaust victims nearly erased by history. In this episode of Speaking of ... College of Charleston, we follow the story of how student research, archival discovery and community collaboration led to the placement of Stolpersteine, brass memorial stones installed in front of the family's last known residence in Berlin.
Featured in this episode:
Chad Gibbes joined the College of Charleston as assistant professor of Jewish studies and director of the Zucker/Goldberg Center in fall 2021. Professor Gibbs teaches the history of the Holocaust, antisemitism, comparative genocide, and related topics. His research interests include Jewish resistance to the Holocaust, gender studies, memory and memorialization, and oral history.
In his current project, Professor Gibbs uses spatial and social network analyses to expand our understanding of resistance and survival at the Nazi extermination camp Treblinka. Those interested in his work should see his professional website here. He attained his PhD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his MA from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his BA from the University of Wyoming. Before entering academic life, Professor Gibbs served in the US Army, including deployment to Iraq.
Leah Davenport is one of the research assistants at the Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture. She is a senior at the College of Charleston and is majoring in Jewish Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies. She joined the Pearlstine/Lipov research team in 2022 after her studies sparked an interest in Jewish communities of the South, specifically in the Lowcountry, of which she is a native. Leah was instrumental in finishing research on synagogues across South Carolina. In addition to her work with the Center, Leah is the Peer Facilitator for the both of the Jewish Studies First-Year Experience seminars in Fall 2024. She is currently planning to go on graduate school for social work, where she hopes to earn her MSW with a certificate specializing in hospital social work.
R. Scott Hellman ’96 graduated from the College with a BA in History and received an MBA from the University of Miami in 2001. Hellman owns and operates a service driven insurance brokerage firm specializing in corporate benefits, as well as, life, health, long term care and disability income for individuals. Hellman is the current Chair of the Yaschik Arnold Jewish Studies Program Community Advisory Board; serves as Vice-President of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, the oldest Jewish Charitable Society in the United States; and is on Hollings Cancer Center Advisory Board.
As a multi-generational Charlestonian, Hellman enjoys all that Charleston has to offer on and offshore, riding bicycles, and spending time with his wife and child.
Resources from this episode:
- Stolpersteine, created by artist Gunter Demnig, are brass plaques installed at the last known voluntary residence of Holocaust victims. They serve as public reminders of lives lost and disrupted by Nazi persecution.
- Learn more about the Zucker Goldberg Center for Holocaust Studies
- Explore the Jewish Heritage Collection at the College of Charleston Libraries
- College of Charleston’s Pearlstine/Lipov Center for Southern Jewish Culture
- The Jewish Historic
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Have you ever wondered why you feel sharp and focused at dawn while your partner hits their stride after sunset? Or why your teenager seems to come alive just as you're winding down? These patterns aren’t just quirks—they’re rooted in biology. In this episode of Speaking of … College of Charleston, Psychology professor Cindi May unpacks the science of chronotypes and circadian rhythms, revealing how our internal clocks influence everything from academic performance and medical diagnoses to relationships and daily decision-making. Whether you're a morning lark, a night owl, or somewhere in between, understanding your chronotype could be the key to unlocking your best self.
“Your chronotype is your natural preference for sleep and wake times, and it’s driven by your circadian rhythm,” says May. “These rhythms are powerful internal timekeepers that affect your body temperature, hormone levels and cognitive functioning throughout the day.”
While society isn’t always structured to accommodate individual chronotypes, May believes awareness is key. “Understanding your chronotype isn’t just interesting, it’s empowering. It helps you advocate for yourself, whether you’re scheduling a test, a meeting, or a medical appointment.”
Tune in to learn how understanding your natural rhythm can help you optimize your outcomes and navigate a world often out of sync with your internal clock.
Resources from this episode:
· Take the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire to determine whether you are a morning type (lark), evening type (owl) or neutral.
· Cindi May: https://charleston.edu/psychology/faculty/may-cindi.php
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On 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, talk about launching their new podcast, Faculty Off the Clock. This podcast takes you beyond the classroom to reveal the hidden lives of College of Charleston faculty. From woodworking enthusiasts to barbershop quartet singers, you'll meet professors with fascinating passions and stories that go far beyond academia. Korey and Del Mastro hope these conversations will highlight not only unique interests of the guests but will function as a bridge to connect people on campus with shared interests.
“Both Mark and I were faculty members at one point, and most of your identity on campus is sort of tied up into what your scholarship is and teaching and you very rarely have opportunities to talk about what you do outside of that,” says Korey. “So we wanted to create a venue where people have the opportunity to talk about those things because it doesn’t normally come up in our work environments.”
Humor is a big part of their collaboration and Del Mastro and Korey make a habit of asking their guests a series of lightening round questions on topics from hot dogs vs. hamburgers to celebrity crushes. They also make it a point to ask guests about whether they like popcorn, which is a shared love and an ongoing joke between the hosts, and it gives them an opportunity to share their love of the Whirley Pop stove-pop popper. They end the episode by presenting guests with a customized bobblehead doll. “The whole purpose of the podcast is to show the lighter side of the faculty member and what better characterizes the lighter side of someone than a bobblehead?” says Del Mastro.
Featured on this episode:
Mark Del Mastro
As Associate Provost for Academic and International Programs, Mark P. Del Mastro, Professor of Spanish/Hispanic Studies, 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, “Dr. D” 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.
After serving four years as Head of The Citadel’s Department of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures, 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
As Associate Provost for Student Success, Christopher Korey, Professor of Biology, 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, Dr. Korey leads eight units and multiple programs, including the Academic Advising and Planning Center, the Center for Academic Performance and Persistance, the Center for Excellence in Peer Education, the Center for Student Learning, First-Year Experience, REACH, Vet
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On 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 Hall
- A Year in Review
- President Hsu’s Instagram and X Accounts
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On 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 episode
James 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 London
Chubby Fish Restaurant
Seahorse
James Beard Semifinalists 2025
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On 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 mentioned
The 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).
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On 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 Nominees
- CinemaScope
- Great Local Theater: The Terrace
Send us a text
On 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 Blog
- Digital Garden
Send us a text
On 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 Island
- The Reverend H. Gregory West, JCL – Pastor
Send us a text
On this episode we speak to Yuriy Bekker, conductor of the College’s orchestra, and two of his students, Rj Grant and Isaac Hill about performing 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.
On Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025, 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.
Resources from this episode:
- New York City Celebrates Charleston
- Purchase concert tickets
- Register for pre-concert happy hour for alumni and friends
Send us a text
Featured 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 Career
2024 Head Coach, College of Charleston
2018-22 Head Coach, University of Louisville
2009-18 Head Coach, Xavier University
2004-09 Assistant Coach, Xavier University
2001-04 Assistant Coach, Wake Forest University
1999-2001 Assistant Coach, Xavier University
If you liked this episode, you might enjoy an earlier episode with former head basketball coach Pat Kelsey.
Resources from this episode:
- CofC Basketball
- Coach Mack's press conference
Send us a text
On 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.
Featured on this episode:
Bret Lott is the bestselling author of eight novels, three story collections and three nonfiction books; his fifteenth book, a nonfiction collection titled Cherries on the Golan, Olives in Jerusalem, will be out in 2023. His first novel, The Man Who Owned Vermont, was read in nationwide broadcasts on public radio. and his novel Jewel was both an Oprah Book Club selection and made into a film. His work has been translated into eight languages. He received his MFA in fiction from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, in 1984, studying under Jay Neugeboren and James Baldwin.
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, and from 2010 to 2022 he directed the Spoleto Summer Study Abroad program in English at the College.
If you enjoyed this episode with Bret Lott, listen to an earlier episode where he shares why he loves teaching.
Resources from this episode:
- Podcast with Bret Lott on teaching MFA students in Bahrain
- Gather the Olives, on Food and Hope in the Holy Land
Send us a text
In 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 1776
- When We Disagree
- Civility Initiative Events calendar
- Uncivil Agreement, How Politics Became Our Identity by Lilliana Mason
Send us a text
On 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 Arts
Host 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 text
Join 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.php
- Executive 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 andassociate 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 Majors
- Students Explore Interests with Meta Majors
- Fall 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 packing
- Speak up for yourself, ask for help when you’re feeling homesick
- Participate in Weeks of Welcome to meet people on campus
Featured 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.php
- Campus Housing – Move in information: https://charleston.edu/housing/move-in-move-out/move-in.php
- Weeks of Welcome: https://charleston.edu/admission/admitted-students/next-steps/welcome-week.php
- Hillel: https://cofchillel.org
- Cougar 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.php
- CofC Quick Facts: https://charleston.edu/admission/rankings-accolades/quick-facts.php
- How to apply: https://charleston.edu/admission/apply/index.php
- College at a glance: https://charleston.edu/about/college-at-a-glance.php
Office of Admissions Hours
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Phone
843.953.5670
Email
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/home
- SGA website: https://charleston.edu/student-gov-association/index.php
- Instagram: @cofc.sga
- Introducing VP Harris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_X4ES3PHi1Q
- MUSC 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 Scholars
- Strategic Plan
- College of Charleston Launches First Doctoral Program
- New basketball coach, Chris Mack
- CofC Day
- Historic Markers
- President Hsu's IG and X accounts
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 Center
- Handshake
- Financial Wellness
- IGrad
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/280620313
To 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 Tyzack
MFA at SVA
A 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 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 Experience
Be a Peer Facilitator
Spring 2024 Classes
Faculty Invited to Get Creative With First Year Experience Courses
First Year Experience Classes Offer Transformational Opportunities
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 & AWARDS
Ernie Pyle Lifetime Achievement Award
South Carolina Academy of Authors
2010 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary
1993 H.L. Mencken Writing Award
Parker 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 Davishas 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” Kneece
In 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
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 Episode
Bret 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 Series
Barbara W. Tuchman: The Guns of August, The Proud Tower
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 Website
Review in The New Republic of My Soul Is a Witness:
James Baldwin’s collected essays, The Price of the Ticket
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 Summit
President 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 Plan
Pilar one: Student Experience and Success
Pilar two: Academic Distinction
Pilar three: Employee Experience and Success
President 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.”
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 ChatGPT
Article about Getty Images lawsuit against Stable Diffusion for copyright infringement
Refik 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/chatgpt
https://openai.com/research/gpt-4
"Fuel for the Future," tips on healthy eating, sustainable eating and solutions to food insecurity
In 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 consultations
- Dining hall tours
- Food allergy solutions
If 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 local
Tips for food insecurity on campus
The 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.
Resources
Campus 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
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 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 of the University of Charleston, S.C., Martin serves as chief administrator and advocate for graduate education. She aims to expand, revise and develop graduate programs that align with the College’s mission and serve the community. She follows national and international patterns and initiatives in graduate education and provides leadership and oversight on recruitment, admissions and academic progress, including a focus on increasing diversity and the visibility of graduate education on campus. She collaborates with program directors to implement policies and curriculum changes that improve graduate student retention, degree completion, professional opportunities and overall success.
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.
Martin is the author of a number of works, including “Conjuring Moments in African American Literature: Women, Spirit Work, & Other Such Hoodoo,” about how African American authors have shifted, recycled and reinvented the conjure woman as a figure primarily in twentieth century fiction; “Envisioning Black Feminist Voodoo Aesthetics: African Spirituality in American Cinema,” which explores the priestess figure in American cinema. She co-edited “The Lemonade Reader,” an academic look at the work of pop icon Beyoncé.
Martin is a member of the College Language Association, Modern Language Association, National Council for Black Studies, South Atlantic Modern Language Association, Association for the Study of the Worldwide African Diaspora, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the African American Historical and Genealogical Society, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Resources for this Episode
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 Episode
During 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 Episode
The Man of the Crowd: Edgar Allan Poe and the Cityby Scott Peeples
The Afterlife of Edgar Allan Poe by Scott Peeples
Edgar Allan Poe Revisited by Scott Peeples
Edgar 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 Poe
Annabel Lee by Edgar Allan Poe
Scott Persons, College of Charleston assistant professor of geology and curator of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History, and a team of researchers generated a lot of excitement when they discovered the Serpentisuchops (sur-pen-ta-soo-kops), a previously unknown prehistoric marine reptile in 2022.
Persons knew he wanted to be a paleontologist from the time he was two and a half years old. To test his determination, Persons’ parents lied about his age (he was 12 years old) to enroll him in a dinosaur hunting exhibition in Wyoming’s Glenrock Badlands.
“My parents were very concerned about this career path I’d chosen,” explains Persons. “They thought, we'll send him to this camp, throw him into the deep end in the hot Wyoming sun with a shovel and pickaxe for a couple of weeks, and we'll see if he still wants to stick with it. And as it happened, I fell in love with the work and the environment.”
Since that initial expedition, Persons has returned to the Badlands without exception every single summer. Now, CofC students join him on a fossil expedition at the College’s Paleontology Field School in Glenrock. After listening to Persons on this Speaking Of … podcast episode, you’ll be eager to hop on a plane and head to the Badlands.
Featured in this Episode
W. Scott Persons grew up on a rural farm in the mountains of North Carolina. He first became a “dino-maniac“ at the age of two-and-a-half when his father bought him his first dinosaur book. Since then, he has joined fossil hunting expeditions in Mongolia’s Gobi Desert; the volcanic ash beds of Liaoning, China; Africa’s Olduvai Gorge and throughout the American and Canadian West. Persons has had the honor of studying and working under his two biggest childhood heroes -- world-renowned paleontologists Robert Bakker and Philip Currie. His research focuses on understanding dinosaur ecology and the evolution of dinosaur locomotion. His work has been featured on the National Geographic and Discovery channels and in the Smithsonian and Discover magazines. In addition to his role as assistant professor, Persons serves as curator of the Mace Brown Museum of Natural History. So far, Persons has “hunted for fossils and eaten pizza on six continents.’
Resources
CofC Paleontologists Uncover Strange New Prehistoric Sea Monster
No Bones About It: CofC’s Paleontology Field School is Way Cool
CofC Professor, Alum Help Identify New Species of ‘Tyrannosaurus’
Personal Website: http://scottpersons.org/
Department of Geology and Environmental Geosciences at CofC
It may not come as a surprise that what we know about Charleston’s history is not necessarily the truth. Many of the stories recorded in the history books were written with biased perspectives, ignoring marginalized voices.
In this episode we talk to author and professional tour guide Leigh Handal '81 who says the true history of Charleston, SC doesn't need embellishment. Gathering evidence from trial transcripts and archival newspaper clippings to record the past she says, “The truth is interesting enough.”
In her latest book Storied & Scandalous Charleston, a History of Piracy and Prohibition, Rebellion and Revolution, she reveals well documented, captivating events like the time the infamous Reverend Jenkins Orchestra band had a command performance for King George in England and the time convicted inmate John Fisher stayed at the Old City Jail with his wife Lavinia to die instead of taking his chance at freedom.
Handal is the perfect guide for those who want to dive deeper into the history of Charleston, and says she loves brining visitors to graveyards.
“I could spend most of my day hanging out in graveyards. I like dead people and I like to find out about them because everybody has a story to tell.”
Featured on this Episode:
Leigh Jones Handal ’81 has been an avid student of Charleston’s history since she was a Brownie Scout. Handal has been a licensed tour guide for more than twenty years and owns her own tour company, Charleston Raconteurs. She also serves as Chief Advancement Officer at the American College of Building Arts, where she once had an office at the Charleston District Jail, just down the hall from where Lavinia Fisher awaited her execution.
Resources on this Episode:
charlestonraconteurs.com
Storied & Scandalous Charleston, a History of Piracy and Prohibition, Rebellion and Revolution
Lost Charleston
In this episode we speak with CofC junior Francesca Gibson and Jason Coy, chair of the History Department, about the experience of bewitchment in the 15 and 1600s. Funded by a Summer Undergraduate Research with Faculty (SURF) grant, Gibson and Coy explored a time in history when people believed in and feared witchcraft. Their research closely examined this fascinating period of time through the lens of history and psychology. A time when someone, usually a woman, could be accused of witchery based on the testimony of a member of the community and then sentenced to death. Digging deep into a treasure trove of archived sources like court testimonies, the research reveals the power of the mind to cause sleep disorders, nighttime terrors and physical pain.
What happens when informational text is cut, pasted and rearranged into visual poetry or empty pesticide bottles are painted in a glittery gold and transformed into sculpture? How does an artist turn a household item into art? Kirsten Stolle, part visual artist, part historian and part archeologist says the process begins with research.
The days and weeks leading up to move-in day for incoming students are fraught with excitement, anxiety and questions. What do I need to pack? How do I meet people? Where do I go for help? It’s easy to get overwhelmed, and it’s important to remember that many other students have been in your shoes! Listen to expert advice from three student orientation leaders on how to meet people, learn to do laundry and pack minimally!
With a variety of ecosystems and no shortage of plants and wildlife, the College of Charleston at Stono Preserve offers students and faculty a myriad of opportunities to learn about the natural world of the Lowcountry.
Speaking Of...caught up with Matt Rutter, biology professor and academic director of Stono Preserve, and Lucy Davis, program coordinator of the Master of Science in Environmental and Sustainability Studies Program to learn more about the landscape of Stono Preserve, how CofC students and faculty are leveraging the natural environment there for classes and research, and what students are growing in the garden.
Non-profit consultant Jennet Robinson Alterman has worked tirelessly to advance women's rights locally and internationally. As one of the speakers of the second annual Women for Women summit sponsored by the College's School of Business, Alterman joins a group of remarkable women to share inspiring stories about their paths to success.
Join us for an intimate conversation with President Hsu where he shares his thoughts on the past and plans for the future. As he approaches his third anniversary as president we review the College's journey through the pandemic and the ways in which we emerged a stronger, more innovative, liberal arts institution.
Join us for a conversation with College of Charleston alumnus Sam Norton, founder of Heron Farms in Charleston, S.C. Billed as the world’s first vertical indoor saltwater farm, the company grows sea beans, a healthy, plant-based salt alternative. Norton shares his fascinating journey from plucking sea beans in Lowcountry marshes as a child to studying them for a graduate research project to growing them year-round in an indoor facility. The plants, which Norton says “taste like the ocean,” have become popular with some of Charleston’s award-winning chefs, who use them as a salt substitute in their dishes.
Kate Pfile, a College of Charleston alumna and associate professor of exercise science and chair of the Department of Health and Human Performance, talks all things fitness in the new year, how to set goals and what you can do to stay on track.
Professor Purushottam Meena is an expert on supply chain disruption risk management. He teaches in the Department of Supply Chain and Information Management at the College of Charleston.
Author and journalist Brian Hicks discusses his book “In Darkest South Carolina: J. Waties Waring and the Secret Plan That Sparked a Civil Rights Movement.” Taking listeners on a trip around Charleston, South Carolina, Hicks recounts the stories and pivotal locations that marked Waring's progression from privileged member of Charleston's white establishment to his years as a student at the College of Charleston to his roller coaster career as a federal judge. Waring put his and his family's life at risk by working from inside the judicial system to bend the law in favor of equality for African Americans and helped lay the groundwork for the 1954 landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education.
To read the full story, visit The College Today at:
https://today.cofc.edu/cofc-podcast/
Ed Macy 91’ knows where a lot of bodies are buried in Charleston and is happy to tell you all about it.
The College of Charleston alumnus is a professor, historical journalist and a Charleston tour guide. He is the author of the best-selling books Haunted Charleston and Haunted Harbor and has spent many years researching and telling Lowcountry ghost stories.
Read the full story on the College Today website: https://today.cofc.edu/cofc-podcast/
On this pilot episode of the College of Charleston Podcast, we explore the life and legacy of Denmark Vesey, an enslaved man who in 1799 bought his own freedom with winnings from a city lottery and then later risked that very freedom in an attempt to liberate other slaves.
We’re joined by professor emeritus of history Bernard Powers, interim CEO of Charleston’s International African American Museum and director of the College's Center for the Study of Slavery in Charleston.
To read the full story, please visit The College Today website at:
https://today.cofc.edu/cofc-podcast/
In this episode, Coach Kelsey talks about coaching, growing up in a basketball family and why he decided to leave a successful basketball program at Winthrop University to take over as the head coach at the College of Charleston.
To read the full story, please visit The College Today website:
https://today.cofc.edu/cofc-podcast/