Charleston is known around the world for its history, architecture, food, and Southern charm, but there’s so much more to the area than and . From relaxing on some of the best beaches to exploring local festivals, historic sites, and hidden gems, there’s always something new to discover just a short drive away from Charleston Southern.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend adventure with friends, a budget-friendly afternoon, or a new favorite spot, we’ve put together a few ways to experience the Lowcountry this fall.

3. Spend a Day at the Beach

Fall might mean cooler temperatures are on the horizon, but that doesn’t mean beach days are over, and being at 51şÚÁĎ means that you are within driving distance to several local beaches.

is a great choice when you want the classic beach day experience, with seven miles of shoreline, plenty of public access, and a lively beachfront area full of shops and restaurants.

For a more eclectic beach town, head to , also known as “The Edge of America.” Spend the day swimming, surfing, or walking along the shore, then head toward to browse local shops, grab a bite to eat, or check out the .

If you are looking for something quieter, is the beach for you. Spend the afternoon on the sand and then explore the island history at the Fort Sumter and Fort Moultrie National Historic Park or take in the views of the Charleston Harbor and the iconic .

If you are up for a longer day trip, drive to and visit to explore maritime forest and salt marshes.

Whether you are looking for a lively beach trip or a quiet place to read, there is a Lowcountry beach with your name on it. Just remember to check local beach rules, water and weather conditions, and parking information before you go.

9. Show Your Buccaneer Pride

Of course, you don’t have to travel far to find great sports in the Lowcountry. Put on your blue and gold and show your Buccaneer pride by supporting the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. From football under the lights to volleyball, soccer, and the rest of our teams, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and experience . 

Plus, get ready to celebrate tradition, community, and Buccaneer pride at Charleston Southern University’s Homecoming 2026! Mark your calendars for Oct. 31 as we come together for a day filled with memories. This year’s festivities will feature our signature homecoming parade, special reunions, and much more. 

A sophomore criminal justice major from Winnsboro, South Carolina, Harrison has worked her whole life at developing her skills in clay target. Now, an impactful part of her college experience has been competing on 51şÚÁĎ’s clay target team.

Harrison said her introduction to clay target began with family at a very young age. She has spent much time outdoors fishing, hunting, and shooting with her father. Harrison’s dad, Hank Harrison, has played a major role in her growth in the sport, even coaching her team in the past. “He has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said.

This has been a competitive sport for Harrison since middle school, and she became a state champion in high school. She appreciates all her coaches, and they have helped her strengthen her skills in the sport.

Harrison said that 51şÚÁĎ Coach Thomas Cousins is an amazing coach and is always there for Harrison and her teammates when they need him.

Competing at the national level, Harrison explained that the targets are more difficult, and everyone at the competition shoots phenomenally and has rightfully earned their place with hard work. Harrison enjoys being able to be out there and seeing those that she has formed meaningful bonds with through the community of clay target over the years.

Harrison is dedicated at practice and appreciates the competitive aspect of clay targets. Working as a team is also a large part of the sport.

Harrison loves her sport and appreciates the mental resilience it has given her. This resilience overflows into her discipline in classes, and she is always striving to be the best she can be academically as well.

“I’ve always loved being outdoors and appreciate the mental part of it. It teaches you to not only thrive under that pressure, but to push through when things get tough,” she explained.

Academic Awards

Aeronautics
Presented by Professor Lloyd Richardson
John Bradley Richards

Art
Presented by Professor Aaron Baldwin
Chloe Mott

Athletic Training
Presented by Dr. Renae Bomar
Justin May

Biochemistry
Presented by Dr. David Perry
Kate Baxley

Biology
Presented by Dr. Peter Jenkins
Undergraduate – Riley Cape
Graduate – Kielyn Straw

Business
Presented by Dr. David Palmer
Undergraduate – Bailey Fleming
Presented by Dr. Maxwell Rollins
Graduate – Robert Sherwood

Chemistry
Presented by Dr. David Perry
Brian Diehl

Christian Studies
Presented by Dr. Ben Phillips
Annabelle Hamrick

Clinical Counseling
Presented by Dr. Angela Weaver
Sophie Moorman

College of Adult & Professional Studies
Presented by Dr. Marc Embler
Undergraduate – Dmitri Virnig
Graduate – Tinorah Phillips

Communication
Presented by Dr. Dawn Casas
Allison Bryant

Computer Science
Presented by Dr. Sean T. Hayes
Undergraduate – Whitney Carpenter
Presented by Dr. Yu-Ju-Lin
Graduate – Dian Gong

Criminal Justice
Presented by Dr. Matt Gilbert
Undergraduate – Morgan Nilsen
Presented by Dr. Gary Metts
Graduate – Joanna Summey

Education
Presented by Dr. Julie Fernandez
Undergraduate – Olivia Russian
Graduate – Brandi VanGorder

Engineering
Presented by Dr. Joel Chapman
Conner Perkins

English
Presented by Dr. Alyssa Johnson
Carissa Browning

Graphic Design
Presented by Professor Andrea Glover
Kimberly Queen

History
Presented by Dr. Mark Williams
Chaley Robb

Kinesiology
Presented by Dr. Michael Shipe
Gracie Jackson

Bryce Hanlon Mathematics Award
Presented by Dr. Ryan Thomas
Eunice GheorghiaČ™

Music
Presented by Dr. Nicholas Holland
Melody Butcher Grav

Nursing
Presented by Dr. Vicki Ball
Destiny Brown

Political Science
Presented by Dr. Mark Williams
Nolynn Smith

Prelaw
Presented by Dr. Mark Williams
Christina Bals

Psychology
Presented by Dr. Christina Sinisi
Emma Bedenbaugh

Public Health
Presented by Professor Steele Morris
Kara Perkins

Spanish
Presented by Dr. Hannah Sullivan
Sam Munteanu

Theatre
Presented by Professor Thomas Keating
Alana Lowery

Recognition of Achievement

Honors Program
Presented by Dr. Peter Beck
Riley Cape

Veteran Achievement
Presented by Ms. Angelyn Taylor
Brian Horning

51şÚÁĎ Women’s Council Scholarships
Presented by Mrs. Genie Gore

Mattie Leigh Francese Scholarship
Nathan Corley
Gabriella Crabtree
Meredith Long

Charlene B. Kirk Scholarship
Michael McMillian King
Meredith Long
Anna Riddle
Emma Whitlock

51şÚÁĎ Women’s Council Endowed Scholarship
Lindsey Bryant
J’Niya Gibson
Annabelle Hamrick
Matthew Lauer
Chloe McCutchen
Makenzie Rice
Olivia Russian

Special Recognitions

The Myrtle E. Hamrick Award
Emily Struckmeyer

The John A. Barry Scholar Award
Emily Struckmeyer

The Hunter Cup
Emily Struckmeyer

Carolyn Killen Hunter Outstanding Christian Teacher
Endowed Scholarship and Award
Josiah Hopkins-Smith

Student Life Awards
Presented by Dr. Guy Chmieleski & Mr. Justin Brown

SGA Executive of the Year
Macie Thomas

SGA Senator of the Year
TJ Owen

SGA Luis Orozco Award
Ashley Butler

Service Organization of the Year
Black Student Union

Greek Organization of the Year
ADPI

Academic Organization of the Year
Psychology Club

Presidential Ambassador Service Award
Presented by Mr. B. Keith Faulkner, President
Savannah Bogle
Ford Graham
McClary Lawrimore
Lance Stephens

Excellence in Teaching Award
Dr. Dawn Casas

I am going to be your guide with a few suggestions and pieces of advice for the last few weeks of the semester before graduation!

Take care of yourself.

Preparing for graduation is a very stressful, overwhelming, and high-pressure season full of unknowns. Please take time for yourself, and if you need help, don’t be afraid to reach out to the counseling services that Charleston Southern offers. They are here to help you, and you are not alone.

Soak it all in.

Stay after class and talk to your professor. Go to that dance, go to the beach, or just go out for a coffee with a friend. We are all moving into new seasons of our lives where we won’t see each other as much and won’t have the freedom and accessibility to just walk across campus and grab a bite to eat with our best friends. Take advantage of that while you still can!

Linger a little longer.

Stay a little later after class. Talk to your classmates. Converse with your professors. See how much they have to offer and what they can teach you. Be open to how they can guide and lead you along the way. They love you and want to see you succeed.

Take all the photos.

Make memories and take photos. We will never forget the memories we make but be sure to capture them all so we can look back years later and see how far we have come!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and let him guide, lead, and direct your steps.

This is a difficult task to complete, but the Lord knows our steps better than we do. God is so good, and he knows where he is leading us. His plans are better than our own.

Visit often.

No matter where the Lord leads you, visit often and know that you will always have a home at Charleston Southern.

Make sure you are prepared and have your graduation tickets.

Make sure you are receiving emails from csugraduation@csuniv.edu. Make sure that you have all of your tickets and everything you need to walk across that stage in a few, short weeks.

I pray and hope this gives you all a little comfort. I can’t wait to walk across the stage alongside you!

Here’s how to use Amazon pickup to easily get your packages on your schedule: 

1. Add to address book, . 

2. During checkout, select your saved locker as your delivery address. 

3. After you receive your delivery confirmation, go to your campus pickup location and get your package. 

Operation Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hrs
Locker hours are subject to the location’s Holiday hours.
Not a public location. 

Forward this to your parents so they can send you Amazon packages, too.

A celebration of relationships, friendships and connections, this event will be full of free activities and a special collaboration with the Black Student Union. Just donate five OCC donation items and admission is covered. The first 100 students to the event will get an exclusive Vals and Pals t-shirt.

Students can expect chocolate fountains, s’mores, a game truck, and a floral bar to make their own custom bouquets. Additional activities like bracelet making and board games are also included.

The Black Student Union will be selling “Rose Grams” for $1 each. These roses, which can be sent to friends across campus, will be delivered with a healthy relationship guide.

“We absolutely see this as something that could grow into an annual addition,” said Summer Cora, Title IX coordinator, who helped organize the week’s events. “In the future, we’d love to expand student organization involvement and add more interactive educational components.”

Head to BucNation to register and get updates!

The Christ-centered program is partnering with students to help them navigate romantic, platonic, and professional relationships. The week kicks off with a keynote address on Tuesday, Feb. 10, featuring Tosha Connors, CEO of local organization My Sister’s House, which serves survivors of domestic violence. The event is coordinated with the Women in Business student organization. Students are encouraged to wear purple to show their support for the program.

Planning for this Valentine’s Day week started last fall between the Title IX Office, Student Life, Counseling Services, and Campus Ministries. First John 4:19 served as the blueprint: We love because he first loved us. “We wanted to pair spiritual reflection with tangible tools for relational health and safety on campus,” said Title IX Coordinator Summer Cora. “Hopefully it means fostering more inclusive feelings across campus as a whole so that students can better navigate all their relationships.”

Throughout the week, students can find tables for candygrams with educational materials and a raffle with the winner announced during Elevate on Feb. 12. 

Then on Friday, a brand new Sweet 16 Event, Vals and Pals, will debut. “When we understand love as something first modeled by Christ, it reshapes how we treat one another,” said Cora. She encourages students to communicate in ways that show respect and clear boundaries throughout the week and beyond.

Vals and Pals is a time to celebrate friendship, love, and everything in between with sweets, treats, and fun activities. The first 100 students will receive an exclusive Vals and Pals t-shirt. Admission is just five OCC donations. Be sure to register on Buc Nation!

Funding for the initiative was generously provided by the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses, a chartered institute through Lander University.

Most recently Chmieleski was vice president of student affairs and church relations at Friends University in Wichita, Kansas.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience in Christian higher education, Chmieleski has faithfully served at five universities across a range of denominational affiliations, enrollment sizes, and athletic divisions. His career reflects a deep commitment to the spiritual formation, leadership development, and holistic growth of students.

President B. Keith Faulkner said, “We look forward to the ways Dr. Chmieleski’s leadership will enhance the student experience and strengthen our commitment to developing servant leaders who make a difference for the glory of God.”

Chmieleski said he has learned to pay attention when God begins to stir him to take a leap of faith to make a move. He said, “I have learned to do the right, next best thing.” 

He said, “God is doing great things at 51şÚÁĎ, and I am blessed to get to be a part of it.” He is most excited about working with the professional student life staff. “I want to hear from and pour into our professional staff and make sure they have what they need to be successful. I love to work with people who are pouring into students, helping students grow and flourish,” he said. 

Chmieleski said, “For students, there is so much to the college experience in conjunction with the degree. We may be planting seeds that God will bring to fruition long after they graduate. We walk alongside, watch them grow and blossom, and it doesn’t just happen in Bible study and chapel. God can use all corners of a student’s life to grow them spiritually.”

Chmieleski holds a Doctor of Ministry in leadership and spiritual formation from George Fox Evangelical Seminary, an MBA from Friends University, a Master of Arts in ministry from Palm Beach Atlantic University, and a BA in youth ministry from Bethel University.

He is the author of three books, Campus gods: Exposing the Idols That Can Derail Your Present and Destroy Your Faith, Noise. Hurry. Crowds: On Creating Space for God Amidst the Chaos of Campus and Culture, and Shaping Their Future: Mentoring Students Through Their Formative College Years. His newest book is Radical Leadership: Leading with Love, which he co-authored.

He and his wife, Heather, have five children, between the ages of 12-21.

Charleston Southern University held a ceremonial groundbreaking on Tuesday, April 29 in celebration of the new residence hall construction set for this summer. The new building will mirror Barbara C. Mead Hall, built in 2019. 

“It’s an historic day for Charleston Southern,” President B. Keith Faulkner said, addressing the crowd of students, alumni, faculty, staff, and board members. “Look around—60 years ago, this campus was just dirt. We’re just so blessed to be here, and we want to continue to ask for God’s blessings as we grow this university.” 

Construction is set to break ground this summer and be completed by August of 2026—in time to welcome Buccaneers that fall semester. The newest three-story suite-style residence hall will house 216 students. 

Brittney Greer, associate VP for student life, said, “As we turn the soil today, we are planting seeds for the future. Seeds of community, seeds of transformation, seeds of hope. May this be a place where dreams are nurtured, where talents are discovered and where every life glorifies God.” 

With an increase in housing demand each year since Mead Hall, the university has utilized the Wingate Hotel on its campus for overflow housing—filling it for the last three years. The new 52,000-square-foot building will stand beside Mead Hall with a courtyard between the two residences for students to enjoy a fun outdoor community space. 

Krystal Guntinas, a senior and current resident assistant, said that 51şÚÁĎ was never just a university to her. “It has been my home—I came here from the Philippines thousands of miles away from everything I was familiar with. But it did not take long before this place and the people made me feel like I belonged. It was here on this campus that I truly met Jesus. In the middle of late-night talks with my roommates, long walks back from the library, moments of loneliness, moments of pure joy—He found me.” 

She added, “51şÚÁĎ did not just give me a place to live, it gave me a place where my life was changed forever.”