USC Sumter adding outdoor classroom, new pavilion, improved athletic facilities as part of campus-wide upgrades

Improvements are underway at the University of South Carolina Sumter as the campus works to expand learning spaces and enhance the student experience.

Construction has begun on a new outdoor classroom near the science building, designed to provide students with an alternative space to learn outside a traditional classroom and to complement work done indoors.

"We want to make sure that their student experience here at USC Sumter is something that they're gonna carry with them the rest of their lives in a positive way for their further study in their career," Dean Eric Reisenauer said. "So, virtually every one of our projects has to do with how the students experience the university both inside and outside the classroom; so, renovation of buildings, adding new buildings, adding interesting learning spaces."

The outdoor classroom is part of a broader effort that includes multiple projects across campus. Work is also underway on a pavilion and a multi-phase streetscaping project along Miller Road, which will add landscaping, signage, lighting and other features.

University leaders said athletic facilities are also being expanded and upgraded to improve performance and competition spaces for student-athletes.

"And so we're expanding athletic fields, we're enhancing our existing athletic facility to be a much more athletic performance and competition space," Reisenauer said. "And, so, whether it's in the classroom, on the field, in the gym, on the court, all of these are new expanses to help accent and improve our student experience because that really is the first and foremost priority for USC Sumter."

Students said they are looking forward to the changes, even as construction continues.

"I'm excited to see how it ends up," student athlete Talisha Tame said. "I definitely think it looks a little bit dodgy right now, but it'll definitely look better in the end, and I'm excited to see what it brings to the school and, like, also see, like, new people come in, different types of people come in."

Other student-athletes also said the upgrades are welcome.

"I think it's gonna be really helpful for us," Martin Patrello said. "And I'm also excited to try the new facilities and the new tools that the school bring us."

"Every program is growing, so I'm also excited about everything that is coming," Ciro Otado added.

University officials say the outdoor classroom is expected to be completed in the spring, while the streetscaping project along Miller Road will be completed in phases as improvements continue across campus.

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