Venue and City
About Columbia, SC
Columbia is located in central South Carolina, with the Broad, Congaree, and Saluda Rivers flowing through the city. Columbia was founded in 1786 as the state capital and played pivotal roles in both the Revolutionary and Civil Rights eras. The city has numerous landmarks and historic neighborhoods and today blends both tradition and innovation. Within a 10-mile radius, Columbia is home to the Riverbanks Zoo (one of only ten U.S. zoos with koalas), Congaree National Park (featuring the largest tract of old-growth hardwood forest left in the U.S.), and Lake Murray (once the largest man-made lake in the country). Visitors can explore museums, stroll through vibrant districts, and enjoy local cuisine and entertainment, making Columbia a welcoming and enriching southern destination.
About the University of South Carolina (USC)
Located in the heart of Downtown Columbia, the University of South Carolina (USC) is a top-tier research institution, known for its academic excellence, innovation, and community impact. USC’s campus blends urban energy with historic charm, most notably showcased by the iconic Horseshoe - a tree-lined green space surrounded by 19th-century buildings that serve as the university’s original core. The campus is highly walkable, making it easy to explore its scenic paths, cultural landmarks, and nearby amenities.
As South Carolina’s flagship institution, USC offers a vibrant campus environment enriched by diverse disciplines and nationally recognized programs. Among its many distinguished schools is the Arnold School of Public Health (ASPH), which is the only accredited public health school in South Carolina and contributes to USC’s legacy of leadership in health education and research. Hosting events at USC means tapping into a dynamic academic community, cutting-edge facilities, and a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration that spans across health, science, technology, and the arts. Whether through the ASPH or other USC departments, the university provides an ideal setting for impactful engagement and forward-thinking initiatives.
We will kick off the meeting on Tuesday afternoon at the ASPH Public Health Research Center and spend the rest of our meeting at the University Conference Center in the Close-Hipp Building. This facility is newly renovated and boasts a 150-seat auditorium, two 100-person multi-purpose rooms, four breakout classrooms, a reception space, and sweeping views of the capital city!