Career Influencer Spotlight: Dr. Sam McQuillin!

As part of the University Career Center’s First Destination Survey for the 2024–2025 academic year, graduating students were asked to name faculty and staff who meaningfully influenced their career decisions and post-graduation plans. Dr. Sam McQuillin was recognized by graduates as a Career Influencer, reflecting the lasting impact of his mentorship and guidance.

Students consistently notice when faculty invest in their growth, believe in their potential, and encourage their ambitions. This recognition highlights the difference Dr. McQuillin makes in supporting students during pivotal moments of their USC experience and advancing the university’s commitment to meaningful career success for every Gamecock. Congrats, Dr. Mcquillin!

Alena Presents at the Advancing School Mental Health Conference

Graduate student, Alena Quinn, presented on advancing school behavioral health through integrating collaboration across education agency systems at the Advancing School Mental Health Conference! Way to go, Alena!

Celebrating Bailey's First First-Author Publication!

We are thrilled to celebrate graduate student, Bailey Dow, who just published her first first-author article in Children and Youth Services Review!

The article, titled “Understanding Patterns of Hope from Informal Mentoring Through Latent Class Analysis,” examines how hope from informal mentoring relationships varied among mentees.

We’re so proud of Bailey’s hard work and dedication! Check out the article here: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2025.108660

Another Season of Milestones for YESS Lab Members!

Congratulations to YESS Lab graduate students, Bailey Dow, Tiera Cleveland, Kenzie Delposen, and Halle Singer, for successfully passing major academic milestones in their graduate training!

Bailey passed her Dissertation Prospectus, Tiera and Kenzie passed their Written Comprehensive Exams, and Halle passed her Oral Comprehensive Exam. Way to go!

YESS Lab Members Complete Another Milestone!

Congratulations to Savannah Simpson for the successful defense of her Dissertation Prospectus and Bailey Dow for the successful defense of her Written Comprehensive Exam!

Congratulations to Grad Student, Bailey Dow!

Congratulations to Bailey for winning the Laura Griffin Award for Research Excellence! This award recognizes School Psychology students who demonstrate excellence in research and scholarship. Way to go, Bailey!

3rd Annual SC School Mentor Summit was a success!

The 3rd Annual SC School Mentor Summit was a great success! This year’s event focused on two key themes: Mentee and Family Voice and Choice and Mentor Recruitment and Retention. Attendees engaged in thoughtful conversations, shared insights, and built valuable connections. With interactive sessions and networking opportunities, the summit offered an energizing day of learning and collaboration for all involved.

Check Out Our New Instagram Account!

We created a new Instagram account to share evidence-based tools for mentoring & mental health. Check it out @uscyesstools!

YESS Lab Member Completes Milestone!

Congrats to YESS Lab graduate student, Alena Quinn, for successfully passing her Master’s Oral Comprehensive Exam! Way to go, Alena!

Welcome to the YESS Lab, Hung!

We are thrilled to welcome Hung Nguyen to the YESS Lab! Hung will be joining the School Psychology PhD program under Drs. McQuillin and McDaniel in the fall.