Graduate Student Association
The Graduate Student Association (GSA) is dedicated to the advancement and development of Graduate and Professional Students at USC. It serves to advocate on behalf of the interests of over 6000 graduate and professional students at the University of South Carolina. The GSA works closely with administrators, faculty and staff to achieve its goals.
If you have any concerns that the GSA can help address, please feel free to contact any of the executive officers directly, via our e-mail at sogsa@mailbox.sc.edu, by phone at 803-777-2631 or stop by the GSA Office in Russell House 227D.
For more information about the GSA, click on the Graduate Student Association tab on the left of this page.
GSA in the news
Graduate Student Association on a mission: To make life better for grad students
Officers
Andrew Dorsey, President
Andrew Dorsey is the President of the University of South Carolina Graduate Student Association and has the honor of serving and advocating on behalf of USC’s 6,000 member graduate student body. A native of Chester, South Carolina, Andrew received an Associate of Science Degree, with highest honors, from the University of South Carolina Lancaster in 2007. He then transferred to the Columbia campus and received a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude, in 2009 and was made a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Andrew then immediately enrolled into the University of South Carolina Master of Public Administration Program. In May 2011, he received a Master's degree in Public Administration. For his award winning capstone project, he created the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act Manual for the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office which will be utilized by public officials throughout South Carolina in implementing the statute. During his time at USC, Andrew has served on the Congressional Advisory Board, the Carolina Judicial Council, and as President of the MPA Student Association. He was the 2011 recipient of the USC Samuel Carter Fellowship. Andrew is currently a student in the Master of Human Resources Program at USC’s Darla Moore School of Business.
C. Andrew Dorsey
dorseyc2@email.sc.edu
Office: (803)777-2631
Mobile: (803)379-0146
Campus Office: Russell House, 227D
David Cruz-Vega, Vice President
David A. Cruz Vega is the Vice President of the University of South Carolina Graduate Student Association. A native of Columbia, South Carolina, David received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science and Business Administration from Clemson University in 2006. He then worked in Biloxi, MS and Watertown, MA prior to enrolling at USC. He is currently enrolled in the Master of Arts in Teaching Program within the College of Education concentrating in social studies for both middle-level and secondary education. During his time in graduate school, David has worked for the Physical Education Department as a graduate assistant, taught a backpacking course for the Physical Activity Program, and currently works for the Graduate School as a graduate assistant. After graduation in May 2013, David hopes to work in public education and travel with his wife, Natalie.
David Cruz-Vega
cruzvega@email.sc.edu
Lauren Healey, Treasurer
Lauren Healey is the Treasurer of the University of South Carolina Graduate Student Association. Lauren received a Bachelor of Music Degree in Vocal Performance from the Florida State University. While attending Florida State University, Lauren served as a Homecoming Director, Programming coordinator for the Honors College, and Budget Chair for the Union. While at FSU, Lauren also worked as an Admissions officer and an academic advisor. Lauren is currently enrolled as a first-year graduate student in the Higher Education and Student Affairs (HESA) program at the University of South Carolina. At the University of South Carolina, Lauren also works as the Graduate Assistant to Student Organizations, Homecoming and Tigerburn. She is also an Assistant Supervisor for the Supplemental Instruction program and an Academic Mentor for the USC Athletic Department.
Lauren Healey
healeyl@mailbox.sc.edu
Robynn MacKechnie, Graduate Council Representative
Robynn Mackechnie is the Graduate Council Representative of the University of South Carolina’s Graduate Student Association. A native of Spartanburg, SC, Robynn received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree from Wofford College majoring in Biology. While attending Wofford College she served as the Panhellenic Recruitment Chair, President of Delta Delta Delta, and Chair of Relay for Life Spartanburg Colleges. After graduation Robynn joined the Midlands Workforce Development Board as a Workforce Coordinator. She is responsible for Board relations, eligible training providers, and compliance with state and local standards for our comprehensive job centers. In the Fall of 2010 she entered the Arnold School of Public Health’s Health Services Policy and Management Master’s program.