Palmetto Report

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- A shooting in February at Clinton College, which is roughly two miles from Winthrop University, has drawn attention to the issues of campus safety and school violence. Feb. 16, two male teenagers, one who was 17 and the other who was 18, were shot at the Clinton College gym in Rock Hill around 1 a.m. WSOC-TV reported the gym was rented for a birthday party by a group that was not affiliated with the school. Neither victim was a student at Clinton College and both were expected to be okay. There were no fatalities and no Clinton College students, faculty or staff were hurt during the shooting, the school said. At Winthrop, the incident generated a discussion about campus safety and school violence. “Continuing to educate students staff on being vigilant of your surroundings, listen to your gut if it’s telling you something doesn’t feel right, and how do you get help if there is a concern,” said Melissa Reeves, associate professor of psychology at Winthrop, who was a guest on the Palmetto R

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Managing personal health among many students can be difficult due to the stress of classes, homework and maintaining relationships and a social life during their time at college. Dr. Shelley Hamill, a master certified health education specialist and professor of health education at Winthrop University, appeared on the Palmetto Report podcast to give her insights on the skills students need in order to preserve their health while in college. She said there are eight basic standards of health education. “The first standard is about content, but every other standard is skill. We teach (students) things like goal-setting, decision-making, making sure that the resources that you’re looking at for information are valid and reliable, communication and being able to stand up for yourself, all of these standards are built around skills,” said Hamill.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- A report conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) found approximately 1 out of 9 Americans (11.1 percent) were food insecure in 2018 and according to experts it's a "huge problem" in Rock Hill and York County. One group working to combat the problem is Pilgrim’s Inn, a nonprofit organization founded in 1984, which also strives to help and empower the homeless, families in need and those struggling with food and financial insecurity. According to Juanita Lester, the executive director of Pilgrim’s Inn, food insecurity can be defined in multiple ways depending on every individual’s situation. “In some cases, food insecurity may be defined as not having access to food. In others, it’s not having access to healthy or adequate food. Or it could be not being able to determine what types of food are best for you because of health issues or other types of issues that mandate you eat a certain type of diet,” said Lester. Statistics collected by Pilgrim’s Inn show the food pantry prov

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Former Winthrop University President Dan Mahony resigned from his position, effective March 1 after five years of service, in order to become president of the Southern Illinois University system. On Dec. 3, students, faculty and staff received an email from the university's board of trustees informing them about the change in leadership. Mahony -- who spoke exclusively to the Palmetto Report, during a podcast, to discuss his departure and reflect on his time at Winthrop -- said it was difficult for him to leave the school. “I was in the last year of my contract, I didn't expect it to be extended so that obviously had an impact on my decision to look at other opportunities,” said Mahony. "Frankly I was little concerned that people would think I was abandoning them or leaving for reasons that I was unhappy with them at Winthrop, the people, the faculty, staff and students. That was obviously not the case."

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- The world of sports, and the role of female athletes, has certainly evolved since the days of the peach basket hoop and the moleskin football helmet. Nevertheless, while men’s sports have excelled in drawing fan attention and generating revenue, women continue to struggle to garner similar opportunities. Title IX was passed in 1972 to ensure that no individuals, on the basis of sex, could be discriminated against in programs or activities. Lauren McCoy, program director for Winthrop University's Sports and Fitness Administration program and an assistant professor of sport management, is a sports lawyer who has researched the role of women in sports. She was a guest on the Palmetto Report podcast to discuss the issue. McCoy has examined cases associated with Title IX and Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination, which has allowed her to gain a unique perspective on the issues women face in sports. “I would say that the general status, when it comes to women and girls in sport,

(Rock Hill, S.C.) – Rock Hill is working to build one of the very first all-inclusive parks in the nation.  City leaders officially broke ground in December for Miracle Park, a 15-acre, $8 million project that has been in the making since 2017. The park is expected to have five ball fields total, with two of them being "miracle fields" designed for anyone to be able to play on, while the rest will be multipurpose. The York County Disabilities Foundation is one of the many groups working on construction of the park. Alice Davis, a member of the group, was a guest on the Palmetto Report podcast to share more information about the park. Davis said that the inspiration for Miracle Park came about after spending a lot of time thinking about a project the foundation could work on using money they had raised. “My brother actually has a nephew in a wheelchair that plays in Greenville on a miracle league and he was telling us about it. We said we wanted to have a miracle league in Rock Hill. We dreamed big and we

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- With South Carolina’s primary out of the way and the November presidential election quickly approaching, politics has been a hot topic lately in many households. Whether it was one of Tom Steyer’s numerous online ads prior to the primary or an uncle that brings it up the election in passing, it’s nearly impossible to escape the conversation of politics. These discussions can be especially hard for students, considering college is a time when people are figuring out their political beliefs, which can mean turning away from the belief system one was brought up in. “I think the stereotype is that a lot of people come to college and become more liberal,” said Dr. John Holder, political science professor at Winthrop University, who appeared on the Palmetto Report podcast. “What we’re trying to teach you to do in college is not to be more liberal, but to be more open-minded. We’re exposing you to things you haven’t heard before and ideas you haven’t heard about before.”

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Research by the U.S. Census Bureau shows that over a million children were undercounted during the last census in 2010 and minorities and homeless populations were at a greater risk of being miscounted. The 2020 census begins nationwide this month and the U.S. Census Bureau is working to get an accurate count of every person in local communities, especially those from diverse backgrounds. An accurate count is essential as the resulting data determines congressional representation, federal funding and the locations of new hospitals, roads and schools. “The census is important for multiple reasons, the first being that it’s mandated in the U.S. Constitution that we conduct a census or a count of our population every 10 years,” said Lindy Studds, a media specialist with the U.S. Census Bureau who was a guest on the Palmetto Report. “The real importance I think boils down to two things which is political power and money.”

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Winthrop University students in the Department of Mass Communication recently were given the opportunity to hear from a media professional who visited the school, as part of an exchange program that connects educators with media organizations.  As part of the program, Tasha Stewart, a senior manager of engagement at WCPO, visited Winthrop to discuss how technology, including social media, is changing the way news is delivered.  “It’s been really fun,” said Stewart. “I’m really surprised by how interested people are in what I do. You kind of get used to doing it and you forget that there are people who want to know about it and that’s been personally fulfilling for me.” Stewart, who graduated from Howard University, began working at the Cincinnati ABC-affiliate in April 2015, after stints at The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and The Detroit News. Stewart shared a number of stories related to her job managing digital storytelling, social media and streaming

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- The Winthrop University men’s basketball team has experienced great success this season, but not without adversity. The Eagles, who earned a share of the Big South regular season title after beating High Point Feb. 29, experienced several ups and downs on their way to earning the two-seed in the conference tournament. Winthrop began its season on a four-game road trip, returning to Rock Hill with a 2-2 record. However, the stretch was highlighted by a victory over the No. 18 ranked Saint Mary’s Gaels, which drew national attention. “It was a signature win for our program and for our athletic department,” said head coach Pat Kelsey. “Obviously, when you beat a ranked team on their home floor, it’s sort of national news in terms of college basketball.” Kelsey appeared on the Palmetto Report podcast to discuss the season and upcoming conference tournament.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- With the South Carolina Democratic presidential primary just days away, Joe Biden continues to maintain a narrow lead in the state, according to data from the latest Winthrop University Poll. The poll, released Feb. 21, found 24 percent of likely voters said they support the former vice president, while 19 percent said they favored U.S. Sen. (Vermont) Bernie Sanders. "Overall (it's) bad news for Biden," said Dr. Scott Huffmon, director of the Winthrop Poll and a professor of political science. "For him only being ahead by single digits. Now he is ahead by double digits among African American voters, so that's his saving grace at the moment, but he is still far, far weaker than he should be." Rounding out the field, billionaire businessman Tom Steyer garnered 15 percent, former South Bend, Ind. Mayor Pete Buttigieg 7 percent and U.S. Sen. (Mass.) Elizabeth Warren 6 percent. The remaining two candidates each drew less than 5 percent of support.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — The Australian bushfires may be taking place thousands of miles away from Winthrop University, but the campus is still feeling the impact, as there are a number of student athletes from Australia. Currently, there are more than 100 fires burning across the country. Tom Pupavac, a junior member of the Winthrop men’s basketball team, is one of at least a handful of Australian students on campus who are concerned about the disaster his country is facing. “My family has been fine really, most of the damage is caused around my home by smoke. There hasn’t been fires (that have) really struck through my area where I’m living back home,” said Pupavac. Pupavac, who is from Geelong, Australia, spoke to the Palmetto Report about the tragedy and how the Winthrop community may be able to help.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- As voters in New Hampshire prepare to vote in a primary election this week (Feb. 11) and the results of the troubled Iowa caucuses continue to be scrutinized, soon all eyes will turn to South Carolina and its "first in the South" primary Feb. 29. Dr. Scott Huffmon, director of the Winthrop University Poll, says former Vice President Joe Biden continues to hold a lead in South Carolina. Huffmon spoke to the Palmetto Report to discuss the Winthrop Poll and the upcoming primary. "So far, we’ve only done one and it has been a Democratic presidential primary poll. We’re hoping to do another in a few weeks, but South Carolina, unlike Iowa and New Hampshire, South Carolina has Joe Biden in the lead," said Huffmon. The most recent Winthrop Poll, released Oct. 1, showed Biden (37 percent) leading Mass. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (17 percent) and Vt. Sen. Bernie Sanders (8 percent) among likely S.C. Democratic voters.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Human trafficking is a problem that persists in the Carolinas, as North Carolina is ranked 7th worst in the nation for human trafficking, with Charlotte having the most reported cases in the state. The International Labor Organization estimates 20 to 30 million people are trafficked each year. According to experts, Interstate 85 plays a large role in the amount of trafficking that goes through the Charlotte area. Kyle Hern with Justice Ministries -- a nonprofit in Charlotte that serves victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation through outreach, emergency services and transitional care -- was a guest on the Palmetto Report to discuss the topic. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 888-373-7888 or you can text "help" to 233733. The hotline is operated 24 hours, 7 days a week and is available in more than 200 languages, including English and Spanish.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Rock Hill offers a number of resources to encourage entrepreneurship in technology, as many people are interested in launching their own startup and becoming their own boss. For example, there is the Technology Incubator at Knowledge Park and the York County Regional Chamber of Commerce, which are both available to help entrepreneurs successfully launch their ideas. “Tech entrepreneurship has definitely grown in our community, being that there are a number of resources we have available for entrepreneurs," said Bernice Huskins, associate vice president of the York County Regional Chamber.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Winthrop University President Dan Mahony will leave his position, effective March 1, to become president of the Southern Illinois University system, the school announced Dec. 3. There had been speculation about Mahony’s future at Winthrop, after he told faculty during a meeting Nov. 22 that his contract expired in 2020, but he was unable to discuss his negotiations with the Board of Trustees. Anna Sharpe, editor in chief of the Johnsonian student newspaper, was a guest on the Palmetto Report to discuss her reporting on the situation. "Initially I was surprised, but I don't want to say that I didn't see this coming, because I've looked into (his contract status)," said Sharpe.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Earlier this year, Rock Hill hosted the annual state convention and civil rights conference for the S.C. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) for the first time in 25 years. The four day event, Oct. 10-13, was highlighted by a visit from the Rev. Jesse Jackson, who was given the Flame of Freedom Award in recognition of his 50 years of service and leadership. Dorene Boular, president of the Rock Hill branch of the NAACP, was a guest on the Palmetto Report to discuss the convention. Boular said the event focused on the 2020 election and census and included workshops on election protection, gerrymandering and voter registration.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — STEM career fields — science, technology, engineering and mathematics — have long had difficulty attracting women, especially women of color. For example, Forbes reported that women held just a quarter of the 5 million tech jobs in 2015 and women of color, especially African-Americans and Hispanics, represented less than 10 percent of those positions, according to the nonprofit Computing Technology Industry Association. Additionally, only 2.9 percent of black women, 3.6 percent of Latinas and 4.8 of Asian women earn STEM degrees in the U.S. This is also an issue at Winthrop University, despite the school’s efforts to promote diversity among its faculty, where there are only two African-American women among the faculty in Arts and Sciences. We spoke with Dr. Takita Sumter, dean of the college and professor of chemistry, about the issue.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) — Students at Winthrop University, and across the country, are beginning to prepare final exams as the fall semester is quickly coming to an end. At Winthrop, exams are scheduled from Dec. 4-10 and the school’s Academic Success Center is available to offer students academic guidance and tutoring as they prepare for finals. “Throughout the semester, as a student you’re doing what you can to make sure you’re understanding the material, asking questions when you aren’t (understanding it), then as it comes closer to exam week it’s more about refreshing the information, than learning it for the first time,” said Jasmine Howze, an academic coach with the Academic Success Center. Howze, who was a guest on the Palmetto Report, said students should study for an hour at a time, rather than trying to cram a semester’s worth of information into a few hours, and take breaks.

(Rock Hill, S.C.) -- Childhood obesity is a "serious problem" in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), including among very young children. According to research published in the journal Pediatrics in 2018, 26 percent of children ages 2 to 5 are overweight and more than 15 percent are obese. Researchers, looking at data from 1999-2016, also found more than 40 percent of 16 to 19-year-olds are obese. “Children born in the year 2000 and since...will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents”, said Elizabeth Weikle, a licensed registered dietitian and adjunct professor of human nutrition at Winthrop University.