USCB celebrates graduates, names new provost
The University of South Carolina Beaufort marked a season of achievement and transition this spring, celebrating 303 graduates at its May 1 commencement ceremony and announced the appointment of Dr. Kim Dudas as executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost May 19.
Addressing the Class of 2026, USCB Chancellor Al M. Panu praised graduates for the determination and resilience they demonstrated throughout their studies.
“You possess the right disposition and the resilient mindset to succeed,” Panu said. “Your USCB education has instilled in you fundamental attributes that empower you to overcome any obstacle that threatens your forward progress.”
The largest number of bachelor’s degrees awarded were in biology, business administration, nursing, psychology and interdisciplinary studies. The university also conferred five master’s degrees in computational science.
University of South Carolina President Michael Amiridis encouraged graduates to embrace emerging technologies while recognizing the value of their own talents and perspectives.
“Everywhere you look, in business, industry, education, government, medicine, the arts, in every field, people are encouraging us to learn how to embrace the opportunities presented by AI,” Amiridis said. “But your creativity, your expertise, your perspective, your passions, all of these things belong only to you. You should be ready to use AI to enhance your talents and ideas, not to replace them.”
The ceremony also recognized two longtime community leaders from Hilton Head Island. Coleman Peterson and Shirley “Peaches” Peterson each received honorary Doctor of Public Service degrees for their contributions to education, leadership and community development.
Coleman Peterson, a member of the USCB Education Foundation and former executive vice president of people and chief human resource officer at Walmart, delivered the commencement address. He urged graduates to pursue success with integrity and compassion while remembering the importance of service.
“Success is meaningful not only because of what you achieve, but because of how you achieve it and who you help along the way,” he said. “Never forget the importance of giving back.”
Peaches Peterson was honored for decades of civic leadership, including her role in establishing Historic Mitchelville Freedom Park, the nation’s first self-governed town founded by formerly enslaved people, and for supporting numerous philanthropic initiatives across the region.
As the academic year concluded, the university also announced the selection of Dudas as its chief academic officer following a national search.
Dudas has served as interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs and provost since July 2025 after previously serving as assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs. She joined USCB nine years ago and brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the role.
Panu said Dudas has played a key role in advancing the university’s academic mission and student success initiatives.
Her background is in nursing and health sciences, and she has held teaching, research and leadership positions throughout her career. Named USCB Professor of the Year in 2021, Dudas has taught both nursing courses and first-year experience classes. The university credited her with helping secure major external funding, including a $3.8 million federal grant supporting nursing workforce development and student success.
Dudas earned a doctorate in nursing from Nova Southeastern University, a master’s degree in nursing from Rutgers University and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from East Stroudsburg University. University officials said she will continue efforts to strengthen academic programs, improve student retention and align educational offerings with regional workforce needs.
