Christy Friend

Christy Friend is a Professor in the Department of English Language and Literature at the University of South Carolina, holding concurrent roles as Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies in the McCausland College of Arts and Sciences. She has held academic ranks from Assistant (1998) to Full Professor (2014) and has led administrative roles including Associate Dean (2021–2023) and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence (2013–2017). Her work focuses on pedagogy, rhetoric, and writing program administration, with notable contributions to textbooks like Beyond Words and SF Writer.

Education
PhD in English (Rhetoric), University of Texas at Austin
MA in English (Composition, Rhetoric, and Literacy), University of Oklahoma
BA in Psychology, University of Oklahoma

Research Interests
Dr. Friend’s research spans composition pedagogy, digital learning, and ethical writing instruction. She emphasizes integrative teaching methods, faculty development, and the role of rhetoric in civic education. Recent work explores Generation Z learning styles and innovative online course design.

Grants & Awards
Awards include the Carolina Trustees Professorship (2019), multiple Faculty Mentor of the Year titles, and grants totaling over $200k for initiatives in sustainability and first-year writing programs.

Advising & Service
Advised over 20 doctoral and master’s students in rhetoric and composition. Served on numerous university committees, including the Provost’s Undergraduate Council and the Carolina Judicial Council.

Labs & Outreach
Co-founded the Split P Soup community poetry program. Led initiatives like the First-Year English Program and the University Writing Center. Active in outreach to K–12 schools and correctional facilities.