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AROUND THE CISTERN
A two-panel architectural rendering of the renovated Theodore Stern Student Center at the College of Charleston. The left panel showcases the front exterior, featuring large glass windows and a welcoming entrance under a tree. The right panel depicts the inner courtyard with modern seating, greenery, and students socializing, highlighting the building's inviting and functional design.

on a tear

Following three years of planning, the Theodore S. Stern Student Center closed in September to undergo a major three-year renovation inside and out.

The exterior of the four-story building, which dates to 1974 and is named after the College’s 16th president, will get a new brick facade and more, larger windows designed to allow in much more natural light while also keeping birds from flying into them.

Inside, students will socialize and eat on the first floor, or “living room”; collaborate on the second floor, which will have student organization offices and an e-sports section; and work out on the third floor in the two new fitness rooms. The fourth floor will be administrative offices and a ballroom.

The Stern Center Garden will also get a refresh and will include a plaza of monuments honoring the College’s National Pan-Hellenic Council African American fraternities and sororities.

“It’s going to be transformative,” says Alicia Caudill, executive vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, adding that the new Student Success Center right down George Street will also open right around the same time as the Stern Center in the summer of 2027. “The evolution of this corridor of campus in support of student engagement and success will be incredible.”

And don’t worry about the beloved turtles. They will get a new home at Rivers Green before being returned to their pond.

Renard Harris, a College of Charleston faculty member, smiles while wearing headphones and sitting in front of a professional podcast microphone. He is dressed in a blue shirt, set against a softly lit background with a window, emphasizing a creative and engaged workspace.
| photo by Catie Cleveland |

public education

A new radio segment puts a spotlight on what the College does best: teach. Airing on South Carolina Public Radio on Fridays, Teachable Moments is a one-minute education segment for students and parents. From the prevalence of cellphones in classrooms to the intricacies of homework management, mental health awareness and combating childhood obesity, each episode is designed to introduce pressing educational issues. The host is Rénard Harris, an associate professor of management in the School of Business who has a doctorate in teacher education.

“I’m a big fan of simplicity, positive impact and good communication – Teachable Moments does all of that,” says Harris, who plays the harmonica for the show’s musical intro and outro. “The things I share are topics that anyone can engage with and encourage conversation whether you are in your car, at the workplace or at home. And they are topics we all think about at some point in our daily life.”

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