We know that big thinkers live right here in the Midlands. We will introduce you to some of Columbia’s best–those leading the charge and those who go unnoticed but leave the scene completely changed.

Midlands Technical College Harbison Theatre
7300 College Street
Irmo, South Carolina, 29063
United States

Shannon Ivey and STATE of Reality

Shannon Ivey is a professor of Theatre at South Carolina State University where she directs the student performance troupe, STATE of Reality.

Ann Ramsdell

Ann is associate professor of cell biology and anatomy at USC. Ann is a breast cancer research and clinical trials advocate, and her greatest accomplishment is opening up a new research direction (left-right asymmetry) in an established field (mammary gland biology).

Ann F. Ramsdell

Professor of Cell Biology and Anatomy

Ann is associate professor of cell biology and anatomy at USC. Anne is a breast cancer research and clinical trials advocate, and her greatest accomplishment is opening up a new research direction (left-right asymmetry) in an established field (mammary gland biology).

Anna Scheyett

Dean of the College of Social Work at USC

Anna serves as dean of the College of Social Work at USC. Her research examines community integration of vulnerable populations, especially those with serious mental illnesses, those with HIV, and those involved in the criminal justice system.

Bill Stangler

Riverkeeper

As the sole staff member of Congaree Riverkeeper, Bill is responsible for our outreach, advocacy and enforcement activities, as well as the day to day operations of the organization. He is most passionate about rivers and water, and serves on the boards of Palmetto Paddlers and Friends of Congaree.

Bobby Donaldson

Professor of History

As professor of history at USC, Bobby is knowledgeable about the role that Columbia played in the civil rights movement. He advocates for increased engagement with local history. Bobby serves as co-chair of Civil Rights Movement anniversary group Columbia SC 63.

Chastain Mann

Chastain serves as Chief of Programs at Woman Care Global and CEO of Mann Global Health. With a focus on Africa, Chastain sets up and implements health programs to improve reproductive health in the developing world. Chastain has more than 25 years of experience working in the field of international development.

Chris McCormick

Poet

Dr. Bobby Donaldson

As professor of history at USC, Bobby is knowledgeable about the role that Columbia played in the civil rights movement. He advocates for increased engagement with local history. Bobby serves as co-chair of Civil Rights Movement anniversary group's Columbia SC 63.

Elise Partin

Mayor of Cayce, SC

Elise, Mayor of the City of Cayce, holds the distinction of being the first female to serve in the office of this 13,000-resident city. She has been recognized for her focus on economic development, her strong representation of Cayce’s diverse residents and her efforts to promote regionalism and ethics reform while protecting taxpayer dollars.

Jessica Richardson

Professor of Communication Sciences and Disorders

Jessica is assistant professor of communication sciences and disorders at USC. When administering therapy, she’s passionate about helping her client or patient in a way that helps them in their everyday lives. When researching, she’s passionate about solving puzzles that benefit those in the immediate or near future.

Kendal Turner

Poet

Michaela Pilar Brown

Michaela is a visual artist, using sculpture, photography, performance and installation to communicate ideas and tell stories. Her practice explores the body through the prisms of age, gender, race, sexuality and history.

Napoleon Wells

Clinical Psychologist

As a Clinical Psychologist for the Department of Veterans Affairs, Napoleon is the Supervisor of Primary Care Mental Health Integration, as well as an adjunct lecturer. Napoleon has lectured extensively about issues of diversity, prejudice, privilege, race and educational success for minorities.

Susan Lenz

Studio Artist

Susan is a professional studio artist who generally uses needle and thread for self-expression. She works to articulate the accumulated memory inherent in discarded things. Susan seeks a partnership with her materials, their purposes, values, and familiar associations.

Tom Ledbetter

Director of the Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College

As Executive Director of the Enterprise Campus at Midlands Technical College, Tom serves in the realms of economic development and community engagement. Tom has been an active proponent of local community activities and economic development efforts of both the central South Carolina region and the State of South Carolina as a whole.

Wesley Donehue

Wesley is the founder and CEO of Push Digital, Push Advocacy and Push Elections, handling digital strategies for local, congressional and statewide campaigns, as well as issue advocacy groups and corporations. Wesley is passionate about content, what kinds people consume, where they consume it and what moves people.

Wesley Donohue

Founder and CEO of Push Digital

Wesley is the founder and CEO of Push Digital, Push Advocacy and Push Elections, handling digital strategies for local, congressional and statewide campaigns, as well as issue advocacy groups and corporations. Wesley is passionate about content – what kinds people consume, where they consume it and what moves people.

William Edwards

As the director of the Center for Behavioral Analysis at Clemson University, Billy is responsible for creating, directing, and assisting in implementation of all the CBA's programs. Billy is passionate about behavior analysis and giving marginalized populations the possibility to access services and opportunities equally.