USC Aiken faculty and staff comment on receiving vaccinations

COVID vaccinations are available now at the convocation center for USC Aiken students, as well as faculty and staff. Some employees on campus have received the vaccine and are discussing the importance of vaccination.

Phylesha Hiers, the public information specialist on campus, said that getting the vaccine was an “obvious next step” for her.

 Hiers stated, “After such a hard year, and feelings of doubt that things would ever get better, being able to receive the Moderna vaccine was a glimmer of hope.”

She stated her feelings on doing her part to reduce transmission of COVID, that once the university employees had the opportunity to receive the vaccine, it was a “no brainer.”

 Hiers stated that she is proud of the school’s efforts in keeping COVID numbers down.

 “Students, faculty, and staff have all done such a great job this past year following guidelines and sticking to the university’s mitigation plan,” she said. “I believe the best way to continue keeping safe is for everyone who is able to receive the vaccine.

She also expressed her gratitude toward Aiken Regional Medical Centers and USCA for giving her the opportunity.

 Dean and chemistry professor Chad Leverette was eager to get his shot.

 “I felt extremely grateful and blessed to get the vaccine. It was so convenient and easy.”

“I basically ran across campus to get my shot,” he said. “The science on this is amazing!” he expressed, a testament to his position in the College of Sciences.

 Leverette said the vaccine only caused some minor soreness, but that it’s worth it.

 He commented on the potential revolutionary implications of the vaccine.

“I believe this approach to vaccines could be revolutionary for medicine. Like everyone, my family and I have tried to be careful during this pandemic. I have not been able to hug my parents in over a year because they are high-risk!”

“I want to get back to normal and believe we need this vaccine so we can move forward,” he commented. “I am looking forward to my second shot in a few weeks.”

Similar to Hiers, Leverette expressed gratitude toward the university and the community help for faculty and staff.

“From being a COVID-19 testing site to a vaccine clinic, it has been great to see how the university can help,” he closed.

 Jenni Zollinger, administrative assistant of finance and administration is glad to help make a difference.

 “The process was well organized. I am happy to do my part not only for my health but also for my community,” she said.  “I am appreciative to be part of a university system that does so much to support the well-being of its employees.”

“We are all in this together,” she said.