Sherman College of Chiropractic and University of South Carolina Upstate Sign Agreement Expanding Undergraduate Internship Opportunities
Partnership creates a structured pathway for undergraduate students to explore chiropractic through immersive exposure to its philosophy, clinical setting, and professional practice.
Spartanburg, SC (03/04/2026) — Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate) formally signed an articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, establishing a collaborative undergraduate internship program designed to enhance experiential learning opportunities for USC Upstate students.
The memorandum of understanding formalizes a structured internship program that provides USC Upstate undergraduate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession through sustained engagement at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center, the college's on-campus clinical teaching facility. The internship is designed first and foremost as a learning experience, enabling students to acquire practical skills, deepen their understanding of healthcare systems and professional practices, and explore chiropractic as a potential career pathway.
Throughout the internship, USC Upstate students will work alongside experienced professionals at Sherman College, gaining valuable insights into the chiropractic profession. The internship experience will align with the student's academic disciplines and career aspirations, promoting a seamless transition from academia to the workforce. Specifically, interns will observe clinic workflows, assist with front desk and patient flow operations, support imaging and clinic services in non-clinical roles, and participate in supplemental sports chiropractic outreach shadowing opportunities. Undergraduate interns will not render patient care, perform examinations, or provide chiropractic adjustments.
"This agreement reflects our shared commitment to student success and meaningful career exploration," said Dr. Jack Bourla, president of Sherman College of Chiropractic. "By opening our clinical teaching environment to USC Upstate students, we are creating opportunities for them to experience firsthand the philosophy, science and art of chiropractic, as well as the scope and role of chiropractic within today's healthcare landscape."
"Partnerships such as this expand high-impact learning opportunities for our students," explained Dr. Bennie L. Harris, chancellor of USC Upstate, emphasizing the value of experiential education. "We are proud to collaborate with Sherman College to provide structured, supportive experiences that help students connect classroom knowledge with real-world application."
Dr. Joe Donofrio, Sherman provost, added, "This internship program bridges academic study with professional observation. Students will gain insight into clinic operations, professional standards, and interdisciplinary healthcare delivery while engaging in reflective learning that supports their academic and career goals."
Dr. Charles Harrington, professor of interdisciplinary studies at USC Upstate, noted the program's academic alignment. "This internship offers students a thoughtful introduction to the chiropractic profession. Through observation, reflection, and engagement with Sherman's chiropractic professionals and students in their last quarters of study, Upstate students can critically evaluate chiropractic as a potential career pathway while developing professionalism appropriate to clinical and academic environments."
Representing Sherman College at the signing included Dr. Jack Bourla, president; Dr. Joe Donofrio, provost; Dr. Karen Canup, executive vice president; Bruce Rosengrant, vice president for advancement; and Jennings Pruit, a Sherman student and USC Upstate graduate.
USC Upstate participants included Dr. Bennie L. Harris, chancellor; Dr. Charles Harrington, professor of interdisciplinary studies; Tonya Boone-Holladay, dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; and Tim Driscoll, internship coordinator.
In November 2025, the institutions also signed a separate agreement under which Sherman College Chiropractic Center interns, supervised by Chiropractic Center Case Doctor, Dr. Michael L. Tomasello, provide regular chiropractic care to USC Upstate Spartan student-athletes. The partnership enhances athletic performance and recovery while providing Sherman interns with valuable clinical experience.
The Sherman-USC Upstate partnership reflects both institutions' commitment to students' growth-expanding access to meaningful experiential learning while introducing undergraduate scholars to the principles, practice, and professional opportunities in chiropractic.
About Sherman College of Chiropractic.
About Sherman College of Chiropractic. Sherman College of Chiropractic provides students with a comprehensive chiropractic education, preparing them to enter the field as doctors of chiropractic who are highly skilled, compassionate, ethical, and successful. On an 80-acre campus in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Sherman offers a professional degree program unique in its approach and known globally for the skill and art of chiropractic delivered by graduates. The college's Chiropractic Center provides high-quality, value-rich chiropractic care for families at every stage of life. The center is a teaching clinic for chiropractic interns in their final stage of study before graduating from the college's doctor of chiropractic program. Coordinated by licensed doctors of chiropractic, the teaching environment enables interns to practice chiropractic under close supervision and ongoing consultation. For more information, visit www.sherman.edu or call 800-849-8771.
About USC Upstate.
The University of South Carolina Upstate is a comprehensive regional public university in Spartanburg, serving 5,000 students through more than 50 undergraduate and graduate programs. USC Upstate is ranked No. 1 among Best Colleges for Veterans and No. 2 among Top Public Schools among Regional Colleges in the South. Recognized for student success and workforce readiness, the university plays a key role in South Carolina's talent pipeline. The George Dean Johnson Jr. College of Business and Economics, now celebrating 15 years of educating and developing business leaders, reflects USC Upstate's commitment to regional economic growth. With nearly 36,000 alumni-most living and working in the state-USC Upstate drives regional prosperity through education, innovation and service. The Spartans compete in 15 NCAA Division I sports as members of the Big South Conference. Learn more at uscupstate.edu.
Media Attachments
Leaders from Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate marked the signing of a new articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, launching a collaborative internship pathway that provides USC Upstate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession within Sherman’s clinical teaching environment at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. Attendees included (front, from left), Dr. Jack Bourla, Sherman president; Dr. Bennie L. Harris, USC Upstate chancellor; (back, from left) Bruce Rosengrant, Sherman vice president for advancement; Dr. Joe Donofrio, Sherman provost; Dr. Karen Canup, Sherman executive vice president; Jennings Pruit, Sherman student and USC Upstate graduate; Tonya Boone-Holladay, USC Upstate dean of the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; Dr. Charles Harrington, USC Upstate professor of interdisciplinary studies; and Tim Driscoll, USC Upstate internship coordinator.
Leaders from Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate marked the signing of a new articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, launching a collaborative internship pathway that provides USC Upstate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession within Sherman’s clinical teaching environment at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. Shown signing the agreement are (from left) Dr. Jack Bourla, Sherman president and Dr. Bennie L. Harris, USC Upstate chancellor.
Leaders from Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate marked the signing of a new articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, launching a collaborative internship pathway that provides USC Upstate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession within Sherman’s clinical teaching environment at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. Shown (from left) are Dr. Jack Bourla, Sherman president and Dr. Bennie L. Harris, USC Upstate chancellor.
Leaders from Sherman College of Chiropractic and the University of South Carolina Upstate marked the signing of a new articulation agreement on February 27, 2026, launching a collaborative internship pathway that provides USC Upstate students with immersive exposure to the chiropractic profession within Sherman’s clinical teaching environment at the Sherman College Chiropractic Center. Shown (from left) are Dr. Jack Bourla, Sherman president; Jennings Pruit, a Sherman student and USC Upstate graduate; and Dr. Bennie L. Harris, USC Upstate chancellor.