Biology (B.S. and B.A.) major with the Honors College
J. Gorman ‘43 and Gladys Thomas Endowed Annual Memorial Alumni Scholarship, the Boykin Scholarship and the Swanson Family Endowed Scholarship
Enrolled in the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, pursuing his M.D. and Ph.D. while fully funded by the National Institutes of Health
Jack Hyland ’26 of Belmont, North Carolina, was one of only 20-25 incoming freshmen selected for the Charleston Fellows Top Scholars Program, which provides four years of prestigious scholarships, mentorship and enrichment opportunities. He received several scholarships, including the J. Gorman ‘43 and Gladys Thomas Endowed Annual Memorial Alumni Scholarship, the Boykin Scholarship and the Swanson Family Endowed Scholarship.
During his time at the College of Charleston, Hyland contributed to a published scientific paper as an author and was selected for the Pipeline for Aspiring Surgical Scientists Fellowship the summer before his senior year. He also conducted cancer prevention and treatment research at MUSC for three and a half years under the supervision of Dr. Denis Guttridge.
Hyland says the support and mentorship from his advisors at the College were instrumental in shaping both his professional and personal development. With their guidance, he learned how to navigate challenges, think critically and pursue opportunities with intention.
He is incredibly grateful for the encouragement to push beyond his comfort zone, which helped him succeed academically and deepened his involvement in both research and service, and clarify his long-term goals.
While staying in Charleston for his graduate program, Hyland says he will miss the College’s green spaces, especially the Cistern Yard and Rivers Green, where he enjoyed studying outside surrounded by nature. He says the historic buildings on campus made his college experience truly unique.
Hyland is most grateful for the people who made his CofC experience so memorable, from classmates and professors to advisors and mentors. He thanks them for investing in his growth and helping shape the person he’s become: able to approach this next step with confidence and a strong sense of purpose.
At the same time, his studies in computing in the arts and participation in the Steel Pan Ensemble have allowed him to expand his musical perspective beyond traditional vocal performance.
“These opportunities broadened my perspective and allowed me to engage with music in different ways, both creatively and academically,” he says.