Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Campus Vocabulary

Vocabulary flashcards covering the history, facilities, programs, and student life elements highlighted during the GSSM campus tour video.

Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics (GSSM)

A South Carolina public residential high school founded in 1988 that focuses on advanced STEM education.

E = MC² Motto

GSSM’s slogan meaning Excellence = Milliken × Campbell × Coker, honoring the school’s three major founders.

Roger Milliken

Businessman and philanthropist whose commitment to education helped establish GSSM; represented by the “M” in the school motto.

Carroll A. Campbell Jr.

Former South Carolina governor who co-founded GSSM; represented by the “C” in the school motto.

Charles W. Coker

Former Coker president and education advocate; the second “C” in GSSM’s motto.

James Lucas Academic Center

A primary academic building at GSSM that houses many classrooms and laboratories.

Gerald Malloy Activity Center

Facility on campus that supports athletics and large student activities.

Denny W. Neilson Residence Hall

The “B-side” dormitory at GSSM, named for a former state legislator.

James D. Daniels Residence Hall

The “A-side” dormitory at GSSM, named for a former president of Coker.

Residence Life Coordinator (RLC)

Full-time adult staff member with a college degree who supervises each dorm floor and supports student life.

Resident Assistant (RA)

College-aged student leader who lives on the dorm floor and assists the RLC with community building and guidance.

Public Safety Team

Class 1 Law Enforcement Officers who provide 24/7 security and manage campus access at GSSM.

Colloquium

GSSM’s annual research presentation day where every student presents the results of an independent project.

Dining Hall

Campus facility serving three meals on weekdays and two on weekends, with accommodations for dietary needs.

Natural Helpers

Trained GSSM student leaders who offer peer support and direct classmates to resources.

Life & Leisure

A fall course for juniors taught by wellness counselors covering personal development and life skills.

Office of College Counseling & Advising (OCCA)

Department with four counselors guiding students through college planning, seminars, and application processes.

College Planning Seminar I & II

Required junior and senior courses at GSSM that teach the college application process step-by-step.

Chamber Winds

One of several music ensembles at GSSM, focusing on small wind-instrument performances.

Student Activities Center (SAC)

Campus hub featuring a kitchen, gaming rooms, conference space, and movie room for after-class relaxation.

Interim Term

Special January session offering on-campus courses and domestic or international travel programs.

Hydroponics Lab

Up-cycled shipping container that can grow 8,000+ plants simultaneously and serves as a research site.

Academic Success Center

Resource center providing tutoring, study assistance, and designated QUEST study sessions.

QUEST Study Time

Structured periods during the school day when students can seek tutoring or work independently.

Golden Dragons

GSSM’s robotics team that won the state championship and competed at Worlds last year.

Eagle Mascot

Symbol of GSSM athletics; the school’s sports teams compete in navy and silver colors.

Wall of Awesome Art

Display area in the art studio showcasing standout student artwork.

Hartsville High School Partnership

Collaboration allowing GSSM students to participate in additional varsity sports not offered directly on campus.

President Danny Dorsel

Current GSSM president and member of the school’s inaugural graduating class of 1990.