Kendra-Ogletree Cusaac, a psychology instructor at USC, died Monday night after she suffered a heart attack Friday.
“I’ll miss everything about her. She had an incredible smile and total positive energy,” said Douglas Wedell, department of psychology chair. “I couldn’t remember seeing her unhappy. She would brighten people up.”
Cusaac taught four courses in the USC psychology department each semester, and each class averaged about 100 students. According to Wedell, many of her students specifically chose her as a teacher and even took two or three classes with her. Additionally, she had been involved with the TRiO Department, where she worked in the Opportunity Scholars Program and the Ronald McNair Post-Baccalaureate Program, since the 1990s.
"Dr. Cusaac approached all of her work with vibrant and optimistic zeal that created a great deal of excitement," said Paul Beasley, the TRiO Associate Director. "It was easy to understand why students responded so well to her teaching."
She also worked as a sports psychologist with the USC Department of Athletics and has maintained her own private practice since 1998.
“I feel like there must have been three of her,” Wedell said.
Cusaac received her Ph.D. in clinical-community psychology from USC before becoming an instructor. Since she started teaching at the university in 2005, she has won multiple awards, including the Outstanding Teacher Award for the non-tenured track in 2012.
“Kendra was really a bright light in the department ... She went the extra mile for everyone,” Wedell said. “She will be sorely missed.”
Social media was filled with posts about Cusaac from her students and athletes who had bonded with her.
“Doctor Cussac is the best! Hurts me so bad that she is gone! One of the best professors on this campus! Such an impact on many students!” USC defensive lineman Gerald Dixon Jr. posted on Twitter.
Gamecock Athletics also acknowledged the news about Cusaac’s death.
“It is with great sadness that we share the news of Dr. Kendra Cusaac’s sudden death. Dr. Cusaac served as a Sports Psychologist for @UofSC Athletics since 2006 and was a loved and respected member of the #Gamecocks Family. She died last night from medical causes, surrounded by her family,” Gamecock Athletics posted on Twitter.
Cusaac is survived by her husband and two children.