Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

The Legacy Continues...

A Message from the Chairman of the Board

Benedict College Family,

As Chairman of the Benedict College Board of Trustees, I am pleased to share the 2023-2024 Annual Report with you which illustrates the excellent work that transpired at the College this past academic year. The unprecedented success depicted in this report is in large part due to your unwavering support and commitment to our institution. Your support and generosity has been a cornerstone in advancing the mission of Benedict College. For your faithfulness, we say – THANK YOU!

This report reveals the powerful transformation that continues to take place at Benedict College, and it bolsters the mission and legacy of this esteemed institution. As you peruse the pages, you will observe enhancements made to our academic programs, investments in our facilities, achievements of our faculty and staff, and most importantly, the provision of a quality education for our students. Equally important to note is the extraordinary progress made this past year toward the goals and objectives outlined in our current five-year strategic plan, B2: Focus on the Future.

I also take this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, whose leadership has been nothing short of exemplary. President Artis and her exceptional leadership team have set a high standard for what can be achieved through collaborative effort and unwavering commitment. The results they have collectively achieved through their dedication and hard work underscore the importance of community in nurturing educational excellence.

Last year, we celebrated significant milestones in student success. Our graduation rates continue to reach new heights, our students are gaining meaningful work experience through competitive internships, and they are expanding their knowledge, and skill sets by participating in study abroad opportunities. These achievements are a testament to the supportive environment we have cultivated together and the impact of a Benedict College education. The stories of our graduates, who go on to make significant contributions in their communities and professions, are a direct reflection of the investment you have made in their futures.

As we look forward, we are inspired by the possibilities that lie ahead. Our pursuit of excellence will be driven by our shared vision of fostering an environment where every student can thrive and achieve greatness. We are excited about the initiatives we have in the pipeline, including new academic programs, campus enhancements, and expanded community outreach efforts. With your continued support, we are confident that we can meet these goals and set new benchmarks for success.

On behalf of my fellow Board members, I express our deep gratefulness steadfast support and belief in the mission of Benedict College. Your partnership is invaluable. Together, we are shaping the future and making a lasting impact on the lives of our students. The Legacy Continues…

Charlie W. Johnson Chairman Benedict College Board of Trustees

B2: Focus on the Future Strategic Plan

The B2: Focus on the Future Strategic Plan is making significant progress towards our stated goals and objectives. This positive development is a testament to the smart and hard work, innovation, collaboration, and determination of our College community. Together, we are carefully and intentionally shaping the bright future of Benedict College and her inheritors.

The B2: Focus on the Future Strategic Plan is making significant progress towards our stated goals and objectives. This positive development is a testament to the smart and hard work, innovation, collaboration, and determination of our College community. Together, we are carefully and intentionally shaping the bright future of Benedict College and her inheritors.

1. Success of Our Students: Students First

2. Organizational Excellence: #TheBESTofBC

3. Local, State, National, and International Engagement: Cultivation, Innovation, Execution

As our plan unfolds and we learn more about our diverse students’ changing needs, we commit to an innovative, safe environment that prioritizes each individual. A few short years ago, the Committee on Institutional Effectiveness (CIE) initiated this effort, acknowledging differences in learning styles and generational perspectives. And as the legacy continues and we continuously improve, we will conduct an analysis of outcomes for each strategic priority so that plans for the 2024-2025 academic year and beyond are data informed.

Succeeding in Our Strategic Focus Areas

Strategic Priority: Success of Our Students - Students First!

Benedict College is committed to providing an unsurpassed, student-centered learning experience led by engaged, thoughtful, culturally competent faculty and staff and enhanced by a globally diverse student body.

Benedict College Strada Scholars

In August 2020, the Trustees of the Strada Education Network met and approved an eight-year, $25 Million Initiative to develop the next generation of leaders. The Strada Scholar Program at Benedict College amplifies our commitment to student-focused learning and leadership development experiences. The Framework for Strada Scholars at Benedict College is focused on:

• Servant Leader Qualities

• Leadership Development Training

• Scholarships

• Personal branding

• Health & wellness, building generational wealth

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Strada Scholars are exposed to leadership development opportunities that are enhanced through robust mentoring and career coaching throughout their academic tenure. Additionally, they inform our Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) by serving as QEP Influencers and acting as liaisons between campus leadership and the student body.

“This initiative builds on our long-standing dedication to identifying systematic and sustainable strategies to help more Americans achieve better life outcomes for themselves, their families, and their communities through postsecondary education,” said Marshall Grigsby, Strada Trustee Emeritus. “Black colleges have a profound, positive influence in communities, for alumni, and students who, in turn, have the potential to make a positive difference in our society.” ~ Former Benedict College President, Dr. Marshall C. Grigsby

Pictured above: Benedict College Strada Scholar, Khia Stokley meet and pin former Benedict College President, Dr. Marshall Grigsby, at the 2023 HBCU Summit in Atlanta, GA.

Strategic Priority: Local, State, National, and International Engagement

Benedict College is committed to a culture of engagement and collaboration involving the exchange of knowledge and resources in a context of reciprocity with local, state, national, and global communities and organizations.

International Footprint

In June of 2024, President Clark Artis was a featured speaker during the Council on International Education Exchange’s (CIEE) 12th annual Global Internship Conference (GIC) in London, UK. Specifically, her session, “Skills or Degrees?” gave her an international platform to share her perspective on what global employers are really looking for in light of the growing movement towards skills-based hiring, how higher education institutions like Benedict College are preparing students for shifting requirements, the importance of intercultural competencies, and the challenges & opportunities that exist for those with and without degrees to demonstrate critical, global employability skills.

Started in 2012, GIC is the premier forum dedicated to

advancing the integration of work and global learning. This annual convening is where knowledge is shared, ideas are born, connections are made, and dialogue is elevated to advance student success, public diplomacy and economic development.

Centering on the theme of “Collaborating to Shape Future Talent”, the 2024 GIC convened more than 300 university leaders and administrators, global education advocates and practitioners, policy makers, industry partners, and thought leaders from 30+ countries. These diverse voices engaged in discussions and debates on the critical role of work-based experiential learning in preparing young people for an evolving global workplace.

Study Abroad

Senior, Psychology And Educational Studies major, Heaven Day was the recipient of a scholarship sponsored by the Council on International Education Exchange. This scholarship allowed Heaven to spend weeks traveling the globe and participated in life-changing cultural exchange experiences.

interned at a youth development organization called Foróige, where they target at risk youth, refugees, neurodivergent, and much more. She facilitated an activity called “Street Art Week” as part of her internship.

Pictured left: A photo of Heaven at the renowned Cliffs of Moher, showcasing the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean.

Pictured above: Heaven

Pictured above: A group photo with my fellow cohort members during a team-building day.

Pictured right: A photo of Heaven’s visit to Belfast City Hall in Northern Ireland.

Pictured right: A photo taken at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin.

Strategic Priority: Organizational Excellence: #TheBESTofBC

Benedict College is committed to promoting distinct best-in-class policies and practices that cultivate collegiality, collaboration, community, and connections across disciplines and differences.

The BEST Lives Center provides Workforce Training and Job Opportunities, Educational Success Services (tutoring, academic advising, academic accommodations, and co-curricular opportunities), Life Skills (financial literacy, conflict resolution, advocacy), Leadership Opportunities, Job Shadowing, Internships, and Apprenticeships, Mentoring (professional and personal), and Crisis Support and Counseling for students in four underserved populations:

• Military

• Former foster care

• Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated

• Adults

The BEST Lives Center is also a SC Works Connection Point for community members seeking employment assistance.

Benedict College Prison Education Program

The Benedict College Prison Education Program is currently operating in two correctional facilities in South Carolina (Broad River and Kershaw).

Education is funded by the Second Chance Pell Grant. currently enrolled Scholars 21

Mission of the B.E.S.T. Lives Center

Degree Offerings:

• B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies

• B.S. in Business Administration

Our mission is to provide innovative and transformative educational opportunities for underserved communities that positively enhance life chances by preparing learners to enter a robust, technologically advanced workforce in South Carolina and beyond.

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QEP Highlights

QEP Impact Across Campus and the Community

Description: QEP Director, Ms. Christian Mills and QEP Ambassadors host Mr. Hassan R. Thomas for a Financial Goal-Setting Workshop, Spring 2024.

Featuring newly named QEP Influencers

Silas Pressley, Sport Management major from Belle Plaine, Minnesota who served as a Congressional Intern for Congressman James E. Clyburn during the Spring 2024 semester.

Photo featured on left.

Tanae Patterson, Psychology major from Moore, SC who is deeply involved with campus life including the I Stand with My Sisters Period initiative and the Phenomenonal Jewels nonprofit. Tanae’s future plans include opening a community center focused on counseling, corrections, and juvenile justice.

Photo featured on right.

Institutional Accolades

The Benedict College Charter Day Scholarship Awards Dinner Featured Patti LaBelle and Celebrated the BEST of BC!

On Saturday, November 4, 2023, the annual Benedict College Charter Day Scholarship Awards Dinner returned in grand style. The dinner was held to commemorate the College’s chartering by the South Carolina Legislature on November 2, 1894. The festive occasion provided President Roslyn Clark Artis an opportunity to collectively

acknowledge corporations, businesses, alumni, and friends who have supported the College during the year. In addition to the legendary performance by Patti LaBelle, the celebration featured a special performance by the Benedict College Chorus and Jazz Ensemble. The dinner was emceed by Billie Jean Shaw, a news anchor for WIS-TV.

CHARTERDAYPHOTOGALLERY

Pictured Left: Billie Jean Shaw

WIS-TV News Anchor

The Benedict College Chorus

Benedict College Awarded a $400,000 Grant from the U.S. National Science Foundation as Part of the Inaugural Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity Program

The U.S. National Science Foundation presented the first-ever Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) investment of $19.6 million to nearly 50 teams at U.S. institutions of higher education, including teams from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, minority-serving institutions, and community colleges. Each institution received up to $400,000 over three years.

The NSF EPIIC grant provided an opportunity for Benedict to support economic and technical innovation in South Carolina. Additionally, the grant enabled Benedict scholars to become an integral part of South Carolina’s innovation development.

Through this investment, Benedict College partnered with Somerset Community College

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in Kentucky and Rose State College in Oklahoma to focus on removing barriers for participating in regional innovation ecosystems through individual and collaborative actions. Objectives of the initiative included increasing each institution’s faculty and student engagement in research and sponsored projects, strengthening the capacity of each institution through the development or enhancement of a sponsored projects office and external partner outreach, as well as improving the technology transfer processes at each institution.

“The Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship is keenly focused on driving economic development and engagement in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The NSF EPIIC funding is critical to cultivating innovation on the campus of Benedict College, and the business school is excited to participate in this initiative because it aligns with our strategic priorities and it positions Benedict College to become a major contributor to the South Carolina innovation ecosystem,” noted Dr. Tracy Harrell Dunn, Dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“The NSF EPIIC grant award allows Benedict College to take a serious look on how we may invest in our infrastructure for long term

growth in innovation and entrepreneurship. Undergoing this process gives us access to a whole new landscape of competitiveness for the college and for our students,” said Aaron Taylor, Director of the B.E.S.T. Innovation Lab of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.

“NSF aspires to accelerate the nation’s research and innovation enterprise and empower all Americans to participate in the science- and technology-driven workforce,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP). “EPIIC reinforces NSF’s commitment to develop new, inclusive innovation ecosystems by connecting diverse networks of partners to work together to drive the expansion of key technologies — and the technology workforce — in the U.S. and in turn address pressing national, societal, and geostrategic challenges.”

Launched by the TIP Directorate, EPIIC works with institutions interested in growing external partnerships and building innovation capacity. NSF recognizes that many institutions, including MSIs, small academic institutions and two-year institutions, stand to benefit from additional focused support for the infrastructure and resources needed to grow external partnerships and to tap into innovation ecosystems, including engaging with NSF Engines and EDA Tech Hubs.

“NSF recognizes that institutions with limited research capacities require comprehensive support to become equitable partners in their regional innovation ecosystems,” said Thyaga Nandagopal, director of TIP’s Division of Innovation and Technology Ecosystems. “This

funding aims to set EPIIC awardees on level ground to seek and build lasting partnerships to tap into their innovation potential, and the capacity-building efforts will continue to provide significant innovation partnership opportunities well into the future.”

Savannah River Mission Completion Presented a $10,000 Check to Support STEM Scholarships at Benedict College

Savannah River Mission Completion President and Program Manager Dave Olson, left, presented a $10,000 check for STEM scholarships to Benedict College. With Dr. Olson are, from left, SRMC employee and Benedict College graduate Omari Hendrix, Benedict College Dean of the

School of Science and Engineering Robert Garner, and Benedict College President and CEO Roslyn Clark Artis.

The investment from the Savannah River Mission Completion created scholarships that helped students enroll in and/or continue persisting in STEM majors. The donation is part of a larger Memorandum of Understanding signed by Savannah River Mission Completion and Benedict College in October 2023.

SRMC President and Program Manager Dave Olson is confident that the donation can go a long way toward creating a greater STEMrelated employment pipeline for SRS. “STEM hires at Savannah River Mission Completion are in high demand because of the work we perform and the mission we have at the Savannah River Site,” Olson said. “There is always a need for top talent with STEM backgrounds, which is why it is important to invest in our educational institutions.”

The partnership between Benedict College and SRMC was valuable as it provided funding to support students with demonstrated need who are interested in STEM.

SRMC is comprised of parent company BWX Technologies, Inc. in partnership with Amentum and Fluor. Its team brings the capabilities necessary to accelerate cleanup at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site through safe nuclear operations, optimized and integrated mission execution, and strong corporate governance.

Benedict College Made History by Naming its Administration Building after its First Woman President

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis has the distinct honor of having a college campus building bearing her name in South Carolina.

Benedict College Trustees hosted a Rededication and Naming Ceremony for the College’s Administration Building on March 22, 2024. The building was named in honor of Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, the first female and 14th and current President and CEO of the institution. During the historic ceremony, the Chairman of the Benedict College Board of Trustees, Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, reminded the audience that seven years ago, Dr. Artis was not supposed to start until September 2017, but she voluntarily arrived a month early in August, rolled up her sleeves, and started her journey of creating what she coined “The BEST of BC.”

“We have seen a lot of progress during Dr. Artis’ seven-year tenure,” Johnson noted during his remarks. “Especially in the area of technology.” Artis invested nearly $15 million in technology infrastructure and computer labs. Every employee received a new computer, and every classroom received Smartboard technology.

During her comments, Artis thanked the Board of Trustees. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead Benedict College into the next chapter of her storied history. Thank you for your decision to memorialize my work in such a profound, powerful, and lasting way.”

Under Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis’ tenure, the quality of education at Benedict College improved dramatically. Her leadership has strengthened

the curriculum, instituted best practice policies and academic admission standards, raised the student profile and graduation rates, reduced tuition, and reaffirmed SACS-COC accreditation with no recommendations. More broadly, Dr. Artis focused on the resilience of the college. She reduced the college’s debt by $56 million within four years of her arrival.

Artis further acknowledged and applauded her cabinet members, “Everything we have been able to accomplish over the past seven years has been the result of your collective effort and the effort of the entire staff and faculty of Benedict College. I am indeed blessed to work with each and every one of you.”

Among Artis’ most significant achievements to date has been shepherding the campus through the many threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Artis administration masterfully managed a smooth transition to virtual teaching and learning for students and faculty during the height of the pandemic.

During her remarks, she spoke about how a building is constructed and shared some metaphors of her own growth. She spoke illustratively about the students at Benedict College. “My students, the beautiful young people that I have the opportunity to work for, you are my windows. You allow me to see outside into a bright future. Your beauty, your brilliance,

and yes, your bravery inspires me every single day. You give me purpose and I thank you.”

The Administration building was erected in 2001 and is home to the Office of the President, Academic Affairs, Human Resources, Student Affairs, and Institutional Research and Assessment.

18 Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Page 20 Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

a celebratory evening of elegance dedicated to showcasing the contributions of Women in HBCU Leadership. On that special evening of March 22, 2024, the College commemorated the naming of the Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis Administration Building, raised money to support capital improvements on our historic campus and enjoyed wonderful food and entertainment while helping to lay the foundation for the future of Benedict College.

Benedict College welcomed Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd to its Women in Worship Service

Benedict College continued its Women’s History Month programs on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. in Antisdel Chapel. The Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, an engineer and a champion for education, especially as it relates to STEM, was the keynote speaker.

“It is my distinct honor to welcome Dr. Boyd, a fellow Sister-President to our campus during this celebratory

month,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “We share a commonality of both being the 14th and first female president of an HBCU. She is a celebrated leader, my Soror, an influential humanitarian, and a champion for education.”

In 2000, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd was elected to serve as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an international organization of more than 300,000 initiated members. During her tenure from 2000-2004, Boyd was described as a creative and innovative leader. She was known

as the “Technology President,” as she facilitated the establishment of technology usage and capacity in all facets of the sorority’s activities and administration. Her four-year tenure as president included several transformative accomplishments, including the launching of Project SEE (Science in Everyday Experiences), an initiative funded by a $1.6 million National Science Foundation grant with a goal of promoting math and science for middle school African American girls.

As National President, Boyd created and secured external funding for a new initiative, Leadership DELTA, an innovative year long program for collegiate members to prepare for STEM careers by introducing them to tools for workplace success and providing them with meaningful internships. She led the sorority through the process of obtaining Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Status at the United Nations with the Economic and Social Council making Delta Sigma Theta the second African American organization to obtain this designation. With the receipt of this NGO status Boyd introduced and led the sorority to have its first annual Delta Day at the United Nations.

The HBCU Sisterhood: Testimonies of Triumph and Transformation program welcomed seven

Sister Presidents

to Benedict College

Pictured above, left to right: Dr. Hakim Lucas, President, Virginia Union University; Dr. Diane Suber, Former President, St. Augustine’s University; Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond, President, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and Former President, Central State University; Dr. Brenda Allen, President, Lincoln University; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO, Benedict College; Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Former President, Savannah State University, and Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, Former President, Philander Smith College and Bethune Cookman University; Dr. Lesia Crumpton Young, Former President, Texas Southern University; and Dr. Allia Carter, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Union University

Women’s History Month programs continued March 20, 2024, with THE HBCU SISTERHOOD: TESTIMONIES OF TRIUMPH AND TRANSFORMATION program. The one-of-a-kind all-day event that brought together seven dynamic Sister-Presidents to share their professional experiences and historic leadership journey which will be featured in an upcoming book titled The HBCU Sisterhood: Testimonies of Triumph and Transformation.

Elevating the Power the Power of the Pen Celebrated Women Leaders and Authors at the 5th Annual In Her Footsteps Luncheon

The theme for this year’s luncheon was “Elevating the Power of the Pen: A Celebration of Women Leaders and Authors.” The Power of the Pen Sheroes were: Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, President Emerita of Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University with a biography about her amazing career; Dr. Ashlye V.

Wilkerson, author, dynamic speaker, leadership expert, and motivator; Dr. Jennifer Bishop, author, CEO, philanthropist, and pastor; Dr. Macie P. Smith, best-selling author, speaker, and aging expert; and Diann Price Williams, self-published author, community leader, and Benedict College Alumna (Class of 1979). Each

of these amazing women have helped to transform their communities through their leadership and by elevating the power of the pen.

On March 21, 2024, Benedict College proudly celebrated and honored these “Sheroes” for using the power of written words to help

raise our consciousness about our community and the issues that matter most to us in the world. These extraordinary women empower, lead, and share knowledge that elevates communities. We applaud them for their commitment to making the world a better place and for leaving a legacy through their published works.

Pictured, left to right (Bottom): Dr. Macie P. Smith, Dr. Jennifer Bishop, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, Diann Price Williams, and Dr. Ashley V. Wilkerson.

Class of 2024 Raised Above the Challenges of 2020 to Reach Greater Heights

Over the past five years, Benedict College’s graduation rate has increased by 233%.

Benedict College celebrated over 320 of its best and brightest students during a spirited Commencement Convocation on Friday, May 3, 2024. During the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Dr. Michael Lomax, President, and CEO

of the UNCF (United Negro College Fund), applauded the Benedict College community of faculty and staff along with the loving parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members of the students in attendance for their support.

“To you, I say, because of your nurturing and unconditional love, these distinguished student scholars have achieved their dreams of earning a college degree,” said Lomax. “They have done so because the Benedict community is strong and has weathered one of the nation’s most devastating periods in our history. Tonight, the community is on full display as we celebrate this esteemed and distinguished class of students.”

One of those esteemed graduates was Mia Douglas, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada who as a student had multiple internship experiences, including working with the Small Business Administration, the U.S. State Department – Foreign Press Centers, and as a reporting intern for The Journal located in Dublin, Ireland. During the ceremony, Douglas was named Outstanding Senior Spring 2024, She majored in mass communications along with a minor in political science and committed to

Mia Douglas,

Benedict College Outstanding Senior 2024

attending Georgetown Law School in the Fall. Douglas credited Benedict College for helping her to reach significant milestones in her life. “Benedict College gave me the platform and ability to grow. Benedict College showed me how to thrive in rooms where you are the minority while remaining true to yourself. I believe the Best of BC means being the best version of you,” she further acknowledged.

Computer Engineering graduate Fred Chambers of Walterboro, S.C. also shared his gratefulness for the support of the Benedict College Family during his academic matriculation. “Benedict gave me access to many resources which have prepared me for success and allowed me to open new doors, I could not imagine. I am grateful for the support of the faculty and staff members,” explained Chambers.

Through Benedict College’s partnership with ServiceNow, in 2024, Chambers interned for three months at the San Diego-based tech company. Upon completion of his degree, he was offered a job as a product owner with ServiceNow.

“I feel honored to join a company dedicated to transforming the way work gets done,” said Chambers. “I am excited to contribute to their innovative solutions.

Criminal Justice major Kleopatra Jones from Las Vegas, Nevada acknowledges Benedict College for igniting her passion for law and social justice. “My passion for social justice advocacy inspired me to become an attorney,” explained Jones. “Benedict played a pivotal role in building my network in the Columbia legal community, which I credit for assisting me with great internship experiences.

“I am excited that I have been accepted into Hofsta Law School in Hempstead, New York, and I am looking forward to experiencing the field of law in another area of the country while expanding my network,” notes Jones.

Burroughs Foundation Scholar Briana Curney of

Atlanta, Georgia, was commissioned into the United States Navy in August 2024. She is excited about her new journey and her bright future.

“It has always been a dream of mine to go into the military because I was raised by a military family,” explained Curney, a Business Administration major with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship.

“I believe the military will prepare me professionally and mentally to go above and beyond. While enlisted, I intend to pursue a graduate degree. I know my Benedict College education has prepared me for graduate school because of the guidance I was provided which helped me to excel through various challenges.”

Over the past five years, Benedict College’s graduation rate has increased by 233%. “I am extremely proud of the transformation that has

taken place at Benedict College. The entire campus community doubled down on increasing student success, and as a result, we have realized significant growth in our graduation rates. The class of 2023 and 2024 are evidence of this commitment,” stated Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President, and CEO.

At Benedict College, each graduating class walks across the stage with optimism and enthusiasm about the next chapter of their lives. They also carry with them a legacy of academic achievement and extraordinary leadership skills, which embody the BEST of BC.

Kleopatra Jones

Las Vegas, Nevada

Criminal Justice

Fred Chambers

Walterboro, South Carolina

Computer Engineering

Briana Curney

Atlanta, Georgia

Business Administration

Founder’s Day Convocation Celebrates 154 Years of Academic Excellence

Benedict College celebrated over 150 years of academic excellence during its 154th Founder’s Day Convocation, on March 14, 2024. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered together in Antisdel Chapel to honor the founding of their beloved College by Bathsheba Benedict in 1870.

The Convocation included guest speaker Attorney James White, III, Assistant Solicitor, Fulton County, Georgia and music by the Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble

and College Choir. White earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Ohio State University. He gave an inspirational speech about his personal rise from a jail cell to courtroom as an Assistant Solicitor.

“My whole theme was about history and choices and how your choices can make history,” noted White.

2024 Founder’s Day Rally

The Annual Founder’s Day Rally which brings together Benedict College alumni and Baptist leadership and parishioners of South Carolina to show appreciation for founder, Bathsheba Benedict, and to further the good work of the College was held on March 16, 2024. Nearly 175 supporters attended to celebrate the 154-year mission of Benedict College and to pledge their continued support.

Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and Chief Executive Officer of Judson Press, a 200-year-old publishing company based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, served as the keynote speaker. During the program, Dr. Dorothy K. James was presented with the Mamie L. Duckett award for her faithful service and support of Benedict College. All donors to the 2022-2023 Benedict College Church Campaign were also recognized.

Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) Founder’s Day Rally Speaker

Pictured above: Dr. Dorothy K. James, recipient of the Mamie L. Duckett Award, with Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.

Pictured right: National Alumni Association President, Cedelle E. Gates, greets 2023 graduate and songstess, Aaliyah Hairston.

Dr. Jeffrey Haggray

Transformative Education

Dr. Walter Kimbrough Delivered the 2023 Fall Convocation Address and Kicked Off the 154th Academic Year

Benedict College kicked off the 154th academic year with the 2023 Fall Convocation. The celebratory event was held on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 11 a.m. in Antisdel Chapel. The Convocation keynote speaker was Dr. Walter Kimbrough, former President of Dillard University and Philander Smith University.

Fall Convocation is an important college community-building celebration that allows members of the administration, faculty, and staff an opportunity to officially welcome Benedict’s new and returning students. It is also a time to recognize and celebrate the academic accomplishments of the College’s highest-achieving students. Dr. Artis is pictured above with the President’s Trophy winners, students who achieved a grade point average of 4.00 for both semesters during the academic year.

Study

Abroad Aide placed

Benedict College in the Top 40% of the Best Value University World Ranking for International Students

Benedict stands out globally for providing a great mix of high-quality education and affordability. After evaluating 8,023 higher educational institutions across 69 countries, Benedict College earned the distinguished position in the Top 40% of universities worldwide.

Benedict College Student Environmental Research Team Presented at the National Environmental Justice Conference in Washington, DC

The team from Columbia, SC was selected out of 100 Teams across the country

Featured photo: L-R: Benedict College Professor, Adrian Gale, along with students Anthony Stubbs and Tony Munnings are greeted by Congressman James E. Clyburn, South Carolina, 6th District.

The United States Environmental Department’s Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are actively working together to help expand the workforce readiness of minority students in STEM fields by leveraging a successful partnership.

Each year, students from across the country participate in the MSEIP Student Research Conference which showcases the research supported by the MSEIP grant. The EPA selects and pays for top MSEIP environmental research teams to present their research at the National Environmental Justice Conference held in Washington, DC.

“I am extremely proud that Benedict College’s MSEIP student research team was selected out of 100 teams across the country,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “Our college has a great history of success with this innovative program that is assisting our STEM students in being competitive in the workforce.”

“Our scholars were not just impressive because of their presence and scholarship, but also because of their professionalism and poise,” noted Dr. Adrian Gale, Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering at Benedict College. “At the end of the conference, everyone knew that the BC Environmental Engineering Program and the Department of Engineering and Computer Science were on the path to excellence.”

The Benedict team presented their research on Detecting Spatial Changes in Methane in Urban Communities . The study

explores using methane detection equipment on the Benedict College campus to monitor and trace methane emissions. The lowcost technology enables precise detection of methane leaks by identifying areas with different concentrations.

Human senses are insufficient for methane detection due to its lack of smell and color. A machine learning (ML) model will be calibrated using the sensor results to recognize trends and traits related to methane leaks. This research aims to expand our understanding of methane emissions and improve environmental monitoring methods by integrating sensor technology and machine learning capabilities.

L-R: Jeannie Williamson, Program Coordinator, College/Underserved Community Partnership Program (CUPP), USEPA Region 4; Tony Munning, Benedict College Student; Kevin Mason, Jr., Miles College, Student; Dr. Bernadette Hence, Senior Program Manager, Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), U.S. Department of Education; Mark Rupp Assistant Deputy Administrator, USEPA; Dr. Adrian Gale, Assistant Professor, Benedict College; Telaya Montgomery, Winston-Salem State University, Student, and Anthony Stubbs Student, Benedict College, Student. Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report // Page 37

In the September of 2022, Benedict College in partnership with Palmer’s and The Burroughs Foundation launched an Executive Speaker Series. Sponsored and presented by Palmer’s, this first-of-its-kind series at the college featured members of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship Advisory Board and other business leaders. The speakers, from various professional backgrounds, covered a range of important topics to inspire and help students prepare for their future. Scan the QR codes below to view highlights from each speaker series session.

Benedict College Environmental Health Science Program Earned Full Reaccreditation

Pictured above: (L-R) Commander Jason Lewis, Commissioned Corps of the U. S. Public Health Services; Dr. Anne Marie Zimeri, Associate Professor and B.S. Program Director of Environmental Health Science, University of Georgia; Dr. Milton Morris, Environmental Health Science Program Director; Dr. Robert Garner, former Dean of the School of Science and Engineering; Dr. Janeen Witty, Vice President of Academic Affairs, President Roslyn Clark Artis, and Dr. Dave Gilkey, Site Visit Team Leader, Associate Professor, Department of Safety, Health, and Industrial Hygiene, School of Mines and Engineering, Montana Technological University.

At the Summer 2023 annual meeting of the National Environmental Health, Science and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC) in New Orleans, Benedict College was awarded full reaccreditation for its Environmental Health Science (EHS) Program for six years. The Council determined that the Benedict College EHS program was a solid undergraduate environmental health academic program

that graduates students well-prepared in environmental health principles and practices. EHAC will conduct its next evaluation of the program in 2029.

The mission of the EHAC is to enhance the education and training of students in environmental health science programs. The Council develops and applies accreditation

guidelines for institutions of higher learning that wish to ensure premium quality education and training of environmental health science and protection practitioners.

The reaffirmation of the program was evidence of the continued and consistent excellent work of the faculty and students in the Environmental Health Science Program, which first received accreditation in 2004. The program is committed to graduating environmental health practitioners educated in the professional disciplines of community, institutional, and occupational environmental health sciences.

BC Social Work Department Awarded the New Collegiate Recovery Grant

Benedict College received a $195,000 Collegiate Recovery Program Grant funded by the South Carolina Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (SC DAODAS), which may be renewed for up to three years. Benedict College is introducing an initiative titled BCROAR (Resist, Overcome, Achieve, and Rise). This program and its acronym fall in line with Benedict College’s current Strategic Plan to prioritize its students. Dr. Kennard Dubose, Assistant Professor of Social Work and Dr. Eunika Simmons, Interim Chair and Assistant Professor of Social Work, program co-creators, will work together to implement BC-ROAR on campus.

The “Success of Our Students: Students First” initiative aims to provide a student-centered learning experience and to promote enrollment, institutional value proposition, retention, and visibility. Benedict students are often reminded of the phrase “Four and Out the Door,” which is indicative of a successful educational matriculation followed by a transition to the workforce or continued studies in graduate school.

BC-ROAR will serve as an affirmation for our college students as they complete their educational journey. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), approximately 37% of undergraduate college students were first-generation in 2016. Hispanic and Latino/a, Black, Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, American Indian, and Alaska Native students are more likely than students of other races to be first-generation. Therefore, the newly found freedoms and increased academic pressures of college life are just two major

factors that may cause college students to have an unsuccessful experience and even resort to behaviors such as drug use and substance misuse.

BC-ROAR will be housed in the Social Work Department, a part of the School of Education, Health and Human Services; it will be a resource and a student hub on campus. This facility will serve as a safe space for students offering a variety of programs, activities, and services that will address the social determinants of achieving a college education. The BC-ROAR program will fully adopt a primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention and intervention model offering baseline screening, clinical support group meetings, prevention and education workshops, and peer-to-peer mentorships.

Additionally, BC-ROAR will include participation from other staff and faculty members from Student Affairs to the Counseling Center.

“We understand the vulnerability of college students who are entering new environments with a new degree of independence. Students face events that provoke emotional and personal difficulties that can interfere with their academic progress. However, they can access information and services offered by the Department of Counseling and Self Development. As such, this initiative serves as an additional supportive service to students who are challenged with various socio-emotional conditions, which can disrupt their current educational placement.”

- Dr. Kennard DuBose, Assistant Professor of

Social Work

Dr. Kennard Dubose Assistant Professor of Social Work

Dr. Eunika Simmons

Interim Chair and Assistant Professor of Social Work

NetVue’s $15,000 Professional Development Award is Used to Create an On-Campus Mentorship Program

Benedict College was selected among a small group of NetVUE members to receive a $15,000 NetVUE Professional Development Award. The awards are intended to deepen vocational exploration and discernment among undergraduate students by supporting the professional development of faculty members and staff. The awards are made possible by a generous grant to the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) from the Lilly Endowment, Inc.

College and university members of NetVUE are committed to campus activities that encourage students’ vocational exploration . Many NetVUE campus leaders have observed, however, that supplemental funding at even modest levels to support opportunities for the professional development of staff and faculty members would enable their institutions to strengthen vocational exploration programming.

In an era of careful campus budgeting, institutional operating funds are not always available for such professional development opportunities. NetVUE Professional Development Awards seek to address this need.

The purpose of the grant was to develop campus conversations about vocation and to increase the

capacity of those who lead vocational exploration efforts at NetVUE member institutions. A special initiative within this grant, focusing on diversity, equity, and inclusion, allows for funding proposals up to $15,000; Benedict College was honored to be awarded a grant to build on this important facet of workforce development.

“Benedict invited faculty members from across the campus to engage in mentoring activities with a focus on talent development for students of color. Mentors will give particularly focused attention to access challenges and educational pathways for students of color pursuing careers in STEM fields. In monthly vocational workshops, faculty members and student mentees will work together, with local and national experts, to identify educational pathways, specific curricular programs, and social support services that promote reflection as they discern vocation and career opportunities.”

- Dr. Akilah Carter-Francique, Dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Services (pictured left)

Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Supporting the Vision

Benedict College Awarded a Portion of a $10.35 Million Grant from The Historic Fund, a New Capital Venture Fund

The Historic Fund, a new venture capital fund, announced Benedict College as one of its 10 HBCU partners to be supported by an inaugural $10.35 million dollar fund. The investment will support the growth of the endowments at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

This opportunity is expected to increase the college’s endowment while cultivating connectivity between other HBCUs. The innovative partnership will further secure Benedict College’s future as The Historic Fund leverages its position at the intersection of HBCUs and venture capital communities.

“We are grateful for our collaboration with The Historic Fund because our mission is to close the wealth gap in America through the lens of education. The endowments of HBCUs are significantly lower than that of other universities that may not have faced similar historical biases,” said Mr. Mark Brown, Executive Director of the Student Freedom Initiative. “We added up the endowments of 70 percent of the HBCUs and still did not have a total greater than the smallest endowment of our nation’s Ivy League schools. We know there are systemic reasons for this wealth gap, and The Historic Fund is aptly named and focused on helping bridge this gap.”

#TheBESTofBC is More than a SloganBenedict College Received the Federal Trademark of the Popular Hashtag

Featured Photo – Modeling one of #TheBESTofBC tee shirts is Autumn Tisdale, a junior from Atlanta, Georgia. Autumn is a Social Work major who serves as the Student Government Association’s Corresponding Secretary.

Benedict College now has the registered certificate for the trademark phrase “#TheBESTofBC.” The College has used the popular hashtag for the past six years. The modern hashtag has come to define the 154-year-old, private Historically Black College. The hashtag now bears an encircled “R” as an insignia for “Registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.”

#TheBESTofBC is more than a tagline at Benedict College.

It is a rallying cry for excellence in every area of the institution. It is a challenge to our students to always do their best, give their best and strive to be the best version of themselves. By acquiring the trademark to the

phrase, we are sending a very clear signal that we are committed to achieving at the highest levels and that the word “BEST” is synonymous with Benedict College.

Coined by President Roslyn Clark Artis, the phrase was first used in 2017 upon her arrival to the College. Fast-forward to 2023 and #TheBESTof BC hashtag appears in various College-related media, publications, advertisements, marketing material, and on branded merchandise, such as hats, hoodies, tee shirts, and sweatshirts for sale in the College’s Marketplace (located on the corner of Laurel and Oak Streets on the campus of Benedict College).

Individuals and businesses who want to use any of the Benedict College marks including the name, the seal, tiger logo, or hashtag must apply for an annual license. The licensing agreement and the trademark policy are on the Office of Communications and Marketing page found on the College’s website. The trademark and licensing program is designed to protect the integrity of the College’s identity, brand, and reputation. All employees and students, along with outside vendors, must work with a representative of the College to create branded apparel or other merchandise featuring any Benedict branding.

Benedict College is Awarded $500,000 to Strengthen Culturally-Specific Approaches to Address Domestic Violence on Campus

The Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network reports that an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. These assaults can leave both men and women with physical, mental, and emotional scars that last a lifetime. For the last 23 years, South Carolina has ranked among the top states with the number of women murdered by their husbands. According to the World Population Review, South Carolina currently ranks as #6 in the nation for domestic violence.

The 2021 South Carolina Domestic Violence Fatality Report showed that there were 49 deaths due to domestic violence of which 76% were women and 24% were men. Richland County, where Benedict College is located, had the second-highest number of deaths with 4 in 2021. Women quite often remain in abusive, unhealthy relationships and fail to report assaults relating to dating violence and forcible sex. For every African American woman who reports victimization, at least 15 women do not report the abuse, according to the American Psychological Association. These national and local statistics

give insight into the cases of sexual assault, domestic violence and dating violence at Benedict College. Like many other higher education institutions, the College is not immune to such cases. Providing prevention strategies and awareness relevant to the experiences of African American women and men, through The Benedict Empowered to Stand Together (B.E.S.T.) Tigers Unified to Prevent Violence Project, (The BEST Tigers Unified to Prevent Violence) is essential to reducing the number of on-campus occurrences. Led by Nurse Daphne New, the principal investigator on the grant, the College will create a coordinated community response team, establish a prevention/education program, and train all campus law enforcement to respond effectively to student complaints. The development of this model not only directly supports Benedict students, but also the entire campus community stands to benefit from promoting safe and healthy relationships.

Benedict College Campus Modernization Project Update

Significant progress has been made since the official launch of the Benedict College Campus Modernization Project last academic year. The project is a multiyear partnership with Maryland Energy Advisors and Siemens focused on transforming Benedict’s campus through comprehensive infrastructure improvements. The initiative commenced with construction in Spring 2023 and is currently scheduled to have most of the work completed by early 2025. The plan was carefully developed to maximize alignment and incorporation of modernization best practices. The modernization project includes the development of comprehensive infrastructure improvements campus-wide including, but not limited to:

• Improving indoor air quality,

• Enhancing comfort with a focus on campus dormitories,

• Supporting energy efficient and sustainable operations, and

• Reducing ongoing energy, operations, and maintenance costs.

The journey to develop the campus modernization plan began in December 2021 when Benedict College partnered with Maryland Energy Advisors (MDEA) and Siemens to begin exploring ways to upgrade the comfort and energy efficiency of campus buildings. MD Energy Advisors is a federally certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and nationally certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) that provides solutions to meet the energy management, efficiency and renewable goals of colleges and our other entities. MDEA’s goal is to deliver energy solutions with unparalleled customer service, and our promise to create a dynamic experience that makes energy choices simple. Siemens is a technology company that focuses a large part of their work on technological efficiency of buildings. They help create smarter buildings and create technology with purpose, which adds real value for customers.

The scope of work for the project includes two phases which are designed to help Benedict

improve campus facilities with the understating that future phases will be implemented by the College based on budget and facility needs. Completed in 2023, the first phase of the project focused on improving comfort for students residing in Mather Hall, Oak Street Dormitory and Haskell Avenue Dormitory. The generationally outdated roof top equipment installed on these dormitories was inefficient and did not provide any energy savings to the College. New modern equipment was installed that improved the comfort of the air entering the dormitories by removing the humidity. The installation has resulted in improved comfort for students and energy savings for the College.

The second phase of the project, which has six (6) parts is currently underway and ongoing. This phase will improve lighting, water usage, building controls, pumps for heating and cooling, new boilers, and Mather Hall water heaters. As of September 2024, Phase 2 has successfully made the following progress as indicated in the adjacent chart and photos.

An additional highlight to the MDEA and Siemens partnership with Benedict College is the student engagement initiative. As part of the modernization plan, Benedict students residing on campus will be engaging with the project via a student designed dormitory energy efficiency challenge. A facultyled research project on lighting efficiency is also in the works, which will provide students with another opportunity to engage.

Benedict will continue to upgrade campus facilities and infrastructure with the next anticipated replacement of key electrical equipment planned to launch in 2025. The completion of the first phase and significant progress made toward the second phase of the Benedict College Campus Modernization Project amplifies the College’s commitment to providing transformative learning experiences for a diverse student body.

“The buildings are significantly more comfortable, and the humidity is under control.”

–

Corey Clark, Facilities Manager

Building Controls

Phased Approach: Phase 2 College Outcomes & Scope Summary

Water Heaters

South Carolina Academic, Congressional, and Industry

Leaders Convene at DoD Symposium to Discuss HBCU Contribution to STEM Workforce Development

(L-R) Duke Hartman, CEO of Integer Technologies; Dr. Godwin E. Mbamalu, Associate Vice President for Research at Benedict College; U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06); Dr. Jessica Furrer, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Interim Dean, School of Science & Engineering, at Benedict College; Crystal Pee, STEM Workforce Development Associate at Integer Technologies; and Benedict College President and CEO, Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D., Ed.D. Not pictured is participant Fatinah Muhammad, Benedict College alumna and

Software Engineer I at Integer Technologies. PHOTO

CREDIT: Kennedy Anderson

Benedict College and Integer Technologies were selected to participate in the Department of Defense (DoD) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Program Symposium held at Claflin University. The purpose of the event was to expand DoD activities at HBCU/MIs in South Carolina.

Dr. Mbamalu and Mr. Hartman presented best practices in establishing academicindustry partnerships to enhance HBCU/MI research capacity and expand STEM workforce development.

The presentation focused on the upcoming Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored partnership with Benedict College and Integer. This partnership will have both research and workforce development components that will positively impact Benedict College students and augment South Carolina’s workforce pipeline to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy.

Tigers on the Move

New Artist-in-Residence and Director of Choirs, J. David Bratton Hired to Propel Benedict College’s Musical Excellence to New Heights

Benedict College appointed alumnus J. David Bratton, as the new Artist-in-Residence and Director of Choirs. A well-respected and award-winning choir conductor, Director Bratton leads the Benedict College Concert Choir, the Benedict College Gospel Choir, the Jazz Chorus, and the Combined Choirs. He brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for the choral arts to his alma mater.

received as a musician with Hezekiah Walker and the Love Fellowship Crusade Choir. Notably, he is also celebrated as “The Teacher” in countries, such as Italy, Hungary, and Romania, for his dedication to nurturing vocal talent and creating harmonious masterpieces.

The appointment came at an opportune time as Benedict College is experiencing unprecedented levels of success in all areas. His appointment elevated all of Benedict’s choirs, especially the College’s awardwinning, internationally recognized Gospel Choir.

With a remarkable career spanning over four decades, Bratton has achieved an outstanding reputation within the global choral community, earning recognition for his brilliance and excellence.

His numerous accolades include multiple Dove Award nominations and a Grammy, which he

“Joining this vibrant community at Benedict College, my alma mater, as the Artist-in-Residence and Director of Choirs is a humbling and powerful experience,” expressed Bratton. “Together, we will strive for musical excellence and integrity, unlocking untapped potential and forging unforgettable moments through the unifying power of choral melodies.”

As a multifaceted artist, Bratton’s contributions as a producer, writer, arranger, and songwriter have touched the hearts of countless listeners. His worldwide Platinum Gospel Song of the Decade from 2010–2020, “Every Praise,” famously popularized by Bishop Hezekiah Walker, stands as a global phenomenon, inspiring individuals of diverse backgrounds and beliefs.

“In his role as Director of Choirs, Bratton will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vocal music at Benedict College. His artistic vision and transformative leadership promise to elevate all our choirs to new levels of excellence, enriching the cultural landscape not only within our college community but also beyond its boundaries,” states Dr. Leon Geter, Interim Dean of the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Science.

Jacob Koon Promoted to Vice President of Student Affairs

Benedict College named Mr. Jacob Koon as the new Vice President for Student Affairs. Koon assumed his new role on September 1, 2023. In this role, he serves as chief administrator for the Division of Student Affairs. With this new appointment, Koon is responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and direction for the student affairs departments, including Residential Life, Student Activities, Health Services, Counseling and SelfDevelopment, Campus Police, Religious Services, Judicial Affairs, and Food Services.

Koon earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music in 2013. He also holds a Master’s in Higher Education Administration, and he is currently pursuing his doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership. He has held multiple positions at the Benedict during his tenure, including Residential Life Coordinator, Area Coordinator, Assistant Director for Residential Life, Director of Residential Life, Dean of Students, and Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.

Some of Koon’s notable achievements include leading the Student Affairs office and contributing to a policy revision, which in part, resulted in a successful accreditation visit to enhance student development and integrity, increasing oncampus residential capacity with the strategic conversion of optimal space and enhancing programming that resulted in an increase in the student satisfaction rate from 71% to 93%.

Koon also revitalized the Counseling and Self-Development department

with a strategic focus on student access and support while successfully proposing grant funding that has now positioned the department to become a Counseling Center. Under his leadership, strategic programming increased to support the needs of Benedict’s diverse student population.

Koon is a catalyst for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access on the campus for both students and staff. As a DEIA presenter, he has encouraged and implemented programs that have helped to cultivate a sense of belonging amongst the College’s community. Congratulations on your new role, Vice President Koon!

Associate Professor of English, Dr. Victoria L. Batten traveled to Munich, Germany

Dr. Victoria L. Batten’s sociolinguistic research study, “The G-code as Language Oppression and Resistance: Documenting and Describing the Code and Sociolinguistic Reaction to Language and Identity Endangerment,” was accepted for presentation at the 29th LIPP-Symposium titled “Small Languages on the Big Stage: Linguistic Diversity in Research, Revitalization, and Policies” at the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München located in Munich, Germany. The G-code is a language spoken fluently by Dr. Batten, her parents, grandparents, siblings, and other residents who grew up in Kane’ohe, Hawai’i. Dr. Batten also spoke the code on the playground with her classmates at Pu’ohala Elementary School. This code is quite useful for teaching children the inventory of sounds in the English language, reading in English, and the conventional spelling of English words.

Meet Dr. Sharron Taylor Burnett, New Vice President for Finance and Operation

Dr. Burnett has 34 years of professional experience in business affairs and operations, of which 30 years were spent in higher education.

Benedict College hired Dr. Sharron Taylor Burnett as the new Chief Financial Officer (VPFO). Burnett has an impressive record as a distinguished higher education leader. She assumed her new role as the College’s new VPFO on September 25, 2023.

In this role, she serves as a senior leader, cabinet member, and a direct report to the president of Benedict College. She will be responsible

for managing the business and financial services of the College.

As the college’s VPFO, Burnett is responsible for protecting the short and long-term fiscal health of the College as well as overseeing the business practices of the College and ensuring that the budget is linked to and supports the College’s strategic plan. She will also serve as the primary point of contact to external constituents on financial and business matters and represent Benedict College on matters related to business operations, budget, and finance.

Burnett has oversight of the following divisions: Business and

Finance, Physical Plant (facilities and maintenance) along with Transportation and IT. She oversees and participates in financial activities including developing fiscal and budgetary policies and ensuring the College’s operations comply with established laws, rules, and regulations. Additionally, she provides hands-on support for the facilities team in the management of major constructions and renovation projects, energy performance contract projects, water management, and roof replacement, as well as the ongoing operation of facilities across the campus.

Dr. Burnett has an impressive record in higher education. She has served in the role of an Executive Vice President at both Lane College and Tuskegee University where she also dually served as the university’s Chief Financial Officer.

Burnett is a native of Tennessee and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from Lane College. She also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a doctorate in Higher Education Administration

from the University of Memphis. She is also a Certified Public Accountant licensed in Tennessee.

Burnett has previously served as Vice President for Fiscal and Administrative Affairs at Langston University as well as Assistant Vice President for Administration and Finance at Meharry Medical College. Additionally, she has served as the interim Vice-President in Student Affairs and Institutional Advancement Burnett has provided executive oversight of accounting, budgeting, Human Resources, Business Office, Physical Plant, Campus Bookstores, Student Activities, Housing, Sponsored Programs, and Alumni Affairs.

Institutions where Burnett has served with distinction include Edward Waters University, Tuskegee University, Dyersburg State Community College, Langston University, Meharry Medical College, and at her alma mater, Lane College. She also has experience in public accounting, internal auditing, and banking. Benedict College welcomes Dr. Burnett to the Tiger family!

President Artis Joined 60 College Presidents to Advance Civic Preparedness and Uphold Free Expression on U.S. Campuses

Recognizing this urgent moment for American higher education and our democracy, Benedict College President and CEO, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis joined 60 other college presidents of diverse institutions from across the country to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens and to uphold free expression on campus.

“The years that students spend on campus often involve the closest proximity they will experience in their lifetimes to people who think very differently than they do,” noted Artis. “At Benedict College it is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. However, the benefits are only felt if all students are free to articulate what they believe and are willing to listen to the convictions of others.”

effective functioning of our democracy. The consortium, first announced with 15 members in August 2023, has grown significantly, demonstrating momentum for this movement.

• We will protect and defend free inquiry.

Taken together, these fresh commitments embrace both free

democratic engagement among students, with public accountability for progress through publication of an annual impact report.

Through College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a unique consortium designed by the presidents and convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, participating presidents are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged, and committed citizens; defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry as essential civic norms; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding by students for the

Participating presidents will take campus-specific and collective action, reflecting three shared Civic Commitments:

• Educating for democracy is central to our mission.

• We will prepare our students for a vibrant, diverse, and contentious society.

speech and diversity, two values often pitted against each other, by instead emphasizing meaningful engagement and inquiry with different voices and viewpoints. The commitments stress diversity as a strength of both American democracy and campus life and affirm the truth-seeking role of higher education through curiosity and inquiry. They also enable campus leaders to take substantive action to promote

Presidents are developing campusspecific programming to advance the Civic Commitments in 2024, including new courses, outside speakers, student orientations, presidential speeches, technology tools, and voter education initiatives. A complete listing appears on the consortium website. At Benedict planned programming includes:

• Supporting faculty committed to dialogue and civic discourse, expanding their intellectual frameworks in this area, and assisting in developing courses and initiatives to help prepare students to have productive conversations across differences.

• Realignment of two courses in the standard curriculum of the Mass Communication Program with the agenda of the Citizens and Scholars initiative.

• Early introduction of the Citizens and Scholars component in the program curriculum, to allow sufficient time to develop a set of scalable best practices across the

program curriculum and crossdepartmentally.

In addition to championing these commitments on our own campuses, the presidents will undertake together and through the Institute a set of collective actions:

• Meet regularly and confidentially for peer learning and the exchange of information, ideas, practices, and tools, including on such topics as the 2024 elections and student activism;

• Help faculty engage effectively with free expression and civil discourse in the classroom by participating in the Faculty Institute on Dialogue Across Difference; and Create and seize opportunities for shared advocacy and public outreach on civic preparedness in higher education.

“Higher education has a responsibility to provide students with critical civic skills and knowledge to participate effectively in our constitutional democracy,” said Rajiv Vinnakota, President of the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, a nonprofit that cultivates talent, ideas, and networks that develop young people as effective, lifelong citizens. “College campuses are among the most diverse spaces in our country, and college is an important time for students to develop the habits, practices, and norms to live in a multicultural and interconnected democracy. Doing so can create a ripple effect, making young people more optimistic and increasingly committed about their future and our nation.”

Jamila S. Lyn Honored by Warner Bros. Pictures as Outstanding Educator of the Year during ESSENCE’s Annual Holiday Special

ESSENCE hosted A Journey of Joy on Black Friday, November 24, 2023. The Holiday Special, presented by Target, aired online at Essence. com. During the program, Warner Bros. Pictures honored Jamila S. Lyn as Outstanding Educator of the Year. Lyn, who serves as the Director of Specialized Programming, was recognized for her community activism

Lyn has been an advocate for educational equity for many years and is known as a tenacious student retention champion. Lyn works closely with students to remove barriers that hinder their educational journeys. She is an expert in bridging people, technology, and resources to support students to and through degree completion.

Outstanding Educator of the Year, Warner Bros. gifted Lyn and her students tickets to view The Color Purple, the new remake of the classic film that opened to the public on Christmas Day. Lyn also received movie-themed giveaways to share with her students.

The all-star lineup for the Holiday Special featured fan-favorite music artists Tyrese, Tamar Braxton, Kim Burrell, and others. Also included in the special is T.I. and Tiny’s young daughter Heiress, who led a performance by the Atlanta Children’s

The ESSENCE Holiday Special highlights the importance of economic empowerment and community solidarity by encouraging its 2+ million viewers to shop Black during the holidays.

Dr. Verna Orr, Chief of Staff, Benedict College, Featured Keynote Speaker

at

the 2023 NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education in Kansas City, Missouri

Title: Holding Space and Centering Student’s Needs: A Sector Delivering on the Mission

Abstract: At this transformational moment in history, l will take time to center Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the assessment and institutional effectiveness realm; from teaching and learning experiences to internal and external mandates, from accreditation requirements to advocacy and agency. This work requires more than a statement composed of politically correct words and phrases including diversity, equity, inclusivity, culturally relevant, etc. It requires the lived experiences of HBCU students, alumni, practitioners, and supporters who are indeed the experts of their own experiences. Too often the major contributions of HBCU scholar practitioners have been repurposed as “scholarship” and has shifted the conversation from HBCUs being producers of knowledge to consumers of the same. Let the lessons

from our HBCU colleagues be the motivation we all need to deliver on the promise of an equitable educational experience, and hold space, for all students.

Each Summer, the Center for First-generation Student Success hosts the NASPA Conferences on Student Success in Higher Education. This co-located event includes three conference tracks: Assessment, Planning, and Data Analytics Conference, Dismantling Systemic Barriers to Student Success Conference, and First-generation Student Success Conference. By convening staff and faculty from across the academy, this student successfocused community is able to engage in important professional development, exchange innovative ideas, and network with peers. Keynote speakers are charged with speaking to the intersectionality of topics across the conferences.

Page 54 // Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Yohannis A. Job Named the Vice

President of

Enrollment Management

Benedict College named Mr. Yohannis A. Job, J.D. as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management. After an extensive national search, Job stood out as the strongest candidate with an impressive background in advancing enrollment growth.

“Mr. Job brings invaluable expertise to his role as Vice President of Enrollment Management,” noted Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “His leadership extends across key college departments, including the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Office of International Programs, and

Upward Bound ensuring cohesive strategies for student engagement and successfully becoming the BEST of BC.”

Before arriving at Benedict College, Job significantly contributed to the enrollment successes at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, as Vice President and Dean of Enrollment Management. He also enhanced institutional visibility and student access in his roles as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Admissions at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. His strategic vision and execution have not only led to marked enrollment growth but also deepened the institutions’

engagements with diverse communities and stakeholders.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration -Marketing from HustonTillotson University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. This comprehensive educational background, combined with his hands-on experience in higher education leadership, equips him with a unique perspective on developing and implementing dynamic enrollment strategies that resonate with diverse student populations while meeting Benedict College’s enrollment goals.

Dr. Vanessa Harris Appointed

Executive Director of the B.E.S.T. Lives Center

Benedict College appointed Dr. Vanessa Harris as the Executive Director of the Benedict Empowers Students and Transforms (B.E.S.T.) Lives Center. Harris has over 25 years of higher education experience with cross-institutional expertise in recruitment, admission, student success, academic advisement, academic coaching, and administration.

Before joining the Benedict College family in January, Harris was instrumental in launching the Second Chance Pell Program in the South Carolina Department of Corrections at Claflin University.

“With her experience as the Interim Director for Pathways from Prison Program, Interim Executive Director for the Center for Professional and Continuing Studies, and as an Associate Professor, Dr. Harris is well-positioned to lead the efforts of the B.E.S.T. Lives Center,” said Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs for Benedict College.

Harris completed her Ph. D in educational psychology and a master’s in public administration at the University of New Mexico. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina in Aiken.

The B.E.S.T. Lives Center (BLC) is a comprehensive educational hub focusing on military-affiliated, former foster care, formerly incarcerated, and adult learners. The Center is funded by a community grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The BLC aims to provide innovative and transformative educational opportunities for underserved communities that positively enhance life chances by preparing learners to enter a robust, technologically advanced workforce in South Carolina and beyond.

SC Biz News Recognized President Artis in the Inaugural class of South Carolina’s 50 Most Influential Leaders

Student Transformation

Sisters of Charity Foundation of SC Announced 2023 President’s Fellows

Navaud Guscott, Sophomore Finance major Portland, Jamaica

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina introduced its newest cohort of the President’s Fellows Program, an initiative in partnership with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in South Carolina that provides professional development experiences in philanthropy. The initiative seeks to increase the diversity of male leadership within the philanthropic sector.

Launched in 2015, the President’s Fellows Program addresses the lack of diversity in nonprofit leadership, specifically within the philanthropic

LaQuon Gibson, Sophomore Business Administration major Freeport, Bahamas

sector. People of color comprise 27 percent of full-time foundation staff and only 10 percent of those individuals hold CEO and leadership roles. Male executive directors of color are the most underrepresented leadership demographic in nonprofit organizations, regardless of budget size. Overall, African Americans represent only 9 percent of nonprofit executive leaders, less than half of which are male.

The 2023-2024 President’s Fellows from Benedict College are Navaud Guscott, LaQuon Gibson, and Joel Rezil.

Joel Rezil, Sophomore Business Administration major Jacmel, Haiti

The President’s Fellow Program is a year-long fellowship to expose students to all aspects of philanthropy. The program spans the full academic calendar, and fellows earn a stipend upon completion. The program offers two tracks, the service-learning track and the issue-based track, both require varying degrees of research and volunteer hours. The fellows attend board and staff meetings and submit mid-year/end-of-the-year reports.

ISuppo rt My Sisters PERIOD

above:

join

and President Artis with some of the items collected for the “I Support My Sisters…Period” campaign.

As a part of Women’s History Month, Benedict College joined the national campaign to end period poverty. The “I Support My Sisters...Period” campaign was led by 1st Daughter, Jocelyn Artis and Morgan Miles, Miss Benedict College 2023-2024.

Many women and girls who experience period poverty are unable to purchase the menstrual products they need. Difficulty affording menstrual products can cause women and girls to stay home from school and work, with lasting consequences on their education, economic opportunities, mental health, and well-being. Members of the Benedict community along with churches, led by Rev. Lillie Burgess donated hundreds of personal products to deserving women in need.

Pictured

Student leaders

Rev. Lillie Burgess

Pictured left: President Artis, 1st Daughter, Jocelyn Artis, and Miss Benedict College 2023-2024, Morgan Miles celebrate a successful campaign.

Benedict’s Ciara Sligh Won an All-inclusive Trip to Nashville, TN Sponsored by iHeart Radio

Ciara Sligh, a sophomore studio arts major from Moore, SC, was the winner of the iHeart Radio Black Effect Summit contest. She applied noting that her future career plan is to be a graphic designer. “This opportunity allowed me to improve my marketability,” said Sligh about the all-inclusive trip to Nashville, TN. The program brings students together and provides them access to professional mentors and exposure to the entertainment industry.

Popular Comic Book Illustrator Sanford Greene

Helped Students Publish The Wonders of an HBCU

Page 60 // Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Benedict College students received the chance of a lifetime: the opportunity to collaborate with a worldrenowned Marvel Comics illustrator. Benedict College alumnus and professor Sanford Greene, who is a Marvel Comics illustrator, guided his students in their creation of a graphic novel. Greene’s expertise was seen in the film Black Panther, the latest Spiderman, and other comic series.

“Primarily, The Wonders of an HBCU falls under college and the life of college students, but there are many things that are fantasy and sci-fi, and there’s a bit of horror in there, too,” says Elia Allen, Benedict College senior. She and other students from Benedict College’s Art Department put ideas into sketches that have turned into several short stories. “Our peers offered feedback and said, hey, I think that’s a cool story, but if you tweak or hey, that character is cool,” says Allen.

The project was made possible thanks to a grant from Propel and Apple. Professor Sanford Greene is helping students cross the finish line thanks to his comic book expertise. If you’re familiar with SpiderMan: Across the Spider-Verse, then you’ve seen his work.

“Being able to take my experiences and implement them into the curriculum here on campus was never done before. And I think that’s the part that was so enjoyable...seeing students be able to implement their stories in sequential arts,” said Professor Greene.

left (left to right): Charis Rhea, William Gaymon, Daja Graham, and Elia Allen, and Professor Sanford Greene.

Mia Douglas Named 2023 White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Scholar

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities announces its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars, recognized its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars in 2023 - A total of 102 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from 29 different states and countries were selected for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more. Mia Douglas, an honors student and Mass Communication major from Las Vegas, Nevada represented Benedict College in the cohort. She was selected from a competitive pool of over 300 applications.

The 2023 HBCU scholars were the largest cohort since the inception of this recognition program in 2014 and represent a record number of institutions, with the HBCU participation rate now over 70 percent.

Over the course of the academic school year, the HBCU Scholars served as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective HBCU. Furthering the mission to Raise the Bar, students in the program were encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen our democracy, and grow our economy. HBCU Scholars were offered professional and personal development, and cross-university networking opportunities with an opportunity to explore, discuss, and improve issues specifically related to the HBCU community.

Pictured

Student Engagement

Introducing the Benedict College 2023-2024 Student Government Association

Pictured below at the swearing in ceremony during the Fall Convocation: (L-R) Mr. Tarondi Bethea, President; Ms. Rashonda Rhodes, Vice President;

Mr. Navaud Guscott, Business Manager; Ms. Makyiah Hails, Recording Secretary; and Ms. Autumn Tisdale, Corresponding Secretary

BC Students Attended the South Carolina

Legislative Black Caucus HBCU Day at the State House

The Student Government Association, along with Miss and Mister Benedict College, joined other SC HBCU student leaders, presidents, and administrators at the South Carolina State House on February 20, 2024, for the annual HBCU Day gathering. During the visit, the students met with legislators and shared issues they face as HBCU students. At the conclusion of the visit, Morgan Miles, Miss Benedict College, was interviewed by WLTX19.

Pre-Law Club attended Benedict Alumnus and Attorney I.S. Leevy Johnson’s Symposium at USC Law School on “The Trumpet of Conscience”

Tiger Food Pantry Co-Founder Adrien Montalvo Invited to Speak at the Carolinas College Food Insecurity Summit

Pictured above, left to right: Kymm Hunter, Assistant Vice President for Communications and Marketing and Tiger Food Pantry, Staff Advisor; Adrien Montalvo, co-founder of the Tiger Food Pantry, and Professor Felix Weston, Social Work Department and Tiger Food Pantry, Faculty Advisor

Senior Social Work major, Adrien Montalvo is one of the cofounders of the Benedict College Tiger Food Pantry was asked to speak at the Carolinas College Food Insecurity Summit on February 17, 2024, at the University of South Carolina. The Summit brought together faculty, staff, and students who help to run the food pantries on college campuses in North and South Carolina.

Pictured above, left to right: Rashonda Rhodes, Naje Virgil-Green, Attorney I.S. Leevy Johnson, Marlayshia Lockhart, Kleopatra Jones, and Dr. Ebony Greene.

The 14th Annual BC Summer Undergraduate Research Institute

The 14th annual Summer Undergraduate Research Institute (SURI) culminated with an informative Research Symposium. The 8-week handson, problem-solving, and mentoring summer research experience was a huge success.

Benedict’s dedicated faculty engaged students and poured their time and energy into helping their mentees with various research projects. The final presentation was a great representation of the BEST OF BC!

Congratulations to the following Research Symposium student awardees:

1st place oral presentation: Ava McCargo

2nd place oral presentation: Nabeyou Tadessa

3rd place oral presentation: Tuwanda McKenzie

1st place poster presentation: Tajay Jackson

2nd place poster presentation: Olala Harris

3rd place poster presentations (tie): Shon Woodside & Tyrone Sands; Tony Munnings & Anthony Stubbs

Rear Admiral Kurt J. Rothenhaus, Chief of Naval Research Visited the Campus of Benedict College

L-R The Rear. Adm. Rothenhaus; ROTC Cadets Adam Bowman, Jacob Riley, and Semira Daniels; and ROTC Officer-in-Charge Anthony Robertson. Photo credit: Terrell Maxwell

On April 4, Rear Admiral Kurt J. Rothenhaus, Chief of Naval Research, visited the campus of Benedict College and spoke with a few of its cadets and faculty members.

“I want to thank you for being educators,” said Rear. Adm. Rothenhaus. “For doing the hard work and inspiring the next generation of young people who are going to pursue these academic pursuits and be successful.” He added that one of the missions of the Office of Naval Research is to support the effort of encouraging students to study science and research.

Page 66 // Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

The

81st Miss Benedict College, Morgan Miles, and the 10th Mister Benedict College, Darius Rubin, were officially crowned King and Queen of BC at their Coronation entitled The Royal Standard on Friday, October 13, 2023.

Pictured above: (L-R) Miss Freshman, Nyla Williams; Miss Sophomore, April Elston; Miss Junior, Tirriney Humphry; Miss Senior, Marissa Tisdale; Miss 1870, Kleopatra Jones; Miss Benedict College 2023-2024, Morgan Miles; Mister Benedict College 20232024, Darious Rubin; Mister 1870, Daelon Adaway; Mister Senior, Damien McCree; Mister Junior, Jordan Wheeler; Mister Sophomore, Levi Garner; and Mister Freshman, Jalen Smith.

The BEST of BC Alumni

The National Black College Hall of Fame Foundation

Selected Ada Brown Belton of Benedict College as the 2023 Alumni Director of the Year

The National Black College Hall of Fame Foundation selected Ada Brown Belton as the 2023 Alumni Director of the Year. Belton, a proud Cum Laude graduate of Benedict College, is a successful fundraising professional who currently serves as the Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Advancement Services at Benedict. She is also the Executive Secretary of the Benedict College National Alumni Association; in 2017, the Alumni Association awarded Belton its highest honor: The Lula J. Gambrell Award.

Over the last 20 years, Belton raised over $20 million dollars for the Alumni Fund Campaign; she played a major role in securing over $30M for the 20032007 Benedict College Capital Campaign. In 2015, the Alumni Fund surpassed the $1M mark for the first time in the history of the College, and it has reported record-breaking contributions for the last nine consecutive years. In 2023, the Tigers reached an all-time high in campaign receipts, totaling $1.6M in the annual Alumni Fund Campaign.

Under Belton’s leadership, the College’s Alumni clubs grew by 30 percent. Benedict’s Alumni Association became one of the first HBCUs recognized by the

SC Association of Independent Colleges and Universities for its engagement and impact; it was awarded $20,000 for the largest percent increase in alumni participation. In addition, Belton also rallied alumni to contribute $500,000, which helped to successfully fulfill a $1M fundraising match requirement for the Bush Foundation’s Alumni Challenge.

In Belton’s current role, she is responsible for the Alumni Annual Fund Campaign, Class Reunion Campaigns, Endowed Scholarship Fundraising and Contracts, Alumni Annual and Spring Meetings, Donor Records, Alumni Volunteer Corp, Event Planning for Homecoming Activities including the Major Donor Appreciation Reception, Athletic Hall of Fame Induction, Alumni Awards Luncheon, Alumni Tailgate, and the Alumni Audacity to Dream Scholarship Initiative.

In 2019, The Benedict College National Alumni Association took home the top award at the National Black College Hall of Fame Foundation Alumni Leadership Luncheon. The National Black College Hall of Fame is dedicated to preserving and highlighting the accomplishments of HBCUs. Benedict College was honored to be named National Alumni Association of the Year for the alumni’s dedication to their beloved institution.

Benedict College Alumni Surpassed Fundraising

Goal for the 9th Consecutive Year

Benedict alumni and friends from across the country once again pushed the Annual Alumni Fund Campaign beyond its record-setting $1.5 million goal by $100,877. This year’s success is credited to a dedicated Campaign Leadership team led by the College’s Assistant Vice President, Ada Brown Belton, along with a strong volunteer leadership team from around the country. Leading the campaign charge was Chairwoman Dr. Elsie Hamler, co-chair Marlene McClerklin, and 10 additional dedicated committee members. The team also included

Mrs. Cedelle Gates, president of The Benedict College National Alumni Association, and Alumni Club Presidents who are the true MVPs. Annual alumni giving is a good indication of how graduates value their alma mater. Large numbers of donations and participation rates suggest that alumni are engaged with the school. This achievement also signifies that alumni are supportive of the institution, its current students, and the direction the college is going.

Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report // Page 69

Congratulations to Benedict College Alumna Peggy R. McManus who was

Promoted to Brigadier General

Brigadier General. Peggy R. McManus, native of Morven, North Carolina, received her commission as an ordnance officer in 1992 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Benedict College. McManus began her Army Reserve career in Columbia, where she served as a platoon leader assigned to 175th Maintenance Company; and operations officer and company commander of 460th Replacement Company in Florence, South Carolina.

She entered the Active Guard Reserve, or AGR, program in 2002 and served her initial assignment as an operations officer with the 390th Personnel Group, Richmond, Virginia. As an AGR commissioned officer, Col. McManus has held numerous leadership and staff positions. McManus served a combat tour 2013-2014 as the Army Reserve G-1 Theater liaison officer and acting deputy assistant chief of staff for Third Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In January 2023, McManus became the deputy commanding general and director, Reserve Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Army

Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky. Her military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass.

McManus holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Benedict College. Her military education includes the Ordnance Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

Former Benedict College Homecoming Queen, Zakiya Brownlow was Tapped to Play a Role in The Color Purple

The Color Purple was on big and small screens across the country with big name actors. One of those names was Zakiya Brownlow. A Benedict College graduate who was a buzz on Facebook upon her debut in the film. “I’m still catching up with text messages and posts,” Brownlow said regarding the reaction to her appearance on the big screen.

On any given day during the school year, she’s in the classroom teaching her students. “If we’re speaking ‘Color Purple,’ as Deaconess but, right now, I am obviously back in the classroom, I’m an eighth-grade teacher.” she said.

One day in 2021, she was persuaded by a friend to audition for an African dance call. It turned out to be a oncein-a-lifetime opportunity.

“At this point, we did not know it was ‘The Color Purple.’ It was just auditions

in Atlanta, and she said, specifically, that they needed African dancers, which, as far as dance, that’s my goto,” Brownlow said.

Brownlow said that after auditions, she was cast in a speaking and dancing role as Deaconess. “It was 10 out of 10. I can’t explain it, but if I could do all of that all over again, I definitely would,” she said.

Her roots lead back to the Midlands at Benedict College, where she said her time prepared her for the silver screen. At Benedict, she was the homecoming queen, in the dance company, and guided many students along the way.

Brownlow said her Tiger family didn’t forget about her during what she calls five minutes of fame. “So, it was amazing; I’m so humble and grateful for just the small moments,” she said.

Benedict College Alumnus Chuck Brown named Artistin-Residence at Richland Library

Congratulations to Alumnus Chuck Brown who was named Artist-in-Residence at Richland Library. Brown is an Elsner, and multiple Ringo award-winning writer known for his work at Marvel and DC, and the creator of series such as On the Stump, Flawed, and Bitter Root.

Tigers Go Above and Beyond to Help their Alma Mater Win

$10,000 in the Home Depot

Retool Your School Campus Improvement

Voting Campaign

Pictured above, left to right: Marquis Jefferson, Benedict College Atlanta Metro Alumni Club, President; Teshine Good, Atlanta Benedict Club, President, Kymm Hunter, Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing; Tina Jones, Atlanta Metro Alumni Club; and Walter Good, Atlanta Benedict Club.

Home Depot has given over $12 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the past 15 years through its Retool Your School program. Since 2011, Benedict has won $190,000 through the campus improvement program.

In 2011, Benedict won $10,000 which was used to paint historical buildings on campus, a $30,000 award was received in 2022 which was used to purchase the grass for the new Student Activity Field next to the gym, and in 2023 a $50,000 grant was used to buy new furniture for the student lounges in all seven dormitories, along with campus lighting and banquet tables and chairs.

The program, which began with a simple mission of giving back to HBCUs in the communities that the company serves, awards campus improvement grants based on online voting from students, alumni, and other HBCU constituents.

This year, Benedict College votes landed the school in 2nd place for a grand prize of $100,000 grant that will be used for “The B.E.S.T Tiger Impression” (Beautifying Engaging Spaces for Transformation) Campus Improvement Project. The project is designed to have a direct impact on the beautification of the College’s outdoor and student support spaces.

Additionally, the relocation of the Tiger Food Pantry and Tiger Closet on campus has presented an opportunity to enhance students’ experience with special on-site accommodations. The Campus Improvement Grant will provide Benedict College students with a more engaging and welcoming environment

Homecoming 2023

Meet Mister and Miss Benedict College

Homecoming 2023

Sariyah Hawkins is a senior Mass Communications major and a native of Prince George’s County, Maryland, where she is known for serving her community. With her loving personality and many talents, Hawkins enjoys capturing moments through photography and videography. She also enjoys hosting events, painting, and running multiple businesses. She previously served as the Business Manager for the Junior Class Business Manager, a BC Media member, B.A.S.I.C. member, and served as the photographer and social media handler for the Benedict College Baseball Team.

Zy’Reque Green is a senior Mass Communications major and a native of Orangeburg, South Carolina. During his academic career at Benedict, he wrote, selected talent, directed, and filmed two short films for the BC Police Department. He is the recipient of the 2021 Career Pathways Initiative Suit-Up Scholarship, and was the overall winner of the Harambee Talent search 2020 and 2023. Green is also a member of the Benedict College Police Cadet program. His post graduation plans include pursuing a career in music.

Inside one of Benedict’s Largest Homecoming Celebrations

Homecoming 2023 was all about celebrating the legacy of Benedict College and bringing together students and alumni at various events to make beautiful memories on campus. The theme for Benedict’s 2023 Homecoming was Heritage.

A few highlights include the 20232024 Mister and Miss Benedict College Coronation, the crowning of Mr. Darious Rubin of Marietta, GA, and Ms. Morgan Beatrice Miles of

Atlanta, GA at The Royal Standard Coronation on Friday, October 13 in the Mays Arena. The Mister and Miss Homecoming Pageant was held on Sunday, October 15, in Antisdel Chapel.

The Homecoming Fashion Show was held Tuesday, October 17 in the Swinton Center Ballroom. The Homecoming Pep Rally was held on Thursday, October 19 from 11 a.m. on the recently renovated Activity Field.

HOMECO

PETSG

On Thursday, The Unveiling and Signing of the Propel Impact Grant Project: A Benedict College Graphic Novel, The Wonders of an HBCU, was held in the Ponder Little Theatre and Lobby while 10 accomplished individuals were inducted into the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame at the alumni and friends host hotel, the Double Tree Hotel.

On Friday, October 30, alumni and students started the day together at the Breakfast with BC’s Finest in the Café and at 11:30 a.m. President

Roslyn Clark Artis updated alumni at the Alumni Leadership and State-ofthe-College Award Luncheon held at the Double Tree Hotel.

The Alumni Banquet featuring the Honorable DeAndrea Gist Benjamin, Judge, US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, was also held at the Double Tree Hotel while The Greek Step Show was standing room only in the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center Arena.

Atlanta rapper and hip-hop producer, Wayne Hardnett, Jr., aka Bone Crusher lead The Homecoming Parade down Sumter Street as the 2023 Parade Marshall before thousands of excited alumni, supporters, and friends. After the parade he joined alumni and fans for one the biggest games of the season with one of the largest crowds. The Reigning Championship Tigers who were #1 in the SIAC with a perfect 7-0 record (SIAC 5-0) beat the Kentucky State Thorobreds 63-14.

Benedict Inducts 10 into Athletic Hall of Fame

The Benedict Athletic Hall of Fame inducted 10 new members on Thursday, October 19, adding to an already impressive group of Hall of Famers. This year’s class included members of the 2004 men’s golf team, which won the HBCU Minority Golf Championship, as well as a pair of men’s basketball standouts, a softball player, and notable people who have contributed their time and talent to the athletic department, including President Dr. Roslyn C. Artis.

The event was held at the Doubletree Hotel, and many previous Hall of Famers attended to welcome the new class.

The 10 new inductees brought the total number of members in the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame to 231. The 2023 inductees included the following individuals:

Dr.

Roslyn Clark Artis, JD, EdD

Dr. Artis was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees as the 14th and first woman President of Benedict College on June 30, 2017. She is a staunch and enthusiastic supporter of athletics, serving as a member of the NCAA Division II Presidents Council and SIAC Division II Conference Presidents Council. Under her leadership, Benedict College has won over 20 athletic team SIAC championships, including the first football championship in the history of the college. Dr. Artis’ leadership has been recognized locally and nationally.

She has received more than 300 awards and recognitions locally and nationally for her work.

Jeffery Allen Brown, ’86

Jeffrey enrolled at Benedict College in 1981 on full Athletic Scholarships for Basketball, Track and Field, and Cross Country. While at Benedict College, Jeffrey was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball for four years as a point guard for the team under Coach Michael Holmes. He was chosen by the team to serve as Captain in his Junior and Senior years. Over the years of playing basketball, Jeffrey received many awards. The award that he cherishes to this day is the

John E. Brown Award, which he received in 1985. He was the first Benedict athlete chosen to receive this most prestigious award, given to outstanding athletes in sports, academics, and community service. As a track and field and cross-country runner, he also received many awards for these sports, including Rookie of the Year in his freshmen year. Jeffrey was a dedicated athlete and represents the Benedict College Tigers with pride.

Herman Belton, ’01

Herman D. Belton is an avid golfer who fell in love with the sport when he was twenty-two years old. Coach Belton is a proud Combat veteran of the United States Navy, where he served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After his military career, Coach Belton enrolled at Benedict College as a nontraditional student. He was instrumental in helping to start

the golf program as a player at Benedict College under the leadership of Coach Lucius Clark. After his graduation from Benedict College, he was offered the position of Head Golf Coach and began to make a name for Benedict’s Golf program.

In his third year of coaching, Coach Belton and his team made history by winning the National Minority Golf Division II Championship for the college. Under his leadership, in 2015, as SIAC Champions, the Golf team was invited to the NCAA Golf Tournament for the first time ever.

Kevin T. Burrows was one of the most highly recruited basketball players in 1991 to join the Benedict Tigers basketball team. He was a four-year point guard starter during his tenure at Benedict. Kevin’s ability to break presses with his ball-handling skills excelled over all other point guard players in the Conference. His superb ball-handling skills impressed many professional NBA scouts during his playing time at Benedict College. Kevin helped to lead the BC Tigers to four consecutive EIAC Conference Championships.

During his matriculation at Benedict College, Kevin was honored by being selected for four consecutive years as an EIAC AllConference Player. Kevin Burrows is to be considered as one of the greatest point guard basketball players to play at Benedict College.

2004 D2 National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team

1981-95 Men’s Basketball

Kevin Burrows, ’14

Justan Johnson, ’05

Demond HB Hale, ’06

Harrison Richardson, son of Jason A. Richardson, ’05

2004 D2 National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team

Demond Hale, a native of South Bend, Indiana, was a member of Benedict’s National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team. After Benedict College, he worked at Augusta National Golf Club before turning professional. After five years as a professional golfer, he retired in 2011. Demond currently owns a transportation company in Minneapolis, Minnesota., where he lives with his wife, Katrina.

Lalique M. Gumbs-Prince, ’07

Lalique Gumbs-Prince hails from the island of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Coming from a place where sports is heavily influenced as well as coming from an athletic family, sports came natural to her. Speed and the knowledge of the game led her to being a top softball athlete in the Virgin Islands.

As a member of the Benedict College softball team , she won numerous awards including being named to the SIAC All-Tournament Team three times; Hustle Player Award

Justan Johnson, a native of Washington, D.C., attended the Science and Technology School within Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Md., where he was the Captain and Letterman on the Golf Team, and guided his team to county the championship and ultimately into the State Championships his Senior year. Justan Johnson was recruited to attend Benedict College by Coach Herman Belton and was offered a scholarship to play on the golf team. Once at Benedict, he captained the golf team to several wins, culminating in the school’s first NCAA National Championship his junior year.

2004 D2 National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team

two times; SIAC First Team AllConference three times; SIAC AllAcademic Team three times; and helped lead the team to the 2004 SIAC Softball Championship and 2006 East Division Championship.

After graduation, Lalique assisted the Benedict softball team as an Assistant Coach for eight years. Since then, Lalique has traded her cleats to explore her creative talents participating in numerous arts shows at the Spartanburg Museum as a painter/photographer.

He graduated from Benedict College (‘05) Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Justan later founded Blue Golf Performance LLC (Be Legitimately U Everyday) to fulfill his mission of serving God’s people through the game of golf. He’s a PGA Associate at East Potomac Golf Course (Washington, D.C.), where he enjoys assisting newer golfers along their golf journey.

His favorite golf quote is, “The most important shot is the next one.” - Ben Hogan

Jason A. Richardson is a 2005 magna cum laude graduate and was a member of the golf team from 2001-2004 at Benedict College.

After graduating from Benedict, Jason worked in the community banking industry for several years. During that time, he would come back to Benedict as a guest speaker for various summer programs and career day events, served on the

Benedict College Athletics Contributor

boards of two local non-profits, and was a member of the South Carolina Bankers Association Credit Committee. In 2016, after working in the banking industry for over a decade, he applied and was accepted to the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 2019. While there, he was the recipient of the Honorable Matthew J. Perry Scholarship; the Nelson Mullins

George Shears III, ’06

Rev. Dr. George Shears III is a passionate preacher, author and entrepreneur. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Benedict College, a Master of Divinity degree from GardnerWebb University, a Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary.

2004 D2 National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team

Curtis W. Wilson, ’07

Benedict College alumnus, Curtis Wilson is a co-anchor of Good Morning Columbia airing Monday – Friday from 5-7 a.m. and the Noon News Program on ABC Columbia. He joined the ABC Columbia team in 2018.

Wilson is no stranger to the Midlands, having served as a long-time media personality in Columbia. He’s has been the midday radio personality for over 30 years with The Big DM and he is the weekend radio personality

Riley & Scarborough LLP Diversity Scholarship; and the Bronze Compleat Lawyer Award.

His son, Harrison Richardson (7), is featured in the photo accepting the Hall of Fame induction plaque, purple jacket, and medal on behalf of his father.

Dr. Shears is a proud member of the 2004 Division II National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team. He is currently the senior pastor of Greater Fellowship Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the founder and chief editor of PreachingGuru. com, an upbeat weekly newsletter, reaching more than 3,000 preachers and church leaders each week, and RepinJesus, a Christian clothing brand. An accomplished author, Dr. Shears most recently published Rules of the Rural Church: A Mentoring Guide for Young Pastors, available on Amazon.

with WJMZ (JAMZ) in Greenville, SC.

Curtis is a Deputy Sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and works with Benedict College, the University of South Carolina, and Ridge View High School Athletics Departments. In addition, Curtis is one of the voices for the Southeastern Conference Championship Tournaments. He served for many years as the Public Address announcer for Benedict football and basketball games and still supports the Tigers as the show host of the Chennis Berry Show.

Curtis was a major contributor to the A&E Network’s top-rated show, Live PD, which featured the Richland County Sheriff’s Department and is now one of the co-hosts for the national television series “On Patrol Live,” airing on the Reelz network every Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m.

Benedict College Harambee Festival Recognized

by the Richland

County Council for 35 Years of Civil Excellence and Service

HARAMBEE 34

Pictured upper left corner of the following page, left to right: Dr. George Devlin, founder of the Harambee Festival, accepts a resolution from Richland County Vice Chairman, Derrek Pugh, during the Harambee Festival.

Multi-Grammy Award Winner Bishop Hezekiah Walker and Singer, Songwriter and TV Personality KeKe Wyatt Headlined the 35th Annual Harambee Festival

The multi-Grammy Award winning gospel artist, Hezekiah Walker along with R&B singer KeKe Wyatt headlined this year’s Benedict College 35th Annual Harambee Festival.

The iconic Harambee Festival, voted Columbia’s BEST Neighborhood Festival, returned to Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on Saturday, April 20th. The 35th annual event was filled with activities for the entire family. This year, the popular community festival increased the number of food trucks, live music performances, bounce houses, and vendors available for non-stop shopping.

In addition to the national and local headliners, the 35th Annual Harambee Festival featured Artist-inResidence David Bratton and the Benedict Choir, and Ronald Green and the Pride Jazz Ensemble. Magician Houdini, and the winners of BC’s Got Talent ZY’REQUE and Westside c3 also performed. The Festival was hosted by Billie Jean Shaw of WIS TV and Shanik “Neek” Mincie of HOT 103.9 FM.

Dr. George Devlin Councilman

KeKe Wyatt

Pride Jazz Ensemble

Pride Jazz Ensemble

Bishop Hezekiah Walker

Derek Pugh

Harambee Festival Founder

The BEST of BC Scholar Athletes

Tigers Win Back-To-Back SIAC Championships With 47-10

Victory Over Albany State

The sixth-ranked Benedict College Tigers won their second straight SIAC Football Championship with a dominating 47-10 victory over Albany State University on Saturday, securing their second straight 11-0 season.

The Benedict defense held the Golden Rams to a season-low 193 yards of total offense, while the Tigers racked up a season-high 563 yards of offense.

Quarterback Aeneas Dennis threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for a season-high 95 yards and a touchdown, scoring on a 72-yard run in the third quarter. The Tigers rushed for a season-high

251 yards on the ground, as backup quarterback Zavien Foster scored on a 75-yard run in the fourth quarter.

Benedict’s nation-best defense also put on a show, holding the Golden Rams to zero yards passing in the first half, and Jayden Broughton had a third-quarter strip sack that Loobert Denelus recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Benedict sacked three different Albany State quarterbacks eight times for -43 yards.

Benedict started slow, with Tom Piccirillo

getting the Tigers on the scoreboard with a 25-yard field goal midway through the first quarter. The Tigers then struck with a pair of big pass plays, as Dennis hit Caden High for a 28-yard score, and Reginald Harden for a 55-yard touchdown to increase the lead to 17-0.

Albany State made a 35-yard field goal with three minutes left in the first half to cut the lead to 17-3.

The Golden Rams received the secondhalf kickoff, but had to start at their own 1-yard line. On third down, Broughton sacked Albany State quarterback Dionte Bonneau in the end zone and forced a fumble, with Denelus right there to land on the ball.

Dennis ran for the 72-yard score on Benedict’s next possession to make it 30-3.

The Golden Rams got a 33-yard kickoff return, then Bonneau completed his only pass of the game, a 39-yarder, to get them in the red zone. Bonneau later scored on a five-yard run to cut the lead to 30-10.

Benedict later added a 32-yard field goal by Piccirillo, a three-yard touchdown run by Noah Zaire Scotland, and Foster’s big run to close out the scoring.

SIAC Championship post-game press conference

Pictured right: Benedict College senior Forward Tim Moore was named to the 15th Annual Division II HBCU AllAmerican teams powered by BOX TO ROW.

Ron Dickerson, Jr. Named New Head Football Coach

Benedict College President, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis and Director of Athletics Willie Washington proudly announced the hiring of Ron Dickerson Jr. as new head football coach for the Tigers. Dickerson has a long successful history as a football coach, bringing more than 27 years of coaching experience to the Tigers. He comes to Benedict after serving the last two seasons at the University of West Florida, helping the Argonauts to back-to-back Gulf South Conference championships, a 20-6 record and a berth into the NCAA Division II national semifinals in 2022.

He served as the UWF Offensive Coordinator and wide receivers coach last season, helping the Argos rank 17th in the nation in passing offense, and 20th in the nation in total offense. As the team’s wide receivers coach in 2022, he guided a passing attack that ranked fifth in the nation in passing yards per completion.

“Benedict College was fortunate to have had a robust pool of applicants for the Head Football Coach position,” Artis said. “After a long and thorough search, we believe Coach Dickerson is the ideal person to take Benedict College football to the next level. We welcome him and his family to Benedict and to the City of

commitment to excellence,” Dickerson said. “The tradition-rich history of this program is unmatched across the landscape of HBCUs, and I look forward to continuing that moving forward. My family and I feel truly blessed and look forward to becoming a part of the Benedict community. I want to thank Director of Athletics Willie Washington and President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis for their belief in me to lead this program.”

players earn All-Big South Conference. He then served as the Offensive Coordinator at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama from 2014-17.

Dickerson also obtained some professional coaching experience with the Las Vegas Outlaws of the XFL and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 200002, coaching running backs and special teams.

He started his coaching career under his father, Ron Dickerson, at Alabama State in 1997 as the Run Game Coordinator.

“After reviewing hundreds of applicants for the head coaching position, Coach Dickerson quickly stood out as someone who could step in immediately and continue the successful ways of this program,” said Washington. “His experience at a wide variety of football levels, as well as at both HBCU and non-HBCU programs, will enhance our football program and take us to new heights. I believe his hard work ethic runs in his blood, learning from his father, who was a legendary coach.”

“I have an incredible respect for Benedict College and its

Dickerson takes over a Benedict program that is coming off back-to-back SIAC championships and HBCU Division II national championships. The Tigers went undefeated during the regular season in 2022 and 2023 and advanced to the NCAA Division II playoffs both years.

Prior to joining West Florida, Dickerson spent the 2019 season as the Assistant Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator at Jackson State. While there, he developed the weekly game plan and coached the Tigers’ wide receivers.

He worked for two seasons at Morgan State from 2017-18 where he developed the top special teams units in the MEAC and ranked in the top five nationally in blocked kicks as the Associate Head Coach and Special Teams Coordinator. Dickerson was the head coach at Gardner-Webb from 2011-12 where he compiled a 7-15 record and had 10

During his extensive coaching career, Dickerson has been responsible for 29 All-Conference players, seven AllAmericans, and has seen 14 former players advance to the National Football League.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Recreational Education from the University of Arkansas in 1996.

Dickerson and his wife, Kendreah, have three children: Kristen, Ashten and Keegan.

Benedict Named HBCU

National Champions by HBCU Legends

The Benedict College Tigers, fresh off their second straight SIAC Championship, were named the HBCU Division II National Champions by HBCU Legends. In addition, Coach Chennis Berry was named HBCU Coach of the Year, and Loobert Denelus was named HBCU Defensive Player of the Year.

HBCU Legends is part of the Sports Illustrated

Tigers Repeat as D2 HBCU National Champions

For the second year in a row, the Benedict College Tigers finished atop the final HBCU Division II Football Coaches Poll powered by BOXTOROW, repeating as Division II HBCU National Champions. The Tigers’ selection was unanimous.

Benedict finished 11-1 overall for the second year in a row, going undefeated during the regular season and capturing their second straight SIAC Championship. The Tigers were ranked nationally as

high as No. 4 during the season and earned the top seed in Super Region 2 for the NCAA D2 playoffs, where they fell to Lenoir-Rhyne in the second round.

The HBCU Division II Coaches Poll is powered and administered by BOXTOROW, and votes are cast by HBCU NCAA Division II coaches.

FROM THE PRESS BOX TO PRESS ROW with Donal Ware is the only nationally syndicated sports talk show which places major emphasis on HBCU sports. The nationally syndicated radio program airs on SiriusXM and radio stations across the country.

Benedict Captures Fourth Straight SIAC Men’s Track & Field Championship

The Benedict College men’s track and field team won their fourth straight championship by claiming the 2024 Cricket SIAC Men’s Track and Field Championship with a 28-point victory over Morehouse on Saturday, on the campus of Morehouse College.

Benedict scored 192 points, while Morehouse was second with 164 points. Albany State was third with 92 points.

The final round was highlighted by Benedict taking first and second in the 400-meter dash, as won the gold medal with a time of 47.63, while Jesaiah Jones was second with a time of 47.86. Matthew Paul finished eighth with a time of 51.07.

Sadiki Marsh won the gold medal in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:58.71. Marsh was also sixth in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:13.36.

sixth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.84.

Smith was fifth with a time of 10.98, Romel Russell was sixth with a time of 11.16, and

47.86. Matthew Paul finished eighth with a time of 51.07.

Bridges was seventh with a time of 11.19.

Benedict’s 4x400-meter relay team of Jesaiah Jones, Quincy Harris, Matthew Paul and Javel Best won that event with a school-record time of 3:10.73, currently the 13th-fastest time in the country.

Benedict’s 4x100-meter relay team of Best, Paul, Makel Bridges, and David Smith finished second with a school-record time of 40.67.

Kevin Francis was second in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.97, and finished

Frank Hyland Jr. finished second in the javelin throw with a throw of 50.25 meters (164 feet, 10 inches). JaQuon Tinch also scored, finishing seventh with a throw of 44.62 meters (146 feet, 5 inches).

Jeremiah Hall-Jones finished third in the high jump with a jump of 1.90 meters (6 feet, 2 ¾ inches), while Jeremiah Jennings scored with a seventh-place finish, jumping 1.85 meters (6 feet, ¾ inches).

Benedict’s trio of sprinters finished fifth, sixth and seventh in the 100-meter dash.

Bridges finished fourth in the 200-meter dash with a time of 21.64, while Best was fifth with a time of 21.73.

Braylen Brooks finished fourth in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:10.00.

In the 5,000-meter run, Nelson Kipkemboi finished third with a time of 16:41.81, while Brooks was eighth with a time of 18:36.49. Javel Best won the gold medal with a time of 47.63, while Jesaiah Jones earned second with a time of

Sadiki Marsh won the gold medal in the 800-meter run with a time of 1:58.71. Marsh was also sixth in the 1,500-meter run with a time of 4:13.36.

Benedict’s 4x400-meter relay team of Jesaiah Jones, Quincy Harris, Matthew Paul and Javel Best won the event with a schoolrecord time of 3:10.73, currently the 13th-fastest time in the country.

Benedict’s 4x100-meter relay team of Best, Paul, Makel Bridges, and David Smith finished second with a school-record time of 40.67.

Kevin Francis was second in the 110-meter hurdles with a time of 14.97, and finished sixth in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.84.

Frank Hyland Jr. finished second in the javelin throw with a throw of 50.25 meters (164 feet, 10 inches). JaQuon Tinch also scored, finishing seventh with a throw of 44.62 meters (146 feet, 5 inches).

Jeremiah Hall-Jones finished third in the high jump with a jump of 1.90 meters (6 feet, 2 ¾ inches), while Jeremiah Jennings scored with a seventh-place finish, jumping 1.85 meters (6 feet, ¾ inches).

Finally, in the 5,000-meter run, Nelson Kipkemboi finished third with a time of 16:41.81.

Benedict Tigers win a 23-7 season record, earned an at-large bid as the eighth seed in the South Region Tournament in Evansville, Indiana.

Benedict Captures SIAC Men’s Commissioner’s Cup for Third Year in a Row

Commissioner Anthony Hollomon (middle), presented the 2023-2024 Commissioner’s Cup to President Roslyn Clark Artis and Athletics Director, Willie Washington during the. Commissioner’s Cup awards ceremony which was part of the SIAC Hall of Fame Induction program in Atlanta, Georgia.

For Benedict, the Tigers captured the men’s Commissioner’s Cup for the third consecutive year. Benedict swept both the men’s and women’s trophies for the past two years. In total, Benedict has won 10 of the 18 trophies since the inception of the Commissioner’s Cup Award in 2014.

During the 2023-2024 school year, Benedict won the football championship and men’s track and field championship. Benedict also finished second in the men’s cross-country championship and men’s tennis championship.

The highly coveted Commissioner’s Cup awards are presented annually to SIAC member institutions whose teams demonstrate top athletic performance and distinction throughout the academic year.

These prestigious honors further underscore the institutions’ dedication to athletic excellence, highlighting the talents and determination of their student-athletes, coaches and support staff.

Lady Tigers Repeat as SIAC Cross Country Champions

Benedict Student-Athletes Earn Top Academic Awards

The Benedict College women’s cross-country team repeated as SIAC champions, winning the 2023 Cricket SIAC Cross Country Championship at the Georgia Premier Cross Country Course in Macon, Ga.

Purity Kibet was the top finisher, crossing the 5K course in a time of 20:20.9 to earn SIAC Runner of the Year honors.

Megan Thompson was second with a time of 20:52.5, while Jane Kiborus finished fourth with a time of 21:39.1 to join Kibet and Thompson on the SIAC All-Conference team.

Benedict scored 41 points to top second-place Central State with 77 points. Albany State was third with 91 points.

The SIAC’s Elite 14 Award is presented to the student-athlete who has reached the pinnacle of competition at the SIAC championship level in his or her sport while also achieving the highest academic standard among his or her peers. Benedict had four student-athletes receive this prestigious award during the 2023-24 season.

Divgurjot Singh

Men’s Tennis

Clint Forbes Men’s Volleyball

Malachi McCoy Men’s Basketball

Benedict Men’s Tennis Finishes as SIAC Runners-Up

Benedict College finished as SIAC runners-up, as Spring Hill repeated as SIAC men’s tennis champions with a 4-0 victory over the Tigers at the Peachtree Tennis Center in the 2024 Cricket SIAC Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championship.

Benedict wrapped up the season with a 13-7 record.

Coach Daniel Brooks was named the SIAC Coach of the Year

Pictured right: Coach Daniel Brooks receives the SIAC Coach of the Year trophy from Commissioner Anthony Holloman.

Benedict Places 10 On All-SIAC Football Team

The 2023 SIAC champion Benedict Tigers led the way with 10 selections on the 2023 SIAC All-Conference Football Team. The Tigers placed seven players on the first team, and three more on the second team. On first-team offense, the Tigers placed two offensive linemen – sophomore Roger Smith and grad-school center Mitchell Romig.

The nation’s leading defense placed four on the first team. Leading the way was SIAC two-time Defensive Player of the Year Loobert Denelus. He was joined on the defensive line by Jayden Broughton. In the secondary, Ja’Voni Melidor and Ja’ron Kiplatrick were named first team.

Kicker Tom Piccirillo was also named first team. On the second team, the Tigers were represented by running back Deondra Duehart, and two more members of the Purple Swarm defense – linebacker Dedrick Starkes and lineman Aaron Miller.

Benedict’s Denelus Named National Finalist for Campbell Trophy

The National Football Foundation (NFF) & College Hall of Fame announced 16 finalists for the 2023 William V. Campbell Trophy®, college football’s premier scholar-athlete award that annually recognizes an individual as the absolute best in the nation for his combined academic success, football performance and exemplary leadership. Loobert Denelus, Benedict College senior defensive lineman, was named among the 16 national finalists.

“I was definitely surprised,” Denelus said, after receiving the news after practice. “I was very grateful for the way it was presented to me. To have all my teammates and coaches there, and to see the smiles on their faces, meant a lot to me.”

“Benedict College is extremely proud of Loobert Denelus for earning this incredibly high honor,” said Willie Washington, Benedict College Director of Athletics, who made the surprise announcement to Denelus and the football team. “He has brought the Benedict College football program national attention with his incredible talent on the field, and now

he is being nationally recognized for his hard work and dedication in the classroom. He embodies the true meaning of being a student-athlete.”

“Loobert Denelus is most deserving of this honor,” said Benedict College President Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis. “He is a disciplined, committed and dedicated scholar athlete who exemplifies the BEST of BC on the field, in the classroom and in his personal life. We could not be more proud of this exceptional young man!”

The 16 finalists each received an $18,000 postgraduate scholarship as a member of the 2023 NFF National Scholar-Athlete Class Presented by Fidelity Investments®. Of the 16 national finalists, Denelus is the only representative from Division II. There are three finalists from Division III and 12 are from Division I. Denelus is one of two representatives from HBCUs, joining North Carolina Central quarterback Davius Richard.

The definition of a leader on and off the field, Loobert Denelus has established himself among the best

defenders in Division II while earning a 3.96 GPA in the classroom at Benedict College. The Naples, Florida, native now becomes the first-ever NFF National Scholar-Athlete in Tiger history.

Majoring in psychology Denelus produced a near flawless academic record, earning him the distinction as the first player in school history to garner CSC First Team Academic All-America honors. He also claimed the NCAA Division II ADA Academic Achievement Award in 2022, and his accomplishments landed him on the SIAC Commissioner’s All-Academic

Benedict Athletic Director Willie Washington Enshrined in SIAC Hall of Fame

Benedict College long-time Director of Athletics, Willie Washington, was enshrined in the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Hall of Fame in 2024 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia in conjunction with the SIAC Football Media Day.

Washington has guided Benedict College athletics for 36 years, including 10 years in a dual role of head men’s basketball coach and athletic director. During his illustrious career, Benedict College has won the prestigious SIAC Commissioner’s Cup, presented to the top athletic men’s and women’s program in the conference, more than any other school in the league. Benedict College swept both the men’s and women’s trophies four times in school history and has won 10 of the 18 trophies awarded since the inception of the Commissioner’s Cup award in 2014, including winning the men’s trophy for the 2023-2024 school year.

During his tenure, Benedict expanded its athletic program from eight to 14 sports, including the return of football, and Benedict rejoined the SIAC after years of success in the NAIA’s Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

He was named the NAIA Southeast Region Athletic Director of the Year in 1999.

During his long career, Benedict teams have captured 50 SIAC championships – eight in women’s basketball, six in women’s track and field, six in men’s tennis, five in men’s basketball, five in men’s cross country, five in women’s tennis, four in men’s track and field, four in cheerleading, three in women’s cross country, two in football, one in softball, and one in men’s golf.

“Your contributions to the success of Benedict College Athletics for over 30 years are legendary,” wrote SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman in a congratulatory letter.

“For most people, that would have been enough, however, I want to commend you for your work as a mentor, public servant, and role model for thousands of young men.”

“I could not be more proud of Coach Willie Washington on this well-deserved acknowledgment of his distinguished career as a mentor, coach, and an athletic administrator. Induction to the Hall of Fame is a fitting tribute to his nearly 40-year career,” said Benedict College President and CEO Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis.

“In addition to a proven record of cultivating and developing winning athletic programs, I have found him to be a leader who is committed to excellence,” wrote Dr. David H. Swinton, President Emeritus of Benedict College, in his nomination letter of recommendation. “He also inspires greatness in those who work with him, and most importantly, in the student-athletes who are part of the athletic program at Benedict College.”

More than anything else, Mr.

Washington is someone with great integrity and character,” wrote Dr. Derrick Johnson, Associate Dean of Athletics at Fresno (Calif.) City College, and a former Benedict coach and athletic administrator.

“As a profound leader, he has always been able to get the best from his staff and colleagues. I have worked with Mr. Washington on several projects, and I have witnessed his professional approach on humanitarian issues and injustices that impact the overall students at the College. I have witnessed Coach

Washington utilize his platform to combat hunger, homelessness, violence, and social injustices that have impacted the community in Columbia, South Carolina.”

“Coach Washington has always worked very hard to inspire greatness in those who work with him, and most importantly, in the student-athletes who are part of the athletic program at Benedict College. Coach Washington has been a pillar of leadership and excellence within the Benedict

College athletic community,” wrote Verna C. Mayers-Fakunle, CEO of Inspired Strategies, LLC, who said Mr. Washington has been an “integral part of my life as an employer, mentor, colleague, and friend for over twenty-six years.”

Pictured below: Coach Willie Washington celebrates his SIAC induction with his family.

The BEST of BC in the Headlines

Benedict College Law Professor Weighs In on Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling and its Potential Impact on S.C.’s 8 HBCUs

Landmark ruling from the US Supreme Court to strike down affirmative action will significantly shake up the admissions processes for colleges and universities nationwide. Some believe it could have greatly impact historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), specifically.

·

“There are just so many things that could potentially come out of this, so we’re going to see how it all pans out, but as a result of this ruling, it’s definitely going to make a lot of changes and put a lot of demand on all of us,” Dr. Ebony Green, a constitutional law professor at Benedict College in Columbia, said. ·

Benedict College Received Special Championship Signage

On Friday, August 18, 2023, the Benedict College Tigers unveiled a new sign celebrating their championship titles. The sign was one of six signs that will be placed around the stadium to honor Benedict’s first undefeated football season. Last year the team won the titles of 2022 SIAC Conference Football Champions and D2 HBCU Football National Champions.

The BEST of BC in the Community

The White House Announced that South Carolina’s only Statewide Women’s Business Center at an HBCU Received $2 Million from the Minority Business Development Agency Capital Readiness Program

The Grant will enable the Benedict College Women’s Business Center to help empower entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds in South Carolina.

Shauna R. Cooper, Executive Director of the Benedict College Women’s Business Center, and Don Cravins, Jr. the first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development at the Press Conference held on Friday, August 4, 2023, in Washington, DC.

The Benedict College Women’s Business Center (WBC) was selected as one of 43 organizations nationwide to receive a significant grant award from the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Capital Readiness Program (CRP). The $2 million grant the BC WBC received is part of the Biden Administration’s Capital Readiness Program. Over the next four years, thegrant will enable the WBC to expand its mission and services which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

“We are thrilled and humbled to be chosen as a recipient of this grant. With this funding, we can further our commitment to supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs, especially women, veterans, and those from rural communities in South Carolina,” said, Shauna R. Cooper, the Executive Director of the Benedict College Women’s Business Center.

“Our goal is to emphasize diversity and inclusion in the business world. This grant will enable us to make a lasting impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.”

“The Capital Readiness Program marks the largest investment to support underserved entrepreneurs and businesses in Commerce Department history,”

said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “The Biden Administration continues to make historic investments in building a strong, equitable economy, including by supporting our Nation’s small and disadvantaged businesses. The Capital Readiness Program will provide the resources and tools to prepare businesses to access capital and funding, and ensure prosperity is within reach for all American entrepreneurs.”

Under the grant program, the WBC will implement initiatives designed to address the unique needs of socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs in South Carolina. The WBC aims to level the playing field by providing accessible and flexible technical assistance services, ensuring that all entrepreneurs have the necessary tools to succeed. The program will offer both virtual and in-person resources, including agnostic and retail-specific accelerator programs, mentoring, consultation services, and networking events tailored to the diverse needs of the participants.

“We also want to acknowledge the continuous advocacy of Congressman James E. Clyburn and his unwavering support of the MBDA which is the only federal government agency dedicated solely to supporting the growth and global competitiveness of

minority business enterprises,” noted Dr. Artis. “As the first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, Mr. Donald Cravins, Jr. has shown outstanding leadership championing the nation’s 9.7 million minority business enterprises.”

Through intentional programming, mentorship, networking, and oneon-one business consultation services, the WBC strives to create a more equitable and diverse entrepreneurial ecosystem. By breaking down barriers and offering equal opportunities for success, the center aims to foster a thriving entrepreneurial community.

The award from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency was announced by Vice President Kamala Harris at a White House “Investing in America: Small Business” event on August 4th.

“President Biden and I firmly believe that for America’s economy to be strong, America’s small businesses must be strong. I am proud to announce that we will invest an additional $125 million in small businesses across our country through a national network of small business incubators and accelerators,” said Harris.

Sharon Robinson Founder, Grandma Dot’s Castor Oil

Jarvis & LaToya Adams Owners, O’Neal On Time Recovery & Towing, LLC

Desiree Kinker Founder, The Sweet & Savory Chef

U. S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary

Julie Su visits the Benedict College

B.E.S.T. Lives Center

The B.E.S.T. Lives Center is changing people’s lives by providing adult learners with transformative educational opportunities

Pictured right, left to right: Essie Sellers, Director of Retention, B.E.S.T. Lives Center; Dr. Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, B.E.S.T. Lives Center; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College; Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Julie Su; Dr. Janeen P. Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Myron Davis, Director, Veterans Resource Center, and Rosalyn Tucker, Director, Office of Extended Learning Services.

On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su visited Benedict College B.E.S.T. Lives Center (BLC) to spotlight equitable access to training and education opportunities for military families, people formerly involved in the foster care system, formerly incarcerated people, and adult learners.

“It was a distinct honor to welcome the Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, to the Benedict College B.E.S.T. Lives Center to meet some of the people in the Columbia community whose lives have been positively impacted by this state-of-the-art learning hub,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President

and CEO of Benedict College. “The B.E.S.T. Lives Center has done a remarkable job helping our most vulnerable students to address challenges associated with educational access, connectivity, social mobility, workforce development, and long-term employment.”

Dr. Vanessa Harris, the new Executive Director of the B.E.S.T Lives Center, brings over 25 years of higher education experience to BLC. Dr. Harris arranged for a few adult learners,

military students, and partners of the center to talk with Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, about their personal experience in the program. “The Secretary’s visit to the B.E.S.T. Lives Center was a great recognition of the work that is occurring at Benedict College via the BLC. Her acknowledgement of the necessity of providing services and resources to marginalized communities highlights the importance of workforce development and equitable access,” noted Dr. Harris.

Where military families, former foster care, formerly incarcerated, and adult learners are inspired to thrive.

Benedict College Announced the Launch of a Statewide Accelerator Program in Partnership with Black@ Labs to Empower a Diverse Community of Entrepreneurs

Benedict College in partnership with Black@ Labs unveiled its inaugural accelerator program aimed at empowering and uplifting entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds across South Carolina. The program marks a significant milestone in fostering a vibrant and inclusive ecosystem, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to turn their entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses.

As a startup launchpad, Black@

Labs is committed to identifying the next generation of builders and equipping them with essential resources, both social and financial, to ensure their success. The accelerator program represents a remarkable step forward in achieving these goals and creating a more inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

“The collaboration with Black@ Labs brings valuable expertise to South Carolina,” noted Dr. Tracy Dunn, Dean of the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of

Business and Entrepreneurship.

“We are excited to partner with Black@ Labs as our accelerator vendor. This team of professionals specializes in working with diverse early-stage startups, and its principal founder has roots in South Carolina. Bringing back a talented South Carolinian to the state to share expertise that benefits the state is especially gratifying.”

“We’re excited to announce the launch of our FIRST accelerator program in partnership with Benedict College! We’re committed to empowering and uplifting founders from diverse backgrounds right here in South Carolina. Our mission is crystal clear: to provide the resources, support, and opportunities needed to turn entrepreneurial dreams into thriving businesses,” said Shondra Washington, CEO of Black@ Labs.

In 2022, Benedict College received $525,000 from the U.S. Department of Commerce to help organize, launch, and operate a state-wide investment accelerator program for underrepresented and minority persons who are in the early stages of entrepreneurship in South Carolina. The grant

was received through the EDA’s Build to Scale program, which provides annual grants that aim to accelerate technology entrepreneurship by increasing inclusive access to entrepreneurial support and startup capital.

“Benedict College is prepared to become a major contributor to the South Carolina innovation ecosystem through this statewide investment accelerator,” expressed Dr. Dunn. “We believe that our program offers unique benefits for our state, the most important being our focus on diverse entrepreneurs who typically experience greater challenges accessing capital to grow and scale their companies.”

The program’s application period is now open, accepting submissions until October 2, 2023, for the current cohort, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to be a part of South Carolina’s thriving and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.

Democratic Strategist and

Political

Commentator Antjuan Seawright Delivered a Powerful Address for Annual Martin Luther King Celebration

Members of the Benedict College Student Government Association (SGA) warmly greeted the Annual Martin Luther King Celebration keynote speaker, Antjuan Seawright.

Pictured above, left to right: Autumn Tisdale, Corresponding Secretary; Makyiah Hails, Recording Secretary; Antjuan Seawright, Democratic Seawright, Democratic Strategist and Political Strategist; Tarondi Bethea, SGA President; Rashonda Rhodes, SGA Vice President; and Navaud Guscott, Business Manager.

Keynote speaker, Antjuan Seawright, received a royal welcome from the 2023-2024 Benedict College Royal Court.

(L-R) Jalen Smith, Mr. Freshman; Levi Garner, Mr. Sophomore; Jordan Wheeler, Mr. Junior; Daelon Adaway, Mister 1870; Darious Rubin, Mister Benedict College; Antjuan Seawright, Democratic Strategist and Political Strategist; Miss Benedict, Morgan Miles; Kleopatra Jones, Miss 1870; Marissa Tisdale, Miss Senior; Tirriney Humpries, Miss Junior; April Elston, Miss Sophomore; and Nylah Williams, Miss Freshman.

Benedict College Tiger Food Pantry receives a generous gift from American Heart Association

The American Heart Association partnered with Benedict College to promote healthier food options on campus.

For students at Benedict College who are food insecure, the school’s food pantry is getting an upgrade thanks to some help from the American Heart Association.

The American Heart Association is working to teach students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI) about the risk associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), a genetic heart condition.

“One of the biggest challenges also with HCM is you see it effect disproportionately African American communities and so that’s one of the reasons why American Heart Association decided to start with HBCUs and also institutions that have Hispanic students, because those groups are sometimes affected so much more by HCM,” said American Heart Association Director of Marketing and Communications, Maranda Williams

According to the association, HCM, is the condition responsible for sudden cardiac death in young athletes. Providing healthier food options on campus is one way to help students stay healthy.

“The Benedict College area around the school is considered a food desert. I think there’s a grocery store maybe one within a

mile radius to the college so that’s another challenge for students sometimes that are in the area to be able to find health items,” Williams said.

The food pantry will now have refrigerators to offer students cold options including fresh fruit and vegetables. Healthy on the go snacks will be offered as well.

“We started out with just small snacks and things that we can just grab and go, but students really wanted more fruit, more vegetables, more healthy things but we didn’t have refrigeration, so we weren’t able to buy those items in bulk,” Kymm Hunter said. Hunter is the assistant vice-president of communications and marketing at Benedict College. She says the school makes sure all students have easy access to food.

“Food insecurity is real, and we understand that and we want to help them as much as we possibly can. We’re trying to be the best of Benedict College, and this is a part of it, offering our students the types of things that they need that may not be able to be provided from their own home,” Hunter said.

Benedict Becomes the First Four-Year College in South Carolina to Partner with SC Works as a Connection Point

Connection Points are computer labs that provide information on how to search for jobs, submit for benefits, and obtain other career services offered through the SC Works program.

L-R: Zach Nickerson, SC Director of Workforce Services, SC DEW; Diana Goldwire, SC Assistant Executive Director for Employment Services, SC DEW DEW; Tammy Bergen, Midlands Workforce Board Director, SC DEW; Rosalyn Tucker, Director of the Office of Extended Learning Center, BLC; Myron Davis, Director of the Veteran Resource Center, BLC; William Floyd, Executive Director, SC Department of Employment and Workforce, SC DEW; Dr. Janeen Witty, Vice President for Academic Affairs, Benedict College; Yvette Stribling, Business Consultant for the Midlands Region, SC DEW; Essie Sellers, Director of Retention, BLC; Dr. Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, BLC; and Fabian Zalewa, Regional Manager for the Midlands Region, SC DEW.

South Carolina to be named a SC Works Connection Point. As a designated Connection Point, community members can come to the BLC to search for jobs, seek new opportunities that will lead to career advancement, and file for unemployment insurance through the Department of Employment and Workforce.

as a Connection Point.

“We are thankful to SC Works for giving Benedict College this excellent opportunity to provide services to our students and community members,” said, Dr Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, BEST Lives Center.

“The partnership aligns perfectly with the BLC’s mission. We are thrilled to be in a position to share educational opportunities and workshops through the BLC to enhance job seekers’ skill sets as they look for employment.”

“Benedict College stands out as the first Connection Point at a four-year college in South Carolina,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “An onsite computer lab, the Connection Point at Benedict College supplies dedicated computers for students and the local community to access career services and apply for jobs through SC Works. Our congratulations and appreciation to Benedict College for leading the way and participating in this job connection program.”

The Benedict College Best Lives Center (BLC) partnered with SC Works as a Connection Point within the city of Columbia. Benedict College is the first college in

On February 28, 2024, Executive Director William Floyd and his team toured the Benedict College BLC to observe the computer lab and learn more about how Benedict’s Connection Point was organized. The College is now featured on the SC Works website (https:// scworks.org/about-us/statewide-centers/midlands)

Benedict College celebrated Black History Month with the Museum of Greenwood located at 106 North Main Street in Greenwood, South Carolina. The Exhibit Coordinator, Marion Smith, selected Benedict College and Allen University as the first exhibit of a series on Historically Black Colleges and Universities titled Reaching Higher: South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities because of the schools’ ties with Lakeland.

During the opening day Smith welcomed, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College, and Dr. Ernest McNealey, President of Allen University to explore the new exhibit. Later that day, the choirs from Benedict College and Allen University performed at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood.

“I am grateful and peacock proud to be

Benedict College Featured in New Historic Exhibit at the Museum of Greenwood

Reaching Higher: South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Part 1 showcases the history of Benedict College and Allen University

Pictured below, left to right: Dr. Ernest McNealey, President of Allen University and Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College

the President of Benedict College and to have her legacy and history amplified in such beautiful ways,” said Artis. “I want to personally thank our Library Director, Darlene Zinnerman-Bethea, our Coordinator of Archives and Institutional Records, Wanda Scott-Kinney, and their team for expertly curating photos and historical items that highlighted the BEST of BC for the exhibit.”

Richland County Councilman and Vice Chairman Derrek

Pugh Recognized Coach

Chennis Berry, Loobert Denelus, and the Benedict College Football Team

Benedict College Welcomed Author

Dr. Carolyn

P.

Jenkins for a Fireside Chat to Launch Her Book about Civil Rights

Heroine and Distinguished Alumna,

Septima

Poinsette Clark

On February 10, 2024, Benedict College invited the South Carolina community to a Book Launch and Fireside Chat with Author Dr. Carolyn P. Jenkins. Herbook entitled, Blazing Toward Freedom: Septima Poinsette Clark’s Story from Slave to Queen Mother of the Movement. Blazing Toward Freedom is framed by historical events told through the words and eyes of Septima Poinsette Clark, a distinguished Benedict College Alumna. Benedict College President Roslyn Clark Artis served as the interviewer for the event.

PURE Theatre Presented the Life of the Civil Rights Leader, Benedict Alumna and Educator

Septima Poinsette Clark

On February 15, 2024, Pure Theatre presented a dynamic and moving play celebrating the life and work of Civil Rights leader, educator, and Benedict Alumna, Septima P. Clark. The play was performed at the Little Theater as one of the College’s Black History Month programs. The storyline of the play was told through monologues, visually illustrated stories, and music. The play honored the moments of Septima’s life that shaped her into one of the most important figures in American history.

Pictured below, left to right: Chennis Berry, Derrek Pugh, and President Roslyn Clark Artis

The BEST of BC Rest in Peace

Mr. Clyde Manigo

Class of 1958

Mr. Clyde Manigo was born June 27, 1933, and after a long, productive, and full life, he quietly transitioned to God’s eternal rest on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

In 1952 Clyde graduated from Bethlehem Central High School in Barnwell, South Carolina. Upon graduating from high school, he matriculated to Benedict College. While attending Benedict, he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 where he served with the military police. Clyde was honorably discharged in 1955 and continued his education at Benedict College and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1958. He continued his education at South

Carolina State University earning a master’s degree in education. Clyde began his lifelong career with the South Carolina State Department of Education as a mathematics teacher at Roberts High School in Holly Hill, South Carolina. In 1990 Clyde received a certificate of service for 32 years of loyal and faithful service to public education in South Carolina.

He was united in holy matrimony to Miss Bernice Barnwell of Bamberg, South Carolina and to this union two children were born, Clyde Darius and Monica. In June of 2023, he celebrated his 90th birthday, and Gill Creek Baptist Church recognized him as the oldest member of the congregation.

As an alumnus of Benedict College, Mr. Manigo was dedicated in serving with the Benedict College National Alumni Association (BCNAA). He was a former president of Columbia Club #2, a member of the Half Century Club, the BCNAA and a 2007 Lula Gambrell Award recipient. He enjoyed tailgating, fundraising, and operating the concession stand at every Tigers’ home game.

Mr. Joseph Elvin

Joseph Elvin Kimpson, was born on September 27, 1932. He graced us with his blessed presence for 91 years. He peacefully transitioned on Monday, December 11, 2023.

Joseph was born the third of four children, in Calhoun County, South Carolina, near St. Matthews. South Carolina, to Melton and Ruth Kimpson.

After attending Calhoun County’s Briarhead Elementary School and graduating from Lakeview High School in Lexington School District 2 in West Columbia, he pursued and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1954

from Benedict College. He then began his professional career as a teacher. Later, he served as a guidance counselor and an assistant principal before being drafted to briefly serve in the United States Army. He matriculated for further graduate study at South Carolina State University, where he earned a master’s degree. He also earned an Administrative Certificate from Converse College and completed additional studies at the University of South Carolina.

He pledged the Epsilon Nu chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and was a life member of the fraternity. Community focused, he was also a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and served his alma mater as a Southern Region Vice President of the National Alumni Association, Benedict’s Alumni Club #2, and the Advisory Board of Benedict’s MATE program.

Ms. Tamara C. Anderson Class of 2006

Tamara attended Redan High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia where she graduated in 2002. She attended Benedict College where she earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. While at Benedict, Tamara’s love for Jesus was on display as a member of the popular

Benedict College

Gospel Choir. Tamara traveled nationally and internationally sharing her faith through song.

light captured her essence giving her the line name, “ KOVERGIRL”. Tamara’s love and kindness towards people were like rivers that would overflow into acts of service towards others. Tamara joined the Jumpstart program which is a national early education organization that prepared underserved children for success. Her participation in this program stirred her heart for children. Tamara went on to serve as a leader for both Redemption Charlotte and One Church Children’s Ministries.

Tamara’s legacy lives on with mother, Miranda Anderson (Stepfather- Johnny Carrol), Siblings, Bernard Butler, Reggie Anderson, Kyle Roy, and

Ms. Camille Antoinette Sherene Mitchell Class of 2025

The gospel choir is where Tamara met her lifelong friends that became her sisters. She was initiated into Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. Tamara’s love and

Camille was an exceptional student, scholar, campus leader, and Presidential Trophy Recipient who quietly transitioned on November 18, 2023. She was a junior Cybersecurity major who represented her native Bahamas with excellence and distinction. Camille was an influencer and a member of the Class of 2025. The Benedict College family collectively celebrated her life, legacy, and impact. We embrace, celebrate, and live life to the fullest in remembrance of our risen Tiger.

Left to cherish her memories are her, Parents: Bishop Cleveland

A and Minister Indiana Mitchell; Brother: Kemel Mitchell (A.J.); Sister: Gabrielle Mitchell.

Garry entered the world on September 9, 2003, and departed on January 12, 2024. The Benedict College Family will continue to keep Garry’s family, friends, and supporters in our thoughts and prayers as he rests in perfect peace. He is Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

Mrs. Julia Stewart DeHart Class of 1948

Julia Louise Stewart DeHart was born June 15, 1924, as the fifth child out of nine in Jonesville, South Carolina to the late Deacon Stonewall Jackson (Jack) and Mary (Candy) Wood Stewart. She entered eternal life on February 5, 2024.

Julia attended Jonesville Public School and graduated from Sims High School in Union, SC. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College in 1948. She worked as teacher in Branchville, South Carolina and Jonesville, South Carolina and later moved to New York where she served 17 years in the Heart Ward as a train technician and Nurse Assistant at the VA Hospital in Bronx, New York.

She was an active member of the Benedict College National Alumni Association, the Half-Century Club, and a Lifetime member of the NAACP. Julia was the first Black person elected to the Jonesville City Council and began a summer program that fed 80 children in her home.

She leaves to cherish memories one daughter, Edith Marie Foster of Jonesville, South Carolina and two sons, Joseph Pharoah DeHart of Jonesville, South Carolina and George Wayne DeHart of Houston, Texas.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Leroy (Jack) Gregg. This union was blessed with the birth of one son.

Bessie began her career as a teacher in the Fairfield County Public School System at Little River Elementary School, Blair, South Carolina. She also was a teacher and librarian at McCroreyListon Elementary School in Blair, South Carolina. In June 1986, she retired after 35 years of dedicated service from educating the youth of South Carolina. During those years, she received many service awards and plaques for outstanding service.

Bessie was an active member of the Benedict College Half Century Club and the BCNAA. Bessie served as Chairperson of the Spartanburg Area Women’s Missionary Society for eight years and was installed as a Sarah Allen Torchlighter on September 24, 2001, in grateful appreciation of faithful service to the Columbia Conference Branch of the Women’s Missionary Society.

The legacy of Mrs. Bessie M. Greg’s life will be cherished by her loving and devoted son, Eesaa Dansby (Danny Boy) Gregg, her three special grandchildren, Morris, Terrance, and Shonna Thompson, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

government for more than 30 years and earned a bachelor’s degree from Benedict College as well as two master’s degrees from South University and Webster University.

Mr. Willie Harrison

Class of 1993

Willie Harrison, affectionately known as “Bo,” went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the age of 75. Willie was born on December 28, 1948, in Columbus, Georgia, he was the beloved son of the late Q.C. and Beatrice Bailey Harrison.

Willie leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories. He is survived by his devoted wife, Angelina Harrison, of 47 years; two sons, William Marcus (Lisa) Harrison of Anne Arundel County, MD, Derek (Latifah) Harrison of Columbia, South Carolina; four grandchildren, Nadiya, Derek, II, Miles, and Leah; an adopted niece.

Willie’s commitment to service extended beyond his family, as he served in South Carolina state

Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Willie was an active member of the Columbia Alumni Club #2 and served as the Benedict College National Alumni Association Chairperson of the Constitution and Bylaws Policies and Procedures Committee.

Willie will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to know him. His laughter, wisdom, and unwavering love will forever be cherished in the hearts of those he touched.

the loving husband of the late Aloma D. Crumpton Johnson, the dearest father of Ingrid R. (Maurice) Knight of Baton, Louisiana and Ivy R. Johnson of Buffalo, New York. He was the grandfather of Nigel Van “Sammi” Jacobs and Giselle Aloma McKenzie Jacobs.

Mr. John A. Johnson

Class of 1966

Mr. John Allen Johnson entered eternal rest July 29, 2023. He was

John was born in Atmore, Alabama and was the youngest of 6 siblings, three brothers and two sisters, and a God sister. John graduated from Oakland Highschool in Haines City, Florida, where he excelled in sports, football and baseball. After graduation he enrolled in Voorhees Junior College in Denmark South Carolina and graduated with an Associates of Arts Liberal Studies degree. He then attended Benedict College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary and Secondary Education.

During his time at Benedict College, he was an outstanding athlete and was honored with induction into the Benedict College Athletics Hall of Fame. John’s accomplishments in collegiate sports provided him opportunities to be engaged in the professional sports arena. He was an offensive guard with the old New York Titans and went on to join the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. John also played in the Canadian Football league with the Hamilton Tiger Cats. While studying at Benedict College he met a fellow

student, the love of his life, Aloma D. Crumpton, a Buffalo resident. Shortly after graduating, they married and settled in Buffalo where they both started their professional careers, in education. John enrolled in State University College at Buffalo and SUNY, Buffalo where he pursued a Master of Arts Elementary School Supervision degree. He launched Vanguard Consulting and Training where he was President and Chief Operating Officer. In 1989 he became Special Assistant/ Consultant to the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In 1993, he worked as Executive Director of the University of Buffalo Office for University Preparatory Programs (OUPP). He went on to the position of Commissioner in the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (NYS OCFS) in 1995 and retired in 2006 after 11 years. In 2007 John opened GAIIN Management Training and Consultant Services, where he is President and Chief Operating Officer.

Arts degree from Benedict College, a Master of Educational Counseling from Winthrop University, and further matriculated at The University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland and The University of South Carolina.

40% African American.

He was an active member of the Benedict College York County Alumni Club, Half Century Club, the BCNAAA and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated. He was a beloved Benedict College Tiger that will be sorely missed.

Rev. Dr. Precious Osbey Roddey Class of 1959

Rev. Dr. P. Osbey Roddey was born in Catawba, South Carolina to the late Theodore and Meta Roddey. He was the seventh child of 13 siblings. Five brothers and six sisters preceded him in death.

He was married to the late Mrs. Teresa W. Roddey, on August 16, 1963, and they shared a beautiful life together until her passing in 2016.

Osbey began his elementary school teaching career in Columbia, SC, taught at several schools in the Rock Hill School District and served as Principal at Fort Lawn Elementary School, Fort Lawn, SC. He also served as Head Start Director and Deputy Director of Carolina Community Actions, Incorporated. He served as Dean of the Manpower Program at York Technical College for several years. For over thirty years, Osbey influenced the future of South Carolina children through dedicated teaching and counseling.

John was an active member of the Progressive Alumni Club of Greater New York, the Benedict College Half Century Club, a BCNAA Life Member and 1999 Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductee. His loyal BC Tiger presence will be greatly missed.

Osbey was educated in the public schools of Rock Hill, SC and often celebrated being a proud graduate of the historical Emmett School High School and Friendship Junior College located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He received a Bachelor of

He served almost a quarter century on Rock Hill City Council and was a legendary civic and spiritual leader in the African American community in York County and the Senior Pastor of Landrum Baptist Church. Roddey was first elected to the Rock Hill City Council Ward 5 in a tight race in 1989. He was reelected without serious opposition several times until deciding to leave the seat in 2013 at age 77. For many years, he was one of two Black members on the six-member council in a city that had a population that was around

Mrs. Rubie Ella Nixon Schumpert Class of 1950

Ms. Rubie Ella Nixon Schumpert was born in Richland County, South Carolina on November 22, 1917. Rubie was the third of nine children born to Sumpter Nixon and Ella Bell Suber Nixon. On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, Rubie departed this life peacefully in the comfort of her home after 106 years of being an educator, volunteer, mother, world -traveler,

community leader, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She lived a beautiful life.

Rubie was raised in a family that valued hard work and education. During her early years of study, she attended Pine Grove Elementary in Richland County, South Carolina; Biddle Street Elementary in Baltimore, Maryland, and Irmo Elementary School in Irmo, South Carolina. She graduated from high school as valedictorian from Harbison Institute in Irmo, South Carolina. Following high school, with a scholarship, she attended Barber Scotia College in Concord, North Carolina and then Benedict College in Columbia, South Carolina where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. Rubie earned her Master of Education from South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Not being a person to rest on her laurels, she furthered her studies at Wake Forest University and the University of South Carolina.

Professionally, Rubie worked to enhance the minds of young people as an educator in public schools. She began her teaching career in Lexington County, where she taught at the elementary and high school levels. Her skillful teaching earned her positions as head teacher and elementary principal. In 1957, she moved to Richland County School

District One where she taught as a mathematics teacher and served as a counselor at C. A. Johnson High School. When presented with an opportunity to support the United States military, she wrote, produced, and appeared in televised lectures designed to aid and support soldiers in mathematics.

In 1987, after more than 45 years in education, she retired from Richland County School District One and returned to her alma mater, Benedict College, where she served as a mathematics professor for 10 years. Education was central to her life, and after more than 50 years, she formally entered retirement.

Mrs. Rubie Ella Nixon Schumpert is survived by her two children, LaVerne (Alphonso) Bassard and LaMaris Mack; four grandchildren, Bartina Lorick Edwards of Charlotte, North Carolina, Darrell Mack of Atlanta, Georgia, Howard Shelton Lorick of Columbia, South Carolina, and Camilla (Silas) Whaley of Columbia, South Carolina.

Mr. John Alexander Gaines

Class of 1964

South Carolina civil rights legend John Alexander Gaines, who spent a month in the York County jail in 1961 after protesting segregation in his hometown of Rock Hill, passed away in Florence, South Carolina. John departed this life at the age of 83 on June 5, 2024. He was born in York County, South Carolina on May 23, 1941, and was the son of the late Ernestine Moore. In addition to his mother, he was preceded in death by his son, John Gaines Jr. His Everlasting memories will be cherished by his daughter, Janee Gaines & grandson, Noah Gaines, both of Atlanta, GA.

Emmett J. Scott High School. In 1960, Gaines enrolled at Friendship College. He was elected president of the student branch of the NAACP and played an active role in ongoing protests in downtown Rock Hill. He organized nonviolence training for protesters and advocated staying in jail rather than posting a bond. They were known as Friendship Nine (9). He continued his activism after being released from jail.

John was a student leader of the NAACP who helped organize many of Rock Hill’s protests in the civil rights era. Gaines graduated from Benedict College and Howard University Law School. He served as a clerk for Matthew Perry, the legendary African American lawyer in South Carolina for whom the federal courthouse in Columbia is named. Gaines came back to Rock Hill before he joined the NAACP Legal Defense team in Florence, South Carolina. Throughout most of his adult life, Gaines was a civil rights lawyer who continued to fight for others.

Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

Gaines grew up on Hagins Street in Rock Hill and graduated from

His legacy as a civil rights leader and Benedict College alumnus will forever live on in our hearts and minds.

Benedict College Alumni who passed

from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Ms. Francelina T. Adams Columbia, SC 2/11/2024

Ms. Wilma Alston North Augusta, SC 10/26/2023

Ms. Annie M. Billups 1976 Columbia, SC 6/25/2024

Ms. Ora L. Blackwell Columbia, SC 10/12/2023

Ms. Theodosia D. Boone Columbia, SC 2/28/2024

Mr. Benjamin Paul Bradley 1969 Columbia, SC 7/12/2023

Mr. James Winard Bradley 1968 North Myrtle Beach, SC 8/25/2023

Ms. Mary A. Bradley Aliquippa, PA 8/1/2023

Risen

Mr. Zhyon N. Burgess Florence, SC 4/13/2024

Mr. Shelton Byrd 1969 Columbia, SC 8/24/2023

Ms. Dorothy Cameron Scranton, SC 2/7/2024

Ms. Gayle M. Chaney Schertz, TX 12/31/2023

Mrs. Benbernetta H. Charles Huntsville, AL 9/17/2023

Ms. Ruth M. Clark 2004 Columbia, SC 6/13/2024

Mrs. Kay M. Coleman 1967 Columbia, SC 9/17/2023

Mrs. Savannah N. Coleman Troy, MI 9/24/2023

Ms. Betty J. Cook Jamaica, NY 1/18/2024

Ms. Clevie Louise Corley Norristown, PA 8/5/2023

Mrs. Blanche S. Cox Fayetteville, NC 5/22/2024

Mr. William W. Crosby 1959 Brunswick, GA 8/7/2023

Ms. Deloris S. Cruz Kingstree, SC 10/28/2023

Mrs. Eleanor W. Cunningham Spartanburg, SC 2/5/2024

Mrs. Margaret M. Cunningham 1966 Greenville, SC 9/4/2023

Mr. Charles A. Davis 1972 Spartanburg, SC 6/28/2024

Mr. Eugene Davis 1971 North Augusta, SC 5/22/2024

Mr. Willie James Dawkins West Columbia, SC 4/15/2024

Ms. Ora M. Dean Grovetown, GA 6/30/2024

Ms. Mary H. Deas Fort Myers, FL 8/16/2023

Mrs. Julia Stewart DeHart 1948 Jonesville, SC 2/5/2024

Mr. Anthony Dreher Columbia, SC 1/9/2024

Ms. Thelma R. Easley 1950 Bennettsville, SC 9/19/2023

Name Deceased Date

Ms. Doris P. Edwards St. George, SC 8/27/2023

Mr. Jimmie Edwards 2008 Columbia, SC 12/28/2023

Ms. Levernice A. Edwards 1993 Florence, SC 6/22/2024

Ms. Tiffani S. Ellison Hartsville, SC 1/9/2024

Mr. Willie K. Etheridge Columbia, SC 2/22/2024

Ms. Vivian Fields 1975 Brooklyn, NY 10/17/2023

Mr. Ralph E. Foster Hickory, NC 9/14/2023

Ms. Georgella B. Foust Columbia, SC 1/11/2024

Mr. Demetre T. Gayle Sumter, SC 1/28/2024

Ms. Marian George Newnan, GA 1/28/2024

Ms. Joyce Ann Gerald Mullins, SC 5/22/2024

Mr. Rodney M. Gill York, SC 3/25/2024

Mrs. Rosa Benjamin Gilliam 1960 Columbia, SC 6/7/2024

Mrs. Montrose Burks Gladman Sumter, SC 12/13/2023

Mr. John E. Gooch 1959 Elyria, OH 1/11/2024

Ms. Diane L. Gore Wilmington, DE 3/26/2024

Mr. Herman A. Greene Myrtle Beach, SC 2/10/2024

Mrs. Bessie M. Gregg 1949 Jenkinsville, SC 6/3/2024

Mrs. Delores S. Moore Haigler 1965 Charlotte, NC 12/17/2023

Mrs. Mary Carr Hammond 1956 Columbia, SC 1/14/2024

Mr. Ted Vincent Hammond Arlington, TX 6/22/2024

Mr. Henry H. Harris 1963 Columbia, SC 4/24/2024

Mr. Andrew Harrison 1968 Charlotte, NC 2/7/2024

Mr. Willie Harrison 1993 Columbia, SC 3/9/2024

Ms. Caroline Henderson St. George, SC 1/23/2024

Mrs. Evelyn Hiller Hill 1963 Sumter, SC 3/15/2024

Mrs. Neverseen K. Hines 1958 Hartsville, SC 11/18/2023

Ms. Margaret Edith Meador Holloway Union, SC 11/23/2023

Mrs. Gloria W. James 1975 College Park, GA 11/30/2023

Mrs. Frances A. Jefferson 1949 Newberry, SC 11/26/2023

Mr. Kayson David Jeter Carlisle, SC 1/15/2024

Mrs. Ellanoise Davis Johnson Aiken, SC 10/11/2023

Mr. John A. Johnson 1966 Buffalo, NY 7/29/2023

Mr. Kenneth L. Johnson Columbia, 5/1/2024

Mrs. Linda Joyce Cooper Jones 1973 Columbia, SC 11/1/2023

Ms. Lula M. Jones 1959 Orangeburg, SC 3/12/2024

Ms. Arlene M. Joyner Columbia, SC 8/5/2023

Mr. John W. Jumper Sumter, SC 2/21/2024

Mr. Robert J. Keitt Holly Hill, SC 3/18/2024

Mr. Joseph E. Kimpson 1954 Smithfield, NC 12/12/2023

Mr. John W. King 1975 Columbia, SC 10/18/2023

Mr. Spencer C. Lancaster New London, CT 10/24/2023

Ms. Salome A. Ledbetter Greenville, SC 8/31/2023

Mr. Joe Neely Lewis 1964 Hyattsville, MD 4/1/2024

Mr. Clyde Manigo 1958 Columbia, SC 8/23/2023

Rev. Ruby J. Garvin Martin 1991 Early Branch, SC 3/24/2024

Mrs. Mary Robinson Moore 1961 Gwynn Oak, MD 7/3/2023

Mr. Courtland X. Morrissette 2014 Summerville, SC 12/11/2023

Ms. Herrinda D. Murdaugh Estill, SC 7/22/2023

Mr. Ndidi Ngozi Osemene 2003 Columbia, SC 8/23/2023

Mr. Robert Parks Columbia, SC 2/11/2024

Ms. Tyesha Peace Pennsauken, NJ 1/17/2024

Ms. Myrna Sherard Pickens 1953 Saint Albans, NY 2/2/2024

Mr. Jarvis Pickering Spartanburg, SC 3/1/2024

Ms. Shirley A. Pinto Columbia, SC 9/2/2023

Ms. Florence A. Prince Cleveland, OH 10/9/2023

Mr. Charles L. Prophet Columbia, SC 5/6/2024

Mr. Charles W. Ragin 1956 Spartanburg, SC 11/28/2023

Ms. Barbara A. Raysor Orangeburg, SC 4/28/2024

Ms. Sharon Rebar St. Paul, MN 12/17/2023

Mr. John Reese Columbia, SC 2/17/2024

Ms. Operdella P. Robinson Florence, SC 1/11/2024

Rev. Dr. Precious Osbey Roddey 1959 Catawba, SC 12/23/2023

Mr. James Ruff 1961 Columbia, SC 2/11/2024

Mr. Frank B. Sabido Lugoff, SC 12/30/2023

Ms. Virginia Salley Walterboro, SC 5/6/2024

Mr. Benjamin Sanders 1960 Upper Marlboro, MD 1/9/2024

Ms. Joan E. Schley Marietta, GA 10/8/2023

Mrs. Rubie Ella Nixon Schumpert 1950 Columbia, SC 4/2/2024

Mrs. Narvie Lee Kennedy Scott 1977 Denver, CO 12/29/2023

Name Deceased Date

Mr. Larry D. Smith Columbia, SC 8/23/2023

Mrs. Hattie Sands Suber 1951 Clinton, SC 10/24/2023

Mrs. Myrtle Walker Sumter 1962 Gifford, SC 11/10/2023

Mr. Anderson Taylor 1967 Estill, SC 12/29/2023

Mr. Dorie L. Thomas Spartanburg, SC 5/9/2024

Mr. Melvin Thompson Winnsboro, SC 11/24/2023

Mrs. Marian B. Tucker 1958 Columbia, SC 4/1/2024

Mr. James Robert Walker Columbia, SC 9/13/2023

Mrs. Lizzie B. Walker Topeka, KS 8/22/2023

Mr. Carmen Yundell Washington Columbia, SC 1/1/2024

Mrs. Amanda Townsend Watson 1962 Lawrenceville, GA 12/8/2023

Ms. Edith Y. Weathersbee Blackville, SC 10/5/2023

Mr. Fredrick Leon Williams Stone Mountain, GA 2/5/2024

Mrs. Helen Davis Williams 1967 Cambria Heights, NY 4/23/2024

Mr. Larry Williams Columbia, SC 6/19/2024

Mr. Melvin L. Williams Charlottesville, VA 5/23/2024

Mrs. Wilmertine Barron Williams Newberry, SC 10/13/2023

Mrs. Gertrude Mingo Wilson 1947 Baton Rouge, LA 6/12/2024

Mr. Patrick I. Wilson Oldsmar, FL 9/21/2023

Mr. Richard S. Wright Greer, SC 7/8/2023

Mrs. Vernell Thompson Young Virginia Beach, VA 10/21/2023

Life Well Lived

A life well lived is a precious gift, of hope and strength and grace, from someone who has made our world a brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, with friendships formed and good times shared, and laughter through the years.

A life well lived is a legacy, of joy and pride and pleasure, a living, lasting memory our grateful hearts will treasure.

-Author Unknown

2023-2024 Contributor’s List

Contributions posted from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024

Founder’s Club Level 5: $500,000-$999,999 Dominion Energy

Founder’s Club Level 3:

$100,000 - $249,999

Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina

Burroughs, Dr. Tyrone A.

The Burroughs Foundation, Faith, Hope, and Love MD3 Foundation

First Choice Sales and Marketing Group, Inc.

Founders Federal Credit Union

Grant, Adranna

Huggins, Dwight David (Estate)

Pepsi-Cola

Founder’s Club Level 2:

$25,000 - $99,999

Baptist E&M Convention of South Carolina Benedict College National Alumni Association

Fields, Vivian (Estate)

Integer Technologies LLC

James, Dr. Albert M.

James, Dr. Dorothy K.

Johnson, Attorney I. S. Leevy Sabb Law Group

Founder’s Club Level 1:

$10,000 - $24,999

Adams, Ethel M. Lorick

American Baptist Home Mission

Blackwell, Douglas Dominion Energy

Bowens, Barbara Jackson

Boykin, Charles J.

Brookland Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Bryan, Wilson Chapman, Franklin

Cheek, Valoria

Edmonds, Janalyn Cantey

First Nazareth Baptist Church, Midlands Baptist Association

Gethsemane Baptist Woman’s Auxiliary, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Good, Teshine G.

Good, Walter L.

Graham, Mary Alice

Hamler, Dr. Elsie King

Hanna, Marion C.

Johnson, Boston

Johnson, Dr. Charlie W.

Jones, Parnell W., Posthumously

Keels, Bessie Jerry King, Dr. Juliet

Knox, Jo Emily Gordon

Knox, Dr. Nathaniel

Miller, Melvin

Miller, Sophia E.

Moorman, Dr. Marsha

Nelson, Eddie, Nelson’s Funeral Home

Njoku, Ogunna, Fannie Mae

Pink and Green Community Service Foundation, Inc.

Prisma Health Midlands Foundation

Rhames, Dr. Ronald L.

Savannah River Mission Completion

Strada Education Network

Strickland, Dr. Haywood, Associates for Institutional Development, Inc.

Taylor Global, Inc.

Thomas, Pearl B.

Thomas, Robert E.,

Thomas and Associates Realty

Virginia Union University

Washington Alumni Club #46

Waters, Emory L.

Williams, Craig A.

Woman’s Baptist E&M Convention of SC

Trustees Club: $5,000 - $9,999

Anderson County Benedict College Alumni Club

Artis, Dr. Roslyn Clark

Belton, Ada Brown

Black, Linda Waring

Bobo, Annie R.

Brown, Rhonda Jean

Brown, Robert Brown, Rosa

Burroughs, Anthony, Bank of America

Byrd, The Honorable Benjamin F. Carswell, Anne R. Cloyd, Kathryn

Cooper River Baptist Association

Felton, Dr. Herman J.

Felton, Linda Littlejohn

Ferguson, Gail D.

Ford, Patricia Davis

Forrest, William Terry

Gaffney, Dr. Mary L. Myers

Gates, Cedelle English

Gibson, Timothy J.

Glover, Sallie

Honor, John C.

Hudson, James P.

Interstate Gas Supply, LLC

Jennings, Curtis B.

Johnson, Toal, and Battiste, P.A.

Lane, Doris R. Walker

Lane, Drefus

Lawrence, Jacqueline D.

Lewis, Dr. Kapauner R.

Makinster, Mike R.

Marshall, Linda Pratt

Martin, Fleda

Martin, Lionel Rick

Martin, Yvonne Redd

McClerklin, Marlene Murphy

McFadden, Dr. Carol Robbs

McRae, Barbara

Messer, Bettie Threadcraft

Morrison, Gail

Murray, Barbara Linda Gray

Murray, Choise A.

National Coalition on Black Civic Participation

National Football Foundation

Panner, Richard J.,

Greater Horizons

Patterson, Patrick J.

Peters, Timothy B.

Porter, Stanley E.

Publix Super Markets Charities, Inc.

Ramseur, Veronica Woodson

Range, Betty D.

Range, King David

Richardson, Dr. Malqueen

Ridgewood Missionary Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Right Direction Church International

Royal Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Sanders, Willis

Second Providence Baptist Church, Mt. Canaan Baptist Association

Summers, Dr. John W.

Trinity Baptist Church, Sumter County Baptist Association

Tyson, Dr. Jesse J.

Voorhees University EPI Center

Walker, Gilbert and Betty, Peoples Holdings, LLC

Warren, Phebie Clyburn

Warren, Attorney Ralph L.

Washington, Christopher

Wilson, Curtis W.

Wilson, Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan, Alpha Kappa Alpha Educational Advancement Foundation

Woods, H. Kenneth

Woods, Sylvia Brown

Zion Canaan Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Millennium Club: $2,000 - $4,999

100 Black Men of Greater Columbia, Inc.

Abrams, Vina Moon

Ackason, Patricia

Adams, James

Adams, Marie Barber

Albert, Dr. Todd

Anderson, Nevora Blackmon

Andrews, Doris J.

Andrews, William

Baptist Brotherhood E&M Convention of SC Bell, Evonne B.

Benedict College Tiger Booster, Central Midlands Chapter

Bodison, Barbara J. Rivers

Bodison, Herbert

Bonds, G. Tyrone

Bradley, Dretcher

Branch, Virginia B.

Brightman, Betty M.

Brightman, Truman

Milliken and Company

Brown, Ethel M. Dunbar

Brown, John R.

Brown, Laura

Brown, Lillian Crosby

Brown, Wallace

Burgess, Dr. Dale S.

Cartwright, Fredoria S.

Cartwright, Marissa S.

Casey, Roderick D.

Central Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Chandler, Jessie H.

Cherry, Charles A.

Cherry Grove Baptist Church

Class of 1980

Columbia Urban League

Criss, Robert W.

Crook, Rose Noah

Dais, Romeo

Dallas, Joseph J.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.

Dobbs, Cathenia Guider

Douglas, Elizabeth J.

DuRante, Betty D.

DuRante, Jimmy

Nationwide Foundation

Dyson, Henry A.

Eaton, Gregg

English, Rosemary Brooks

Ferguson, Lonnie Wayne, Sunset Place

Finlayson, Samuel K.

Finlayson, Virginia S.

First Baptist Missionary Church, Wateree River Baptist Association LD

First Citizens Bank

Ford, Marian E.

Frazier Family Foundation

Friends of Jim Clyburn

Gaither, Romona S.

Gandy Griffin VFW Post 4262

George, Dr. Eugene Ulysses

Gillespie, Robert F.

Gillespie, Selena

Gilmore, Floyd

Gilmore, Virginia Solomon

Gold, Ruth Johnson

Golden, Andre A.

Grant, Jean Barber

Gray, Leslie M.

Greenview First Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Greenville Alumni Club

Hampton, Margaret M.

Hannibal, Zelva Miller

Harvin, Jean Y.

Hayes-Burgess, Leandra

HBCU Times, Inc.

Heart of God Ministries

Heath, Dr. Harris M.

Hill, Azzie Lee

Hipps, Paulette Simons

Hipps, Pete

Honor, Jennifer C.

Hughes, Penelope W.

In memory of Paul Hughes

Irick, Edward J.

Irick, Marilyn W.

Irvin, Chandra Goforth

Jackson, Dr. Charles B.

Jenkins, Marlene Coakley

Jerusalem Baptist Association

Johnson, Charles Bruce

Jones, Mary Primus

Keenan, Gloria J.

Kibler, Elias E.

Kohn, M. LaNelle

Lebby, Lawerence

Lee, Rogerline Hardin

Lemon, Dr. Incentlee B.

Lindsay-Brown, Dr. Sandra J.

Lomax, Lee

Lucas, Hakim J.

Lucas, Rosena Reese

Lumina Foundation

Martin, John

McClurkin, Barbara E.

McClurkin, Theresa O.

McCullough, Robert

McLawhorn, James T.

McNabb, Sharon S.

Milford, Carnell

Milford, Lillian Gerald

Mt. Calvary Baptist Association

Mt. Canaan Baptist Association

Mt. Hebron Baptist Association

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Spartanburg County Baptist Association

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Neal, Dr. Albert Aiken

Nelson, Anthony R.

Old Ashley Baptist Association

O’Neal, Robert

Orr, Dr. Verna

Parker, Geraldine S.

Paschal, Eloise R.

Perkins, Phyllis

Pickett, Gwendolyn Lyles, Bank of America

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Little Pee Dee Baptist Association

Pressley, W. Curtis

Milliken and Company

Prioleau, Peter S.

Progressive Alumni Club of Greater New York, Inc.

RC Mechanical LLC

Robinson, Edward W.

Robinson, Melvin A.

Russell, Dr. Alexander

Salley Springfield Alumni Club

Salmond, Dr. Jasper

Sapp, Dr. Lavenia Morgan

Savannah Valley Goodwill Baptist Association

Scales, Mary

Screen, Jenny L.

Second Calvary Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Selph, Diann

Session, Debra

Smalls, Rondey L. and Juanita D.

Milliken and Company

Smith, Linda Stringer

Smith, Martha S.

Smith, Murray

Smith, Dr. T. Jerome

Solano, David E.

Solomon, Attorney Carl L.

Spartanburg County Alumni Club

Suggs, Tommy

Sumter Alumni Club

Swinton, Dr. David H.

Synovus

Taylor, Robert “Butch” L.

Taylor, Sandra B.

Taylor, Willie Dell

Taylor Brothers Construction Co, Inc.

The Ritedose Corporation

Thompson, Doretha Walker

Thompson, Genice McIver

Tidwell, Ruthine

Trinity Baptist Church,

Sumter County Baptist Association

Universal Benefits Marketing Firm, Inc.

Voorhees College

Washington, Willie

Watkins, Ezelma Boular

Wesley Peachtree GRP CPAS

Weston, Margaret Lee

Williams, Rev. Arnold

Wilson, Darlene

Wilson, Maggie J.

Wilson, Dr. Steve A.

Wilson, Teresa Hendrix

Wright, Girley A.

Zion Baptist Church,

Gethsemane Baptist Association

Benefactor’s Club: $1,000 - $1,999

Abney, Alvin

Allen, Deborah Y.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Omega Gamma

Omega Chapter

Anderson, Yolanda Barnes

Arrington, Ashley

TD Bank

Ash, Rev. Willette Scott

AT&T Foundation

Atlanta Alumni Club

Baker, Bessie Frazier

Bankhead, Arby D.

Barnes, Dr. Shirley Jarrott

BC Atlanta Metro Alumni Club

BC Family Reunion

Bellamy, Debra Finklea

Belton, Nannie Patricia Wood

Benjamin, Nancy J.

Benjamin, Rev. Rubin H.

Bennett, Leroy

Benson, Charles B.

Benson, Thomasenia

Berea Baptist Association

Best, Dr. Darryl B.

Beta Beta Zeta Chapter

Bethesda Baptist Church, Jerusalem Baptist Association

Bethlehem Baptist Church,

Reedy River Baptist Association

Bolden, Lessie

Boseman, Sally C.

Bozic, Kevin

Brantley, William A.

Broughton, Jacqueline V.

Brown, Jackie

Brown, Jeffrey Allen

Brown, Rev. John P.

Bryant, Barbara Greene

Burrell, Carolyn L. Giles

Bush, Clifford

Bush, Dr. Joe A.

Butler, Emma S.

Canty, Ernestine Holmes

Carter, Dr. James E.

Cathey, Jacqueline Beard

Central Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority

Cerling, Penelope A.

Charity Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Charleston Area Benedict College Alumni Club

Chestnut, Eula Frances

Chiles, Sarah James Clavon, Thelma

Clemons, Bonita D.

Cole, Dr. John A.

Cole, Mildred

Coleman, James E.

Columbia Housing Authority

Comer, Brandon

Cooper, Bishop Linwood

Cooper, Major Michael

Crosby, Emma R.

Crosby-Edghill, Linda L.

D. L. Scurry Foundation

Darko, Vina Chandler

Davis, Deborah J.

Davis, Nathaniel

Deas, Theopia A.

Delta Gifts

DesChamps, Mary D.

Duke Energy Foundation

Destiny Limited Partnership

Devlin, Eleanor Free

Dixon, Richard Lee

Doctor, Linda R.

Douglas, Amanda R.

Durham, Irine

Dye, Timothy Maurice

Dye, Tracy King

Eaddy, Allison

Entzminger, Louise

Epps, Joyce H.

Epps, Dr. Ronald

Fair, Janie Ruth Miller

Fairfield County Baptist Association

First Calvary Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

First See Wee Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Forrest, Ronald (Foot’s) Franklin, Dr. Beatrice Gamble

Gamble Chiropractic Clinic

Fulton, Ernest L.

Gaither, Helen Rayford

Garrett, Mamie E. Williams

Gerald, Arma J.

Gerald, Herbert

Gibbs, Dr. James

Gibson, Jane E.

Gibson, Dr. Thelma K.

Gilliam, Ethel McCants

Gilliam, Kimberly T. Gilmore

Regions Bank

Gilliard, Paul D.

Gilliard, Dr. Wanda S.

Gist, Adrienne R. Gist, Donald

Glaze, Herbert N.

Glover, Virginia Ann

Goforth, III, Rev. Arthur W.

Goodwin, Shirley P.

Lady G Creations, LLC

Goodwine, Dale Q., Duke Energy Foundation

Goodwine, Dr. Lula Casey Thompson

Gray, Delores Fordham

Green, Queenie L. Rock

Greene, Tony

Halligan Mahoney & Williams

Harmon, Mary L.

Harrington, Michelle L.

Harrison, Arnold

Hay, Rev. General S.

Hay, Nell B.

Haywood, Dorothy Carswell

Haywood, Harriett Scarborough

Hazzard, Brenda Lucas

HBCU National Center Foundation

Hebron Baptist Church, Tumbling Shoals Baptist Association

Hemingway, Seffton L.

Henderson, Delores

Hicks, Moshell

Hill, Allan A.

Hill, Dr. Jannie H. Clinkscales

Hill, Dr. Willie J.

Holland, Abram

Hoover, Cynthia R.

Horton, Damita S.

Howell, Ernestine Fern

Howell, Lovie Simmons

HUB International Carolinas

Hubbard, Jelain

Hudson, Stephen G.

Hugee, Bernard

Hughes, Jurmelle D.

Hunter, Lillie Bobb

Hutchinson, Henry L.

Hutchinson, Louise Patrick

Ingram, Rayford L.

Ireland, The Honorable Roderick L.

In memory of George and Helen Ireland and Theodore Fair

Jacobs, Michael R.

James, Sandra

Jameson, Doris A. Gourdine

Jefferson, Dr. Tyrone M.

Jefferson, Zona W.

Jeter, Verona Middleton

Johnson, Attorney Althea DeBarr

Johnson, Annie C.

Johnson, Clyde

Johnson, Jack Bruce

Johnson, James E.

Johnson, Rosella

Johnson, Dr. Walletta T. Moore

Jones, Frederick C.

Jones, Jennifer L.

Jones, Dr. Tameica U.

Jones, Tina Sanders

Kearse, Carroll L.

Kelly, Martha Weeks

Kelly, Melvin L.

Kelly, Shirley Whitener

Klugh, Arnett

Dominion Energy

Kyler, Lori

Lamback, Dr. Charles R.

Lane, Brian

Langley, Edna

LCK, LLC

Level, Boyce W.

Little, Costell

Little River Baptist Association

Long, Minnie Giles

Macedonia Baptist Church, Fairfield County Baptist Association

Maree, Sandra A.

Maree, William E.

Marks, Derek

Matthews, Crystal R., Boeing

McAlister, Grace Wilkerson

McConico, Jimmy L.

McCray, Elton

McCutcheon, Donald B.

McGowens, Karen L.

McIntosh, Sonja W.

Melvin, Elaine Dowdy

Middleton, Ernestine

Miggins, Rev. Geraldine B.

Moise, Edwin

Moore, Rosetta Austin

Morant, Dr. Marthena Grate

Morris Street Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Motley, Karen Hardshaw

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church (Jenkinsville), Midlands Baptist Association

Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Mt. Zion Baptist Church,

Orangeburg Baptist Association

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Sumter County Baptist Association

Murray, Octavius L.

Nelms, Dr. Charlie

Nero, Ylonda

Nesbitt, Clark Eugene

Network for Good

North Enoree Baptist Association

Obumba, Calleb O.

Optus Bank

Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Pearson, Maxine Peterson

Pee Dee Baptist Association

Perkins, Thelma Isaac

Philadelphia Alumni Club

Pinckney, Glover, Eutawville Community Funeral Home

Pinckney, Philander

Pinckney, William A.,

SAR LLC

Porterfield, James C.

Posley, Phyllis T.

Price, Deslin

Pringle, Janie

Pringle, Yvonne B.

Rafting Creek Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association LD

Rainbow, Leroy

Randle, Mary Anderson

Red Hill Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD Redmond, Patricia B.

Reedy River Baptist Church, Reedy River Baptist Association

Reuben, Dr. Lucy J.

Rice, John H.

Rice, Wendy A.

Richardson, Gregory L.

Robertson, Anthony

Robinson, Ernest N.

Robinson, Suzette Kelly

Robinson, Torrance

Rogers, Leroy

Rogers, Victoria Rivers

Salem Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Salmond, Jeryl S.

Savoie, Dr. Buddy

Sawmill Missionary Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

SC Office of the State Treasurer

Scipio, Naomi Woodson

Scott, Beatrice Johnson

Scott, Dr. Robert L.

Seawright, Bishop Harry Lee

Seawright, Rev. Sherita Moon

Second Baptist Church

Sharp USA

Shiloh Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Shirley, Dorothy

Simmons, E. Marcella Harris

Simmons, Effie, Johnson & Johnson

Simmons, Mildred

Sims, Herbert

Sims, Sandra P.

Smalls, DeVonne Risher

Smalls, William

Smedley, Harriet Brown

Smith, Calvin P.

Smith, Elease Fogle Parker

Smith, James Frankie

Smith, Laverne

Smith, Sandra D.

Smith-Cardin, Dalphine M.

Solomon, Isaiah

St. James Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

St. Paul Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

St. Paul First Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Stancil, Dianne Allen

Stapleton, Marier Evans

Stedfast Christian Center, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Stevenson, Clementine Matthews

Stevenson, Ottis

Stuckey, Jim O.

Summers, Carlye D.

Sumter, Marvin A.

Sutton, Willie L.

Tabernacle Baptist Church, Enoree River Baptist Association

Talbert, Bryan, Microsoft Corporation

The Deyaska Spencer Law Firm LLC

The Door of Hope Christian Church

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. (Columbia)

The Stanley Law Group

Thomas, Fred J.

Thomas, Greta Allen

Thomas, William L.

Thompson, Sandra Cheatham

Threat, Janet R. Jackson

Tiger Club

Tobin, Bernice Young

Tolliver, Gregg

Union Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

University of South Carolina Foundations

Walker, Thelma Jones

Walker, Wilson “Whip”

Wallace, Lewis

In memory of Annie and Lewis Wallace, Jr.

Ward, Jacqueline Wright, Lexis Nexis

Washington, Daisy Reid

Washington, Ralph R.

Washington, Shirley H.

Weathers, James

Weedon, Jackie Brown

Wells, Jacqueline P.

Williams, Essie M.

Williams, Rev. Dr. John C.

Williams, John R.

Williams, Patricia Evans

Williams, Willie

Williams, Wilma W. Keitt

Williamsburg Missionary Baptist Association

Willoughby Humphrey & D’Antoni, P.A.

Wilson, Carolyn Barr

Wilson, Elizabeth Turman

Wilson, Jarvais A.

Wilson, Roscoe

Wilson, Tammie Hall

Wimberly, Frances D.

Witty, Dr. Janeen P.

Woods, Shaylyn J.

Wright, Rex G.

Yarber, Carolyn Adams

Yarber, William

Venture Club: $500 - $999

Adams, Eddie M. Rivers

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. Omicron Iota

Lambda Chapter

Amaker, Willie J.

Anonymous

Antioch Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

Atkins, Dalton

Bailey, Thelma W.

Baltimore Alumni Club

Barkley, George Ann W.

Bell, Julia Kathleen Ford

Belton, McKinley

Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction Alumni Club

Benson, Melvin E.

Benson, Sonja

Beta Epsilon Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma

Rho Sorority, Inc.

Bishop, Jennifer

Blueprint Strategy LLC

Booker’s Soul Food Starters Education Fund

Bostick, Jilvonnie Littlejohn, Winnebago Industries

Brackett, Attorney Douglas A.

Bradley, Joyce McDaniel

Brockman, Jackie R.

Brooks, Earl L.

Brown, Carolyn Singleton

Brown, Earl R.

Brown, Ivone Gilliard

Brown, Rev. Oscar

Burton, Sandra

Bush River Capital LLC

Butler, Donell J.

Caldwell, Shirley M.

Calhoun, Willye Robinson

Calvary Baptist Church,

Charleston County Baptist Association

Campbell, Ada V.

Campbell, Lalita D.

Caple, Dr. Frances Smalls

Carter, Dorothy Thompson

Casey, Corinthia Simon

Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Reedy River Baptist Association

Chambers, Jacklyn Brown

Charleston County Sunday School Convention, Charleston County Baptist Association

Clark, Lelia T.

Coaxum, Jestine Brown

Cokley, John

Columbia Alumni Club #1

Columbia Alumni Club #2

Cook, Barbara Simons

Cooper, Lavon H.

Cooper, Dr. Noble P.

Cox, Benjamin F.

Cunningham, Paul A.

Davenport, Lamar V.

Davenport, Leona Barr

Davis, Fannie B.

Davis, Georgia A.

Davis, Savio M.

Deas, Edith P.

Dease, Janie N.

DeLorme, Margaret Belton

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Richland County Alumnae

Devine, Jamie L.

Devine, The Honorable Tameika Isaac

Dizzley, Rev. Dr. Leon D.

Drayton, Dr. Ronald Lee

Drummond, Thomasena Trapp

Dunn, Dr. Tracy H.

Dyson, Clemmie Watson

Edward, Gloria J.

Emmanuel Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Entergy Corporation

Erwin, Wynetta B. eTeamSponsor, Inc.

Faulk, Bryon, Boeing

Foster, Pamela M.

Franklin, Juanita

Frazier, Audrey D. Wesley

Frazier, Leon T.

Friendship Baptist Association

Fulmore, Elouise B. Funderburk, Elaine Evans

Gadson, Mertis Deas

Gallman, Dr. Burnett W.

Galloway, Chantil Wright

Gamble, Hayes R.

Gamble, Johnnie Ruth Garner

Garland, Jeffery

Garland, Richard Gasman, Marybeth

Gayle, Dr. Lloyd

Gilbert, Betty J.

Glover, Herman Glymph, Deloris

Grant, Linda King Greater Horizons

Green, J. Renard

Green, Joyce A.

Greene, Idella Hamlin

Gresham, Jayron

Hall, Yvonne L.

Harvey, Linda

Hazy Grove Baptist Church, Little Pee Dee Baptist Association

Heyward, Evelyn B.

Holmes, William

Hughes, Edwina Walker

Jackson, Harold Jackson, Paulette

Jackson, Rosa M. Oree

Jacobs, Lawrence

Jefferson, Frances A., Posthumously

Jenkins, Betty Harris

Johnson, Albert

Johnson, Jeffrey

Jones, Alice Matthews

Jones, Mamie Webster

Jones, Pelham

Kimpson, Milton G.

King, Donna R.

Knightner, Mildred M.

Lawson Grove Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Lewis, Mazie G.

Lewis, Rev. Samuel K.

Lloyd, Daniel Lorick, Laverne

Love, Brian

Lovely Mountain Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Lowery, Curtis

Mack, Mary Ann

Mack, Tommy M.

Dominion Energy

Majority Baptist Church, Spartanburg Baptist Association

Martin, Effie Ruth T.

Mathis, Stephanie C.

Mauldin, Narcio C.

McClary, Frank

McCoy, Elizabeth McNeil

McElveen, Christopher McKever, Marshell

McKinney, Camren, Laurel Consulting Group LCG

McNealey, Dr. Ernest

McQueen, Grover

Mells, Margaret T.

Midlands Baptist Association Woman’s Auxiliary Miller, Carey L.

Miller, Margarette Bell

Mims, Moses

Mitchell, Craig F.

Moore, Corina S.

Moore, Daisy M.

Morris, Dr. Milton A.

Morris, Patricia J.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Association UD

Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Midlands Baptist Association

Mt. Nebo Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Cooper River Baptist Association

Murphy, Linda Brown

Murray, Glenn

National Pan-Hellenic Council at Columbia

Nesmith, Donald

Olive Grove Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Outlaw, Hattie Furgess

Parnell, James Edward

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Mt. Canaan Baptist Association

Polite, Patsy Mungin

Price, Alliean Kennedy

Price, Vincent

Pringle, Dr. Sammie

Prophet, Malshundria S.

Ragin, Febbie Lemon

Reed, Alfred L.

Reed, Florida V.

Reeder, Henry S.

Rice, Ann Singleton

Riedel, Gerard

Roach, Juanito

Roach, Sean E.

Roberts, Crystal Kimpson

Robinson, Mattie M.

Robinson, Virginia Hunter

Rogers, Wilfred G.

Sanders, John O.

Sandy Grove Baptist Church, Kingston Lake Baptist Association

Seawright, Cameron Isaiah

Shady Grove Baptist Church,

Reedy River Baptist Association

Shiloh First Presbyterian Church

Silver Spring Baptist Church,

Rocky River Baptist Association

Simmons, Howard

Simmons, Jacqueline Meggett

Singleton, Rev. Yvonne R.

Skelton, Demazio S.

Sly-Thompson, Dr. Almeta R.

Smith, Dr. Carlos L.

Smith, David Lee

Smith, Lawrence W.

Smith, Louise

Smith, Macie

Smith, Dr. Patricia A.

South Pointe Roofing LLC

Spring Branch Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Squirewell, Robert C.

Stephens, Doris Fladger

Stevens, Dr. Edmund

Stitt, Zandra Perry

Stukes, Dr. Betty J. Caldwell

Sumpter, Queen E. Chappell

Sumpter, Timothy

Sweat, Ethel Whack

The Spartanburg County Foundation

Thomason, Ronald S.

Thompson, Edith Gooden

Thompson, Rev. William Wallace

Tiger West Alumni Club

Trapp, Benjamin

Travelers Rest Baptist Church, Spartanburg County Baptist Association

Tyler, Carol D.

Union #3,

Union Bright Light Baptist Association

Union Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Union Baptist Church, Lovely Hill Baptist Association

United Way of the Midlands

Unity Missionary Baptist Church, Old Ashley Baptist Association

Ware, Lutricia Wright

Washington, Ida R.

Wateree Baptist Association LD

Webb, Edsel C.

Weir, Violetta W., Ameriprise

Wells, Betty McRae

Weston, Annette Powell

White, Barbara Lambright

Whitener, Amarintha Wright

Williams, Freeman D.

Williams, Melvin

Williams, Willie “Bill”

Williams, Willie Mae Fraser

Williams, Zilla M. Hayward

Wilson, Aaron C.

Women’s Auxiliary of the Simmon Ridge

Samaritan Association

Woods, Vernon R.

Worsley, George A.

Worthy, Marietta Ascue

Wracker, Tim

Wright, Fred

Youman, James

Zion Fair Baptist Church, Storm Branch Baptist Association

Zion Pilgrim Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Leadership Club: $250 - $499

A Step Above Heating & Air

Adams, Rev. Dr. Henrietta Smith

Aiken, James E.

Allen, Kimberly S.

Anderson, Hattie M.

Anonymous Donor

Antioch Baptist Association Sunday School

Convention

Ashford, Donna G.

In memory of Milton E. Ashford

Ashford-Carroll, Tami Suree

Austin, Susan

Ayers, Dr. Edwin D.

Bailey, Barbara Mims

Bailey, Gloria W. Gethers

Banks-Burne, Deborah

Barker, Joseph

Barnes, Towanna Ealey

Barr, Charles

Beard, Carl

Belton, Inez

In memory of Charles R. Belton

Bethesda Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association LD

Bethlehem Baptist Association

Bethlehem Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Blakney, Lillie

Boatwright, Dr. Sharon Deas

Bobo, Mildred Seabrook

Bolton, Queen E. Rivers

Bonnette, Clarence F.

Booker, Shirley Dodd

Bostick, Carolyn A.

Bradley, Judy K.

Bright, Audrey

Brooks, Claudette D.

Broughton, Amelia Dicks

Burgess, Jacqueline C.

Burnett, Sharron T.

Burns, Clifford L.

Bushy Pond Baptist Church, Beaver Creek Baptist Association

Cade, Alvin S.

Caldwell, Anthony B.

Campbell, Dawn Mills

Campbell, Earline S.

Campbell, John R.

Capers, Sharon L. Dupree

Carroll, Theresa

Central Baptist Church (Summerville)

Charleston County Woman’s Auxiliary, Charleston County Baptist Association

China, Gail J.

Christ Mission Holiness Church

Clemons, Heyveon J.

Clinkscales, James E.

Clinkscales, John

Clinkscales, Patricia W.

Collins, Drucilla

Collins, Ethel Washington

Collins, Patricia G.

Cooper, Ronald A.

Crum, Roberta

Cummings, Hattie Adams

Daniels, Bertram

Davis, Charles A., Posthumously

Davis, Cynthia Taylor

Davis, Judy N.

Davis, Linda Carter

Dawson, Linda M.

Deas, Attorney John B.

Deas, Lucian

Deas, Lucinda

DeJarnette, Trina

DeVaughn, Debora L.

Devlin, Dr. George A.

Diggs, Clotilda D.

Doman, Dakota

Drakeford, Blanche Rhodes

Eastrich, Larry James

Eddington, Victoria Johnson

Edney, Cynthia K.

Ellerbe, Dorothy Thompson

English, Rev. Janis K.

English, Rev. Joseph, Posthumously

Eskew, Rev. Dr. Elaine J.

Farmer Construction, LLC

Fields-Smith, Genette

First African Baptist Church

Fontenot, Stephanie

Frasier, Mona Lisa

Frasier, Shantelle

Frederick, Jr., Rev. William U.

Free, Rev. Claretha Bellinger

Freeman, Christina Cobb

Friedman, Jean E.

Furgess, Alexzena Irving

Furtick, Shirley D.

Gadsden, Hester Brown

Gaither, Stephen B.

Galilee Baptist Church

Gantt, Barbara Mitchell

Gates, Arlene

George, Margaret Deas

Gethsemane Baptist Church (Blair), Gethsemane Baptist Association

Gibbes, Forrest H.

Gilbert, Joan Marie

Gill, Mary M.

Gillespie, Katara

Gist, Angela

Glymph, Betty H.

Gold, Patricia Wingard

Goodson, Valerie D.

Goodwill Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

Graham, Eunice

Grant-LeGrant, Toria L.

Greater St. James Baptist Church, Berea Baptist Association

Green, Idella O. Hill

Green, Tonya

Harley, Carnella Walker

Harrell, Linda

Harriot, Robert

Harris, Basil A.

Harris, Melody Lee

Hart, Norman

Hawkins, Dr. Sonja Merriwether

Hawthorne, Bessie Magdalene Hunter

Heath, Doreen M.

Hill, Joann Johnson

Hill, Lillian M.

Holder, Jay

Holloman, Anthony

Holloway, Jean Trusedale

Howard, The Honorable Leon

Howard, Norman

Hurley, Kelly

Inabinet, Steve A.

Israel, Wade H.

Jackson, Beverly D. Primus

Jackson, Brenda F.

Jackson, The Honorable Darrell

Jackson, Woodrow

James, Gloria S.

James, Michael

Jeffery, Shaun B.

Jenkins, Karen R.

Jerusalem Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

Johnson, Portia S.

Johnson, Regina Bellamy

Jones, Babette B. Wright

Jones, Ida

Jones, Verlinda Marie Brown

Kegler, Harriett Wells

Kimpson, Maxwell

Kinlaw, Joann

LaBennett, Richard

Landrum, Gerald D.

Lassiter, Cassandra

Lattimore, Aaron C.

Ledbetter, James A.

Lee, Trudie Vereen

Legrant, Toria G.

Lemon, Clyde LeMark

Lemon, Clyvincent L.,

Impressive Motivated Visionaries, LLC

Lewis, Harvey L.

Leysath, Cheryl

Lighty, Nichelle

Lynn, Dr. Louis B.

Enviro AgScience, Inc.

Mack, Mekra S.

Mangham, Cola M.

Mantyh, Chris

Martin, James N.

In memory of parents Aaron and Sara Martin, grandparents John and Effie Martin

Martin, William C.

Masters, Lisa

McCarthy, Winston T.

McGill, Andrea P.

McKie, Violet Martin

Melvin, Betty Wiley

Merriwether-Hawkins, Dr. Sonja

Middleton, Cynthia B.,

Duke Energy Foundation

Mills, Alma

Mills, Teri Lyn

Morris, Barbara Sears

Mountain Spring Baptist Church,

Rocky River Baptist Association

Mt. Bethel Baptist Church,

Wateree River Baptist Association LD

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church,

Mt. Carmel Baptist Association UD

Mt. Olive Baptist Church (Walterboro),

New Zion Baptist Association

Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association LD

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church,

Mt. Canaan Baptist Association

Murdaugh, Theodore V.

Nelson, Elizabeth

Nesbitt, Lula M.

New Bethany Baptist Church,

Mt. Carmel Baptist Association UD

New Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

New Prospect Baptist Church, Rocky River Baptist Association

Nichols, Novella Jeter

Nichols, Paul C.

O’Bryant, Ojetta Robinson

Oelze, Teresa Williams, Varian Medical Systems

Old Macedonia Baptist Church, Mt. Canaan Baptist Association

Orangeburg Orthodox Baptist Association

Pearson, Sara J.

Pee Dee District Deaconesses, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Perkins, Harriet M.

Perkins, James

Perkins, Natalie L.

Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, Enoree River Baptist Association

Posley, Gloria L.

Prestige Title Services LLC

Redmond, Arsandra Lunn

Reed, Mary J.

Reedy River Baptist Ushers, Reedy River Baptist Association

Robinson, Maxine

Rollison, Marwan L.

Ross, Bevelyn

Ross-Alexander, Marie

Rutherford, James T.

Sadler, Rev. Dr. Richard L.

Salem Baptist Church, Rocky River Baptist Association

Scott, Ola Spears

Seabrook, Joyce L.

Sears, Claude C.

Sellers, Essie

Sewell, Maxine

Sewell, Ronald

Shelton, Fannie A.

Shepard, Shirlonda Hambrick

Sheppard, Nobbie

Shuler, James L.

Simmons, Julius L.

Simmons, Dr. Sarah

Sims, Esther Ruth Butler

Sistrunk, Vicky Free

Skipper, Ballery V.

Smalls, Audrey T.

Smith, Dr. Carlos S.

Smith, Earlene Howell

Smith, Genette Fields

Smith, Parnell R.

Sparkman-Key, Dr. Narketta

Springfield, Dr. Dempsey

St. John Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

St. John Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

St. Matthew Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

St. Peter Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

St. Stephen Baptist Church,

Antioch Baptist Association

Stephens, Sallie B.

Stevenson, Kenneth B.

Stringer, Martin L.

Sumter, Beatrice

Taylor, Dub

Thomas, Dr. Eric V.

Thomas, Jamie T.

Thompson, Alice D.

Thompson, Barbara

Thompson, Johnny L.

Thompson, Michael

Thompson-Smith, Barbara

Thornton, Elizabeth A. Lance

Timus, Pamela Leveretter

Tinsley, Rebecca Stephens

Tison, Michael

Toliver, Devon

Tompkins, David

Toney, Teresa L.

Townsend, Willie Mae Bailey

Vaz, Dr. Ansara

Wagener, Reuben O.

Walker, James and Dorothy S.

Walker, William Waring, Kendra

Watkins, Jessica R., Assurant

Watkins, Yelberton

Weinfield, Deanna

Weinfield, Dr. Steven

Wheeler, Richard B.

Whitaker, Sherry

Whitney, Barbara Turner

Whitney, Kofi C.

Whitney, Thelma

Wilder, Victoria P.

Williams, Alzenia Royal

Williams, Rhonda

Williams, Shawn

Williams, Yticcia Y.

Williamson, Chandler F.

Wilson, Marla

Wise, Dr. Carson E.

Wright, Brenda Mack

Wright, Marcus

Young, Connie W.

Youngblood, Tanya Y.

Zion Benevolent Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

Century Club: $100 - $249

Abney, Rev. Willie Abrams, Marilyn

Adams, Ella Ruth C.

Adams, Joseph A.

Adams, Tammy H.

Addison, Frances J.

Allen Mitchell, Cora

Al-muslim, Amiynah

Anderson, Doris D. Jeter

Anderson, Lula M.

Anders-Turner, Derek T.,

Charities Aid Foundation America

Antioch Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association UD

Antley, Neely Davis

Ascue, Pearl

Bailey, William W.

Barnes, Dr. Marc

Barnes, Stanley G.

Bassard, Laverne Lorick

Bates, Lillie Gay

Batten, Victoria Louise

Bean, Linda D.

Beasley, Betty McDowell

Beasley, Willie L.

Bellinger, Rickie J.

Bell-King, Brenda E.

Belton, Jerry J.

Berry, John M.

Bethlehem Baptist Church,

Pee Dee Baptist Association

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Little River Baptist Association

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Bing, Minnie Meyer

Bishop, McArthur

Black, Dorothy Wright

Bland Baptist Church

Blanks, Scott

Blassingame, Dr. James

Blassingame, Shirley McFadden

Bonaparte, Katrina

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Boston, Joan L. McClain

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Boulware, Ann Sumter

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Carroll, Gracie Fulton

Carson, Arnold

Cartagena, Daisy

Carter, Regina S.

Casey, Gloria

Chandler, James

Chandler, Martha R.

Charleston County Baptist Association

Charley, Priscilla E.

Chavez, Alaine

Chenault, Kenneth J.

Chesterfield County Union, Chesterfield County Baptist Association

Childers, Annie P. Amaker

Clary, Paul

Coakley, Sharon Lorraine

Coates, Dr. Marva E.

Cochrane, Deborah

Cody, Viola Wright

Coles, Barbara

Cooper, Barbara Ann

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Corbitt, Aubria

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Diggs, Samuel C.

Douglas, Charles

Douglas, Patricia A. Pratt

Dozier, Cheryl D.

Duckett, Brenda M.

Durham, Rev. Mary L.

Easley Union Baptist Church,

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Edmond, Loretta A. Adams

Emancipation Baptist Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Association UD

Erwin Koch Irrev. Trust

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Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church, Reedy River Baptist Association

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Felder, Isaiah

First Baptist Church (Atlantic Beach), Kingston Lake Baptist Association

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Fishing Creek Baptist Church, Sandy River Baptist Association UD

Fladger, Colette K.

Fowler, Louis

Friday, Arnold E.

Friendship Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

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Gantt, Jacqueline Wilson

Geter, Dr. Leon

Gethsemane Baptist Church, Wateree Baptist Association LD

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Granger Baptist Church

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Holy Nation Church, Inc.

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Johnson & Johnson

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IBM

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Mahoney, Gwendolyn C.

Mansell, Harnetha Johnson

Martin, Joyce E.

Martin, Shell

Mayerson, Connie

Mayfield Chapel Baptist Church,

Spartanburg County Baptist Association

McClerklin, Attorney Horace

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Memorial Baptist Church

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Mills, Magdalene Marshall

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Moody, Regina B.

Moon, Lorretta B.

Moore, Cassius A.

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Moore, Wanda V.

Morant, Charles

Morant, Linda C.

Morant, Vernelle D.

Morgan, Paula R.

Morton, Craig W.

Moses, David J.

Mt. Olive Baptist Church,

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Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Jerusalem Baptist Association

Muldrow, James

Muldrow, Theresa Coleman

Murray, Dorothy R.

Murray, Sidney

Murray, Teleathia Judge

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New Cannon Street Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

New Ebenezer Baptist Church, Charleston County Baptist Association

New Hope Baptist Church, Berea Baptist Association

New Hope Baptist Church, Old Ashley Baptist Association

Newberg, Robin Swett

Newman, Virginia R.

O’Berry, Shannon

Old Field Baptist Church, Pee Dee Baptist Association

O’Neal, Virginia Hall

Paige, Mary M. Weeks

Palmore, George Wesley

Parks, Dr. Michael

Parrott, Carl D.

Parson, Boykin A.

Pauling, Elaine S.

Pearson, Christopher R.

Peay, The Honorable Samuel

Pee Dee Missionary Baptist Ministers Wives, Pee Dee Baptist Association

Peeples, Lewis E.

Pender, Allishia

Perkins, Essie McMorris

Peterson, Brenda C.

Peterson, Wayne

Phillips, Charla

Pierre, Vonzetta Y. Venning

Piney Grove Baptist Church, North Enoree Baptist Association

Pinkett, Demetrius L.

Pinson, Willie B.

Pittman, Beverly Hart

Pittman, Dr. Ezell

Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Reedy River Baptist Association

Porterfield, Rosalyn D.

Pough, Charlene L.

Pressley, Henry R.

Price, Charles

Price, Elmer

Priester, Walter C.

Proctor, Gertrude

Pryor, Joy Shannon

Pugh, Windy J. Ray

Ray, Rinzer

Rearden, Ruthella G.

Reaves, Dexter L.

Reeder, Rochelle G.

Rhema Word Restoration Ministries

Richardson, Beatrice

Roberson, Dorothy

Roberson, Otis

Roberson, Tiney

Roberts, Pamela J.

Robinson, Anita D.

Robinson, Audrey Franklin

Robinson, Delores

Rocky Creek Baptist Church, Rocky River Baptist Association

Rolle, Dominique

Rolle, Marvin M.

Ross, Thomasina Wilkins

Ruff, Doris M.

Sampson, Desiree

Sams, Timothy

Sanders, Louis

SC UpLift Community Outreach

Schofield, Mya C.

Schumpert, Ian

Scott, Jonathan

Scott, Marquita Cotton

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Sears, Jamika F.

Seawright, Antjuan

Shaheed-Ali, Celestine O’berry

Shands, Vonda

Shearin, Laura

Shears, George

Silvester, T. Daniel

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Simon, Cornelius Bernard

Simpkins, Doris Blunt

Simuel, James C.

Singleton, Jessica R. Watkins

Singleton, William

Smalls, Edward L.

Smalls, Jacqueline Logan

Smith, Antwan C.

Smith, Wanda B.

Smith-Jenkins, Ella A.

Sowell, Stacey

Spears, Bernice Cooper

Springfield Baptist Church, Little River Baptist Association

St. Peters Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Association

Starkes, Elaine

Starr, Natrisha

Stephens, Taylor K.

Stewart, Nathaniel

Strickland, Elizabeth B.

Stringfellow, Helen Virginia

Suber, Dr. Sabrina Jones

Swearinger, Orma J. Felton

Sweet Canaan Baptist Church, Rocky River Baptist Association

Talps, Dr. Osceola

Talps, Loutricia Dorrah

Taylor, Lisa D.

Thacker, Nellie

Thomas, Lovis T.

Thomas, Martha Foster Staggs

Thomas, Pamela Wright

Thomas, Phillip S.

Tillerson, Rev. Elbert

Tucker, Margaret Paul

Tucker, Rosalyn

Turner, Derek Anders

Turner, Jeffrey

Union #2,

Tumbling Shoals Baptist Association

Union Baptist Church City, Charleston County Baptist Association

Venson, Bernard R.

Wade, Antwon D.

Wade, Jerome

Wade, Lilla

Walters, Llewlyn A.

Ward, Vivian

Washington, Eugene

Washington, Inez Williams

Watkin, Dianne Lane

Watts, Daphne L.

Webb, Anthony D.

Welch, Akil

Whaley, Lauretha W.

Whaley, Marcella

Wheeler, L. Elaine

Whitaker, Christopher

Whitaker, Janis R. Dupree

White, Alva Ray

White, Carrie Barber

White, Linda F.

White Oak Baptist Church No. 2, Fairfield County Baptist Association

Wilkes, Dr. Marques J.

Williams, Arnold

Williams, Elijah

Williams, Hildergarde

Williams, James Keith

Williams, Jamila

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Williams, Michael J.

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Williams, Stanford C.

Willingham, Dr. Lydia R.

Wilson, Carolyn S.

Wilson, Herbert L.

Wilson, Linda Smalls

Wilson, Velma R.

Wilson Funeral Home

Wise, Margie Young

Woodard, Ethel Miller

Woods, Dr. Geraldine

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Wright, Drusilla Qualls

Wright, Nathaniel

Yates, Dr. Adolph

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Young, Lauretta H.

Young, Shanise

Young, Zena Deas

Youngs Chapel Baptist Church, Mt. Hebron Baptist Association

Zimmerman, Marianna B.

Donor’s Club: $1 - $99

Adams, Anita C.

Amrullah, Maryam Sullivan

Arthur, Bobbie

Ashe, Charles E.

Ashford, Shannon

Ballard, Rodney D.

Beard, Karen

AT&T Foundation

Barnes, Nelda V.

Belton, Kenith Bryan

Belton, Kristopher C.

Bethea, Synthia F.

Bookard, Thomas

Bowman, Willie Mae

Bradley, Naomi L.

Brogdon, Selena L.

Brown, Polly E.

Brown, Rashard M

Burger-VanDerWalt, Evalina

Bush, Myron

Butler, Henrietta H.

Butler, Keisha

Cameron, Eric

Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Tumbling Shoals Baptist Association

Clinkscales, LaTonya

Cobb, Joy Park

Cobb, Kenneth Coleman, Demonta’ R.

Coleman, Kenesha D. Belton

Coleman, Sanquanetta

Commodore, Dr. Yvonne A.

Cooper, Mariscia C.

Crawford, Annie B., Posthumously

Crawford, Eugene

Cromedy, Antuan

Cummings, Darlene

Cyril, Jasmin Wilson

Damon, Regina N. Flynn

Daniels, Mary Ann

Davis, Elizabeth H.

Dawkins, Kenneth L.

Deas, Jimal R.

Dickerson, Frank

Joseph, Cynthia Duncan

Eaves, Dr. Shannon

Elam, Calvin

Evans, Lavern T. White

Farr, Sterling

Flynn, Regina N.

Fort, Darryl

Foster, Shannon N.

Frazier Hall, Camilla

Frost, Kenneth

Fulton, Fred F.

Furrer, Jessica

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Gillespie, Beatrice Robinson

Glymph, Zendre L.

Goodwin, Franklin R.

Gordon, Avigayl

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Green, Jessica E.

Griggs, Louvenia

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Hamm, Bernadete

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Harfield, Ozena C.

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Herrington, Brenda Warren

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Kimpson, Wilhelmina P., Posthumously

Kinney, Wanda Scott

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Lewis, Eva

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Livengood, Keith

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Marshall, Brenda D.

Marta Employee Charity Club

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Parks-Cobb, Joy W.

Patterson, Lonnie

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Pringle, Derrick

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Raychoudhury, Dr. Samir Subas

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Rhodes, Diane D.

Rice, Authurine B.

Rice, Cherae D.

Rice, Evangeline R.

Richardson, James W.

Richardson, Jason A.

Richardson, Naylene R.

Richardson, Theodora

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Rivers, Dr. M.

Roberson, Sonya T.

Roberts, Derrick

Roberts, Taranne

Robinson, Ladawna

Ross-White, Georgia

Sanford, Tamekia C.

Satterwhite

Scott, Delores B.

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Second African Baptist Church, Mt. Carmel Baptist Association

Second Calvary Baptist Church, Reedy River Baptist Association

Segar, Dwayne G.

Seibles, Elena

Shelton, Fred

Simon, Angela D.

Simon, Vivian

Simpson, Malcolm O.

Smalls, Catherine Reese

Smith, Calvin

Smith Wade, Jessica M.

Smith-Perkins, Margaret C.

Smoot, Betty J. Deas

Sorrell, Choicie Drayton

Sowell, Malik

Spry, Kenneth E.

St. Mark Baptist Church

Starks, Brian Chad

Staunton Community Baptist Church, Antioch Baptist Association

Stephens, Kenneth Stevens, Blondzell M.

Steward, Vandria

Stone, Irma C. Middleton

Strong, Elizabeth M.

Stuckey, Debra J.

Sudderth, William

Sumpter, James Bernard

Talps, Golden Zaire

Talps, Osceola A.

Taylor Memorial Baptist Church, Gethsemane Baptist Association

Thacker, Willie Mae

Theodore, Phyllis Renee Singleton

Thomas, Norma D.

Thomas, Vivian D.

Tisdale, Sylvia Epps

Truesdale, Anissa Nichole

Turner, Dennis L.

UKOGF Foundation

United Way of Northeast Florida

Venning, Shannon

Vosburg, Michael

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Wallace, Samantha V.

Walters, Dr. Cynthia James

Ward, Lici

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Watkins, Mattie L.

Weaver, Odessa

Wells, Roosevelt L.

Westbury, Tyrell C.

Weston, Felix A.

Wheeler, Derrick

White, Chris

White, Maggie Veronica Orr

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Willoughby, Joyce B.

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Tiger West Alumni Club

Mr. Gilbert (Betty) Walker

Attorney & Mrs. Ralph (Phebie) Warren

Mr. & Mrs. Willie Washington

Mr. Emory L. Waters

Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary

Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson

Dr. & Mrs. Anthony (Ethel) Bishop Woodson

Mr. Rex Wright

In memory of Joseph Jackson

We greatly appreciate each gift given in support of Benedict College and we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. Please notify the Office of Institutional Advancement of any inaccuracies or omissions by contacting us at 803-705-4743. We regret any errors and thank you for your understanding.

Fundraising and Finance

July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024 Fundraising Highlights

Total Number of Donors 1,873

Number of Donors Who Gave $1,000 and Above 619 Unrestricted Grand Total $1,296,331.22 Restricted Grand Total $2,858,683.56

Total Raised $4,155,014.78

Total Number of Gifts 3,383

Number of New Donors 403

Title III & Sponsored Programs/Foundation Relations

FY 2023 Awards July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024: $18,324,147.41 | Percentage towards

University Engagement Workforce Development Program

Grants to Reduce Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking on Campus

National Center for Transportation Cybersecurity and Resiliency

Collaborative Research: EPIIC: Developing and Eco Engine Jumpstart Kit

Fordham CEDI Center for Cybersecurity Project

$1,099,997.93 Dr. Godwin Mbamalu/ Dr. Gurcan Comert/ Dr. Negash Begashaw

$500,000.00 Ms. Daphne New/ Dr. Walletta Morre Johnson

$200,000.00

Gurcan Comert

$400,000.00 Dr. Tracy Dunn

$40,000.00 Dr. Leon Geter

Academic Affairs/Office of Research Savannah River Nuclear Solutions/ U.S. Department of Energy

Affairs/School of Arts and Sciences

University/U.S. Department of Transportation

LCMC Congressional Grant (RIZE) $25,000.00 Dr. Tracy Dunn Academic Affairs/Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business & Entrepreneurship

Targeting cell Fusion as a novel strategy to tackle JQ1 resistance in triple negative breast cancer

SC

Education, Incorporated

$137,333.33 Dr. Walden Ai

Metal Platforms Project

2022 HPF HER – Benedict College –Duckett Hall

Benedict College Historic District Expansion Project

$130,483.00 Mrs. Leandra HayesBurgess/Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson

$50,000.00 Mrs. Leandra HayesBurgess/Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson

2022 HPF HBCU – Benedict College – Rehabilitation of Antisdel Chapel $750,000.00 Mrs. Leandra HayesBurgess/Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson

2022 HPF HBCU – Benedict College – Morgan Hall Preservation Extension Project Phase III

Nanoengineered Metal Platform for Scavenging Mercury

$750,000.00 Mrs. Leandra HayesBurgess/Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson

SCICU Research Program $8,200.00 Dr. Larry Lowe/Dr. Naima Naheed/Dr. Samir Raychoudhury

SCICU Faculty Research Program

$750.00

Dr. Larry Lowe/Dr. Naima Naheed/Dr. Samir Raychoudhury

of Arts and Sciences

Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities

Endowment Trends

As of the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, the endowment balance continues to show growth over the prior years. The endowment had a favorable return of 13.86% for fiscal year 2024. The College’s portfolio value has increased 52% over the 5-year period (2020 – 2024). The College continues to collaborate with its investment managers on balancing its portfolio and generating positive returns.

*Preliminary unaudited financial data

Benedict College Endowment Trends

Financial Position Statement - June 30, 2024

* Preliminary Unaudited Financial Statement

Last Words by Dr. Artis

In 2017, our Board of Trustees afforded me the opportunity to lead Benedict College through this chapter of her storied history and earlier this year they made an audacious decision to memorialize my work at Benedict in a powerful and lasting way. I will continue to work every day to uphold their trust and confidence in my leadership of this great institution.

As the legacy of this sacred institution continues, our achievements over the past seven years are reflective of the combined efforts and invaluable contributions of Benedict College’s audacious faculty and staff. We’ve also been fortunate to have the unwavering support of our faith community and our network of over 18,000 alumni. To God be the glory for the things He has done!

Throughout this annual report, we proudly present the evidence of a legacy of a Benedict Education that produces Student Transformation. You will be proud to learn more about our faculty achievements and staff dedication. The evidence of their hard work is an environment where students flourish artistically,

spiritually, and professionally. We have been intentional about aligning resources with our three strategic priorities while maintaining a laser focus on student learning and achievement. We are dedicated to the Success of our Students and highlight our Strada Scholars (and others) who participate in student leadership and demonstrate positive impact both academically and in their communities. You will also see examples of Organizational Excellence come to life throughout the pages of this report. Namely, our BEST Lives Center, a newly renovated facility focused on supporting military families, former foster care youth, previously incarcerated scholars, and adult learners. Additionally, our robust Study Abroad programs place students in highly competitive global learning experiences – an audacious step toward International Engagement. These initiatives stem from the goals outlined in “B2: Focus on the Future,” the College’s current strategic plan and demonstrate our commitment to student success, organizational excellence, and

// Benedict College 2023-2024 Annual Report

community engagement.

It is my hope that you are inspired by the transformation happening at Alma Mater and that you are ready to join us on our audacious journey! Finally, let it not be lost on us that this election year will be unlike any we have seen in our lifetime. So, as we stand before the world and claim our rightful place in history let us continue the bold, brilliant, and beautiful legacy of Benedict College. To God be the Glory for the things He has done and for what He is about to do at Benedict College!

Board of Trustees

Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, Chairman of the Board

Mr. G. Tyrone Bonds, Vice Chairman

Dr. Elsie King Hamler, Secretary

Mrs. Cedelle E. Gates, Assistant Secretary

Mr. Anthony T. Burroughs

Dr. Tyrone A. Burroughs

Attorney Valoria Cheek

Dr. Mary Gaffney

Mrs. Mary A. Graham

Attorney James P. Hudson

Dr. Kapauner R. Lewis

Dr. Gail M. Morrison

Mr. Rich Panner

Dr. Haywood L. Strickland

Cabinet

Mrs. Leandra Hayes-Burgess

Vice President for Institutional Advancement

Dr. Sharron Taylor Burnett

Vice President for Finance and Operation

Mr. Anthony Caldwell

Chief Information Officer, Ex-Officio, Extended Cabinet Member

Mr. Corey Clark

Director of Facilities, Ex-Officio,

Extended Cabinet Member

Mr. Yohannis Job

Vice President for Enrollment Management

Mr. William L. Thomas

Mr. Jesse J. Tyson

Mr. Emory L. Waters

Dr. Dorothy Buckhanan Wilson

PRESIDENT & CEO

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis

TRUSTEES EMERITUS

Dr. Willie J. Hill, Jr.

Mr. Donald Rozier

GENERAL COUNSEL

I.S. Leevy Johnson

Mr. Jacob Koon

Vice President for Student Affairs

Dr. Verna Orr

Chief of Staff

Mrs. Martha Scott Smith

Director of Human Resources

Mr. Willie Washington

Athletic Director

Dr. Janeen Witty

Vice President for Academic Affairs

Credits

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO

Dr. Verna Orr, Chief of Staff, Copy Editor

Ms. Kymm Hunter, Content Manager, Assistant Vice

President of Communications and Marketing

Mrs. Gabrielle Montgomery, Graphic Designer

Ms. Jamila Lyn, Copy Editor

Mrs. Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Lead Editor

Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Dr. Sharron Taylor Burnett, Vice President for Finance and Operation

Mrs. Ada Brown Belton, Assistant Vice President of Alumni Relations & Advancement Services

Ms. Valerie Goodson, Database and Accounting

Services Manager

Mr. Dennis Switzer, Sports Information Director

Photography by AJ Shorter, Mauricio Richardson, Terrell Maxwell, and others

Benedict College is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia, 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Benedict College.