Quick Facts

• Claflin University is the oldest historically black college or university in South Carolina. • The origin of Claflin University may be traced to the founding of the Baker Biblical Institute in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1866. • Boston philanthropist Lee Claflin and his son, Massachusetts Governor William Claflin, provided initial financing for purchasing the Orangeburg Female Institute, where the University is now located. • Dr. Alonzo Webster and the Rev. T. Willard Lewis played prominent roles in securing the site of the institution. • Claflin University was chartered on December 18, 1869. • The Baker Biblical Institute was moved to Orangeburg in 1870 and merged with Claflin University. • The first class in the Normal Department of Claflin University graduated in 1879. The

College Department granted its first diplomas in 1882 to William Lewis Bulkley and Nathaniel Middleton. • South Carolina State University emerged from Claflin University.

Presidents of Claflin University

Dr. Alonzo Webster (1869-1874) Dr. Edward Cooke (1874-1884) Dr. Lewis M. Dunton (1884-1922) Dr. Joseph B. Randolph (1922-1945) – First African-American president Dr. John J. Seabrook (1945-1955) – First alumni president Dr. Hubert V. Manning (1956-1984) Dr. Oscar A. Rogers (1984-1994) Dr. Henry N. Tisdale (1994-2019) Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack (2019-present)

The Claflin University motto, as decided by the Reverends Alonzo Webster and T. Willard Lewis, is: “As you would like that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.”

University mascot: The Panther University colors: Orange and Maroon