fall 2025 commencement
Friday, December 12, 2025 | 10:00 a.m.
Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President
Their Rightful Place
Claflin University was founded in 1869 by Methodist missionaries to prepare freed slaves to take their rightful places as full American citizens. The University takes its name from two Methodist churchmen, Massachusetts Governor William Claflin and his father, Boston philanthropist Lee Claflin, who provided a large part of the funds to purchase the campus.
Dr. Alonzo Webster, a minister and educator from Vermont and a member of Claflin’s Board of Trustees, secured Claflin’s charter in 1869. The charter forbids discrimination of any sort among faculty, staff and students, making Claflin the first South Carolina University open to all students regardless of race, class or gender. Claflin opened its doors with Dr. Webster as its first president.
He came to South Carolina to teach at the Baker Biblical Institute in Charleston an institution established by the S.C. MissionConference of 1866 of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the education of African American ministers. In 1870, the Baker Biblical Institute merged with Claflin University. An act by the South Carolina General Assembly on March 12, 1872, designated the South Carolina State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute as a part of Claflin University. Assembly passed an act of separation which severed the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute from Claflin University and established a separate institution which eventually became South Carolina State University.
The charter forbids discrimination of any sort...
Scan the QR code below to learn about our Presidential Medallion, Mace and the Tingley Cupola.
Claflin has been served by nine presidents:
Dr. Alonzo Webster (1869-1874)
Dr. Edward Cooke (1874-1884)
Dr. Lewis M. Dunton (1884-1922)
Dr. Joseph B. Randolph (1922-1945)
Dr. John J. Seabrook (1945-1955)
Dr. Hubert V. Manning (1956-1984)
Dr. Oscar A. Rogers Jr. (1984-1994)
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale (1994-2019)
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack (2019-present)
Academic Ragalia Inspired by Monks
The history of academic dress goes back to the Fourteenth Century European universities such as Oxford and Paris which grew out of church schools. In the medieval time, both faculty and students were regarded as part of the clergy and wore their caps, gowns and hoods—modeled after the garb of the monks—daily, not just on special occasions. The gown worn today seems to have evolved from the habit of Benedictine monks. In the United States the gown is usually black, and its pattern varies according to the degree held.
The bachelor’s gown has long pointed sleeves, and the master’s gown has an oblong sleeve with the rear part square and front part in an arc. The doctor’s gown in the Middle Ages was often furred, a feature that survives today in the ornamentation of velvet panels down the front and three velvet bars across the sleeve. The velvet is usually black, but may be a color designating the subject to which the degree pertains— scarlet, for example, for divinity. The head covering of academic regalia developed from the skull cap worn to protect
...its color heralding the major fields of learning...
the monks’ tonsured heads in cold weather. In universities, the cap acquired a point on top which evolved into the tassel, and in the United States, the cap itself became the mortarboard. Originally the monk’s hood was worn over the head in inclement weather or draped to the shoulders as a cowl. At first both faculty and students wore it, but early in the Sixteenth Century it became restricted to graduates, and to this day, it remains a mark of a degree holder. Today each college or university
has added a distinctively-colored hoodlining by which graduates may be recognized in academic processions. Symbolically, the width of the hood’s velvet trimmings designates the level of the degree, its color heralding the major field of learning, and its lining identifying the institution that granted the degree.
Colors indicating fields of study by members of the Claflin University faculty are:
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
JAMES A. BENNETT
Executive Vice President and Director of External Affairs
First Citizens Bank
James A. Bennett was appointed Executive Director of External Affairs at First Citizens Bank in Jan. 1, 2024. In this newly created position, Bennett, a seasoned First Citizens banker, became responsible for nationwide community engagement as well as strengthening relationships with state and federal government officials, members of Congress, trade groups and other public policy stakeholders.
“We are glad to have James’ leadership in this significant, new role at our organization,” said Chairman and CEO Frank B. Holding, Jr. “As First Citizens
continues to grow, it’s important that we remain a valuable partner to policy and regulatory leaders as part of our ongoing work together to ensure the strength and effectiveness of the U.S. banking system. James brings a wealth of relevant experience to this position, as well as a deep knowledge of our company, its values and people.”
From 2015 to 2023, Bennett served as Mid-South area executive at First Citizens, overseeing commercial, business and retail banking efforts and leading market development efforts in the Columbia and Aiken areas of South Carolina.
Prior to his duties as Mid-South area executive, from 2002 to 2015, Bennett was executive vice president and director of public affairs for First Citizens Bank – South Carolina, before its merger with North Carolina-headquartered First Citizens Bank.
In 2000, he was named chief executive officer at South Carolina Community Bank (now Optus Bank), South Carolina’s first black-owned financial institution, and spent two years at the Columbia bank before returning to First Citizens. Prior to this, he joined First Citizens – South Carolina in December 1994 as director of community banking, then moving to the professional banking group and then becoming director of economic development.
In addition to working closely with elected officials and the South Carolina Bankers Association, he was appointed by the governor of South Carolina to serve on multiple committees, including the S.C. State Ports Authority, the Education Oversight Committee and the accelerateSC initiative in 2020-21. He served as the first AfricanAmerican chairman of the South Carolina Bankers Association in 2020 and was named United Way of the Midlands Humanitarian of the Year in 2022.
Bennett grew up in Cheraw, S.C., and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he is currently chair of its Educational Foundation. He will remain based in Columbia.
HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT
COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
CECIL J. WILLIAMS ‘60
Historian • Photographer • Designer Inventor
Storyteller of the Movement
Cecil J. Williams is a son of South Carolina whose life has been shaped by light—light caught through a lens, light discovered in truth, and light shared with the world. Born in Orangeburg, he came of age in a time when courage was both a necessity and a calling. With a camera slung over his shoulder, he walked into history—not merely as observer, but as witness, participant, and keeper of memory.
At just eighteen, Williams photographed for JET magazine, chronicling the Civil Rights Movement at a moment when the nation struggled to see
clearly. His images—quiet, unguarded, and unflinching—revealed the humanity of those who dared to stand, sit-in, march, and hope. He photographed Claflin’s students marching for freedom and justice.
Over the decades, his camera has captured some of the most transformative figures of our time, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., President Barack Obama, and countless other leaders whose presence shaped the course of American history.
His journey was not always safe. Williams was arrested twice while covering demonstrations and mass meetings—penalties not for wrongdoing, but for bearing witness. Yet he did not retreat. He also engaged in acts of deliberate, peaceful defiance. In one now-iconic moment, he himself became the symbol, boldly drinking from a “Jim Crow” water fountain—quietly challenging unjust racism. The photograph, stark and unapologetic, has since been recognized for its historic force, often compared in symbolic power to the era’s most enduring civil-rights imagery, including Norman Rockwell’s portrayal of moral courage of Ruby Bridges integrating a school.
In 2015, Williams developed the FilmToaster, a breakthrough film digitization device now used by historians, archivists, and photographers to preserve images with exceptional clarity and fidelity. His work extends beyond documenting history; he has empowered others to preserve their own.
Over the decades, his contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Governor’s Verner Award in the Arts, the Order of the Palmetto—South Carolina’s highest civilian honor—two previous honorary degrees, and a wide range of national, state, and local awards acknowledging his cultural and historical impact.
He is married to Barbara J. Williams, his steadfast partner in life, work, and purpose. At St. Luke Presbyterian Church, Williams serves as an Elder, reflecting a lifelong commitment to faith, community, and compassionate service.
A graduate of Claflin University, Williams has remained deeply connected to the institution that nurtured his artistic purpose. Now, as founder of the South Carolina Civil Rights Museum, he continues to build sanctuaries of memories.
Alma Mater
When the sun of Carolina Mounts the eastern sky, Proudly stands our Alma Mater, On the hilltop high.
When the evening twilight deepens And the shadows fall, Linger long the golden sunbeams, O’er the western wall.
When the Shades of night shall gather, Dark the heart may be, Still the rays of youth and love Shall linger long o’er thee.
Chorus
Orange, Maroon, float for aye Claflin fair o’er thee, *May we all be leal and loyal To thy memory
Words: Etta Butler Rowe (1896-1903) | Harmonized by Dr. Fredericka Young (1962) *Revised by Dr. Isaiah McGee, 2014 | *original text “May thy sons be leal and loyal”
By James Weldon Johnson
Lift Every Voice & Sing
Lift every voice and sing
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun
Let us march on till victory is won.
Stony the road we trod,
Bitter the chastening rod,
Felt in the days when hope unborn had died;
Yet with a steady beat,
Have not our weary feet
Come to the place for which our fathers sighed?
We have come over a way that with tears has been watered, We have come, treading our path through the blood of the slaughtered, Out from the gloomy past,
Till now we stand at last
Where the white gleam of our bright star is cast.
God of our weary years,
God of our silent tears,
Thou who has brought us thus far on the way;
Thou who has by Thy might Led us into the light, Keep us forever in the path, we pray.
Lest our feet stray from the places, our God, where we met Thee, Lest, our hearts drunk with the wine of the world, we forget Thee; Shadowed beneath Thy hand, May we forever stand.
True to our God,
True to our native land.
presiding prelude processional
posting of the colors
hymn (congregation) invocation
greetings
presentation of the silver class president’s address
conferring of honorary degrees
challenge to the graduating seniors
introduction of commencement speaker
Dr. Michelle Mayo Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Dr. Eunjung Choi Professor of Music
War March Of The Priests Felix Mendelssohn
ROTC Color Guard
Lift Every Voice and Sing Lyrics by James W. Johnson, Music by J. Rosamund Johnson
Trustee Rev. Albert Shuler ‘74 Interim Chaplain
Mrs. Lessie Price Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees
Mr. Willie Jude II Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack President
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Ms. Jada Elise Williams Middle Level Education, BS Summa Cum Laude
Mrs. LaKisha L. Warmack First Lady
commencement address presentation of candidates for degrees
conferring of degrees
induction of graduates into the alumni association
Mr. Cecil J. Williams ‘60 Historian, Photographer, Designer, Inventor
Dr. Patrick Stearns Associate Professor of Mass Communications
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Dr. Darralyn Hooker ‘02
Claflin University International Alumni Association President
I do solemnly vow and affirm that as an alumnus of Claflin University, I will do everything within my power to foster the spirit of intelligent inquiry in this University and harmony in mankind in the community in which I live and work, and will act to preserve these attributes at all times.
I do solemnly vow and affirm that as an alumnus of Claflin University, I will propagate and otherwise support the goals of the University and will give moral, mental and financial support, without reservation, willingly and to the fullest extent of my means.
I will, in the interest of Claflin University, assume this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion, so help me God.
alma mater
benediction
recessional postlude
arr. Fredericka R. Young
Trustee Rev. Albert Shuler ‘74
“Grand March” from Aida Giuseppe Verdi
Dr. Eunjung Choi
*The diploma will be issued based on confirmation from the Office of Records and Registration that the student has completed all graduation requirements.
C L A S S O F
Fall Class of 2025
MASTER’S DEGREES SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
dr. tara saracina, interim dean
Gabrielle Jeanine Cannon
Business Administration, MBA | Severna Park, MD
Kingsley Cobbinah-Gyapong
Business Administration, MBA | Orangeburg, SC
Marquel Jaren Henry
Business Administration, MBA | Dayton, OH
DaMauri Lemmel Little
Business Administration, MBA | Miami, FL
Paras Manojkumar Patel
Business Administration, MBA | Elgin, SC
Christian Leonard Sashington
Business Administration, MBA | Birmingham, AL
MASTER’S DEGREES SCHOOL OF EDUCATION
dr. lelia l. vickers, interim dean
Jasmine Kirkland
Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Lugoff, SC
Justin Pierce McKie
Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Columbia, SC
Gervaris Wearing
Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed. | Orangeburg, SC
MASTER’S DEGREES SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean
Ja-Marius Ni-Heem Bethea
Criminal Justice, MS | Simpsonville, SC
Zoe Chandler Brown
Criminal Justice, MS | Columbia, SC
Dawn M. Rowan
Criminal Justice, MS | Saint Louis, MO
Whitney Darlene Scott
Criminal Justice, MS | Greeleyville, SC
Fall Class of 2025
MASTER’S DEGREES
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS
dr. verlie a. tisdale, acting dean
Kurt Abraham
Cyber Security, MS | Orangeburg, SC
Nadiya Brown
Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Blythewood, SC
Valencia Janise Brown Richburg
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC
Candice Bryant
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Sumter, SC
Varnetta Murphy
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC
Kayla Rianna Glover
Biotechnology, MS | Orangeburg, SC
Alice G. Hemingway
Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Marion, SC
AaLeeyah Breona Taylor Housey
Cyber Security, MS | Irmo, SC
Rodney S. Johnson
Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Sumter, SC
Lawrence Ervin Jones Jr.
Cyber Security, MS | Goose Creek, SC
Taylor Christin Lee
Cyber Security, MS | Orangeburg, SC
Shayquell Kiera Monae Mitchell
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Columbia, SC
Khadijah Lynn Phelps
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | Elgin, SC
Harris Renee Roach
Cyber Security, MS | Douglasville, GA
Crystal Denise Williams
Family Nurse Practitioner, MS | St. Matthews, SC
Antoinette Lakisha Wise
Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Sumter, SC
Fall Class of 2025
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
school of business
dr. tara saracina, interim dean
Zaciah Lynea Bell
Business Administration, BS | Rock Hill, SC
Xavier Elliot Burrell
Accounting, BS | Cum Laude | Simpsonville, SC
Makiya Aisha-Kanundra Frost
Business Administration, BS | North Charleston, SC
Andrae M. Fuller
Business Administration, BS | Vance, SC
Courtney Gadson
Business Administration, BS | Holly Hill, SC
Samantha Marie Hughes-King
Organizational Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Latina C. Keels
Organizational Management, BS | Summerville, SC
Kiera Macon
Marketing, BS | Chester, SC
LaTonya Myers
Organizational Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Summerville, SC
Majada Odom
Business Administration, BS | Cum Laude| Denmark, SC
Austin Partlow
Organizational Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Gastonia, NC
Jacelyn Cristina Porcher
Accounting, BS | Awendaw, SC
Breyonna Melekayh Ravenel
Business Administration, BS | Charleston, SC
Wilhemena Alice Summers
Accounting, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Jayla M. Tyus
Organizational Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Jay Steven Loyd Welbon Jr.
Business Administration, BS | Irmo, SC
Alicia Wigfall
Organizational Management, BS | Columbia, SC
Fall Class of 2025
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
school of education
dr. lelia l. vickers, interim dean
Derrion Campbell
Elementary Education, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Florence, SC
Keymara Y. Coleman
Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Spring, TX
Justice Charmaine Foster
Early Childhood Education Administration, BS | Piedmont, SC
JaKeya D. Paylor
Human Performance & Recreation, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Timberlake, NC
Kaleb Jamauri Richardson
Early Childhood Program Administration, BS | Clinton, SC
Sharia J. Washington
Early Childhood Education, BS | Cum Laude | Marion, SC
Kendall Austin White
Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Cum Laude | Temple Hills, MD
Jada Elise Williams
Middle Level Education, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Milwaukee, WI
Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
school of humanities & social sciences
dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean
Dezyre Rayana Anthony
Psychology, BA | Florence, SC
Alon Tawio Barksdale
Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Simpsonville, SC
Za’Neara S. Beaton
Criminal Justice, BA | North Charleston, SC
Jeileel Latrell Benekin
Mass Communications, BA | Moncks Corner, SC
Keondre Jaiden Benjamin
Mass Communications, BA | Sumter, SC
Rebekah Elisabeth Bishop
Integrated Studies, BA | Columbia, SC
Amari L. Booker
Sociology, BA | Roebuck, SC
Kennedy Sanaa Bunyan
Psychology, BA | Beech Island, SC
Natasha Simone Callender
Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Holly Hill, SC
Phillip Campbell
Mass Communications, BA | Greenville, SC
Aaliyah Carter
Sociology, BA | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC
Deondra Lynae Darby
Mass Communications, BA | Orangeburg, SC
Jekiria J. Doe
Criminal Justice, BA | Aiken, SC
Jazlyn Serena Fairley
Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Jacksonville, FL
JoCobe DeQuan Fields
Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC
Caitlin Forkerway
Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Charleston, SC
Justin B. Freeman
Philosophy and Religion, BA | Cum Laude | Clover, SC
Tyler James Greene
Political Science, BA | Rembert, SC
Jahmes Omori Hamilton
English, BA | Silver Spring, MD
Sydney Renee’ Harmon
Criminal Justice, BA | Romulus, MI
Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student
humanities & social sciences
Tri’Shona Danise Harris
Psychology, BA | Myrtle Beach, SC
TaJunae Rachelle Henry-Hood
Integrated Studies, BS | Middleburg, FL
Da’Tashia Maria Holman
Criminal Justice, BA | Denmark, SC
Deja Tiniah Jackson
Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Irmo, SC
Jasmyn Nycole Jefferies
Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Bowie, MD
Shianne S. Johnson-Campbell
Sociology, BA | Orangeburg, SC
Francis Carroll Jones Jordan
Integrated Studies, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Arden Promise Joseph
Mass Communications, BA | Irmo, SC
Nashon Liam Kellum
Political Science, BA | Okemos, MI
Alaisia A. Lee
Criminal Justice, BA | Blythewood, SC
Chandler Cordell Logan
Psychology, BA | Greenwood, SC
Malik A. Lucas
Psychology, BA | Hollywood, SC
humanities & social sciences
Kenyatte Omari McCall
Criminal Justice, BA | Bishopville, SC
Jawandolyn LeQuanda McDowell Psychology, BA | Sumter, SC
Satarius A. McEachern Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC
Anaya Alexandria-Trimaine Mickel Psychology, BA | Rock Hill, SC
Jonkevious Keshawn Morgan Psychology, BA | McCormick, SC
Madeeyah Myrick
Sociology, BA | Blythewood, SC
Jakiya D’Asia Owens
Psychology, BA | Mullins, SC
Jauron A. Pruitt
Mass Communications, BA | Honea Path, SC
Joy Nathalie Randolph
Criminal Justice, BA | Bowman, SC
Eden Rattley Psychology, BA | Huger, SC
Morgan Teonna Richard
Criminal Justice, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Waterloo, SC
Roderick Breshawn Rolland
Mass Communications, BA | Saluda, SC
Kayla L. Scarborough
Psychology, BA | Aiken, SC
Kai-Renay Scott
Criminal Justice, BA | Moncks Corner, SC
Kendall Lashay Singleton
Criminal Justice, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Gaston, SC
David Smith III
Integrated Studies, BS | Cum Laude | Beaufort, SC
Graham Thomas Smith
Music Education, BA | Cum Laude | Saint Matthews, SC
Phillip Campbell
Psychology, BA | Fontana, CA
Kenneth White III
Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | St. Louis, MO
Charvion Simone Whittenburg
Criminal Justice, BA | Columbia, SC
Genesis Alayzia Williams-Hardrick
Psychology, BA | Lexington, SC
JaLasyiana Zibriell Williams
Political Science, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Wagener, SC
Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student
Fall
Class of 2025
BACCALAUREATE DEGREES
SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS
dr. verlie a. tisdale, acting dean
Taylor Akin
Nursing, BS | Elloree, SC
Melissa Danielle Baxter
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Arkida Middleton Bostick
Nursing, BS | Irmo, SC
Stephon Bernard Bowman
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Lakita Nichelle Boyd
Nursing, BS | Lyman, SC
Tiffiney Latrell Brantley
Nursing, BS | Hampton, SC
Bianca Shadashia Breeland
Nursing, BS | Barnwell, SC
Robin Butler
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Takira Canty
Nursing, BS | Fort Mill, SC
Dane’cha Lashyia Chisolm
Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC
April Olivia Collins
Nursing, BS | Denmark, SC
Jasmia Marquelda Conner
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Emily Joann Coto
Nursing, BS | Barnwell, SC
Michelle Renee Davis
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
GeraJanae Elaine Felder
Biology, BS | Summerville, SC
Anaiya Dione Fredrick
Bioinformatics, BS | Rock Hill, SC
Samantha Whittle Gable
Nursing, BS | Denmark, SC
Ebony Bernetta Green
Nursing, BS | Moncks Corner, SC
Odessa Green
Nursing, BS | Smoaks, SC
Shaunta LeVegia Haigler
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Laquita S. Hammonds
Nursing, BS | Blythewood, SC
Annissa Harlin Nursing, BS | Lexington, SC
Brenton Dwayne Hayes Nursing, BS | Augusta, SC
Timika Hayes-Williams Nursing , BS | Hopkins, SC
Debra Lynette Henry
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Amelia Hewitt
Nursing, BS | St. Matthews, SC
Malaina Natali Lakeisha Juanita Jackson
Nursing, BS | Hephzibah, GA
Tajanique Jajkira Johnson
Biology, BS | Sumter, SC
Genesis Jonassaint
Biology, BS | Saint Helena Island, SC
Allanah N. June
Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Salters, SC
Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student
SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS
Paula Sade’ Kirkland
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Nickeya N. Lawrence
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Hakeem Dante Lee
Nursing, BS | Elgin, SC
Jomauria Sa’Keeda Lee
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Alicia Renee Lewis
Biology, BS | Mount Pleasant, SC
Ashlie Lucia Lowman
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Chasity Nicole Martin
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Vivian LaJohn Maynard
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Kimberlin Nicole McGugan
Nursing, BS | Bamberg, SC
Zion Azaleigha McRae
Nursing, BS | Cheraw, SC
Kiara M. Mikel
Computer Science, BS | Yemassee, SC
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS
Michael D. Miller, Jr.
Chemistry, BS | Manning, SC
Shalaya Cherrelle Felder Murray Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Eutawville, SC
Eboni Mashaw Odom
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Cassidy Ott
Nursing, BS | Bowman, SC
Semya Marianda Quarles
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Da’Shanay Ravenell
Biology, BS | Pineville, SC
Caleb Ryland
Computer Science, BS | Lexington, SC
Sharif DaShawn SantanaCobb
Nursing, BS | Anderson, SC
Danielle Marie Savage
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Steven Richard Sexton
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Tiffiney Shonta Simmons
Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC
Mileia Shanire Snipes
Biology, BS | Charleston, SC
Shavon Thomas
Nursing, BS | Powder Springs, GA
Zaire Shobrae Turner
Biology, BS | Hartsville, SC
Mahalia Lynette Tyler Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
Jayla Monea’ Valentine
Biology, BS | Cum Laude | New Ellenton, SC
Brittany Vogt
Nursing, BS | Vance, SC
Ashley Jennice Walker
Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Brittni Wilkins
Nursing, BS | Spartanburg, SC
Ellen Cassandra Wilson
Nursing, BS | Summerville, SC
Sharee Tanelle Wright Nursing, BS | Columbia, SC
Tywan S. Wright
Mathematics (Applied Mathematics Track), BS | Williston, SC
Bailey Williams Young
Nursing, BS | Orangeburg, SC
ACADEMIC HONORS
Academic Honors are awarded at graduation to baccalaureate degree candidates who have achieved one of the following cumulative scholastic averages:
SUMMA CUM LAUDE
With Highest Distinction 3.90 - 4.00
MAGNA CUM LAUDE
With Great Distinction 3.75 - 3.89
CUM LAUDE
With Distinction 3.50 - 3.74
The Gold Stole is worn by students who have achieved Academic Honors distinction.
The Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, a College within the University, offers a stimulating, rigorous learning environment for high-achieving students and for first-year students who come to Claflin clearly prepared for success in their university-level work. The Honors College provides a program that includes rigorous and coherent learning experiences, intense academic advising, cultural enrichment activities, community service experiences, and other activities designed to enhance and develop students’ academic and leadership potential. The Gold Cord is worn by students of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College.
SILVER ANNIVERSARY CLASS OF 2000
Eartha McFadden Ballard
Shakera Iesha Bennett
Octavia Ada Blackwell
Avis Burns Bowman
Edmin Cornelius Brown Sr.
Nakia C. Robinson Cameron
Marlina Hope Johnson Coit
Juvonna Shavon Felton
Nichelle Jamilah Ferrell
Terry Fludd
John Kweku Abakah France
Corey J. Frazier
Ranecci Hampton
Latricia Middleton- Heyward
LaTonya L. Hobbs
Paul Hollington
Kesha Greene Kelly
Laganna Pugh Lawrence
Travis LeVar Laws
Constance Y. Sellers- Mays
Charmaine Quiones Moffatt
La’Shonda M. Elliott-Munnerlyn
Craig Frankie Nelson
Fatima Nicole Levins Nelson
Onita Janeska Nelson
Latica Archie-Oliver
Tennille S. Jean-Paul
Duwayne Pelham
Barbara J. West-Ravenell
Erika Louise Rhett
Nashauna Richardson
Kijuana T. Tate
Tawanaka Nadine Tate
Dale Akwanza Tyson
Jeanine Lunsford Tyson
Vickie Lynn Williams
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
James K. Lehman, Esq., Chair of the Board
Mrs. Lessie Price, Vice Chair of the Board
Mrs. Jessica Aaron
Mrs. Aparna Bawa
Mr. Keith M. Clarke
Bishop Robin Dease, ’92
Dr. Willie L. Frazier, ’75
Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Esq.
Dr. John O. Herring, ’77
William H. Johnson, Esq., ’72
Mr. George Loening
Ms. Janice W. Marshall, ’69
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
Rev. Harold G. Wallace
Mr. Virgil R. Miller
Mrs. Hema Patel
Dr. Trudie K. Reed
Mr. Robert E. Scarborough
Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler, ’74
Mrs. Joan Steward Stevens, ’70
William L. Thompson, Esq.
Mr. John D. Uprichard
(Ret.) Brigadier General Twanda Young, ’89
Mr. Charles Winton
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Ex-Officio
PRESIDENT’S CABINET
Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President
Mr. Reynolda Brown, Vice President for Enrollment Management
Dr. Leroy A. Durant, Vice President for Student Development and Services
Dr. Zia Hasan, Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness
Mr. Willie Jude II, Vice President for Institutional Advancement
Dr. Michelle L. Mayo, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Ms. Mary Oakman, Associate Vice President for Human Resources
Mr. Tony O’Neal, Athletics Director
Dr. Cletra Peters, Vice President and Chief of Staff
Ms. Ashley S. Schofield, Interim Vice President for Fiscal Affairs
Ms. Melvenia C. Williams, Executive Administrative Assistant to the President
GRAND MARSHAL
Dr. Peggy S. Ratliff
DEPUTY MARSHALS
Dr. Nathan Chaplin
Ms. Veronica Cohen
Mrs. Marilyn Gibbs Drayton
Dr. Robert Greene
Dr. Candice Idlebird
Dr. Annette S. Jackson
MACE BEARER
Dr. Johnny Lowery
Mrs. Zelda M. Lee
Dr. Karina Liles
Dr. Nicholas Panasik
Dr. Nesan S. Sriskanda
COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE
Mr. Stanley Baker
Mrs. Sharon H. Briggman
Ms. Nankwanga Cherry
Mr. Joseph C. Cotton
Mr. Dujuan Council
Mr. John Goodwin
Mrs. Sonya Goodwin
Mr. Teddy Hayes
Ms. Helaine Y. Hayes
Mr. Willie Jude II
Dr. Isaiah McGee
Ms. Shirley Hugee
Mr. Muhammad Hossain
Mr. Hayden Hutchings
Ms. Angela Jamison
Ms. Naysha Jamison
Mr. William C. Kropff
Mrs. Zelda M. Lee
Dr. Michelle L. Mayo
Mr. Colin Myers
Dr. Cletra Peters
Dr. Monica Greene Robertson
Dr. Tara Saracina
Dr. Verlie Tisdale
Dr. Lelia L. Vickers
Mr. Melvin Williams
Ms. Christine Wilkinson
