Claflin University Commencement Convocation Spring 2026

SPRING 2026

commencement Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10:00 a.m.

Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, President 1

Claflin History

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.

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He came to South Carolina to teach at the Baker Biblical Institute in Charleston an institution established by the S.C. Mission Conference 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...

Claflin has been served by nine presidents: Dr. Alonzo Webster (1869-1874) Dr. Edward Cooke (1874-1884)

Scan the QR code below to learn about our Presidential Medallion, Mace and the Tingley Cupola.

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)

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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

White

Copper

Art, Letters, Humanities

Economics

Olive Drab

Light Blue

Business Administration

Education

Scarlet

Brown

Divinity/Theology 4

Fine Arts

...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:

Lemon

Sage Green

Library Science

Physical Education

Pink

Salmon Pink

Music

Public Health

Dark Blue

Golden Yellow

Philosophy

Science

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COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER

DR. MICHAEL ERIC DYSON Professor • Writer • Preacher • Lecturer • Media Personality Dr. Michael Eric Dyson is a renowned professor, author, lecturer, and prominent media personality. He has also taught at some of the nation’s most distinguished universities, including Brown, UNC Chapel Hill, Columbia, DePaul, the University of Pennsylvania, and Georgetown University. He is presently Distinguished University Professor of African American and Diaspora Studies, College of Arts & Sciences, and Distinguished University Professor of 6

Ethics and Society, The Divinity School, and NEH Centennial Chair at Vanderbilt University.

Dyson has authored over 25 books, including seven New York Times bestsellers. His esteemed literary output earned him the 2020 Langston Hughes Medal, which has previously been awarded to James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Maya Angelou, and August Wilson. Dyson has also won an American Book Award, a Southern Book Award, and two NAACP Image Awards.

Dyson has written bestselling volumes on Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, 2Pac, Marvin Gaye, Bill Cosby, and Barack Obama.

Dyson’s book on Cosby, and his popular volume, “Why I Love Black Women,” both won prestigious NAACP Image Awards for nonfiction. Dyson’s New York Times bestselling book, “The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America,” was a finalist for the prestigious 2016 Kirkus Prize. Dyson’s book, “JAY-Z: Made in America,” was also a New York Times bestseller.

Dyson has lectured across the country and around the world. He has served for the last 30 years as a journalist, media commentator and host, on every major radio and television show, from NPR’s “Morning Edition,” “The Takeaway,” and “Fresh Air with Terry Gross,” to television’s “Meet the Press,” “Face the Nation,” “Today Show,” “Good Morning America,” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.” Dyson has served as a columnist for the Chicago SunTimes, as a contributing opinion writer for the New York Times, and a political analyst for MSNBC, CNN, and Fox News.

Dyson is an ordained minister and a native of Detroit, Michigan.

He graduated magna cum laude from Carson-Newman College with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. He earned a Ph.D. in religion from Princeton University.

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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”

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Lift Every Voice & Sing

By James Weldon Johnson

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.

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presiding

prelude

Dr. Michelle Mayo Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Dr. Eunjung Choi Professor of Music

processional

War March Of The Priests Felix Mendelssohn

posting of the colors

ROTC Color Guard

hymn (congregation)

Lift Every Voice and Sing

invocation

Reverend Albert B. Shuler, ’74

Lyrics by James W. Johnson, Music by J. Rosamund Johnson

Interim Chaplain

greetings

James K. Lehman, Esq.

program

Chairman of the Board of Trustees

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presentation of the golden class

Mr. Willie Jude

president’s address

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

challenge to the graduating seniors

Tiara Harewood ‘26

introduction of commencement speaker

Mrs. LaKisha L. Warmack

Vice President Institutional Advancement

President

Mass Communications, BA Summa Cum Laude

First Lady

commencement address

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

presentation of candidates for degrees

Dr. Patrick Stearns

conferring of degrees

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack

induction of graduates into the alumni association

Dr. Darralyn Hooker, ‘02

Professor ∙ Writer ∙ Preacher ∙ Lecturer Media Personality

Associate Professor of Mass Communications

Mrs. Annette Grevious Associate Professor of Speech/Drama

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

arr. Fredericka R. Young

benediction

Reverend Albert B. Shuler

recessional

“Grand March” from Aida Giuseppe Verdi

postlude

Dr. Eunjung Choi

*The diploma will be issued based on confirmation from the Office of the Registrar that the student has completed all graduation requirements.

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C L A S S O F 12

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026

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Spring Class of 2026 MASTER’S DEGREE

school of business dr. tara saracina, interim dean Siri Nicole Davis Business Administration, MBA | Orangeburg, SC

Jasmine Sierra McNeil Business Administration, MBA | Rock Hill, SC

Darlene Ryant Smith Business Administration, MBA | Norway, SC

MASTER’S DEGREE

school of humanities & social sciences dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean Kyle Solomon Hawkins Criminal Justice, MS | Valrico, FL

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MASTER’S DEGREE

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS dr. hua-jun fan, dean

Courage Iboro Akpan Biotechnology, MS | Gaston, SC

Nyasia Jannira Argrow Biotechnology, MS | Orangeburg, SC

A’nnyya Bryant Biotechnology, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Gabriel Chlebowski Biotechnology, MS | Toledo, OH

Justice Clark Biotechnology, MS | Oklahoma City, OK

Latoya Dionne Davis Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS| Columbia, SC

Monique Eaddy Govan Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Roddrick Huggins Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Evonne Anita Isaac Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Sumter, SC

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Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Orangeburg, SC

KeriLyn Lyon Nurse Leader/Administrator, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Donaijha Olivia Mack Anderson Biotechnology, MS | Manning, SC

Jaylin Alexander McCollum Biotechnology, MS | Madison, MS

Verneda Chonne’ Ritter Biotechnology, MS | Orangeburg, SC

Shi’Niya N. Sims Biotechnology, MS | Columbia, SC

Madison Marie Stafford Biotechnology, MS | Jonesboro, GA

Shelby Marion Thomas Biotechnology, MS | Leonardtown, MD

Laila Winfield Biotechnology, MS | Summerville, SC

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NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Crystal Laquinta Jones

Spring Class of 2026 BACCALAUREATE DEGREE

school of business dr. tara saracina, interim dean De’asia Leshay Agurs Accounting, BS | Charlotte, NC

Sakyia Batts Marketing, BS | Columbia, SC

Qua-Sheia Tasheria Yitesha Blake Management, BS | Salters, SC

Chelsea Ki’ane Brown Accounting, BS | Manning, SC

Jaylen DeSean Brown Business Administration, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Indian Trail, NC

ShaVonne April Lashawn Brown Organizational Management, BS | Columbia, SC

August Catina Campbell Business Administration, BS | Charleston, SC

Caleb Orlando Capers Management, BS | Fairfax, SC

Siri Nicole Davis Accounting, BS | Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

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Nyleia N. Doe Business Administration, BS | Williston, SC

Shanyah Janiyah Durant Management, BS | Hemingway, SC

Marketing, BS | Cum Laude | Hartsville, SC

Kenisha Shantel Green Marketing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Malik Bray Osby Greer Accounting, BS | Cum Laude | Anderson, SC

Charles Albert Hackett IV Accounting, BS | Richmond, VA

Nina LaVon Hall Marketing, BS | Rock Hill, SC

MaKayla J’Lynn Harris Management, BS | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Sye’Mone Zhyia Horlbeck Accounting, BS | Orangeburg, SC

LaNaya Iyanna Jackson Accounting, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Newberry, SC

Naysha Dionne Jamison Organizational Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Tameria Monae’ Kelly Business Administration, BS | Cum Laude | Monroe, GA 18

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Jonathan Flemister Jr.

Madison Rayne King Business Administration, BS | Goose Creek, SC

Eric Javion Fredrick Kirkland Management, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Management, BS | Snellville, GA

Kamali Barika Lewis Accounting, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Ariel Shanaya Lucas Marketing, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Madison Paris Maurice Marketing, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Columia, SC

Ashanti J. Mitchell

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Jaden Scott Lattimore

Business Administration, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Jacksonboro, SC

Ta’Vion Antonio Montgomery Business Administration, BS | Bishopville, SC

Sanaa Amariya Murray Marketing, BS | Cum Laude | Greenwood, SC

Mykayla Chavon Nelson Marketing, BS | John’s Island, SC

Ariana Maria Prioleau Management, BS | Cum Laude | Cross, SC

La Toya Victoria Robinson Organizational Management, BS | Columbia, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

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Joshua Brennan Salter Accounting, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Merrillville, IN

Romar H. Stapleton Accounting, BS | Cum Laude | Greenbelt, MD

Marketing, BS | Cum Laude | Darlington, SC

Smyra Tianna Thomas Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Ridgeway, SC

Aiyana Uter Marketing, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Fort Mill, SC

Kamille L. Whaley Marketing, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Isis L’nya Williams Business Administration, BS | Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Joshua Isaiah Williams Marketing, BS | Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Jayla Woods Marketing, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 20

SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Me’Sean Kazmyr Thomas

Spring Class of 2026 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

school of education dr. lelia l. vickers, interim dean

Aaliyah Yvette Adams Early Childhood Program Administration, BS | Summa Cum Laude Charleston, SC

Myracle Devyne Cobb Early Childhood Education, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Summerville, SC

Ayanna Mone’t Daniels Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Mya Alexandria Hill Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Ridgeway, SC

Emaree Hinton Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Massapequa, NY

Aaron Jackson III Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Hopkins, SC

Aniyah Chantel Jackson Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Magna Cum Laude | West End, NC

Autumn Raynn Hines Johnson Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Florence, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 21

Myles-Anthony Johnson Middle Level Education, BS | Cum Laude | Stone Mountain, GA

Aniya Nichelle Jones

Dezmond McDonald Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Hartsville, SC

Jaylen Malachi Edward Patterson Sport Management, BS | Cum Laude | Charlotte, NC

Ebony Grace Pough Early Childhood Education, BS | Cum Laude | Blythewood, SC

Mi’Kyah Vineice Quarles

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

Early Childhood Education, BS | Greenwood, SC

Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Cum Laude | North Charleston, SC

Natybrion Quarles Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Laurens, SC

Jakarriez Sanders Sport Management, BS | Cum Laude | Dalzell, SC

Jakhia Danesha Scott

Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Paul Smith Sport Management, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Harper Woods, MI

Jolie Clarina Thompson Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Columbia, SC

Sylvia A. Wheeler Human Performance and Recreation, BS | Cum Laude | Spartanburg, SC 22

Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

Devon Jose Whitehead Sport Management, BS | Goose Creek, SC

Spring Class of 2026 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

school of humanities & social sciences dr. isaiah r. mcgee, dean Nassia Er’e Addison Psychology, BA | Columbia, SC

Tierra Lanece Albert Political Science, BA | Waldorf, MD

Ma’Kayla Rachelle Benard Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Southaven, MI

Ikera J. Benjamin Criminal Justice, BA | Cayce, SC

Lenaysa Marie Brown Psychology, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Blythewood, SC

Mar’Keria Brown Mass Communications, BA | Blythewood, SC

Madison Byrd Sociology, BA | Orangeburg, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

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Michelle Ashley Campbell

Xavier Sharrod Thomas Campbell Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Fayetteville, GA

Chloe’ Ranae Clark Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Goose Creek, SC

Ja’Nya Cokley Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Allisan Cooper Psychology, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Tuberville, SC

Cydney Cooper Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Antwan Daniel Cummings Mass Communications, BA |Moncks Corner, SC

Damaia Davis Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Ladson, SC

Will Isaiah Davis Studio Art, BA | Summerville, SC

Layla DeCosta Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Nora DiBonaventura Psychology, BA | Myrtle Beach, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 24

humanities & social sciences

Integrated Studies, BA | Columbia, SC

Kayla Dudley

Camden Easley Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Orlando, FL

Summer Da’Janay Edmond Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Gerald Le’Nard Edmunds Jr. Mass Communications, BA | Winnsboro, SC

Octavia Grace Edwards Psychology, BA | Florence, SC

Amara Kali Ervin Psychology, BA | Rock Hill, SC

Shareka Doneisha Fields Psychology, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Tierra Tashania Fuller Integrated Studies, BS | Santee, SC

Leah Glynn Digital Design, BA | Jamaica, NY

James Edward Goodwin Integrated Studies, BA | Summerville, SC

Velroy Gordon

humanities & social sciences

Criminal Justice, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Bishopville, SC

Integrated Studies, BA | Orangeburg, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 25

Destiny Na’Shay Grant

Tamiah Cor’Janai Green Psychology, BA | North Charleston, SC

Ja’Leah D. Guenther Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Philadelphia, PA

Yasmine S’miya Hall Criminal Justice, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Statesboro, SC

Tiara TyAsia Harewood Mass Communications, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Spring, TX

Laila Tylee Unique Harris English, BA | Fresno, CA

Kemyriah Ernesha Haynes Psychology, BA | Cameron, SC

Tamia Nicole Howard Mass Communications, BA | Newark, DE

Brianna Hunt Marketing, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Conway, SC

Curtis Lee Jenkins Criminal Justice, BA | North Charleston, SC

Evan Ezekiel Jenkins

humanities & social sciences

Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Greenwood, SC

Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | St. Matthews, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 26

Jordan Violett Jenkins

Iviance Tana Johnson Psychology, BA | Gaston, SC

Armani Safar Jones Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Spartanburg, SC

Nyree Chanel Jordan Mass Communications, BA | Simpsonville, SC

Destine’ Lesesne Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Mount Pleasant, SC

Malcolm Lyn Lewis Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Florence, SC

MeAuhre Lewis Psychology, BA | Columbia, SC

Jahsandra Lloyd Political Science, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Zahria L’Joy Manuel Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Hephzibah, GA

Chandler M. Mason Psychology, BA | McDonough, GA

Jarrett Matthews Mass Communications, BA | Greeleyville, SC

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | Hampton, SC

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Antanio McCray

Mason McFadden Digital Design, BA | Cum Laude | Effingham, SC

Isaiah Christopher Means History, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Washington, DC

Micah Mercer Digital Design, BA | Kingstree, SC

LA Shawn T. Mumford Sr. Criminal Justice, BA | Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Joemal Keivion Murphy Integrated Studies, BS | North Charleston, SC

Termaine Nelson Psychology, BA | North Charleston, SC

Grace Eliza Oliver Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Stone Mountain, GA

David Stephone Ikenna Onyekonwu Integrated Studies, BA | Island Lake, IL

Chiamanda Chelsea Ossai Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Quandarius Patrick Integrated Studies, BA | Lithonia, GA Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 28

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | North Charleston, SC

Jordan Va’Nay Patterson

Kashauna Preacher Criminal Justice, BA | Effingham, SC

G’Niah Jane’e Prioleau Psychology, BA | Charleston, SC

Jazlynn Samiya Reed Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Kamdyn Juliana Richardson

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | Cum Laude | Hartsville, SC

Mass Communications, BA | Summa Cum Laude | West Columbia, SC

Madison McKenzie Robinson Political Science, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Baltimore, MD

Courtne’ LaShaun Scott Sociology, BA | Gadsden, SC

Bethany Moriah Scriven Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Leayzia Shiver Criminal Justice, BA | Columbia, SC

Armarni Simmons English, BA | Cum Laude | Ladson, SC

Tariq Singletary Integrated Studies, BS | Orangeburg, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

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Alexis N. Singleton

Kyra Elaina Smith History, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Aiken, SC

Tyler Tyhiere Starks Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Samaria Shiane Strickland Criminal Justice, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Whitney Stroman Studio Art, BA | Orangeburg, SC

Mason Summers Digital Design, BA | Saint George, SC

Ishawdria Sumpter Psychology, BA | North Charleston, SC

Latricia Ann Thomas Digital Design, BA | Cum Laude | Augusta, GA

Janelle Unique Waring Psychology, BA | North Charleston, SC

Jordan Allen Watson Integrated Studies, BS | Columbia, SC

Abbriel Daphne Carmen Weathersby English, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Detroit, MI Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 30

humanities & social sciences

Mass Communications, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Charleston, SC

Tamarion Dre’shawn West

Kendall Alexis White Studio Art, BA | Decatur, GA

Kourtney K. White English, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Newnan, GA

Shamirra Kanique White Criminal Justice, BA | Magna Cum Laude | Florence, SC

Erica Janine Wiggins Psychology, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Angie, LA

Christopher Williams Integrated Studies, BA | Saint George, SC

Melody Amani Woodruff Political Science, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Boiling Springs, SC

Erica Monia Woods

humanities & social sciences

Psychology, BA | Leesville, SC

Mass Communications, BA | Summa Cum Laude | Spartanburg, SC

Darius Tyrell Wright Digital Design, BA | Cum Laude | Summerville, SC

Trinity Aeriel Yon Psychology, BA | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 31

Spring Class of 2026 BACCALAUREATE DEGREES

SCHOOL OF NATURAL SCIENCES & MATHEMATICS dr. hua-jun fan, dean Ian Adams Computer Science, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Port Antonio

Caleb Emmanuel Oluwafemi Akintayo Computer Science, BS | Lawrenceville, GA

Amae Enoryt Antley Biology, BS | Blythewood, SC

Ricardo Barnes Computer Science, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Manchioneal

Caliese Jayda Beckford Bioinformatics, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Destiny Aaliyah Blassingame Management Information Science, BS | Cum Laude | Greenville, SC

Derrick L. Brown II Biology, BS | Florence, SC

Savion Jerard Brown Computer Science, BS | Cum Laude | Charlotte, NC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 32

Denotes Posthumous Degree

Pheijana Latonya Burnside Biology, BS | Greenville, SC

Kameron Carter Computer Science, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Kamara Lea Chima Computer Science, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Gaithersburg, MD

Germari K. Cull Chemistry, BS | Jacksonville, FL

Brandon Lee Davis Biology, BS | Lake City, SC

Zecariya Shynee’ Fenwick Biochemistry, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Waldorf, MD

Jada Jania Fickling Biochemistry, BS | North Charleston, SC

Felicia Rayana Forrester Computer Science, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

La’Kaysha Cherelle Governor Biology, BS | Saint Stephen, SC

Alexia Samone Grant Mathematics, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Charleston, SC

Danielle Iman Griffiths Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Walterboro, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student Denotes Posthumous Degree

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Biology, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Laila Evelyn Ham Biology, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Inderah A. Hendricks Biochemistry, BS | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Alyssa Xaria ReJahn Holmes-Gethers Biology, BS | Georgetown, SC

Payton Synclair Hope Biology, BS | Rock Hill, SC

Chibuikem Abal Ikwechegh Computer Science, BS | Cum Laude | Winston-Salem, NC

Lashondra Monique Johnson Biology, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Anthony Lamarcus Jones Biotechnology, BS | Bamberg, SC

Jamya Alayjah Kennedy Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Winnsboro, SC

Kimora Leverette Biochemistry, BS | Aiken, SC

Aaliyah Nichole Lewis Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Mount Pleasant, SC Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 34

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Kaitlin Elizabeth Ham

Management Information Science, BS | Florence, SC

Alexander Scott-Mills Mathematics, BS | Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Jayques Agustus Nelson Mathematics, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Subash Neupane Computer Science, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Nkemakulen C. Ojeh Computer Engineering, BS | Marietta, GA

Nmesomachukwu April Ossai Computer Science, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Jaevon Riley Computer Engineering, BS | Columbia, SC

Latrevia Tre’Ronda Robinson Biotechnology, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Columbia, SC

Ronisha Ciara Rush Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Washington, DC

Khadijah Amatullah Salam Biology, BS | Summerville, SC

Amrinder Singh Computer Science, BS | Summa Cum Laude | Ludhiana Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Samaria Jahieal McFadden

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Biology, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Summerville, SC

Karrington Alexander Stanley Computer Engineering, BS | Cum Laude | Irmo, SC

Tayla Tamoni Starks Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Orangeburg, SC

Ojochide Ifeoluwa Usman-Aguda Computer Science, BS | Magna Cum Laude | East Pointe, GA

Miriam J. Vereen Biochemistry, BS | Hemingway, SC

Shaniah Marie Weston Management Information Science, BS | Georgetown, SC

Anfrene Jameel White Computer Engineering, BS | Orangeburg, SC

Virginia Amani White Biology, BS | Magna Cum Laude | Marion, SC

Danaisha Renee Emoni Wrighten Biology, BS | Summerville, SC

Taqaisha Jana-Emoree Wrighten Biology, BS | Cum Laude | Summerville, SC

Denotes Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College Student 36

NATURAL SCIENCES AND MATHMATICS

Naturel Simone Smith-Lofton

Congratulations

2026 class of

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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.

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Betty Ann Adams Anderson Loretta Martino Anderson Betty A. Barr Alice Marie Behlin Lula Elaine Bell Gwendolyn Boyd Bright James Ronald Brown Donna J. Chisolm Lawrence Dagadu Dianne Darby Linda C. Dogan Fredrick DuBois Joyce V. Grant Gamble Benjamin F. Grate Nathaniel Haynes, Jr. Ferdenia Brown Haywood Barney Reece Jackson Alvin C. Jones Portia Lynette Jones Jennings Sheila Gadson Kennedy Janice Kitt King Matlean Thomas Knotts Nancy Perry Laribo Maurice Valentino Mitchell Joann Martin Nesbitt Jestine L. Pelzer Josie Reed Pough Mary Butler Pressley Gail Allen Richardson Margaree Jenkins Richardson Sam Willie Richardson Berty Ruth Riley Howard Bernard Risher Hazel Bonaparte Simmons Walter Lee Sumter Karen Lynn Alford Walton Jacquelyn Ford Williams 39

BOARD OF TRUSTEES James K. Lehman, Esq., Chair of the Board

Mr. Virgil R. Miller

Mrs. Lessie Price, Vice Chair of the Board

Mrs. Hema Patel

Mrs. Jessica Aaron

Dr. Trudie K. Reed

Mrs. Aparna Bawa

Mr. Robert E. Scarborough

Mr. Keith M. Clarke

Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler, ’74

Bishop Robin Dease, ’92

Mrs. Joan Steward Stevens, ’70vvv

Dr. Willie L. Frazier, ’75

William L. Thompson, Esq.

Artis Hampshire-Cowan, Esq.

Mr. John D. Uprichard

Dr. John O. Herring, ’77

(Ret.) Brigadier General Twanda Young, ’89

William H. Johnson, Esq., ’72

Mr. Charles Winton

Mr. George Loening

Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, Ex-Officio

Ms. Janice W. Marshall, ’69

TRUSTEE EMERITUS Rev. Harold G. Wallace

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

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GRAND MARSHAL Dr. Peggy S. Ratliff

DEPUTY MARSHALS Dr. Mahalah Bowman-Campbell Dr. Nathan Chaplin Ms. Veronica Cohen Mrs. Marilyn Gibbs Drayton Dr. Hua-Jun S. Fan Dr. Robert Greene Mrs. Zelda M. Lee Dr. Karina Liles

Dr. Isaiah R. McGee Dr. Nicholas Panasik Dr. Tara Saracina Dr. Nesan S. Sriskanda Dr. Annette S. Jackson Dr. Nesan Sriskanda Dr. Lelia Vickers

MACE BEARER Dr. Johnny Lowery

COMMENCEMENT COMMITTEE Mr. Stanley Baker Mrs. Sharon H. Briggman Mr. Reynolda Brown Ms. Nankwanga Cherry Mr. Joseph C. Cotton Dr. Arthur Doctor Dr. Leroy Durant Dr. Hua-Jun S. Fan Captain John Goodwin Mrs. Sonya Goodwin Mr. Teddy Hayes Ms. Helaine Y. Hayes Ms. Shirley Hugee Mr. Muhammad Hossain Mr. Hayden Hutchings

Mr. Eric E. Jackson Ms. Angela Jamison Mr. Willie Jude II Mrs. Zelda M. Lee Dr. Isaiah McGee Mr. Colin Myers Mr. Rashad Paige Dr. Monica Greene Robertson Dr. Tara Saracina Ms. Ashley Schofield Dr. Verlie Tisdale Dr. Leila Vickers Ms. Christine Wilkinson Director Melvin Williams

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400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115 44

www.claflin.edu