@Claflin: - 17.4 Million to Support New Building, 5G Service

January 13, 2023

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin University Receives More Than $17.4 Million to Support

Construction of a New Science and Technology Center

Elevation and Transformation is more than a catchphrase at Claflin University. It describes how Claflin's exceptional academic programs, curricular innovation, and prodigious research have equipped students with the knowledge and skills necessary to launch successful careers in the global workforce of the 21st century.

It also reflects Claflin's growing reputation as a premier liberal arts college/university and the University's widely heralded STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) agenda. Claflin's focus on expanding its STEM programs received a major boost when South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn announced that the federal budget passed by Congress included $17,417,000 to support the construction of a new science and technology center at the University. The funds will assist Claflin with establishing a new state-of-the-art research facility that will increase the University's capacity to conduct research in emerging bioscience areas, environmental science, and cybersecurity.

"We cannot thank Congressman James Clyburn (D-6th District, House Majority Whip) enough for recognizing how important a new science and technology center will be to Claflin, the state of South Carolina, and our aspirations for increasing research opportunities for our faculty, staff, and students," said Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack. "This grant is an investment that will provide Claflin with the resources and the potential to lead research in critical areas that impact our nation and the world."

In a release from his office, Clyburn stated that the funding package includes some basic and essential investments in local communities that help make the promise of America more accessible and affordable for all.

"I strive to provide essential support to the communities I represent, especially those that have been systemically and historically neglected," Clyburn said.

Warmack believes the training Claflin students in bioscience, environmental science, and cybersecurity receive will provide long-term economic benefits and solid foundations for research in top-tier graduate study programs and successful careers with major technology companies.

"The academic programs for advanced scientific and technology programs are currently in place," Warmack said. "These funds will be used to build a new science and technology facility equipped with laboratories to advance research for faculty, staff, and students. Our vision is to promote highly innovative academic research that will foster industry collaboration and support."

Claflin's School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics has strategically crafted an enhanced vision of academic programs emphasizing research, scholarly contributions, and creative activity to increase student preparedness. The new science and technology center will expand the in-house research infrastructure to allow more students to participate in bench-top cutting-edge research. Claflin hopes to create a pipeline for globally competitive STEM majors to research opportunities with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a division within the Department of Commerce that is also one of the nation's oldest physical science laboratories. The new center will expand the capabilities of faculty to work with students as researchers and scholars.

“This grant will provide us with a facility that can accommodate our more advanced equipment and instruments that are incompatible with the operating systems in the James S. Thomas Science Center,” said Dr. Verlie Tisdale, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and interim vice provost for academic programs.

“We will have a state-of-the-art teaching, learning, and research center that will allow us to utilize newer biotechnology, computer science, and robotics technologies. The new center will bolster our STEM agenda and make us more competitive for new and existing grants for research projects. It will also contribute to our mission of producing the next generation of dynamic innovators and highly skilled researchers.”

National accreditations and impressive national rankings have fueled Claflin's trajectory on the higher education landscape. The University received reaffirmation of accreditation from The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) in December 2022.

Claflin's accredited programs in STEM include the University's Department of Chemistry, recognized by the American Chemistry Society (ACS) as offering ACS approved degree programs.

Claflin's undergraduate program in Computer Science is accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The baccalaureate degree program in nursing (RN to BSN) is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

U.S. News and World Report's 2022-23 ranking placed Claflin ninth among the Best Historically Black Colleges/Universities (HBCUs). The University has earned a spot in the U.S. News Top 10 Best HBCUs ranking for 12 consecutive years.

The University is ranked No. 1 in Annual Alumni Giving Percentage among HBCUs and No. 20 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility among national liberal arts colleges/universities. Claflin's ranking in this category results from the University's success in advancing social mobility by enrolling and graduating large proportions of students awarded Pell Grants.

Student Freedom Initiative Announces Cisco’s Deployment of Wireless 5G Service at Claflin University

The Claflin University campus will now have wireless 5G internet service thanks to Student Freedom Initiative (“SFI”) and Cisco. This partnership will provide Claflin’s students, teachers, administrators, and staff with a reliable connection to the internet. These services will allow Claflin to provide a more robust and modern educational experience for its students while also supporting greater administrative efficiency.

“It is critical—now more than ever—that we ensure all students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have dependable high-speed internet if they are to compete in our 21st-century digital economy,” said Robert F. Smith, Founder and Board Chairman of Student Freedom Initiative, and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. “I am grateful for Cisco’s continued dedication to providing resources that expand the available opportunities for HBCU students. They continue to be an essential partner in our fight for racial justice.”

“The pandemic truly showed us our challenges with internet connectivity in the rural South,” said Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, president of Claflin University. “We greatly appreciate the tremendous support The Student Freedom Initiative and Cisco will provide to support internet access throughout the campus community. The new wireless 5G internet will enhance the University's delivery of services critical for our outstanding scholars to achieve academic success. The expanded network will also improve the overall productivity and efficiency of University operations and processes."

“Closing the digital divide is a necessary step in closing the racial wealth gap,” said Mark Brown, Executive Director of Student Freedom Initiative. “Students need the tools and resources to excel in their education and beyond. Deploying 5G service across Claflin’s campus will further engage students with their studies and creates a model to create equitable opportunities for HBCU students.”

Thanks to a generous grant and infrastructure provided by Cisco, SFI will help to coordinate the installation of hardware, software, and customer-premise equipment to initiate this service. The new 5G network will also serve the surrounding businesses, government facilities, and members of the community. With 82% of HBCUs residing in broadband deserts, this pilot program will provide SFI and Cisco with valuable feedback on improving and expanding this initiative to other HBCUs and the surrounding communities.

"Expanding 5G wireless service is an important step in making sure that students at HBCUs have the necessary resources for a high-quality education," said Saidah Grayson Dill, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Cisco. "This innovative solution will allow us to connect many of the households in the region that currently do not have access to the internet and will inform our best practices as we expand this program to other HBCUs."

About Student Freedom Initiative

A single-purpose nonprofit organization, Student Freedom Initiative aims to reduce the wealth gap through the lens of education. This is achieved by providing a catalyst for freedom in professional and life choices for students attending Minority Serving Institutions (“MSIs”) by increasing their social and economic mobility using a student-centric, evidence-based, holistic, and collaborative approach. Initially focused on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Student Freedom Initiative enables mobility through four transformational components: (1) Student Freedom Fund as an income contingent alternative to Parent Plus loans, (2) Internships and industry-driven certifications, (3) Tutoring/Mentorships/Other Services, and (4) Targeted HBCU Capacity Building (e.g., access to affordable broadband, strengthening endowment governance and risk-adjusted returns, workforce development in clean energy). Student Freedom Initiative collaborates with community-based organizations, businesses, and governmental entities through public-private partnerships to make sustainable, systemic changes to support the entire HBCU ecosystem.

To date, Student Freedom Initiative has received generous contributions from Robert F. Smith, Fund 2 Foundation, Cisco, Jane Street, Prudential, First Republic, and the Walmart Foundation. The program has also been acknowledged and supported by the Business Roundtable's Racial Equity & Justice Subcommittee on Education. Our ability to provide support to MSI students is based on the continued financial support of these donors and others interested in supporting our mission.

To learn more, visit https://studentfreedominitiative.org/ or find us on Twitter @StudentFreedom.

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Faculty News

Dr. Luis Almeida, associate professor of mass communications, received the 2022 Platinum Award for Video Editing under the category of non-broadcast creativity for his video project titled “Ukraine War: My Fear.” The honor was given by the Viddy Awards, which recognizes excellence in the way video is created, produced, and delivered. Viddy is one of the oldest, largest, and most respected award programs in the video industry. Almeida's project showcased the potential consequences of a prolonged War with the Ukraine and what western pressures can result from a Russian perspective.

Dr. Nick Robinson, associate professor of English, shared his Pushcart Prize-nominated memoir, “Visiting Mama,” at the Patty Friedmann Writing Composition Readings as a part of the Words & Music Festival in New Orleans, LA. Click here and fast forward to 18:19 in the video to hear Dr. Robinson.

BOGO Ticket Packages Now Available for the 2023 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) Buy One Get One (BOGO) Half Off Ticket Packages are now on sale for the 2023 Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship Tournament set to tip-off February 20-26 at CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Md.

BOGO ticket packages for the highly anticipated CIAA Basketball Tournament, featuring 22 action-packed games, are now available via Ticketmaster by visiting HERE. Special priced BOGO packages are on sale now through January 16, 2023, or while supplies last. Single-session tickets are also on sale.

In addition to the highly anticipated CIAA Basketball Championship, the annual tournament will again offer fan-favorite events for all ages, including Super Saturday, step shows and concerts as well as Fan Fest, High School Education Day and Career Expo, and more. This year’s tournament will also mark the unveiling of CFG Arena’s $200 million renovation backed by celebrity investors including basketball star and Maryland-raised Kevin Durant, Grammy Award-winning musician Pharrell Williams and pro football Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis.

For more information about the 2023 CIAA Basketball Tournament in Baltimore, visit theciaa.com.

Fans, alumni, and attendees wishing to make hotel reservations can select and book their lodging for Baltimore by contacting ConferenceDirect or by calling 844-293-6678.

Businesses seeking to activate in Vendor Village at Fan Fest, tournament week’s signature ancillary experience, can apply and learn more details HERE.

Participant registration and vending opportunities for Career Expo as well as CIAA Education Day, which attracts over 6,000+ students annually, are now available HERE. The CIAA and its partners are committed to providing a safe and healthy environment throughout tournament week and will follow all state and local COVID-19 guidelines and protocols.

Click here to purchase tickets

Get your tickets today for Claflin University’s PAWS UP Boots and Blazers Brunch on Saturday, January 28 at 10 a.m at the Orangeburg County Conference center on 1643 Russell Street in Downtown Orangeburg. Tickets are $70, and all proceeds support scholarships for Claflin University student athletes. This year’s honorees are Kendall Phills, wife of the late Bobby Phills, a former NBA star with the Charlotte Hornets, and Claflin alums Dr. Liz Zimmerman Keit, a member of the Orangeburg City Council and Mrs. Pearl Brownlee, wife of the late Nelson Brownlee, Claflin’s all-time winningest basketball coach.

First Lady Lakisha Warmack and Mrs. Bonnie O'Neal will co-host the program. Style and profile in your favorite boot and blazer combination – while enjoying good food, special friends, and inspirational messages from the honorees. Support scholarships for Claflin student athletes by purchasing your ticket today.