@Claflin: Principals' Symposium, Student Spotlight, Panther Pride and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin Hosts First Principals' Symposium to Promote Master of Education Program to Area Educators

More than 30 principals from P-12 schools throughout South Carolina attended Claflin University's first-ever Principals' Symposium on Tuesday, May 22, in Ministers' Hall. The event introduced the educators to Claflin's Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program which began in fall 2015. The program offers all classes online and it was designed to meet the needs of 21st century teaching and learning by offering a program that considers the experiences and needs of current teachers and professional educators. Claflin's goal is to produce visionary educators who will utilize critical thinking, effective communication, and literacy with technology to help transform P-12 teaching and learning in South Carolina and beyond.

"The symposium was eye opening and refreshing," said Dr. Teresa Jennings, '94, principal at Whittaker Elementary School in Orangeburg, S.C. "We are looking for qualified, highly-skilled teachers and Claflin's master's program and this event allows me and other principals an opportunity to contribute to the conversation and partner with a group that will motivate and cultivate teachers."

Claflin's M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction benefits certified classroom teachers as well as professionals with bachelor's degrees in related fields.

The program's asynchronous online format is convenient and flexible. Fall and spring semesters are eight weeks long, and there are two six-week summer sessions. A total of 36 credit hours are required to complete the program.

"I was very pleased with the attendance for our first event," said Dr. Nicole Strange Martin, professor and dean of the School of Education. "Our next step is to work with the principals to schedule meetings at their respective schools to provide more information about the program. We are also working with elected officials and the state legislature to explore funding opportunities through grants, donations and other sources."

The symposium included lunch, presentations by Claflin faculty and administrators, and an open forum when the principals were invited to ask questions or provide remarks.

To learn more about the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, click here.

Student Spotlight - Keasia James

Keasia James, a junior human performance and recreation major, was named Brookdale Elementary School's 2017-2018 Volunteer of the Year. She was recognized for the internship services provided and her willingness to go above and beyond her duties. Brookdale Elementary School is located in Orangeburg, S.C.

While volunteering at Brookdale, James worked with students during their physical education period once a week. She quickly gained a passion for working with the students and increased her time from once a week to up to three times a week. She worked with the students during basketball practice, assisted in the concession stands during basketball games, as well as assisted with career day, special events, family nights, and honors and awards ceremonies.

"Keasia represents a growing emphasis on positive youth development within our recreation program," said Dr. Samuel G. Roberson Sr., assistant professor of human performance and recreation. "It's clear in reports from the school that she had an impact on faculty morale and certainly the faculty had an positive affect on Keasia."

James plans on becoming a physical education teacher. She hopes to own a daycare center and work in the recreation field.

Faculty News

Dr. Echol Nix Jr. , visiting associate professor of religion, was featured in the "Educators Spotlight" in the We Are Morehouse Magazine (April 2018). The magazine is a publication from the Morehouse College Young Alumni Engagement Program. The article cited Nix's passion for education and helping students reach their goals and overcome difficulties and challenges. Nix is a 1995 graduate of Morehouse College.

Staff News

Claflin University has received a $10,000 grant from the SC EPSCoR/IDeA state office's 2018 Scientific Advocate Network program. Dr. Angela Peters, vice provost for academic programs, served as the chief investigator. The program, part of the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and Institutional Development Awards, aims to increase diversity in materials research and education. It provides funding to support and recruit underrepresented students in the science, technology, engineering and math fields. The funding is made possible by South Carolina's National Science Foundation EPSCoR research infrastructure improvement track-1 award, MADE (Materials Assembly and Design Excellence) in S.C .

Alumni News

The Golden Class of 1968, which celebrated its 50th anniversary as Claflin graduates, was presented Golden Diplomas on Saturday, May 12, at the 148th Commencement Convocation. Nearly 40 members of the Class of 1968 returned to the University for Commencement Weekend activities that included a luncheon on Friday, May 11, hosted by President Henry N. Tisdale, '65, and First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale.

Lee Odom, '08, was named Voorhees College's Staff Member of the Year. She currently serves as the administrative assistant, accreditation, and veteran affairs coordinator. "I was caught off guard and surprised when I was called up to receive the 2018 Staff of the Year Award. I had no idea, but I am truly appreciative and thankful for this award," Odom said. "I would say my education and past experiences have taught me a lot and are the reason behind my success."

The Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter hosted its Annual Alumni and Friends Breakfast on Saturday, May 19, in Ministers' Hall on the campus of Claflin University. The theme was Claflin LEADS: A Journey Towards Excellence. The keynote speaker for the breakfast was Rev. Ephraim Stephens, pastor of the Bull Swamp Baptist Church in Orangeburg, S.C.

Panther Pride

Hazel Qualifies for the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships

Claflin University men's track athlete, Odou Hazel, has qualified for the 2018 NCAA Division II Outdoor Track and Field Championships. The Championships are scheduled for May 24-26, at the Irwin Belk Complex on the campus of Johnson C. Smith University.

The Championships will feature individuals and teams from Division II institutions with the Top 20 times in their respective events.

Hazel, 5-9, 160, a senior from Curepe, Trinidad, ran a 47.22 in the 400 meters to enter the championships with the 16 th fastest time.

Competition begins on Thursday, May 24, at 10:30 a.m. with the decathlon. Hazel will compete in the preliminaries at approximately 5:40 p.m. He is scheduled to compete in heat 2 of 3.

If Hazel advances, he will compete on Saturday at approximately 4:25 p.m.

Live results will be available the day of the race.

Langston Earns All-South Region Honors

Former Claflin University baseball outfielder, Darrell Langston, was recently named to the All-South Region First Team of both the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) and the Division II Collegiate Commissioners Association (D2CCA). The NCBWA teams were announced on Thursday, May 17, while the D2CCA teams were announced Friday, May 18.

This is Langston's third post-season honor as he was named to the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) All-Conference First Team.

Langston, who earned a degree in sport management this May, finished the season ranked ninth in runs per game and total bases, 10th in triples, 12th in runs, 16th in triples per game and batting average, 17th in slugging percentage and hits, 19th in doubles and 27th in doubles per game.

Langston finished his two seasons at Claflin with a .395 batting average (.419 in 2018), .674 slugging percentage (.758 in 2018), with 102 runs, 150 hits, 81 RBIs, 32 doubles, 10 triples and 18 homeruns.