August 27, 2021
The World Needs Visionaries
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated Donates $50,000 to Establish Endowment at Claflin University
Claflin University First Lady LaKisha Warmack and President Dwaun J. Warmack celebrate the announcement of a $50,000 gift from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and the AKA HBCU Endowment Initiative, to establish an endowment at Claflin that will provide scholarships and other financial support for Claflin students. The AKA HBCU Endowment initiative represents the organization’s steadfast commitment to assist in promoting and sustaining historically black colleges and universities. The fundraising success of this important initiative includes raising over $1 million in one day to support HBCUs. The AKA HBCU Endowment Initiative has distributed sixty-four (64) endowments to support HBCUs over the past two years.
Employee News
Please join us in welcoming new faculty and staff to Claflin University:

Dr. Luis Almeida, Associate Professor of Mass Communications
Dr. Andrietta Barnett, Assistant Professor of Nursing
Dr. Mahalah Bowman-Campbell, Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology
Dr. Natasha Ferguson Dennison, Associate Professor of Sport Management and Program Coordinator
Dr. Steffani Driggins, Visiting Associate Professor of Biology
Mr. Trevin Goodwin, Director of Media Relations for Athletics
Ms. Jinai Gordon, Area Coordinator in Residential Life
Ms. LaRhonda Gordon, Professional Standards and Compliance Manager/Police Officer
Mr. Trayton Graham, Area Coordinator in Residential Life
Mrs. Kartina Harrison, Instructor of Nursing
Dr. Alison Gise Johnson, Associate Professor of Philosophy and Religion
Dr. Kenesha Johnson, Visiting Assistant Professor of Teacher Education
Dr. Ross Johnson, Associate Professor of Biology
Dr. John Liston, Assistant Professor of Computer Science
Dr. LaKerri Mack, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Moira Marquis, Assistant Professor of English
Ms. Wilhemenia McMillan, Accounting Support Specialist I
Dr. Shrikant Pawar, Assistant Professor of Biology & Computer Science
Mr. Jesse Plough, Area Coordinator in Residential Life
Ms. Ta'Mecha Powell, Police Officer
Mrs. Charlene Pruitt-Dorsey, Instructor of Nursing and Program Coordinator
Dr. Charlie Toomer Jr., Assistant Professor of Music/Director Chorale Studies
Dr. Hongxia Zhang, Visiting Instructor of Chemistry
Alumni News
Jay Dukes, ’10, is starring in Season 2 of “Put a Ring on It.” The show airs on OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) and follows Dukes and his girlfriend, LaRhonda Mabry, as they go through various tests to see if they are ready to take the next step in their relationship – marriage. Dukes is an actor, entertainer, and host. He gives back to his Alma Mater by hosting and joining other notable alumni as a panelist for Claflin’s “Training Day” event for the freshman class. Dukes is the CEO of Aux Cord Wars, LLC., a high-energy entertainment event with music, dance, and interactive competitions. Dukes is the host of the presentation which allows students at colleges and universities to compete for cash and prizes. He also hosts a comedy show that includes performances by Chico Bean, Shuler King and Mr. Bankshot. Dukes is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Dr. Loray (Davis) Spencer, '04, was featured in the "Power Alumni" section of the summer edition of HBCU Times. While attending Claflin, she was a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College and earned bachelor's degree in biology. She also attended dental school at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn. Her impressive career includes serving as the lead dentist and managing clinical director in offices in Nashville and Greenville, S.C. She and her husband, Dr. Harvey Spencer, are the owners of A Healthy Smile Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Rock Hill, S.C.
Would you like to purchase Claflin University items for yourself or as gifts? Proceeds from the items above will support scholarships for the next generation of visionary leaders at Claflin University.

Click here to order today.

If you are paying by check, please make payable to Claflin University. Please put t-shirt size on the memo line. Mail to:

Claflin University
Attn: Marcus Burgess
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115

For more information, please call (803) 535-5348.
400 Magnolia Street
Orangeburg, SC 29115 
1.800.922.1276
@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Dr. Marcus H. Burgess, '96
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07