The World Needs Visionaries
Did You Miss Out On Homecoming 2019?

If you missed out on the wonderful experiences associated with Homecoming 2019, have no fear. You can visit Claflin's official Flickr photo gallery. Enjoy the memories captured by our photographers.
Dr. Belle Wheelan Urges Students to Represent Claflin's  Proud Heritage in Founders' Day Message


"Today, many people are questioning what we as a people have known forever and that is the value of higher education," said Dr. Belle Wheelan during her keynote message for Claflin University's Sesquicentennial Founders' Day Convocation on Sunday, November 17. Wheelan currently serves as president of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges ( SACSCOC)  and is the first African American and the first woman to serve in that position. Her career spans over 40 years and includes the roles of faculty member, chief student services officer, campus provost, college president and Secretary of Education.   
 
"Since its beginning, Claflin University and its sister institutions have known that the way out of poverty is through education," Wheelan said. "Today's economics demand that citizens earn more than the basics of a high school diploma. No longer are jobs dependent on the strength of the back but on a strong mind. Whether they are a neurologist or an auto mechanic, everyone needs some education beyond high school. More and more applicants need at least a bachelor's degree to enter into any career field," she said.

Wheelan spoke to a capacity audience of students, faculty, alumni, elected officials, and other University supporters at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The Founders' Day Convocation concluded Homecoming Weekend and the University's year-long celebration of its 150th Anniversary.

"Although the cost of education has grown considerably over the last 50 years, it is also true that without education, a person's personal value will lag behind those who do earn those coveted degrees," said Wheelan who quoted Harvard President Derek Bok when she stated, "If you think the cost of education is expensive...try ignorance."
 
Wheelan received her bachelor's degree from Trinity University in Texas (1972) with a double major in psychology and sociology; her master's from Louisiana State University (1974) in Developmental Educational Psychology; and her doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin (1984) in Educational Administration with a special concentration in community college leadership.
 
"It is important that when you walk down the streets of Orangeburg, you represent Claflin University in the way you look and act," she said. "At all times, you are being judged by the way you carry yourself. It's not fair but it is very real. You represent the proud heritage here at Claflin that began 150 years ago. I congratulate all the members of the Claflin family on a job well done." 
 
Claflin's Sesquicentennial Homecoming was the first for Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, who began his tenure as Claflin's ninth president on August 1, 2019.

"This has been my 109th day at Claflin and this homecoming weekend has been amazing," announced Dr. Warmack at the Founders' Day Convocation. "I attended more than 40 homecoming events and I want to thank our alumni for turning out in large numbers despite the rain and cold temperatures. Thank you for coming home."

During his remarks, Warmack reflected on the collective contributions of Claflin's eight previous presidents whose visionary leadership and commitment to academic excellence provided the framework for the University's enduring legacy of achievement. 

"I am standing on the shoulders of eight giants who came before me," Warmack said. "They were remarkable leaders who displayed tremendous tenacity, courage, drive and a commitment to transform Claflin into one of the leading institutions in the nation. I am glad the board has entrusted me with leading this great university as Claflin begins its next 150 years. As president of this beloved institution, we will remain committed to our students. We are here because of you (students) and you are our top priority."

Receiving this year's Bythewood Award, which recognizes an individual's outstanding and extraordinary contributions to the University and the community, was Senator John W. Matthews Jr., a Democratic member of the South Carolina Senate. Matthews has represented the 39th District since 1996.

Another feature of Founders' Day was the opening of a time capsule that was sealed in 1994 - the first year of Dr. Henry N. Tisdale's 25-year tenure as Claflin's eighth president. A family photograph of the Tisdales, names of members of the University's executive cabinet and the Student Government Association (SGA) were among the items from the time capsule Warmack displayed to the audience. 

A fireworks presentation ended the evening and concluded the festivities.
Claflin University Honors its 2019 Hall of Fame Inductees at Presidential Scholarship Gala


Five distinguished individuals who have made their mark in community service, education, government and philanthropy were inducted into Claflin University's Hall of Fame during the Sesquicentennial Presidential Scholarship Gala on Friday, November 15.
 
Rev. Minnie Anderson (Community Service); Dr. B. DaNine J. Fleming, '96 (Community Service); Rosa Kennerly-Dance, '71 (Education); Representative Jerry N. Govan Jr. (Community Service); and Lucile Stephens Richardson, '69 (Education) comprised the impressive group of alumni and community supporters who were inducted this year for their noteworthy contributions to Claflin and beyond the walls of the University.

Click here to see the video presentation and here to read their complete bios.
Claflin University Recognizes Presidential Scholars at Annual Scholarship Gala


Proceeds from Claflin University's annual Presidential Scholarship Gala held on November 15, benefit Presidential Scholars. The scholars are high-achieving students who receive full tuition, room and board, and a book stipend as a result of their outstanding academic accomplishments.

Congratulations to this year's scholarship recipients:
 
MacVincent Agha-Oko, a sophomore computer engineering major from Port-Harcourt, Nigeria;  Sebrena M. Brink, a senior biology and psychology major from Spartanburg, S.C.;  Josten D. Bryant, a freshman computer science major from Moncks Corner, S.C.;  Thalia M. Butts, a junior mass communication major from Atlanta, Ga.; Lucas M. Cuseo, a freshman criminal justice major from  Monroe, Conn.;  Lauren K. Everette, a senior political science major from  Florissant, Mo. ; Daniel D. Farquharson, a senior biology major from  Queens, N.Y.; Zachary C. Freeman, a junior applied mathematics major from Aiken, S.C.; Sagar Ghimire, a junior computer science major from Kathmandu, Nepal; Carla A. Gonzalez, a junior biology major from Dublin, Ga., Darkon A. Hudson, a sophomore finance and English major from Orangeburg, S.C.; Faith E. Johnson, a junior computer engineering major from Kansas City, Kansas; Shilpa Kannan, a sophomore computer science major from Kerala, India;  Sybrina S. Kerr, a sophomore biochemistry major from Portland, Jamaica; Chandler H. Love, a junior history major from St. Louis, Mo., Daniel A. Morris, a junior business administration major from Aiken, S.C.; Andrea R. Moyer, a junior biology and psychology major from Bishopville, S.C.; Brandon T. Sanders, a senior biology major from Marion, S.C.; Sampura Shrestha, a sophomore biology major from Syangja, Nepal; Lauren R. Tolbert, a freshman political science major from  Chattanooga, Tenn.;  Fredrick U. Uy, a sophomore business administration and computer science major from  Tacoma, Wash.;  Jira T. White, a senior biochemistry major from Cincinnati, Ohio; and Keyona D. Willingham, a junior finance major from Anniston, Ala.
Presidential Candidate Meets with Claflin University and South Carolina State University Students 

Gov. Deval Patrick, 71st governor of Massachusetts and the state's first African American governor, who served from 2007-2015, met on Wednesday, November 20, with several Claflin University and South Carolina State University students. The students representing the Student Government Association, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), and Student and Campus Activity Boards met with Gov. Patrick during breakfast and discussed several topics including the country's job market, first-time voters and historically black colleges or universities, student leadership, and the student debt crisis. Gov.  Patrick announced recently he is running for president, making him the  latest person to join the race to become the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate.
Claflin University School of Education Hosts Educator Ethics Workshop

Claflin University School of Education, in collaboration with the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), and the National Association of State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) through the National Council for the Advancement of Educator Ethics (NCAEE), offered a free professional learning workshop on Wednesday, November 20, for Educator Preparation Provider (EPP) faculty and their P-12 partners, as well as educational organizations. "A Focus on Ethics: Guiding Professional Decision Making" was the title of the workshop which allowed participants an opportunity to discuss the vast complexities, competing tensions, and risks that are inherent within the education profession.  The one-day workshop also provided experienced educators an opportunity to collaborate around the important questions of professional ethics. Claflin University is the first HBCU to host this type of training to promote ethics in education. 
Faculty News

Congratulations  to Dr. Shannon B. Smith, associate professor of nursing and chair of the nursing department, who was recognized for her outstanding achievements at the University of South Carolina  College of Nursing's signature event held during its homecoming weekend. Each fall, the College of Nursing recognizes excellence in nursing graduates by awarding Outstanding Nurse Alumnus awards at an alumni celebration. 
Alumni News


Ami Gibson, '99, has been named the 2019 Middle School Physical Education Teacher of the Year by the North Carolina Alliance for Athletics, Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Dance, and Sports Management. Gibson currently serves as a PE teacher at Coddle Creek Elementary School in Mooresville, N.C. Principal Susan Fail stated, "Mrs. Gibson has redefined PE at Coddle Creek. Our students absolutely love her and the energy she brings to her classroom. Ami is a team player and she is always willing to go the extra mile for her students and school. This is a well-deserved honor for Mrs. Gibson." Pictured above from left: Rosa Evans (mother), Ami Gibson and Superintendent Brady Johnson. - Picture courtesy of Iredell-Statesville Schools
Panther Pride

Claflin Men's Basketball Team Falls Short at Elizabeth City State


The Claflin University men's basketball team dropped a non-conference contest to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), 60-57, at the R.L. Vaughan Center on November 21. The loss dropped the Panthers to 1-3 on the season.
 
The Panthers will face Virginia State University on Saturday, November 23, at 3:30 p.m. at the Virginia State University Convocation Center.


Elizabeth City State Defeats Claflin in Women's Basketball Non-Conference Action
The Claflin University women's basketball team lost to Elizabeth City State University (ECSU), 50-40, in a non-conference basketball game on Thursday, November 21.
 
The Lady Panthers, now 0-4, will continue their road trip on Saturday, November 23, at Virginia State University in their CIAA opener. The contest tips off at 1:30 p.m. at the Virginia State University Convocation Center.


Long Named CIAA Defensive Player of the Week

Claflin University sophomore Dionna Long (guard) was named Food Lion CIAA Defensive Player of the Week on November 18.
 
Long, a 5-4, from Thomasville, N.C., averaged four steals, including seven in Claflin's season-opener against Anderson, grabbed six defensive rebounds, and recorded one block in two games.
 
Long also averaged 15 points and 4.5 rebounds while totaling five assists for the Lady Panthers.


Three Claflin Volleyball Players Earn Post-Season Honors

The Claflin University volleyball team had three players to earn 2019 CIAA  post-season honors. The post-season honors, as voted on by the CIAA Volleyball Coaches Association and Sports Information Directors Association, were announced on Monday, November 18, by the league office.

Sophomore Sadaiya Edouard along with freshman Erin Preston and Taylor Drayton earned All-CIAA Second Team honors.
 
Claflin finished its season on Friday, November 15, with a win over St. Augustine's University. The Lady Panthers finished with a 7-17 overall record, which is one game better than last year's overall record, and 6-11 in the CIAA.


Panthers Rally Past Fisk for Homecoming

The Claflin men's basketball team had to go the distance in keeping alive their homecoming winning on Saturday, November 16, at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.
 
Claflin will embark on a three-game road trip, all against Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association teams, starting at Elizabeth City State University on November 21, in a non-conference play followed by Virginia State University on November 23, and Virginia Union University on November 25, in conference action. MORE


Stillman Defeats Claflin for Homecoming

The Lady Panthers of Claflin University remained winless for the season, dropping a 57-46 decision to Stillman College for homecoming on Saturday, November 16, at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Center. The homecoming loss ended a string of three straight wins for Claflin during the annual event. The Lady Panthers are now 0-2 on the young season.
 
The following two games will be against CIAA teams, Elizabeth City State University on November 21, in non-conference action and Virginia State University on November 23, and Virginia Union University on November 25, in CIAA conference play. MORE
November 22, 2019
In This Issue


Calendar of Events
Panther
Cam
Connect with Us
@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack
Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Rev. Dr. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Public Relations/Social Media Coordinator: Charnita Mack
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Sports Information Director: Romanda Noble-Watson
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07