Vice President Kamala Harris Promotes Broadband Internet Access and Announces a $2.85M Grant for Benedict College

Vice President Kamala Harris promoted the Biden administration’s achievements on broadband internet access during a visit to South Carolina, recently minted as the site of Democrats’ first presidential votes of the 2024 campaign.

Her trip was her fourth to the early-voting state since becoming vice president, Harris lauded more than $175 million being spent to help improve high-speed internet infrastructure at historically Black colleges and institutions, which she called “centers of academic excellence.”

“Many of those that we focus on currently do not have reliable access to high-speed internet on campus,” said Harris, herself a graduate of an HBCU. “This means that more students will be able to use the internet for their everyday needs.”

Benedict CEO and President Roslyn Clark Artis celebrated the efforts to close the digital divide in South Carolina. 

“This is really quite frankly the civil rights issue of the day is internet technology,” said Artis.

According to Artis, Benedict will use their $2.85 million grant to purchase upgraded technology like laptops and hotspots for students, in addition to creating a community computer lab. 

Artis said 12 percent of students live in technology deserts. 

Benedict Tigers football program honored at State House

The Benedict College football team was honored on February 17th at the South Carolina State House for their historic year.

The Tigers went 11-1 this past season, winning the 2022 SIAC Division II Championship. The team was led by Coach Chennis Berry and was the program’s first-ever SIAC championship win.



Senator Darrell Jackson, a Benedict alumnus, and Minority Representatives Leader Todd Rutherford introduced the team to the senate.

Benedict College Receives $130,000 Grant to Preserve Historical Building on the Campus' Historic District

Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Shannon Estenoz visited Columbia, South Carolina, to celebrate new funding from the National Park Service’s History of Equal Rights grant program.

She was joined by local elected officials and community members including Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.

Estenoz announced a $130,000 grant from the National Park Service for Benedict College to preserve the history of Duckett Hall located in the campus' historic district.

"It is our job to help tell America's stories," said Estenoz. "The efforts underway here at Benedict College will help tell a complete story because black history is American history and we need to tell it."

The Tyrone Adam Burroughs Palmer's Speaker Series

with Dr. Kiara Butler

Benedict College Career Fair

Amesite Launches First Pilot Program under NAFEO Alliance at Benedict College in South Carolina

Amesite Inc. (NASDAQ: AMST) and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO), recently announced the launch of the first pilot program through their alliance. Amesite is providing the program to Benedict College, a member of the alliance. The cross-campus pilot offers upskilling in technology, including internet protocols, data privacy and security, and cloud computing.

Benedict College is one of 12 members who have joined the Alliance between Amesite and NAFEO, a vehicle that NAFEO intends to support with a $30M fundraising effort to bring online learning resources to NAFEO’s constituents, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). Members of NAFEO’s Center for Opportunity and Equity (COE) will have the opportunity to utilize NAFEO’s planned Learning Community Environment®, powered by Amesite, to deliver eLearning to build professional skills. The NAFEO members collectively enroll more than 700,000 students and have over 7 million living alumni, all of whom are anticipated to benefit from the COE.

Benedict College Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with a Commemorative Program

Councilman Edward McDowell shared an inspiring message to the campus during the Annual MLK Day program titled, Moving Beyond the Dream: Celebrating Achievement and Instilling Hope.

Pictured above (L-R): Autumn Tisdale, Miss Freshman; Nina Rutherford, Miss Benedict College; Cameron Seawright, Interim Campus Minister; President Artis; Councilman McDowell; Dr. Lillie Burgess, Retired Campus Minister; Oscar Wyatt, Mr. Benedict College, and Autumn Tisdale, Miss Sophomore.

Benedict College Receives Reaffirmation of SACSCOC Accreditation

Benedict College announced the successful reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). The 10-year reaffirmation was officially disclosed on December 6, 2022, at the Commission's annual meeting. This stellar achievement culminates a three-year process in which the college participated in an extensive self-study, external peer reviews by off-site and on-site committees, and final validation by the SACSCOC Board of Trustees.  

The BEST of BC Faculty and Staff

Benedict College Career Development Services Hosts Business Partner UCOR

Benedict College Career Development Services hosted our partner UCOR on February 22 and 23, 2023. UCOR conducts federal supersite cleanup activities at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and at the Y-12 National Security Complex and East Tennessee Technology Park. It acts as the Department of Energy’s prime contractor for environmental cleanup. UCOR has hired two Benedict College students in the past year.

Discussions by Dr. Witty, Deans Dunn, Carter-Francique, Garner and Mr. Brian Love, and Dr. Furrer focused on Benedict’s academic programs and workforce development capabilities. Day 2 featured a corporate presentation and an outstanding s panel of students from Business, Engineering, and Social Work.

Pictured rear L-R: Dr. Robert Garner, Dean School of Science and Engineering, Mr. Darris K. Upton, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Programs Manager, UCOR; Mr. Brian Love Executive Director Career Services, Front L_R: Dr. Jessica Furrer Associate Professor and Program Head Environmental Engineering, Ms. Dari Gabriel Environmental Scientist/Engineer I, Environmental Compliance, Benedict College Class of 2022; Ms. Sierra Generette, Environmental Justice & Public Engagement, not pictured Mr. Robert Williams, Evaporator System Engineer, UCOR.

Benedict College and Norfolk State Win HBCU Jazz Competition to Open for Wynton Marsalis and Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra in Norfolk

Nine jazz ensembles from Historically Black Colleges and Universities competed in Norfolk, Saturday, for the chance to open for jazz great Wynton Marsalis and his Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

The competition inside Chrysler Hall was judged by Marsalis and other musicians from his group, including trombonist Vincent Gardner, a native of Hampton. Of the groups competing, three represented the region’s local HBCUs: Norfolk State University, Hampton University and Elizabeth City State University.

It came after a day of workshops and breakout sessions where the young musicians had the opportunity to play with the professionals.

The partnership was born two years ago, during Marsalis’ last visit to the area.

“We had some time to talk and I said, ‘I have this idea for this project. Would you be interested?’ He said, ‘let me talk to my team.’ He actually texted me back and said, ‘come backstage between concerts.’ He said, ‘yeah, let’s make this happen,'” said Rob Cross, Artistic Director for Virginia Arts Festival, the organization behind Friday’s and Saturday’s events and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra’s Saturday evening concert.

For Norfolk State drummer, Roderick Williams, a senior music major, it’s the pinnacle of his collegiate career.

“Just to be on a platform to represent the university in a great way, you know, Wynton Marsalis (and) the opportunity to be judged by him and possibly open up for him if we win, is just an amazing opportunity,” he told News 3.

Hours later, Norfolk State University was announced as one of the winners, along with Benedict College.

Cross tells News 3 he intends to keep the partnership going — connecting the next generation of jazz musicians, from the country’s historically Black institutions, with the best jazz performers right now.

“We were lucky enough that this year it fell during Black History Month. We’re going to do this every two years,” said Cross. “2025, it’ll actually be in May, right in the middle of the festival.”

Dr. Leon Geter, Chair of the Benedict College Criminal Justice and Social Science Department, and Director of the Center for the Center for Cybersecurity has been invited to speak at TED X Charleston on March 29, 2023 at 12:30 p.m. in the Charleston Music Hall. Dr. Geter will talk about the importance of protecting one’s personal data and information from constant risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. He will share with the audience how they can take active steps against hackers and cyber criminals.

Mrs. Tanya Bolton is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is president of Bolton Counseling & Consulting, LLC, a private counseling practice in the Columbia area, where she offers a variety of counseling and consulting services. Mrs. Bolton is also a Psychology Instructor and Internship Coordinator at Benedict College, where she has taught various courses in the Psychology department for over 11 years as an Adjunct prior to becoming a full-time Instructor.

Mrs. Bolton’s areas of expertise include Relationship Therapy (i.e., dating, premarital, and marital counseling; separation/divorce counseling; etc.), Physical and Sexual Assault Counseling, and Addictions Therapy (i.e., alcohol, drug, and sexual addictions). Other areas in which she specializes include, but are not limited to, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, issues related to the LBGTQ community, and transitional/adjustment issues.



Mrs. Bolton takes pride in helping individuals, couples and families work toward a healthier, happier, more fulfilling lifestyle.

The BEST of BC Students Lead

The White House Briefing was hosted by Keisha Lance Bottoms the Senior Advisor for Public Engagement and featured Vice President Kamala Harris. Douglas, a junior mass communications major desires to become an international correspondent with a concentration on war and conflict zones. “This experience was truly one of a kind and life changing, said Douglas. “I want to thank Erica Loewe for facilitating this opportunity and moving so quickly to make this happen. She was an excellent coordinator and point of contact throughout the whole process. Special thank you to Vice President Kamala Harris and Keisha Lance Bottoms for answering our questions and sharing pivotal knowledge. The kindness and inclusion that the Biden-Harris Administration has demonstrated to HBCUs has not gone unnoticed.” Douglas’ key areas of interest are foreign relations, diplomacy, and journalism. She is the vice president of the Honors College and secretary of the junior class.

Cadet Corey Witter, who the U. S. Army Cadet Command named the top cadet in the USA for Army ROTC in February 2023.  Cadet Witter plans to pilot helicopters for the Army following graduation in May. He is a member of the Track team, Alpha Phi Alpha, Inc., and has a 3.9 GPA. 

This summer, Studio Art major, Charis Rhea and Music Industry major, Pablo Perez will travel to Los Angeles, CA to intern in famed Pixar Animation Studio. Pixar is owned by Walt Disney Studios and is known for their critically and commercially successful computer animated feature films. Rhea is a native of Seattle, Washington and is an advanced junior who is interested in becoming an Art Professor and owning an art studio. Perez hails from Atlanta, GA and is senior who describes himself as a multi-instrumentalist. After graduating this year, he plans to pursue a career in a music production company that caters to film and TV.

Benedict College senior Jahavheed George joined his peers from across the country for a spirited roundtable discussion with Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Vice President Harris’ conversation with the students will focus on various topics from entrepreneurial ventures to the impact of the Dobbs decision to mental health issues.

“I applaud Vice President Harris for opening the doors of the White House and offering a listening ear to one of our many scholars,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “I also congratulate Jahavheed on being selected to participate in this important national roundtable. He is the second BEST of BC student selected to participate in the White House Listening Session, this academic year.”

The BEST of BC Athletics

Benedict head football coach Chennis Berry, members of his coaching staff, and six football players participated in the HBCU Legacy Bowl and the All-Star contest held at the Yulman Stadium in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Benedict College has named Daniel Brooks as its new men's and women's cross country and track & field head coach, Director of Athletics Willie Washington announced today.

Brooks joins Benedict after serving the past six years as an associate commissioner for the South Carolina High School League. Prior to that, he served as head track & field coach at Dreher High School for 33 years, winning eight state championships.

"We are excited to be able to bring in someone with Coach Brooks' talent and experience," Washington said. "He is well respected nationally as a track coach and we know he will continue to keep our teams at a championship level."

Brooks has coached 17 national champions, 73 All-Americans and more than 180 individual state champions during his coaching career. He is a nine-time SCTCCCA Coach of the Year and was a finalist for the NFHS National Coach of the Year in 2004. He was inducted into the South Carolina Track & Cross Country Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2008.

The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) has announced its men's and women's basketball Players of the Week.

For women, Jazmin Grayson (Benedict) was named Player of the Week, while Keyshuna Fair (Allen) earned Newcomer of the Week.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK –  Jazmin Grayson, Benedict Guard | Senior | Savannah, GA

Grayson scored a career-high 22 points in Benedict's 72-62 victory over Allen, giving the Lady Tigers a three-game winning streak. Grayson hit a career-best four 3-pointers. In Monday's win over Fort Valley State, Grayson scored nine points on three 3-pointers. For the week, she averaged 15.5 points, shot 11-of-26 (.423) and made 7-of-18 (.389) 3-pointers.

Benedict College women's basketball player Mahogany Randall has been named to the 2022-23 College Sports Communicators Academic All-District® Team.

Randall, a graduate student, ranks 20th in the SIAC in scoring, averaging 11.2 points per game. She also ranks 12th in free-throw percentage (.748), and 14th in 3-point field goal percentage (.289)

In the classroom, Randall has a 4.0 graduate school GPA as a Sport Management major, and had a 3.58 GPA as an undergraduate Biology major.

A total of 439 Division II student-athletes were named to the Academic All-District® Teams. Randall was the only student-athlete selected from the SIAC.

Bartley scored 28 points with 7 assists to gain the title

The Benedict College men's indoor track and field team took first place in four of the five events they entered as the Tigers took a small contingent to the Christopher Newport Qualifier and Combined Events meet in the final indoor meet before the national championships.

Rajaun Ricketts won the triple jump of 14.88 meters (48 feet, 10 inches). Rickets is currently ranked 19th in the country in the triple jump event.

Kelvin Tillman won the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.10.

Donald Kibet won the 5,000-meter run with a time of 15:00.82.

Benedict's 4x400-meter relay team of Sergio White, Sadiki Marsh, Devonta Newbold, Matthew Paul won with a time of 3:25.57.

The Benedict College women's indoor track and field team competed in three events and won two at the Christopher Newport Qualifier and Combined Events meet in their final indoor meet before the national championships.

Freshman Torianne Noad won the 400-meter race with a time of 58.92.

Benedict's 4x400-meter relay team of Kassie Jordan, Noad, Megan Thompson and Kanesha Moses won with a time of 3:59.21

The Benedict College men's tennis team went 2-2 at the SIAC Men's Tennis Roundup in Mobile, Ala.

The Tigers defeated Lane 6-1 and Fort Valley State 5-0. Benedict fell to Tuskegee, 5-2; and Spring Hill, 7-0.

The Benedict College men's volleyball team opened SIAC play with a 3-0 victory over Morehouse College on Friday night.

The Tigers took a 25-10, 25-10, 25-23 victory to improve to 4-1 overall and 1-0 in the SIAC. Morehouse falls to 0-6 overall and 0-1 in the SIAC.

Ras Jesse Delancy recorded 14 kills on 21 attempts and no errors for a .667 hitting percentage. Donovan Wilmott had eight kills on 14 attempts and no errors for a .571 hitting percentage. The Tigers had a season-high .395 team hitting percentage as Benedict committed just six attack errors in the match.

Kendersley Marcellin had 19 assists. Delancy and Clint Forbes had eight digs each.

Benedict had a team record 14 total service aces. Marcellin and Wilmott had three service aces each.

The Benedict College women's indoor track and field team was back in action this weekend at the Carolina Challenge held at the University of South Carolina indoor facility. The Tigers made a statement in their second meet of the season with several breakthrough performances.

Santiona Freeman set the tone with a personal record in the 60-meter dash with a time of 7.99, and advanced her to the finals in the 60-meter hurdles, where she finished 18th overall and the top finisher not from a Division I or professional team.

The Benedict College men's indoor track and field team was back in action this weekend at the Carolina Challenge held at the University of South Carolina indoor facility. The Tigers made a statement in their second meet of the season with several breakthrough performances, including a school record.

Freshman Donald Kibet gave us a glimpse of the future for Benedict track and field by setting a new school record with a time of 14:50.69 in the men's 5K to finish in first place.

Caleb Vance had a groundbreaking performance in the men's weight throw. He threw 15.05 meters (49 feet, 4 ½ inches) in the weight throw against top tier competition to finish fourth behind three Division I competitors. Vance also finished 15th in the shot put with a mark of 12.48 meters (40 feet, 11 ½ inches).

Returning All-American Shemar Miller finishing third in the elite division of the triple jump with a jump of 15.18 meters (49 feet, 9 ¾ inches), and sixth in the elite division of the long jump with a jump of 6.95 meters (22 feet, 9 ¾ inches).

Alumni Spotlight

'He was everything'" Longtime Columbia community leader

Vince Ford dies

Passionate warrior. Bridge builder. Mentor.

Those are just a few of the words and phrases community members are using following the death of former longtime Richland School District 1 board member and Columbia community leader Vince Ford, who died Tuesday night after a brief illness. 



From 1992 to 2016, Ford was an influential member of the Richland 1 board, and had stints as the chairman of the body. A Columbia native, he also served on the board of Benedict College, which was his alma mater.