TheBESTofBC Highlights

Institutional News

The Benedict College B.E.S.T. Lives Center South Carolina Coalition for Higher Education in Prison (SCCHEP), and Ascendium hosted a group of South Carolina colleges that are set to expand their efforts around prison education thanks to $1.3 million in new grant funding aimed at supporting students once they’re released. The grant money will allow Healthy Routines, a Columbia-based nonprofit, to offer more technical assistance and hire four new academic reentry coordinators to support the technical colleges and Historically Black Colleges and Universities that make up the S.C. Coalition for Higher Education in Prison. 

Pictured above, L-R: Dr. Jeffery W. Norfleet II, President, Shorter College; Dr. Said Sewell, Morris College; President Roslyn Clark Artis; and Dr. Willie L. Todd, Jr., Denmark Technical College.

Benedict College welcomed two-time New York Times best-selling Author, Civil Rights Activist, and Attorney Bakari Sellers as the keynote speaker for Black History Month program on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, in Antisdel Chapel.



 "Attorney Sellers is one of the most prolific voices of our time and culture, and we welcome him back to our campus,” said President Artis. “He is the ideal person to speak to our young scholars as a native of rural South Carolina. His rise to becoming this state’s youngest legislator to one of the leading advocates for equity in this country will certainly resonate with our students.” 

The BEST of BC Faculty and Staff

North Charleston Celebrates Band Director,

H. Wade Johnson and

the Benedict College Band of Distinction

Ronald Smith (right) and Mayor Reggie Burgess (left) present H. Wade Johnson, Director of Bands, with a plaque in appreciation for the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction’s (BCBOD) in appreciation for their participation in the North Martin Luther King Day Parade. Mayor Burgess and his staff also treated the band members to lunch from Chick-Fil-A.

Another major event will take place with the Jazz Ensemble on April 9 through 12 in Norfolk, VA. The BC Jazz Ensemble won the Wynton Marsalis Lincoln Center Jazz Festival two years ago during the HBCU Jazz Festival and will return to defend their title.

Marsalis and other members of the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra will serve as one of the Judges and the top two bands will open for the Lincoln Center Orchestra at a concert on April 11, 2025.

In 2023, Benedict College received over $2.8 million from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to implement a pilot program known as the “Connecting Minority Communities and Innovations Initiative. Benedict’s goal is to increase its internet performance, which leads to an increase in student academic achievement, graduation and retention rates, and job readiness skills.

When it comes to academic achievement, research plays a huge role. By funding broadband infrastructure, Benedict can access research networks that allow schools to collaborate, which is especially important with big-data and high-performance computing.

“We wanted to support the ability for our faculty to do research and our students to participate in research,” said Anthony Caldwell, Chief Information Officer at Benedict College.

Additionally, the college set up internet labs at a local elementary school and a high school. Students and family members who need the internet for homework and other needs have access to the community labs seven days a week.

Since not all college students have access to computers at home either, Benedict started a program to loan laptops and hotspots to students, so they can focus on their academics if they are off campus or without reception.

“We realized a lot of students try to do their academic work on their cell phone, but we know that a lot of the applications do not work well in a cell phone environment,” said Dr. Leon Geter, Interim Dean for the School of Communication, Arts, and Social Sciences and Principal Investigator for Benedict’s CMC program.

The program increases students’ chances of being successful in the classroom by eliminating barriers to learning like outdated or inadequate devices. By minimizing the need for troubleshooting, faculty and staff save time and can instead explore AI and other technologies that could improve operations.

“It has proven itself to be effective, proven itself to work, and proven itself to be something that should be funded in the future as well,” Geter said. “We want to do a lot more.”

The BEST of BC Students Lead

During their visit the Tigers networked with fellow SC HBCU student leaders, learned about the legislative process, and received remarks from Governor Henry McMaster. The activities of the day also included a special presentation made by Benedict College alumna, Bonita Clemons, who shared information about her FarmaSis initiative, geared toward developing Black women as farmers. 

Pictured above, L-R: Ashley Rogers, Corresponding secretary; Malik Hudson, Mister Benedict; Autumn Tisdale, Miss Benedict College; Domenica Weems, Student Government Association, President; Levi Rhodes, SGA Business Intern and Daiyah Reeves, Vice President 

Congratulations to the Benedict scholars who were inducted during a ceremony in the Fine Arts Humanities Center, Little Theater on February 25, 2025.

The leadership team of the Honors Program welcomed fellow scholar V’Aira Harris back to campus. Harris, Class of 2020, Honors School graduate and Senior Cybersecurity Engineer with Blackbaud, gave an inspirational keynote address to new inductees. 

Dr. Jessica Furrer lead a delegation of enthusiastic Benedict students to represent the engineering programs at the Engineer’s Day on the Hill at the State House. Students were recognized by the legislative body for the many contributions that engineers make to society. 

The BEST of BC Athletics

Benedict College used a 9-2 run in the second half to build an eight-point lead and held rival Allen University for a 65-61 victory in a SIAC men's basketball game on Saturday afternoon in the Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.

The win was the 100th career victory for Benedict head coach Artis Maddox, who is now 100-86 through seven seasons. Benedict improves to 6-20 overall and 6-13 in the SIAC and secured a spot in the upcoming SIAC basketball tournament. Allen, now 6-18 overall and 2-16 in the SIAC, is eliminated from advancing to the tournament.

The Tigers placed four players in double figures, with Tariq Shepherd and Donte Whymns scoring 16 points each. Whymns had a double-double by grabbing a season-high 11 rebounds. Caleb Hymon added 15 points and Tony Webb Jr. scored 12 points.

The Benedict College Lady Tigers used a strong fourth-quarter run to pull away from Fort Valley State and take a 58-48 victory in a SIAC women's basketball contest on Tuesday night.

The win was the second in a row for the Lady Tigers, now 9-15 overall and 7-10 in the SIAC with their first back-to-back wins of the season.

Benedict had a 35-32 lead early in the fourth quarter before Raven Johnson completed a three-point play. A 3-pointer by Kayla Horton gave the Lady Tigers a 46-37 lead with 5:42 left to play. After Fort Valley State, now 8-15 overall and 4-12 in the SIAC, cut the lead to 48-41 with 2:39 remaining, Ghylissa Knowles sank a 3-pointer for a 10-point lead with 1:51 left in the game. Benedict sank 7-of-10 free throws in the final 1:20 to seal the game.

Horton led the Lady Tigers with 13 points, while Christmas added 10 points.

The Benedict College men's and women's indoor track & field teams finished in second place in the first-ever SIAC Indoor Track & Field Championship at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center.

The men's team scored 115.2 points to finish behind champion Morehouse (186.7 points). Tuskegee was third with 91 points.

The women's team scored 129 points, finishing behind champion Tuskegee (242.5 points). Central State finished third with 115 points.

 The Benedict College women's tennis team won their first match of the season on Saturday, defeating Edward Waters 5-2 in a SIAC match.

Benedict won the No. 1 and No. 2 doubles matches to earn the doubles point.

In singles action, Valerie Essome won 6-2, 6-2 at No. 1 singles. Patricia Wamba took a 6-4, 6-3 victory at No. 2 singles. Carmen Kpadonou cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 3, and Tanatswa Musabaeka also cruised to a 6-0, 6-0 victory at No. 4.

Benedict, now 1-2 overall and 1-0 in the SIAC, will travel to Sumter on Wednesday to take on USC Sumter in an exhibition match.

The Benedict College softball team split a doubleheader against Fort Valley State on Saturday, then won the deciding third game on Sunday to capture the SIAC series.

The Lady Tigers won the first game on Saturday 9-1 as Taylor Gilbert and Cayla Crooks each hit a home run. Gilbert drove in three runs, while Crooks had two RBIs. T'yannah Lake went 3-for-3 and scored three runs.

In the second game, Fort Valley State pounded out 12 hits to take an 8-5 victory.

The Lady Tigers scored two runs in the first inning, then added single runs in the third, fourth and fifth innings to take a 5-2 victory. Benedict had four doubles in the game, with Crooks driving in a pair of runs with her first-inning double. Taylor Chambliss and Elisha Ramirez each had two hits.

Benedict improves to 5-4 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC. Fort Valley State falls to 2-8 overall and 1-2 in the SIAC.

Benedict College head football coach Ron Dickerson Jr., has announced a signing class of 33 players for the 2025 season, which includes 11 transfers and a dozen high school players.

The Tigers brought in 11 mid-year transfers, who are already enrolled for the spring 2025 semester and participating in spring practice. In addition to the 12 high school signees, the Tigers already have commitments from 10 preferred walk-ons as well.

"We are thrilled with the talent and character that our 2025 signing class brings to Benedict College," Dickerson said. "These young men not only have the skills to compete at a high level, but they also embody the values we hold dear as a program—hard work, discipline, and academic excellence. I'm proud to see the culture we're building on and off the field, and I can't wait to see these players develop as both athletes and individuals. Benedict College football is poised for a bright future, with a strong foundation of recruits and transfers ready to contribute to the team's success both on the field and in the classroom.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Tigers have announced their 2025 football schedule, which will feature six home games and two Classics.

Benedict opens the 2025 season on Aug. 30 in a non-conference game against Fayetteville State in a 5 p.m. Labor Day Classic in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Fayetteville State went 4-5 in the CIAA last year.

After an open date, the Tigers take to the road to face SIAC opponent Central State on Sept. 13.

Benedict returns home on Sept. 20 to face Tuskegee, followed by a trip to Atlanta to take on Clark Atlanta on Sept. 27.

Benedict will host the South Carolina HBCU Classic against rival Allen University on Oct. 4 at 2 p.m., followed by another home game on Oct. 11 against Fort Valley State.

The Tigers travel to face Edward Waters on Oct. 18, then return home to face Albany State on Oct. 25 at 2 p.m.

Benedict will celebrate Homecoming on Nov. 1 in a non-conference game against Virginia University of Lynchburg with a 2 p.m. kickoff.

The regular season will end on Nov. 8 with a road trip to Savannah State.

Benedict went 4-6 in 2024 in head coach Ron Dickerson Jr.'s first season with the Tigers.

All dates, times and locations are subject to change.

Season tickets and individual game tickets will be on sale later at Benedict's official ticket portal, www.benedicttickets.com

2025 Benedict Football Schedule

Sat. Aug. 30 – Fayetteville State, 5 p.m. (Labor Day Classic)

Sat. Sept. 6 – Open

Sat. Sept. 13 – at Central State

Sat. Sept. 20 – Tuskegee – Community, Business, Greek Day, TBA

Sat. Sept. 27 – at Clark Atlanta

Sat. Oct. 4 – Allen (S.C. HBCU Classic), 2 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 11 – Fort Valley State – Church / Law Enforcement / First Responders Day, 2 p.m.

Sat. Oct. 18 – at Edward Waters

Sat. Oct. 25 – Albany State – Take a Kid to the Game Day, 2 p.m.

Nov. 1 – Virginia University of Lynchburg (HOMECOMING) Senior Day, 2 p.m.

Nov. 8 – at Savannah State

*Dates, times, locations subject to change

Alumni Spotlight

In February, President Artis launched a special "Alumni Thank You Tour" to personally express her immense gratitude and appreciation for the generosity and faithful support of alumni from the top 10 giving alumni clubs of the Benedict College National Alumni Association. Collectively, the top 10 alumni clubs gave $908,454, equating to 54% of the record $1.7 million given by alumni during the 2023-2024 annual alumni campaign.  

Coordinated by the Office of Alumni Affairs in partnership with the top 10 alumni clubs, President Artis along with members of her executive team have visited the following clubs to date:

Pictured Left to Right: Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Cirilo McSween 

Justin O. Cooper, a 2007 Benedict College mass communication graduate whose Columbia media bylines include scribing for Imara Woman Magazine, readies his debut feature-length film, PAN-AM: The Untold Legacy of Cirilo McSween, uncovers the remarkable story of Cirilo McSween, whose strategic alliances and advocacy contributed to the course of history across the Americas.

Cooper, a native of Kingstree, South Carolina, will meticulously trace McSween’s extraordinary journey. From his humble beginnings as an impoverished student-athlete in the barrios of Panama City, Panama, to his groundbreaking integration into the workforce of a major US insurance company as one of the first Afro-Latinos in the ‘50s. His path led him to forge alliances with iconic figures like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr., and to champion the cause of equality during the Civil Rights Movement in the ‘60s. His passionate advocacy for Panama during the pivotal Torrijos-Carter Treaty negotiations of the ‘70s and beyond is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice and equality. CIRILO, A Legacy Untold, introduces the inspiring journey of Cirilo McSween, a man who rose from humble beginnings in Panama to overcome the systemic racism of Jim Crow America in pursuit of the American Dream.

Through evocative visuals and compelling narration, the trailer highlights McSween’s unwavering determination as an entrepreneur and civil rights activist. His remarkable story spans the histories of Panama and Chicago, showcasing his relentless fight against prejudice and inequality and cementing his legacy as a source of inspiration for generations across the Americas.

The film features a powerful soundtrack, including original compositions by Emmy-winner Maverick Turner and songs by Grammy-winners Ann Nesby and Baby T. Narrated by Nesby, the film pays heartfelt tribute to McSween’s extraordinary life, underscored by themes of resilience, justice, and hope.

Directed, produced, written, and edited by Justin O. Cooper, with the collaboration of the Cirilo McSween Sr. Estate and fiscal sponsorship by Film Independent, the trailer leaves an indelible impression of a transformative figure whose influence continues to resonate across continents and generations. The film premiered in select theaters on Valentine's Day, February 14, and played through February 20, 2025, at the Tara Theater in Atlanta, GA. 

During her service as a council member, she aims to help find solutions to bring down high crime rates, establish affordable housing and increase education resources and mental health services. Miller is a schoolteacher with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Benedict College.

Community

Adrien Montalvo, The Benedict College Tiger Shop and BC ROAR Coordinator ( front row, left) stands in front of the packed shelves with the Kroger volunteers who brought $5,000 worth of food to the Benedict College food pantry know as “The Tiger Shop.”

In celebration of Black History Month, Kroger partnered with Benedict College to help fight student hunger. As part of Kroger’s Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, the “Pack the Pantry” campaign aims to support students facing food insecurity. Kroger donated over $5,000 in products to Benedict College’s food pantry.

On Friday, February 21, 2025, Kroger volunteers joined Benedict College students to help stock the pantry known as the “Tiger Shop” located within the Tiger Den which located at 2400 Haskell Avenue, Columbia, SC 29204 in the same building as old police station.

“Zero Hunger | Zero Waste is Kroger’s mission to end hunger and waste in the places we call home. That includes Benedict College here in Columbia,” said Tammie Young-Ennaemba, corporate affairs manager for Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, Eastern Alabama and South Carolina. “Students are here to build a brighter, meaningful future. But unfortunately for many, hunger becomes a barrier.”

A 2023 study by the U.S. Department of Education reported that 23% of undergraduates and 12% of graduate students experience food insecurity, with HBCU students facing even higher rates. Nearly 39% of HBCU undergraduates report food insecurity.



“With our ‘Pack the Pantry’ events, we are working to ensure students have the resources they need to silence the hunger and achieve their dreams,” Young-Ennaemba said.

Tickets for the 36th Annual Harambee Festival are now on sale! This iconic event will take place Saturday, April 26, 2025, at the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium with outstanding stage performances, a Children’s Learning Village, a Women’s and Men’s Village, free health screenings, continuous stage performances, merchandise vendors, and the best food found anywhere. 

This year’s festival also includes a special concert on Sunday, April 27, 2025, with the Harambee Festival Community Choir and the Benedict College Alumni Gospel Choir, celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the hit Gospel song, "Say the Word."