Benedict College Celebrates 12 Consecutive Years of Inspiring Alumni Philanthropy | | |
Benedict College proudly celebrates an extraordinary milestone in its history of alumni philanthropy as the institution marks 12 consecutive years of Inspiring Alumni Philanthropy, reaffirming the unwavering commitment of its alumni and friends to the success of future generations of Tigers.
For the 2026 Alumni Fund Campaign, Benedict College once again achieved an outstanding fundraising year, continuing a remarkable tradition that has generated $1,702,229 in support of scholarships, academic programs, student services, and other institutional priorities.
The Alumni Fund reflects gifts received during the campaign period, not future pledges or commitments, highlighting the immediate and meaningful investment that alumni and supporters continue to make in Benedict College and its mission.
“This milestone represents far more than dollars raised; it reflects the collective effort from Alumni Clubs Leaders and volunteers nationwide over the many years by faith, loyalty, and shared purpose,” said Ada Brown Belton, Assistant Vice President for Alumni Relations and Advancement Services. “Our alumni and supporters continue to demonstrate that investing in Benedict College is an investment in transforming lives. Their generosity strengthens our mission and creates opportunities that will benefit students for generations to come.”
| Thousands of Benedict Tigers Roar Back to Columbia for an Unforgettable Homecoming Week | |
Homecoming provided the perfect opportunity for Benedict College to express its heartfelt gratitude to the alumni who continue to go above and beyond in support of their beloved alma mater. The College applauded the generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment of our alumni who have helped to move the College forward and strengthen the legacy of our Tiger Nation!
Beyond the dominating 45-24 victory over the previously number one-ranked Edward Waters. The College used the annual occasion to shower our leading alumni clubs, individual donors, and professionals who are leading their field with an abundance of accolades, trophies, and standing ovations.
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Homecoming kicked off on Friday, October 9th on campus with the Homecoming Pageant: Broadway edition, crowning Sydney Alana Theirse, Miss Homecoming 2026 and Nizejuan Harris as Mister Homecoming 2026 in royal fashion.
Our Miss Homecoming hails from Summerville, SC, and is a sophomore majoring in Studio Arts with a Psychology minor. Mr. Harris is a native of Spartanburg, SC, and is a sophomore accounting major, and they both represent the purple and gold family with distinction.
| Benedict College Applauds Alumni Leadership and Generosity at Homecoming Luncheon | Homecoming was a time to celebrate, reconnect, and give thanks! Benedict College proudly recognized and celebrated the alumni whose generosity, leadership, and unwavering commitment continued to make a meaningful difference for their beloved alma mater. The 2026 Alumni Leadership Awards and State of the College Luncheon provided a special opportunity to express heartfelt appreciation for these dedicated members of Tiger Nation, whose continued support helped advance the College’s mission, create opportunities for students, and strengthen the Benedict College legacy. We extend our sincere gratitude to all who continue to give, serve, and keep the purple and gold shining bright! | |
Benedict College President Honors Top Donors at
Annual Homecoming Reception
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During Homecoming Week, President Roslyn Clark Artis welcomed Benedict College’s top donors to the Annual President’s Reception, where she personally expressed her heartfelt appreciation for their generosity and unwavering support. Their continued commitment made a lasting impact on the College’s mission and helped create meaningful opportunities for students. The reception provided a special opportunity to celebrate these dedicated supporters and recognize the important role they played in sustaining and advancing the Benedict College legacy.
Here are a few special moments from this year’s President’s Reception as we celebrate the generous supporters who help keep the Benedict College legacy thriving!
| Benedict College Alumni Celebrate Tiger Pride, Laughter, and Lifelong Connections at Audacity to Dream Banquet | The Benedict College Tiger family knows how to celebrate in style! Award-winning actor and comedian and proud Class of 1997 alumnus Howie Bell brought his signature humor, infectious energy, and unmistakable Tiger pride to the Audacity to Dream Alumni Banquet. The evening was filled with laughter, cherished memories, and meaningful connections as alumni celebrated milestone class reunions and reconnected with fellow members of the Benedict family. It was a memorable celebration of the enduring bonds that unite Tiger Nation and a reminder that at Benedict College, we not only dare to dream, but we celebrate the journey and the legacy together! | Benedict College Fall Convocation Inspired Students to Embrace Excellence and Purpose | |
Benedict College ushered in the 2026–2027 academic year with an inspiring Fall Convocation that brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the Tiger family for a meaningful celebration of academic achievement, reflection, and renewed purpose.
The occasion featured an impactful message from keynote speaker Dr. A. Zachary Faison, Jr., President and CEO of Edward Waters University, who challenged and encouraged students to pursue excellence with intentionality, remain committed to their goals, and recognize the importance of purpose in shaping their academic journeys and future contributions to society. His inspiring remarks provided a powerful reminder of the opportunities, responsibilities, and possibilities that accompanied a new academic year.
Benedict College also extended its sincere appreciation to Rev. Dr. Charles B. Jackson, Sr., and the Brookland Baptist Church family for graciously welcoming the College community into their beautiful sanctuary and providing a meaningful setting for the annual tradition.
From recognizing academic accomplishments to embracing the promise of new opportunities, the 2026 Fall Convocation served as an uplifting start to the academic year. More than a ceremonial gathering, it reaffirmed Benedict College’s commitment to academic excellence, personal growth, transformation, and the enduring spirit of Tiger pride.
| Relive some of our favorite moments from the 2026 Fall Convocation in our Highlights Gallery! | Benedict College Welcomes Accomplished Legal and Corporate Executive Jim Stuckey to Board of Trustees | |
Benedict College proudly announces the appointment of Jim Stuckey, Vice President and General Counsel for Dominion Energy Services, Inc., to its Board of Trustees. A distinguished attorney, corporate executive, and public servant, Stuckey brings decades of legal, regulatory, and leadership experience to the institution as it continues advancing its mission of academic excellence and transformational leadership.
Currently serving as Vice President and General Counsel for Dominion Energy Services, Inc., Stuckey oversees the Law Department for one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy. His extensive career includes executive leadership roles with Dominion Energy and SCANA Corporation, where he successfully led legal, regulatory, and corporate governance initiatives, including negotiations surrounding the landmark $13.4 billion merger between SCANA and Dominion Energy.
“Jim Stuckey’s election to our Board is a tremendous asset for Benedict College. His proven ability to navigate complex, high-stakes environments, combined with his longstanding commitment to civic and educational service across South Carolina, reflects the values we hold dear, said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “It is also a special honor to welcome Jim as the son of HBCU graduates, a reminder that the seeds we plant at HBCUs bear fruit for generations. We look forward to the fresh perspective and wise counsel he will bring as we continue to advance our mission.”
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A five-year agreement creates a structured, jointly funded pathway for Bahamian undergraduates to pursue priority degree programs at Benedict College
Benedict College has formally strengthened its partnership with the Commonwealth of The Bahamas by signing a Program Specific Agreement with the Ministry of Education and Technical and Vocational Training, creating a structured scholarship pathway for Bahamian undergraduate students. The five-year agreement, and the second between Benedict College and the Bahamas Ministry of Education, was executed on Thursday, March 19, 2026, during a multi-day campus visit by a senior delegation from the Ministry.
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Benedict College Launched Black Male Success Initiative with a $100,000 Grant from
The Boulé Foundation
| Investment supports innovative leadership, mentoring, and student success programs designed to increase retention, graduation, and career readiness among Black men. | |
Benedict College received a $100,000 grant from The Boulé Foundation to support the newly established B.E.S.T. Leadership Institute, a transformative initiative designed to strengthen academic achievement, leadership development, career readiness, and graduation outcomes for Black male students.
The investment came at a significant moment in the College’s history. Benedict had reached a notable demographic milestone by enrolling more male than female undergraduate students, placing the institution among a select group of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) with a male-majority undergraduate population. The achievement underscored the College’s commitment to ensuring that students not only enrolled but also thrived academically, graduated, and became leaders in their professions and communities.
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Benedict College Celebrated Leadership, Legacy, and Opportunity at
156th Commencement
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Benedict College celebrated academic achievement, leadership, and service during its 156th Commencement Ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. The ceremony featured keynote speaker Daryl A. Graham, Senior Vice President of Engagement and HBCU Initiative at Strada Education Foundation, and honored two distinguished leaders whose work exemplifies the transformative power of education.
The College also conferred an honorary degree upon Graham and Dr. Marlene Murphy McClerklin, a distinguished alumna and lifelong educator. Together, Graham and Dr. McClerklin represented the power of leadership, service, and a lasting commitment to educational excellence.
Benedict College’s 156th Commencement celebrated the achievements of its graduates while reaffirming the institution’s enduring mission to prepare future leaders who will strengthen their communities and advance its legacy of being a power for good.
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Benedict College Awarded $750,000
National Park Service Grant to
Preserve Historic Morgan Hall
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Benedict College received a $750,000 award from the National Park Service (NPS) to advance the preservation of Morgan Hall, the institution’s oldest building and a historic landmark that reflected the educational journey, resilience, and achievements of African Americans.
The three-year Morgan Hall Preservation Progression Project built upon the College’s initial National Park Service preservation grant, awarded in 2018, and continued efforts to restore the historic structure while maintaining its architectural character and structural integrity.
“Morgan Hall is more than the oldest building on our campus; it is a living testament to the vision, courage, and determination of those who believed education would open doors of opportunity for generations of African Americans,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “This generous investment from the National Park Service allows us to preserve an important part of our institutional and national history while ensuring that future generations can experience and appreciate the legacy embodied within these walls. We are not simply restoring a building, we are protecting a story of perseverance, progress, and the transformative power of education.”
| UNCF Announces Historic $12 Million Gift from The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation to Strengthen HBCU Endowments and Expand Pathways in Healthcare and Education | | |
UNCF announced The Dimon Fund to Advance Economic Opportunity, a historic $12 million gift from The James and Judith K. Dimon Foundation to strengthen the long-term sustainability of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
Established as The Dimon Fund to Advance Economic Opportunity within UNCF’s $1.5B capital campaign, the gift will provide permanent endowment capital to 12 selected UNCF member schools as part of their $5 million institutional match within UNCF’s pooled endowment fund. Recipient schools were selected for the strength of their leadership and governance and for their proven record of preparing educators, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. These are high-demand fields in which HBCUs consistently deliver outsized outcomes for first-generation and underrepresented students. A number of the selected schools also have distinctive cross-institutional collaborations, including credit-transfer partnerships in health-related disciplines that shorten the distance between classroom and career launch, a national model for building talent pipelines at scale.
By growing endowments, the Dimon Fund to Advance Economic Opportunity will help strengthen institutional balance sheets, expand capacity for long-range planning, and secure research, academic, and infrastructural capital.
The following UNCF member institutions will each receive $1 million in permanent endowment capital through The Dimon Fund to Advance Economic Opportunity:
Benedict College (Columbia, SC), Dillard University (New Orleans, LA), Edward Waters University (Jacksonville, FL), Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, TX), Jarvis Christian University (Hawkins, TX), Johnson C. Smith University (Charlotte, NC), Miles College, (Fairfield, AL), Oakwood University (Huntsville, AL), Shaw University (Raleigh, NC), Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL), Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, AL), and Voorhees University (Denmark, SC).
| Benedict College Makes History as First HBCU in South Carolina to Earn ABET Accreditation in Electrical Engineering | |
Benedict College achieved a significant academic milestone when its Electrical Engineering program earned ABET accreditation, making it the first HBCU in South Carolina to receive this distinction and strengthening its reputation for excellence in STEM education.
“ABET accreditation is a tremendous achievement for Benedict College and a powerful testament to the excellence of our faculty, the strength of our academic programs, and our commitment to preparing students for careers that will shape the future,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president and CEO of Benedict College. She praised the faculty and staff whose dedication helped make the accomplishment possible.
The accreditation affirmed the program’s academic quality and alignment with professional engineering standards, expanding career opportunities for graduates. It also established their eligibility to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) examination and pursue Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
“ABET accreditation provides assurance that a college or university program meets the quality standards of the profession for which that program prepares graduates,” said Dean Jessica Furrer of the School of Science and Engineering. She emphasized the importance of ensuring Benedict graduates possessed the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in engineering and related fields.
The achievement complemented the College’s ongoing commitment to STEM excellence. Electrical Engineering joined Environmental Engineering, which had been ABET-accredited since 2022, while Benedict continued preparing its Computer Science and Computer Engineering programs for accreditation.
“The success of our students is directly related to the strength of our academic programs,” said Dr. Janeen Witty, vice president of Academic Affairs. She commended Dean Furrer and her team for aligning academic programs with emerging STEM career opportunities.
This historic accomplishment further demonstrated Benedict College’s commitment to preparing highly skilled graduates to innovate, compete, and lead in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
| | The BEST of BC Faculty and Staff | | |
Benedict College Talent Made Its Mark on Netflix’s
A Different World Reboot
| | Benedict College celebrated a full-circle moment as alumnus and faculty member Sanford Greene brought his extraordinary artistic talents to the set of Netflix’s highly anticipated A Different World reboot. A respected veteran of the comic book industry, Greene was recognized for his work on Bitter Root, the acclaimed graphic novel series featuring powerful storytelling and Black heroes, as well as his illustrations for Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, Image Comics, and other major publishers. His artistic contributions, along with Benedict College students’ The Wonders of an HBCU comic book, were featured in the production’s set design, bringing the creativity and cultural influence of Benedict College to one of television’s most beloved college settings. The achievement highlighted the talent, innovation, and industry connections of Benedict Tigers, demonstrating how the College’s legacy extended beyond the classroom and into the world of entertainment and popular culture. After all, Benedict College was our Hillman College, and its Tigers continued to make their mark on the world | | |
Benedict College proudly congratulates Dr. Verna Orr, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff, on being named an SC Biz News Top 100 Women awardee.
This prestigious recognition reflects Dr. Orr’s exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact on Benedict College and the broader South Carolina community. Her commitment to excellence and service continues to strengthen our institution and inspire those around her.
“I am deeply honored to be recognized among such an inspiring group of women leaders across South Carolina. This honor belongs as much to Benedict College as it does to me. I share this honor with the students and colleagues who inspire me to keep lifting others as I climb," says Dr. Verna Orr.
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Benedict College welcomed Latoria Williams
as its new Human Resources Generalist
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With more than a decade of experience in human resources, talent acquisition, workforce development, and employee support, Williams brought valuable expertise to the Tiger family. In her role, she supported faculty, staff, and administrators in areas including payroll, benefits, employee relations, leave management, and compliance.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a Master of Science in Human Resource Management. Benedict College looked forward to her contributions in support of the institution’s mission and campus community.
| | | Coach James Rice Appointed to NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee | | |
Benedict College celebrated a major professional achievement as Head Women’s Basketball Coach James Rice was appointed to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee, with his term of service set to begin July 1, 2026, and continue through August 31, 2030.
Rice’s appointment followed more than a decade of distinguished leadership of the Benedict College women’s basketball program, during which he built a sustained tradition of excellence that positioned the Lady Tigers among the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s premier programs. Under his leadership, Benedict captured five SIAC Tournament Championships, six SIAC East Division titles, and seven 20-win seasons, along with multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
One of the program’s standout seasons came in 2019–20, when the Lady Tigers posted 27 wins, went undefeated in SIAC regular-season play at 15–0, earned a WBCA Top 10 national ranking, and led NCAA Division II in total rebounds and rebounds per game.
Rice’s coaching accomplishments earned widespread national recognition. He was named HBCU Women’s Basketball Coach of the Year, twice selected as SIAC Coach of the Year, and honored as SIAC Tournament Coach of the Year. His leadership extended well beyond Benedict College, including service on NCAA national committees, chairing a Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), and representing both Benedict and the SIAC on the WBCA Division II Top 25 Coaches Poll Panel.
His appointment to the NCAA Division II Women’s Basketball Committee reflected his long-standing impact on the sport and his continued influence on the national collegiate basketball landscape.
| Benedict College welcomes Dr. Joshua Spivey as Director of Career Development Services | |
Spivey says, “My reasoning behind wanting to join the Benedict family is because of my love for HBCUs and for the great work that I have been hearing coming from Benedict. From the Harambee Festival to the B.E.S.T. Lives Center to the service-learning and internship opportunities, there are many spaces for students to take advantage of.”
Before coming to Benedict, Spivey served as the career center executive director at Mount St. Mary’s University in Maryland.
| | The BEST of BC Students Lead | | Benedict College Welcomed 731 New Traditional Undergraduate Students, Highest Since 2019 | |
Benedict College continued its sustained enrollment growth in Fall 2026, welcoming 731 new traditional undergraduate students, the College’s highest new traditional undergraduate enrollment since Fall 2019. The incoming class represented a 15.3% increase over Fall 2025 and marked the College’s third consecutive year of new undergraduate enrollment growth.
Since Fall 2023, Benedict’s new traditional undergraduate enrollment had increased by more than 56%, rising from 468 students to 731 in Fall 2026. The continued growth underscored the increasing strength and appeal of the College’s academic programs and its commitment to expanding educational opportunities.
Growth was particularly strong among first-time, first-year students. Benedict welcomed 602 first-time, first-year students in Fall 2026, representing a 29.5% increase over the previous year. The incoming first-year class had an average high school grade-point average of 3.1. The College also welcomed 106 new transfer students.
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Benedict College Celebrated Royal Court at
Elegant Coronation Ceremony
| Benedict College celebrated a royal evening of elegance and excellence on October 8 with the coronation of Antwonette Rose Pendergrass as the 84th Miss Benedict College and Phumosny Gauthier as the 13th Mister Benedict College, alongside their distinguished Royal Court. The memorable ceremony honored leadership, scholarship, service, and Tiger pride while ushering in a new chapter for the College’s newest royal representatives. As ambassadors of the Purple and Gold, Miss and Mister Benedict College and their Royal Court proudly represented the institution, embracing their roles as leaders and ambassadors of its rich legacy. The Benedict College family congratulated its newest royal family and celebrated their commitment to excellence, service, and leadership throughout their reign. Once a Tiger, Always a Tiger! | Benedict College Celebrated Diversity and Cultural Connections During International and Cultural Day | Benedict College celebrated the richness of cultural diversity during its vibrant International & Cultural Day Celebration, which brought the campus community together through colorful displays, traditional attire, music, dance, and cultural performances. The event provided an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to share their heritage, embrace diverse traditions, and build meaningful connections through shared experiences. The celebration highlighted the unique cultures represented throughout the Benedict College community and reinforced the spirit of unity, inclusion, and pride that brought the Tiger family together. Different Cultures. Unique Traditions. One Tiger Family! | Benedict College Students Engaged with Engineering Leaders at Engineers’ Day on the Hill | |
Nine Benedict College students represented the institution at Engineers’ Day on the Hill at the South Carolina State House, a half-day advocacy event hosted by the South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers and the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Members of Benedict’s National Society of Black Engineers chapter connected with practicing engineers and learned about the importance of professional societies, engineering licensure, legislative advocacy, and policy priorities affecting local communities. Students were also encouraged to pursue scholarship opportunities.
The Benedict College delegation included Mikhal Brown, Taleah Brown, Phumosny Gauthier, Kamya Jackson, Richard Little Jr., Hezekiah Moore, Mark Wells, Quentin Whitfield, and Carlisa Wright.
“This annual event at the State House was a valuable opportunity for engineering students to gain exposure to the legislative process and its impact on engineering licensure and regulations,” said Dr. Jessica Furrer, Dean of the School of Science and Engineering and NSBE advisor. “Students also networked with practicing engineers from across South Carolina and raised awareness of Benedict College’s ABET-accredited environmental engineering program.”
The experience strengthened students’ understanding of how engineering, public policy, and professional leadership intersect.
| Criminal Justice Week Celebrates Student Achievement with Honor Society Induction | |
Pictured Left Right: Anyla Flemming; Lotaji Coleman; Joshua Davis; Brazil Jones; Jessica Mungo, Brynoshay Townsend, Twitty Defredic; Haileigh Doctor; and Shaniah Moore
The Criminal Justice Administration Department celebrated Criminal Justice Week with a program featuring guest speakers United States Marshal Chrissie C. Latimore and Attorney La’ Jessica Stringfellow.
During the program, six students were inducted into the Benedict College Pi Zeta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma Criminal Justice Honor Society. The goals of the honor society are to honor and promote academic excellence, community service, educational leadership and unity.
Advisor Dr. Deborah Hunter-Clark says, “This year we are delighted to welcome some new students are committed to high academic standards and service to the Benedict campus as well as our local community. Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society members understand the ultimate test of the value of any organization lies in the accomplishments of its members.
The students inducted were Lotaji Coleman, sophomore; Joshua Davis, senior; Brazil Jones, sophomore; Jessica Mungo, junior; Brynoshay Townsend, sophomore and Defredric Twitty, senior.
The honor society boasts 12 current members that engage in service to the campus and the community. To be eligible for the honor society, students need a 3.2 GPA or higher and must have taken at least 12 hours of Criminal Justice courses. Inducted students receive a welcome letter, certificate, lapel pin, and membership card.
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Innovation on Display: Benedict College Takes
Third Place at UA Hackathon
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Pictured left-right: Alton Moseley, CyberSecurity Tech Coordinator; Nikko Amos, sophomore, Georgia; Dylan Lacey, sophomore, Conway, SC; Ryan Taylor, junior, Brooklyn, NY; DaSani Gregory, freshmen, Chester, SC and Dr. Melvin Miller, associate professor of Business Administration.
It was a winning weekend for Benedict College when a team of scholars finished 3rd during the 5th annual UA Innovate – Hackathon & Innovation Challenge at the University of Alabama.
Led by coaches, Alton Moseley and Dr. Melvin Miller, the team faced competition from schools during the 24-hour competition to design and implement a technology solution in a specific category.
Moseley says, “From an instructor’s perspective, supporting students in the UA Alabama Hackathon provides a valuable opportunity to reinforce classroom concepts through real-world, collaborative problem-solving. These experiences help prepare students for real-world careers.”
Describing his experience, Taylor says, “Being surrounded by students who look like me, coding through the night, reminded me why representation matters.”
| | Benedict College Scholars Made History as South Carolina’s Only HBCU Representatives in Inaugural National Fellowship | | |
Benedict College celebrated a significant achievement when three students were selected for the inaugural HBCU Fellowship Cohort of the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC), making Benedict the only HBCU in South Carolina represented in this national leadership initiative.
The fellowship brought together promising HBCU scholars and emerging leaders for professional networking, leadership development, and cross-sector engagement, preparing participants to influence their professions and advance the economic and social well-being of their communities.
Representing Benedict College were Jacob Holmes, a junior finance major from Columbia, South Carolina; TyDarrius White, a sophomore neuroscience major from Columbus, Georgia; and Nala Uter, a senior marketing major from Fort Mill, South Carolina.
For Holmes, the experience offered valuable opportunities to build relationships and gain new perspectives.
“Being selected to be a part of NBEC has been an incredible experience,” Holmes said. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, engage in profound conversations, and learn about perspectives outside my own. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built, and I’m excited to continue growing as a leader through this experience.”
Their selection showcased the academic excellence and leadership potential of Benedict students pursuing fields that contribute to business, science, health, and innovation.
Click here to read the full Press Release:
| | Benedict Takes Over No. 1 Spot In Region 2 NPI Rankings | Lady Tigers To Face Spring Hill In SIAC Volleyball Championship | Tigers Finish 8th At SIAC Cross Country Championship | | Benedict Honors Student-Athletes at Awards Luncheon | | |
The Benedict College athletic department honored its student-athletes at its annual athletic awards luncheon on Tuesday afternoon.
A pair of standout athletes received the John E. Brown Award, Benedict's top student-athlete award. The award is named after the former legendary coach and athletic director who spent 32 years serving Benedict College, where he coached football, baseball and basketball for the Tigers. This award is given to the most outstanding student-athlete.
A pair of standout track and field athletes were this year's recipients – Zack Washington and Yassmine Chambers. Both win the award for the second year in a row.
| | Tigers Celebrate Homecoming with Dominating 45-24 Victory Over Edward Waters | | |
The Benedict Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 first-half lead and went on to a dominating 45-24 Homecoming victory over 21st-ranked Edward Waters on Saturday at
Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.
The Benedict defense stymied the SIAC's highest-scoring offense for most of the day, holding EWU to a season-low in points, not counting a one-sided 66-14 loss to Division I Jackson State. The Benedict Tigers also scored more points against EWU than any other team except Jackson State.
Benedict improves to 6-1 overall and moves into a first-place tie in the SIAC at 4-1. Edward Waters falls to 5-2 overall and 4-1 in the SIAC.
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Benedict College proudly congratulates distinguished alumna Babette B. Jones, founder of Six Nineteen of 1865 Spirits, on being recognized as one of the 2026 SC BIZ Top 100 Women.
A proud Benedict College graduate who also holds a master’s degree in human resource development, Jones continues to exemplify visionary leadership through her purpose-driven beverage brand, producing premium ready-to-drink cocktails and mocktails.
Her philosophy of leadership reflects the spirit of service and excellence embodied by Benedict Tigers:
“When you lead with heart, keep your word, and create opportunities for others, success becomes something you share, not something you keep,” said Jones.
Benedict College celebrates Babette B. Jones for this well-deserved honor and applauds her continued impact as a business leader, entrepreneur, and proud Tiger alumna.
| | Benedict Inducts Seven and Championship Softball Team, Into Hall of Fame | | |
Seven outstanding individuals and a championship team were inducted into the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday evening at the DoubleTree Hotel.
The Class of 2026 includes three inductees for outstanding meritorious service to Benedict athletics, two record-setting track and field athletes, a three-sport star, the winningest coach in Benedict College history, and the 2004 SIAC champion women's softball team.
This year's class is Raymond Corley (meritorious service); Leigh Hicks (track & field); Calleb Obumba (meritorious service); Jonnise Pierce (track & field); Gwendolyn Rouse (coach); Mildred Simmons (women's basketball); Tanya Youngblood (meritorious service); and the 2004 women's softball team.
The eight new inductees brings the total number of members in the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame to 251.
| The SIAC Champions, 2004 Benedict College Lady Tigers Softball Team, proudly takes its place among the legends of the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame. | | BC R.O.A.R. was awarded a grant from the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities | | |
The Benedict College Resist Overcome Achieve Rise (BC R.O.A.R.) program has been awarded $120,000 by the Office of Substance Use Services at the South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities.
BC R.O.A.R. hosts monthly activities to empower students to resist harmful behaviors and overcome personal challenges to achieve academic and life success and become leaders within their communities. Students can take advantage of services by attending monthly activities sponsored by the Recovery Ambassadors, which generally address overall wellness. Students can also visit the Wellness Room at the Tiger’s Den, where the Program Coordinator (Adrien) is housed, and work with her individually if additional recovery support services are needed.
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Benedict College Harambee Festival
Named Columbia Neighborhood Awards BEST Event
for the second consecutive year
| | For the second consecutive year, the Benedict College Harambee Festival was recognized as the Best Event in the 2026 Columbia Neighborhood Awards. Pictured from left to right, Dr. George Devlin, Founder of the Harambee Festival; Dr. Verna Orr, Benedict College Chief of Staff, and Chris Conners, Founder of the Columbia Neighborhood Awards. | |
Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation Celebrates the Dedicated Service of
Outgoing Board Members
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(From left to right) Dr. Michelle L.K. Raven, Executive Director of the Benedict Allen Community Development Corporation; Emma McGraw Myers, MSW, President and CEO of E.M. Consultants; Oveta Glover, President of the Columbia Branch NAACP;
Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College and
Dr. Stanley J. Pritchett, Sr., President of Allen University.
The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation (CDC) proudly recognizes and celebrates the dedicated service and steadfast leadership of outgoing Board members Emma McGraw Myers, Oveta Glover, Mr. Willis Langley III, and Mr. Henry Simon, whose commitment to community advancement has helped strengthen the organization’s mission of neighborhood revitalization and sustainable development.
| | Benedict College Hosted the 47th Annual South Carolina Association of Law Enforcement Explorers Conference | | |
Benedict College proudly hosted the 47th Annual South Carolina Association of Law Enforcement Explorers (SCALE) Conference, held July 19–25, 2026. Co-hosted by the Benedict College Police Department and the City of Columbia Police Department, the weeklong conference brought together more than 150 Law Enforcement Explorers, advisors, and law enforcement professionals from across South Carolina and neighboring states.
The conference officially began Sunday, July 19, with Welcome Day at the Lorick Park Community Center in Columbia. Throughout the week, participants engaged in hands-on training, leadership development, scenario-based competitions, and team-building activities on the Benedict College campus and at locations throughout downtown Columbia.
The 2026 conference theme, “Building Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Service, Integrity, and Excellence,” reflected the program’s commitment to preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals through mentorship, education, and community engagement.
“We are honored to welcome these outstanding young leaders and the dedicated law enforcement professionals who mentor them to Benedict College,” said Benedict College Police Chief Kevin Portee. “Hosting the SCALE Conference aligns with our commitment to leadership development, public service, and fostering meaningful partnerships that positively impact our communities.”
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BENEDICT COLLEGE
1600 HARDEN STREET, COLUMBIA, SC 29204
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