Meet the 2021-2022 Student Government Association |
|
2021-2022 SGA Officers Induction |
|
 |
|
|
|
Kendra Lewis
Vice President
|
|
|
|
|
Jimmy Jackson, Jr.
Business Manager
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
President Artis proudly introduced the Executive Staff of the Student Government Association (SGA). As President, Mr. Kenyon Gray, an accounting major from Vallejo, California received the Presidential Gavel. He joined Vice President, Kendra Lewis, a native of Norfolk, Virginia who is majoring in educational studies with a PK-6 concentration. Mr. Jimmy Jackson, from Loris, South Carolina, who is majoring in Business Administration and will serve as the Business Manager. Mr. Elijah Kelly who also majors in Business Administration and will serve as SGA Secretary and is a native of Ewing, New Jersey. |
|
Meet the Record Number of Scholars (98)
to Receive the President's Trophy
|
|
Congratulations to Zoe Doan and Sofia Gomez on Being Named the
Fall 2021 Mayor's Fellows
|
|
|
Zoe Doan is from Palos Verdes, CA and is a junior psychology and criminal justice major at Benedict College.
During her last two years at Benedict Zoe plans to become more involved with clubs and internships. After graduating, she plans to continue her education in graduate school followed by medical school.
Zoe’s goal to become a psychiatrist and help people with their mental health. She is excited to be a Mayor’s Fellow and learn more about municipal government to get a better understanding of the community.
|
|
|
|
Sofia Gomez, from Costa Rica, Central America, is a junior student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sport Management at Benedict College. She is part of the honors program and part of the Benedict College Tennis Team. Sofia is involved at the Fitness and Health Institute online school, pursuing a diploma in conditioning trainer and another one in a personal trainer. After graduating from college, Sofia wants to graduate school to get a master’s and a Ph.D. degree. She has not decided what exactly she wants to study, but she is between two different careers: Criminal Profiler and Sport Psychologist. Sofia is happy about this opportunity and feels excited because she knows it will be a fantastic experience. She is grateful to serve the City of Columbia as a Mayor’s Fellow and keen to learn more about how the Municipal Government works. |
|
|
|
The One Hundred Fifty-Second Fall Convocation Program |
|
Fall Convocation signifies the beginning of the new academic year at Benedict College. The Convocation was held on Thursday, September 7, 2021, at 11 a.m. in the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center. The Keynote Speaker was Dr. Hakim J. Lucas, President of Virginia Union University. The 152nd year old tradition serves as an opportunity to welcome the College’s incoming freshman class and celebrates the academic accomplishments of its upperclassmen.
|
|
Benedict College makes its Debut on the U.S. News and World Report College List |
|
For the first time in the 150-year history of Benedict College, it is listed #44 in the Top Performers on Social Mobility, #53 among the top half of ranked Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and #71 in the 2022 edition of Best Colleges in Regional Colleges South. Click here to read the full article.
|
|
Benedict Named One of the 30 Most Affordable College in the US |
|
Four years ago, President Artis rolled back the cost of tuition at Benedict College by $5,830 repositioning the College to be one of the most affordable private colleges in the South Carolina. In a recent Newsweek article, Benedict was named one of “The 30 Most Affordable Private Colleges in the U.S."
|
|
Mayor Steve Benjamin Recognizes Sickle Cell Awareness Month at the Benedict College Blood Drive |
|
In the U.S., more than 100,000 people are estimated to be living with sickle cell disease, most of whom are of African descent. During Sickle Cell Awareness Month, the American Red Cross is emphasizing the importance of a diverse blood supply to help meet the needs of those with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the country. |
|
(l-r) Vareva Harris, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management; Rebecca Jordan, Executive Director of the Central Chapter Red Cross; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College; The Honorable Steve Benjamin, Mayor of Columbia, and Rod Tolbert, Chief Executive Officer, American Red Cross of South Carolina. |
|
Benedict College students, faculty, and staff answered the call for more diverse blood by attending a day-long blood drive held on campus. The blood drive was hosted by the Benedict College Red Cross Club. The Club welcomed 44 pre-registered donors and their goal was 25 pints of blood, and 29 pints were collected. Benedict College junior, Jamarra Williams is the only HBCU student in the country to be selected to be an American Red Cross Collegiate Leadership Program scholarship recipient. Williams is the founding President of the Benedict College Red Cross Club and Dr. Vareva Harris, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, serves as the club advisor.
We are #TheBESTofBC BC = Blood Contributors!
|
|
Benedict College Partners with FAMU to Win a $4 Million Consortia Grant from the National Nuclear Security Administration |
|
Benedict will receive $1. 3 million of a $4 million grant to participate in The Interconnected CyberManfacturing project which is designed to open pathways for minority workforce development in the area of energy and research.
The collaboration will allow Benedict students to benefit from an extensive year-round research engagement with graduate and research institutions.
According to Dr. Goodwin E. Mbamalu, Vice President for Research and Distinguished Professor of Bio-Chem in Environmental Health and Science (pictured above left), Benedict scholars will also be able to leverage these unique collaborations for graduate education in the STEM field at Florida A&M University and other major research institutions. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in summer research at national level laboratories which is a critical part of the workforce development in STEM for minority students.
The grant will also enhance Benedict’s STEM programs- engineering, computer sciences, and research experiences in contemporary issues in manufacturing. These are areas of importance to the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Interconnected CyberManufacturing- Establishing Minority Pathways: Opportunities for Workforce- Development in Energy Research and Education program.
|
|
Benedict College Received $750,000 from the Department of Education for Strengthening Success in STEM through Academic Support, Mentoring, and Research |
|
Benedict College Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) has received $750,000 to help them achieve its three major goals. The goals are all aimed at increasing STEM retention and graduation rates. The program also seeks to provide academic support, early intervention thru tutorials, and mentoring in entry-level, gatekeeping STEM courses that challenge freshmen students.
MSEIP will use high-achieving STEM students as peer mentors for early academic intervention with the support of the BC STEM Academic Support Center. The program will also provide Summer Research experiences and graduate school shadowing for the high achieving STEM mentors and scholars at Benedict College, USC, SRNS, and other national labs.
|
|
Benedict College to Open a Cybersecurity Center for Resilient Cyber Physical-Social Systems (C3S) with a $421,000 grant from the Department of Energy
|
|
|
|
Congratulations to Dr. Godwin Mbamalu (pictured left above) and Dr. Gurcan Comert (pictured left below) for winning a $421,000 grant to establish a Cybersecurity Center for Resilient Cyber Physical- Social Systems (C3S). This new center will be located on campus and will be a state-of-the-art infrastructure that will enhance our STEM curriculum and student competencies with a special focus on students from underrepresented groups.
The Center will form a competitive, complementary, and multidisciplinary cybersecurity research group to educate and train the future CPSS cybersecurity students. The funding will also enhance Benedict College’s curriculum in computer sciences, engineering, physics, mathematics, cybersecurity, and physical sciences.
|
|
Benedict College to Participate in National HBCU Initiative to Connect Students' Education and Aspirations |
|
Benedict College announced its participation in an ambitious new initiative between 28 institutions and Strada Education Network, a nonprofit social impact organization dedicated to increasing individuals’ economic mobility by fostering more purposeful connections between education and work. The initiative, powered by an initial $25 million grant from Strada, is designed to support the work of historically Black colleges and universities in developing the next generation of leaders. Read more.
|
|
Benedict College listed as a top HBCU band
in first rankings of the season
|
|
After a nearly two-year hiatus, it’s time for this season’s first The Undefeated rankings of the top bands among historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in NCAA Division I and Division II.
The top bands are the Florida A&M Marching 100 in Division I and Benedict College Band of Distinction in Division II. For the first time in poll history, FAMU sits No. 1 overall. In the final 2019 top 10 rankings, FAMU finished at seventh.
The rankings, conducted by two six-person panels of current and retired band directors and HBCU choreographers, evaluate bands on musicality, pictures, drill and design, percussion, auxiliary corps and drum majors. Judges critique the bands’ routines after watching their performances, then provide feedback to the programs.
|
|
Benedict College Welcomes New Faculty and Staff Members to the Family |
|
Mr. Brian Love
Director
Career Pathways Initiative and Service-Learning Program
|
|
Dr. Macie Smith
Assistant Professor
Social Work Department
|
|
Dr. Tracy Washington
Chair
Accounting and Finance Department
|
|
Mr. Felix A. Weston
Instructor
Social Work Department
|
|
Dr. Varghese Vaidyan
Assistant Professor
Computer Science, Physics and Engineering Department
|
|
Mr. Patrick Rutledge
Instructor
Communication and Arts Department
|
|
Mr. Joey Hilton
Assistant Professor
Communication and Arts Department
|
|
Dr. Etosha Johnson
Director of
Student Success and Retention
Student Success Center
|
|
Ms. Essie Sellers
Assistant Director of
Student Success and Retention
Student Success Center
|
|
Dr. Justin Robertson
Assistant Professor
Communication and Arts Department
|
|
Mr. David Moses
Instructor
Criminal Justice Administration and Social Sciences Department
|
|
Ms. Christina Freeman
Instructor and Director of
Field Education
Social Work Department
|
|
Mr. Ricardo Payton
Coordinator of Band Operations
Communication and Arts Department
|
|
Dr. Eric Crawford
Director
Honors Program
|
|
Dr. Brittany Morrone
Assistant Professor of Sport Management
Department of Health, Physical Education, and Recreation
|
|
Ms. Saima Iffat
Instructor
Computer Science, Physics and Engineering Department
|
|
Dr. Cornell Sneed
Associate Professor
Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department
|
|
Ms. Theresa Laurente
Department of Athletics
|
|
Ms. Stephanie Deas
Information Technology Department
|
|
Ms. Afiya Tyler
Health, Physical Education and Recreation Department
|
|
Ms. Kimberly Singletary
Library Services
|
|
Ms. Dana Quattlebaum
Financial Aid and Scholarships
|
|
Mr. Damian Hinson
Facilities
|
|
Ms. Jamie Boykin
Office of Research
|
|
Mr. Benton Legaux
Department of Athletics
|
|
Mr. Jamar Mitchell
Department of Athletics
|
|
Mr. Kelvin Smarwt
Department of Athletics
|
|
Ms. Jocindra Glee
Department of Athletics
|
|
Ms. Tosha Glee
Facilities
|
|
Mr. Preston Kyle
Facilities
|
|
Mr. Deonte Johnson
Campus Police
|
|
Ms. Nakia Bryant
Campus Police
|
|
Mr. Michael Turnipseed
Facilities
|
|
Ms. Sonya McIntosh
Facilities
|
|
Ms. Jacqueline Perry
Facilities
|
|
Ms. Charlene Peterson
Director of Counseling
and Self Development
|
|
Ms. Mallory Baskin
Information Technology
|
Dr. Adrian Gale
Computer Science, Physics, and Engineering
|
Mr. Neville Richardson
Campus Police
|
|
Appointments and Promotions |
|
Martha Scott Smith
Director of Human Resources
A Columbia native, Smith attended SC State University and graduated from the University of South Carolina. In the early years of her career, she taught school in Richland School District One, where she helped develop the district’s first gifted and talented program. After 37 years of dedicated service, she retired from AT&T as the SE Public Affairs Director for the AT&T Foundation. Smith brings a wealth of HR experience, having served as both the State Director for Human Resources and Labor Relations during her tenure at BellSouth. Smith was instrumental in the creation of the prominent South Carolina African American History Calendar.
Smith is an avid servant leader and community volunteer. She is a 25-year volunteer with the Columbia Urban League, Inc. She is the first African American woman to chair several civic organizations such as the American Red Cross-Central Carolinas and the Foundations of Midlands Technical College and the SC State Museum. She has also served on the Boards of Visitors of Columbia College, Allen University, and Claflin University, the Board of Trustees of South Carolina State University and presently on Presidential Minority Advisory Committee at the University of South Carolina. Smith was named the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year by the United Way of the Midlands, the first and only African American woman to receive this award. Additionally, she is a member of the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame; has received the South Carolina NAACP’s statewide award for civic advocacy; and the National Public Servant Award from the Jobs for America’s Graduates program.
|
|
Dr. Walletta Moore Johnson
Director of Development and Assistant Director of Title III & Sponsored Programs
Dr. Walletta Moore-Johnson began working at Benedict College in 2005 in the Title III Office within the Division of Institutional Advancement. During her 16 years at the College, she has been instrumental in helping to advance the goals and objectives within the Division of Institutional Advancement. She has previously served as the Coordinator of Prospect Research and simultaneously serves as the Director of Foundation Relations/Assistant Director of Title III & Sponsored Programs. She is also Coordinator of the College’s UNCF Joint Campaign and guides the efforts of the Religious Organizations Campaign.
Dr. Johnson is a proud 2000 graduate of Benedict College. She is a recipient of the National Council of Negro Women’s Living the Legacy Award and is listed in Cambridge’s Who’s Who Among Executive and Professional Women. She is an active member of the Benedict College National Alumni Association and was recently elected to a second term as Corresponding Secretary.
She serves as Chair of the Awards, Awards Luncheon, and Survey & Evaluations Committees and is a member of the Executive, Strategic Plan, Technology, Publications Committee and Homecoming Committee.
She is a member of the following professional and civic organizations: Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; National Association of Title III Administrators; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Council for the Advancement and Support of Education; Association of Fundraising Professionals; Midlands Area UNCF Campaign Committee; Bradley Elementary Parent Teacher Organization; Bradley Elementary Magnet Advisory Council, Columbia Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (Corresponding Secretary 2021-2022); and Gill Creek Baptist Church Grief Ministry.
|
|
Mr. Jacob Koon
Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Mr. Jacob Koon was recently promoted to Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. In addition to this role, he also serves as the Dean of Students. As Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs, he will oversee Residential Life, Student Activities, Counseling Services, International Programs, and Food Services. Over the years, Koon has served in many roles to include Residential Life Coordinator, Area Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Residential Life.
Koon is a proud 2013 graduate of Benedict College. He is a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated and the Director of Music for Saint Paul Baptist Church. Previously, he served as a substance abuse counselor, a disability services manager, and was a member of the Benedict College strategic plan committee. Mr. Koon holds a Master of Science degree in higher education administration from Southern New Hampshire University.
|
|
Dr. Tyrone Adam Burroughs is Inducted into the
National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame
|
|
Dr. Tyrone Adam Burroughs is the embodiment of a successful Benedict College graduate. Dr. Burroughs rose from humble beginnings to destinations that few would have imagined possible. His incredible journey from Lane, South Carolina, to Memphis, Tennessee, where he is the Founder, President, and CEO of First Choice, a global consumer products management firm. First Choice is the largest minority-owned consumer products agency in the United States. As a Benedict Alumnus, his life story reverberates in the minds and hearts of students who see visible evidence of his success. His achievements cause students to believe with even greater fervor that Benedict College is not just a place for learned consumers, but also a place that produces owners, entrepreneurs, and job creators. Dr. Burroughs is the largest individual donor in the history of Benedict College. He is a member of the Board of Trustees, and the School of Business and Economics was recently renamed the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship. Read more.
|
|
Benedict College Carolinas Classic Makes History Supports Student Scholarships and Takes the Fanfare Tailgate
Experience to a New Level
|
|
The Tigers can now boast a 56-year winning streak against Allen University. |
|
The Carolinas Football Classic sponsored by Pepsi ignited a friendly rivalry 55 years in making. The Labor Day weekend of festivities began on Friday, September 3rd, with the 3rd Annual Think Big Now Benedict College Pitch Competition hosted by The YARD and sponsored by Vulcan Materials. Students competed with their innovative and creative minds for monetary prizes in the form of scholarships. Read more.
|
|
Think Big Now Pitch Competition Winners |
|
Carolinas Classic Mayor's Brunch |
|
Carolinas Classic Tailgate |
|
Pictured above: (left to right) Rocsi Diaz, DJ Jae Murphy, Benedict student Tyrell Simmons, and Krystal "KG" Garner |
|
Pictured above: Carolinas Classic Host
Rocsi Diaz, Emmy Award Winning TV Host
|
|
Benedict's Emily Reeves Named SIAC Setter of the Week |
|
Reeves recorded 6.88 assists per set this past weekend for the Tigers during the SIAC Divisional Crossover. The senior setter added 3.94 digs per set. Read article.
|
|
Benedict's Nelson Kipkemboi Named SIAC Runner of the Week |
|
Kipkemboi, a freshman, has earned his second weekly honor. The Kenya native ran the fastest time in the SIAC with a 25:06 in the 8k. He finished 27th overall to help his team finish 18th overall at the Queen City invitational hosted by Queens University. Read article.
|
|
BENEDICT COLLEGE
1600 HARDEN STREET, COLUMBIA, SC 29204
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
