United States Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland,

visits Benedict College

On September 27th, Benedict College proudly hosted United States Secretary of the Interior, Deb Haaland; Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, and Executive Director of the National Park Service, Charles F. Sams, III, on campus for a tour of the College’s historic buildings. During the visit, Dr. Artis, along with presidents of other South Carolina HBCUs, participated in a luncheon and roundtable discussion with Secretary Haaland, Congressman Clyburn, and Executive Director Sams. Since 2018, Benedict College has received $3 Million in funding to preserve the College’s historic district which consists of 5 buildings.

Dr. Roderick Smothers Encourages Students at the

2022 Fall Convocation

The Fall Convocation signifies the beginning of the new 2022-2023 academic year at Benedict College. The Fall Convocation event was held on Thursday, September 1, 2022, at 11 a.m. in the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Center. 

The keynote speaker was Dr. Roderick L. Smothers, Sr. Ph.D., President of Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. The 153-year-old traditional occasion serves as an opportunity to welcome the incoming freshman class and celebrates the academic accomplishments of the upperclassmen. 

Congratulations to our 2022 President's Trophy Recipients! Our scholars represent #TheBESTofBC!

Benedict College is proud to launch the

Palmer's Executive Speaker Series

(L-R) Vivica McBean, SGA President; Sonalis Muhammad, SGA Vice President, Zion Kirkland, SGA Business Manager, and Craig Morton, SGA Secretary.

Carolinas Classic Presented by Pepsi brings North and South Carolina HBCUs Together

The Carolinas Football Classic, sponsored by Pepsi sparked a friendly rivalry 55 years in the making. The Labor Day weekend of festivities began on Friday, September 2, 2022, with the inaugural Carolinas Football Classic Band Gym Battle between the Benedict College Marching Band of Distinction and the Elizabeth City Sound of Class in the Benjamin E. Mays Arena.

The 4rd Annual Think Big Now Benedict College Pitch Competition was 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. This year’s winners are:

• 1st Place, Shapelle Pinder – $4,000 Scholarship
• 2nd Place, Elia Allen – $3,000 Scholarship
• 3rd Place, Madison Roberts – $1,500 Scholarship

On Saturday morning, HBCU football fans and community members attended the 2nd Annual Carolinas Football Classic Mayor’s Brunch hosted by City of Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann.

Before the 6 p.m. kickoff, the Carolinas Fanfare Tailgate Experience offered football fans Hollywood Star Power with special guests Roci Diaz from E! News and celebrity DJ Jae Murphy. The interactive activities, interviews, and fun were aired LIVE on social media on HBCU Buzz.   

Title sponsor Pepsi presented President Artis with a check for $200,000 to support 2022 Carolina Football Classic Scholarships, Bands, and Program Support.  

The high energy continued as thousands of Tigers and Vikings fans filled the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium to watch the battle of the Carolinas. The Tigers were victorious and beat the Vikings 58-14.  

FBI Launches Mentor Program, Teams up with

Local HBCUs

The FBI Columbia field office teamed up with six local HBCU’s to launch its first-ever mentoring program.

Interested students from Benedict College, Morris College, Voorhees University, Allen University, Claflin University, and South Carolina State University met at Benedict College to learn more about what the program will entail and meet their new mentors.

The program provides students with exposure to FBI careers and opportunities.

During the Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, the College also received a check for

$10,000 from the HBCU Change Foundation 

The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc. hosted its Annual Induction Ceremony on Friday, September 23, 2022, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta. Each year, Alumni of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) are honored for their significant contributions to their respective institution. 

This year, Benedict College celebrates two inductees, its 14th and first female President and CEO, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, and Alumnus I. S. Leevy Johnson. Attorney Johnson has been practicing law for over forty years and is recognized as one of the top criminal attorneys.  

The BEST of BC Faculty and Staff

Dr. Verna Orr, Special Assistant for Planning and Institutional Effectiveness, has recently been named the new Chief of Staff at Benedict College. As an integral member of the President’s Office, the Chief of Staff reports directly to the President and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet. Dr. Orr will be responsible for directing the operations of the Office of the President while serving as a trusted advisor and advocate for the highest quality of operational services. 

Dr. Kabra Benford is the Director of the award-winning Benedict College Gospel Choir who recently received a Doctor of Healthcare Administration degree from Virginia University of Lynchburg. 

Dr. Benford is also a social work consultant for the Department of Health and Environmental Control.

The BEST of BC Students Lead

The Sisters of Charity Foundation of South Carolina announced the start of a new class for the President’s Fellows program, an initiative in partnership with HBCUs in South Carolina that provides professional development experiences in philanthropy for African American males. 

The 2022-2023 President’s Fellows are: 

• Marcus Alexander, Benedict College 
• Matthew Bradshaw, Claflin University 
• Aubrey Brown, South Carolina State University 
• Ja’varrius Wilson, Benedict College 
• Charles Wofford, Claflin University 

Gabrielle Lowe

Arianna Bastian

Benedict College students Arianna Bastian and Gabrielle Lowe have been selected for the American Heart Association Scholars Program at Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

Scholars will participate in an academic-year research experience designed to increase awareness and opportunities in professional research, science and public health careers.  They will also engage in virtual leadership workshops to enhance critical skills necessary for success in post-graduate degree programs.   

In addition, Quest’s support will allow scholars to attend the AHA’s International Scientific Sessions, the largest cardiovascular disease conference in the world which takes place November 5-7, 2022 in Chicago, as well as the annual HBCU Scholars Research Symposium in Durham on April 11-12, 2023.  Arianna and Gabrielle will receive a generous stipend from Quest for their participation in the program.

The Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program prepares, high-caliber undergraduate students for graduate studies. Scholars reside on the UofSC-Columbia campus for six weeks and are paired with faculty research mentors, who help guide their focused research. Scholars also receive a stipend and a variety of training, which includes a three-hour research-oriented course; advice and guidance on applying to graduate programs; support activities such as the GRE preparation; and workshops and seminars that help students prepare to succeed in a graduate school environment.  

Kennedy Vincent, originally from Las Vegas, Nevada is a Junior at Benedict College, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Human Growth and Development. Kennedy was selected as a part of the 2022 McNair Cohort from a large pool of students from 10 colleges and universities from across the state of South Carolina. Kennedy is one of three students representing Benedict College in the McNair Scholars Program. Kennedy was interested in becoming a McNair Scholar because she thought it would be an “out of the box” experience. Kennedy also believed the scholars program would be an opportunity to network with other scholars and provide academic opportunities that would help her excel in future graduate studies. Here is what Kennedy had to say about his experience in the McNair Scholar 2022 Summer Research Component. " The McNair Scholars Program has opened a lot of doors for me. It has allowed me to come into contact with people who have achieved the goals I have set for myself. This program has also enabled me more punctual and has added structure to my schedule.” Kennedy completed a research project on "The Impacts that Denial of Abortion has on Women", under the guidance of McNair Faculty Mentor, Dr. Dan Cooper, Assistant Professor of Psychology, UofSC College of Arts and Sciences. Kennedy was awarded the “UofSC Emerging McNair Scholar Award” and was recognized for her success in COLA398, a concentrated research course. Kennedy learned about the McNair Scholars Program from Dr. Vareva Harris, Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Management, at Benedict College, who has been instrumental in promoting the benefits of undergraduate scholarship and service learning through community and collegiate partnerships.  

Quentin Watts, originally from Charlotte, NC, is a rising Senior at Benedict College, majoring in Mass Communications. Quentin was chosen as one of three students representing Benedict College in the McNair Scholars Program. Quentin was interested in becoming a McNair Scholar because he wanted to pursue new challenges. Quentin also believed the scholars program would provide him with additional academic opportunities and a chance to be a role model to others who wish to pursue masters and doctoral degrees. Here is what Quentin had to say about his experience in the McNair Scholar 2022 Summer Research Component. "The McNair Scholars Program helped me learn how to properly write and how to discipline myself, academically. It also gave me an opportunity to become more comfortable with public speaking and discussing my research.” Quentin completed a research project on "Women Deserve Equal Pay: Fighting for Gender Equity in Professional Sports", under the guidance of long-time McNair Faculty Mentor, Dr. Florencia Cornet, Lead OSP English Instructor and Coordinator of the MIWIL Lab Opportunity Scholars Program. This month, Quentin presented his research at Baylor University, which is an R1 Carnegie Classified Institution of Higher Education. The McNair Scholars Program is excited about its continuing partnership with Benedict College.  

Latifah Busby, originally from Orangeburg, SC, is a Senior at Benedict College, majoring in Child and Family Development. Latifah was selected as a part of the 2022 McNair Cohort from a large pool of students from 10 colleges and universities from across the state of South Carolina. Latifah was interested in becoming a McNair Scholar because she wanted to learn more about research and meet new people. Latifah also believed the scholars program would be beneficial to her in that she would learn more about how research impacts the community. Here is what Latifah had to say about his experience in the McNair Scholar 2022 Summer Research Component. "The McNair program helped me build connections with others.” Latifah completed a research project on "College Students’ Perception of Online Learning: College Students vs. Online Learning", under the guidance of McNair Faculty Mentor, Dr. Meeta Banerjee, Assistant Professor of Psychology, UofSC College of Arts and Sciences. Latifah was selected to provide “Reflections” on her experience in the McNair Scholars Program at the Annual Awards Banquet. In her speech she encouraged students to take a chance on trying something new and taking advantages of opportunities that are presented to them. 

The Benedict College Tigers are off to their best start since resuming their football program in 1995 with a 24-6 victory over the Savannah State Tigers on Thursday night in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in front of a national ESPNU television audience. 

Benedict improves to 3-0 on the season, and 1-0 in the SIAC. Savannah State falls to 1-2 overall and 1-1 in the SIAC. Records and scores prior to 1966, when Benedict ended its football program for 28 years, are incomplete, but there is no historical record of a Benedict football team ever starting the season 3-0. 

After a scoreless first half, the Tigers got on the board on a 35-yard field goal by John Diaz with 9:46 left in the third quarter. The key play on the drive was a 43-yard pass from Eric Phoenix to Reginald Harden. 

Tigers Pull Away From Kentucky State, 40-14 

The Benedict College Tigers remained undefeated by outscoring Kentucky State 26-7 in the second half and defeated the Thorobreds 40-14 on Saturday night in Charlie W. Johnson Stadium.

The Tigers broke away from a 21-14 game at the end of the third quarter by scoring three touchdowns in the fourth quarter to improve to 4-0 on the season and 2-0 in the SIAC. Kentucky State falls to 0-4 on the season and 0-1 in the SIAC.

"I'm just proud of our football team and our staff," said Benedict head coach Chennis Berry. "We started off slow. We didn't play our best football in the first half. And the guys really picked it up in the second half. They came out with the right mindset and were able to finish the game. Ultimately, at the end of the day we are 1-0, and that's all we want to be every week."

The Tigers were able to break open the game in the second half with some big plays, including a 45-yard pass from Eric Phoenix to Reginald Harden, which set up a 23-yard touchdown run by Noah Zaire Scotland as Benedict broke a 14-14 tie to take the lead for good.

The Benedict College women's cross country team won the Queen's University of Charlotte Invitational Cross Country Women's Open Race on Friday at McAlpine Creek Park.

Benedict scored 56 points to beat second-place Belmont Abbey College and beat out 15 other teams.

Purity Kibet led the way for the Lady Tigers with a season-best time of 19:09, only two seconds behind the winner from Savannah State.

Megan Thompson ran a lifetime best time of 19:24 and finished fifth overall. Jane Kiborus finished ninth with a lifetime best time of 20:09. Floma Okumu finished 22nd with a lifetime best time of 20:58. Torriann Noad finished 27th overall with a lifetime best time of 21:21. Cavel Barnett ran a lifetime best time of 22:37 and finished 45th overall. Lydia Kosgei ran a personal best of 22:52 and Sinia Massillon ran a lifetime best of 25:50.

The Benedict College men's cross country team finished 11th out of 15 teams at the Queens University of Charlotte.

Freshman Donald Kibet finished third overall and second among collegiate runners with a personal best time of 24:34. Nelson Kipkemboi finished 61st with a season-best time of 27:25.

Sadiki Marsh was Benedict's third runner this week with a time of 30:31 to finish 109th overall. Javel Best finished 111th with a season-best time of 30:46. Devonta Newbold finished 113th with a time of 30:53 and Japheth Kipruto ran 31:34.

Alumni Spotlight

Pictured from left to right: Lynette Koon, Business Development Coordinator, Synovus; James Chatfield, Vice President/Senior VP/Sr. Community Development Manager, Synovus; Preston Sabalis, Senior Vice President for Commercial Banking, Synovus; Leandra Hayes-Burgess, Vice President for Institutional Advancement; Lateya Sumpter, Director, Upward Bound; Tracy Carn, Assistant Director, Upward Bound; Shanise Brinkley, Program Assistant, Upward Bound