2011 Review Magazine - South Carolina State University

South Carolina State University
Fall 2011
SCSU
Trailblazers
A publication for alumni, friends, faculty & staff
in Education
Inside Review
SC State University Distinguished Alumni-Past
and Present College Presidents
FORWARD
DIVISION OF INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT
(803) 536-8742
Mr. Anthony L. Holloman, Vice President
Mr. Adrian Scott, Special Assistant to the President
OFFICE OF DEVELOPMENT
(803) 536-8742
Mr. Gerald Washington, Assistant Vice President
Mrs. Andrea S. Milford-Williams, ‘96
Development Coordinator
OFFICE OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
(803) 536-8946
Mrs. Adrienne F. Clinton, ‘97, Director
Mrs. Iva Gardner
Director of Annual Fund/Reunion Coordinator
Mrs. Angelia P. Jackson
Development Services Coordinator
Ms. Gloria Seawright, Data Coordinator
Mrs. Tracy Thomas, Data Coordinator
OFFICE OF UNIVERSITY RELATIONS &
MARKETING
(803) 536-7061
Mrs. Erica Taylor, ‘00, Director
Mr. Carl A’see, ‘00
Projects Manager/WSSB General Manager
Mr. Rolondo Davis
University Photographer/Yearbook Adviser
Ms. Antia Dawkins, Public Relations Specialist
Ms. Ashley Elliott, Assistant Director of Public Relations
Mr. Willie Johnson, III, On Air Announcer
Mrs. Tameka Kenan-Norman
Assistant Director of Marketing
Mrs. Kay Snider
Publications Manager/Layout & Design
Mr. James White, On Air Announcer
SC State University Foundation
(803) 536-8722
Mr. Anthony L. Holloman, Executive Director
Mr. David Igiozee, Director of Fiscal Affairs
Mrs. Angelia P. Jackson, Administrative
Coordinator
CONTRIBUTORS/SOURCES
Born to Rebel, an autobiography by Benjamin E. Mays
Benjamin Elijah Mays: A Pictorial Life and Times
by Carrie M. Dumas
Benjamin Elijah Mays: A Pioneer of Progress
by Thelma Brooks
Mays House Museum
Morehouse College: Benjamin E. Mays Memorial
SC State University Archives
The State Newspaper
The Times and Democrat
Cecil J. Williams Photography
A special thanks to all colleges and universities
featured in this publication.
Many have walked the halls of their beloved Alma Mater, SC State
University; some unbeknownst to what the future would hold and others
having an inkling that they would one day prevail, assuming one of the
top positions- president of a college or university.
This edition of the SCSU Review magazine is dedicated to SC State
alumni who have persevered and who have gone on to assume such a
prestigious position. Some, like Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. and Dr. Benjamin
E. Mays, have stories that will be told for centuries after having left a
lasting impression on the campus and in the Orangeburg community.
Others, like Dr. Ernest A. Finney Jr. and Dr. Carl A. Carpenter, have
endless stories to share and many memories to divulge about their SC
State University. Still, some such as Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, are
young alumni who have recently soared to higher heights, and this new
position as president is a challenge that he is ready to meet. And, there
is still the lone female of this bunch, Dr. Linda Thomas-Glover, who
continues to attribute her success to SC State University and who refuses
to allow her gender to prevent her from receiving any accolades.
It is on the backs of SC State founders that these individuals can now
be called presidents. It is because of the diligence of the previous and
current SC State administration and many other mentors they met along
the way, that many can attribute at least a parcel of their success to SC
State University. Many have stories that are untold. In this magazine,
discover their origins, discover what careers they initially wanted to
pursue, and learn their secrets to success. Whatever the formula for
their achievements, however, these individuals are products of SC State
University, and we are proud to have them as our sons and daughters.
Trailblazers in Education
6 Poineer
22 Educator
8 Innovator
12 Leader
19 Enthusiast
28 Visionary
President’s Message
Greetings,
Humility, tenacity, wisdom, kindness and humanitarianism-These are
just a few of the words that can apply to the 15 SC State University
alumni who at one point in their careers have taken the helm of a college
or university. While some speak of their appointment of President as
being fortuitous, we can never deviate from the fact that these gifted
individuals soared to excellence because of their commitment, optimism
and intelligence, and because of the education that they received here at
SC State University.
As the 10th President of this institution, I am proud to now call them
my colleagues. I was never afforded the opportunity to meet legends
like Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. or pioneers such as Dr. Benjamin E. Mays.
However, I have read their stories and hope to use them as a guide,
ultimately allowing me to influence many generations. I readily speak with
enthusiasts such as Dr. Leroy Davis; I provide a listening ear for newly
appointed presidents such as Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, and I am
fascinated by the love that some have for our 1890 institutions, such as Dr.
Carl A. Carpenter and educator, Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., a contributing
factor in my seeking and attaining the appointment of President for the
Council of 1890 Universities.
I hope that this edition of the SCSU Review magazine will demonstrate
SC State’s ability to produce outstanding alumni who are vital in every
aspect of society. I hope these stories will shed light on our aptitude,
even among institutions deemed the most elite and that are outside of
the “HBCU” designation, and it is my belief that this magazine will be a
prime example for our students that the “sky is the limit.”
Sincerely,
George E. Cooper
President
4 / Cooper
Chairman’s Message
Greetings,
The implications of becoming a University President are great. Connotations
generally associated with an office of such prestige are -a leader with
tremendous authority, a chief officer who presides over their institution, a
socialite, ambassador and a cultivator for our next generation of leaders. Can
you imagine meeting and exceeding these expectations for your faculty and
staff, students and their parents, potential stakeholders, and even for the small
child with admiration in their heart for the President of their community’s
institution? Few can, but many who have got their start at SC State University.
As I continue my term as chairman for the SC State University Board of
Trustees and as a University alumnus, I cannot help but to revel in the fact
that SC State University is home to 15 graduates who have become President
of a college or University, and some in the midst of segregation, poverty
and during a time of educational disparity. Despite it all, they overcame the
obstacles and used their innate talents and resources at SC State University to
prevail. Now, everyone will comprehend the impact that SC State University
has within the State of S.C. and in our nation. With 15 former or sitting
college and University Presidents, undoubtedly, our alumni are among the
most elite of any institution.
As you read this edition of the SCSU Review magazine and learn about these
Presidents who obtained this position during various time spans, you will
begin to understand that SC State University has and will continue to uphold
it’s “legacy of excellence,” and you will learn that now and in the future, our
University will continue to produce ambassadors, leaders and cultivators.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Pinson
Jonathan Pinson
Chairman, Board of Trustees
Pinson / 5
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, ‘16
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, ‘16, greets individuals attending church service.
THE PIONEER
“Against All Odds” Dr. Benjamin E. Mays’
Determination Fueled Education Opportunities
for Himself and Countless Others
By Ashley Elliott
Excerpts taken from various sources
Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, a notable educator, preacher, scholar, author and
social activist was the youngest of eight children, born on August 1, 1894
in the community of Epworth, S.C. in Southeast Greenwood County.
Although poor, Mays was determined to receive a quality education and
did everything possible to ensure his dream would come alive. “Somehow,
I yearned for an education. Many a day I hitched my mule to a tree and
went down deep into the woods to pray, asking God to make it possible
for me to get an education,” Mays was noted saying on several occasions.
Not only did he go on to receive a quality education, he would
eventually help create the same opportunity for thousands of others. The
lack of education in his hometown prompted Mays to write to Benedict
and South Carolina State Colleges in hopes of being accepted in one of
the high school programs. Although this was against his father’s will as he
wanted him to stay and work on the family’s farm, Mays was adamant.
With the lack of financial support, Mays made some very difficult, yet
6 / Mays
important decisions.
“I chose State College because it was less expensive. I could go there for
six dollars a month, and the fare from Ninety Six (nearest railroad to my
home) to Orangeburg was $3.05. I knew that I could earn this much even
if father sent me nothing,” expressed Mays in his 1971 autobiography “Born
to Rebel.” “When father saw that I was determined to go to a better school
and knew that I had to have money in order to do so, he angrily threw a
10 dollar bill at me. So I made my way to Orangeburg without father’s
blessing but with my mother’s prayers.”
Upon arriving at South Carolina State College, Mays was automatically
advanced to the eighth grade due to his outstanding knowledge and
test scores. He was taught by professor N.C. Nix (whom Nix Hall was
named after in 1955) and excelled in the classroom. Mays became heavily
discouraged, however, as his education was often interrupted due to his
father calling him back home to work on the farm. Four months into his
third year at South Carolina State College, his father sent for him again,
but this time Mays was determined that he would remain at school for the
full term, at whatever cost.
“I invoked the help of Professor Nix, my high school mathematics
teacher, who wrote my father asking him to let me finish the school year.
Father was adamant,” he said. “I also wrote father explaining that I could
never get anywhere if I continued to go to school only four months a year.
I told him, too that I would not come home
until school closed in May. I disobeyed him
without regret and with no pangs of conscience.
Father threatened to send the sheriff for me but
fortunately he did not carry out his threat. Had
he done so, I would have been compelled to go
home.”
This daring decision would profoundly impact
Mays’ life forever. In 1916, Mays graduated
valedictorian from the high school program at
the age of 22. He then enrolled at Bates College
in Lewiston, ME. During this time, he was the
captain of the debate team and played on the
football team. He was named an honor student
his sophomore year and graduated with honors
in 1920.
In 1921 through 1923, Mays served as
pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Atlanta, Ga.
and in 1925, he enrolled at the University of
Chicago, where he would earn his master’s and
Ph.D. degrees. Mays later taught at Morehouse
College and came back to South Carolina State
College to teach English. He would continue
to serve his Alma Mater by delivering Easter
sermons every year for more than 25 years to
thousands of individuals who came from across
the state and filled White Hall. This was one
of the highlights of the College’s religious
programs and the state’s black communities
because his thought-provoking sermons left
lasting impressions with the listeners.
Mays later delivered the 1969 Founders’ Day
address, leaving the resonating message that
“there is no substitute for academic excellence,
well trained, disciplined minds and skilled
personnel. He added, “you cannot black power
yourself to a good job. There is no substitute for
a mind that is well trained.”
Prior to becoming president of Morehouse
College, Mays worked as executive secretary
of the Y.M.C.A before becoming dean of the
Howard University School of Religion in 1934.
Mays’ presidency began in 1940, which marked
the beginning of the
outstanding contribution
he would make at the
only male historically
black institution of
higher learning in the
United States. It was
at Morehouse that
Mays was credited with
giving the school a
new purpose and spirit
of independence for
more than 27 years. He
increased the number of
faculty holding Ph.D.’s to
50 percent, established
a Phi Beta Kappa
chapter and increased
enrollment during wartime in America. He
met hundreds of national and international
leaders and served as an advisor to Presidents
Kennedy, Johnson and Carter. In 1950, he
was appointed by President Truman to the
Mid-Century White House Conference on
Children and Youth.
“Dr. Mays was a quiet and modest
Christian gentleman, but at the same time a
monumental figure in the fields of education
and social progress,” noted former U.S.
president Jimmy Carter. “He demonstrated a
standard of personal wisdom, dedication and
courage that helped to transform the social
consciousness of our nation, and served
to enhance our country’s leadership in the
national struggle for human rights.”
On an academic level, Mays demanded
the best from his students and he often told
them of his strong philosophy which could be
applied to all mankind. “No person deserves
to be congratulated unless he has done the
best he could with the mental equipment he
has under the existing circumstances. Every
man should do his best in every situation
to make some unique and distinctive
contribution.”
In 1944, because of the early admissions
program established by Mays, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. was among several gifted 11th
graders admitted to the college at the age
of 15. King referred to Mays as his spiritual
mentor and intellectual father. Due to Mays’
influence, King entered into the ministry
and noted Mays’ famous Tuesday morning
chapter sermons as his ultimate inspiration.
King was also instilled with Mays’ message of
non-violence and used the approach during
the civil rights movement. The two became
very close, promising each other that he who
outlived the other would deliver his friend’s
eulogy. On April 9, 1968, Mays made
good on his promise to King and electrified
the world by his passionate and thoughtprovoking speech.
“Martin Luther King Jr. believed in a
united America. He believed that the walls
of separation brought on by legal and de facto
segregation, and discrimination based on race
and color could be eradicated. As he said in
his Washington Monument address, “I have a
dream,” expressed Mays. “If physical death
was the price he had to pay to rid America of
prejudice and injustice, nothing could be more
redemptive. And, to paraphrase the words of the
immortal John Fitzgerald Kennedy, permit me
to say that Martin Luther King Jr.’s unfinished
work on earth must truly be our own.”
Mays continued his lifelong work and upon
retirement from Morehouse College in 1967,
served as the first African-American president
of the Atlanta Board of Education from 1969 to
1981. In 1981, Benjamin E. Mays High School
in Atlanta, Ga. was named in his honor. Serving
grades nine to 12, the school is a part of the
Atlanta Public School System and is a Georgia
School of Excellence. In the same year, Mays
returned to Epworth to be honored by the local
community. A nearby intersection was renamed
Mays Crossroads and a stone monument
was placed nearby to honor his life and great
achievements. Mays had been honored the
year before by becoming the second AfricanAmerican to have his portrait hung in the South
Carolina State House.
Mays died on March 28, 1984, four months
short of his 90th birthday. In every facet of
his career, he excelled and was held in the
highest regard as an educator and community
leader. Throughout his career, Mays received
56 honorary doctorate degrees by U.S. and
foreign colleges and universities, including a
posthumously awarded degree from Columbia
University. He was bestowed more than 220
awards and plaques and published nearly 2000
articles and nine books.
Three decades later, Mays’ legacy still lives
on. On April 26, 2011, the Benjamin E. Mays
Preservation Site and Museum was opened
in Greenwood, S.C. The site highlights the
contributions of Mays to the dialogue about
education and race in the United States and is a
key focal point of understanding the struggle for
civil rights in the American South.
Mays / 7
I was able to hold my own
at Michigan State because of
the tremendous background
that I developed at SC State.
MMN
Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr., ‘49
Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. stands next to the legendary bulldog as he enjoy views of the Orangeburg community from campus.
THE INNOVATOR
SC State College Soars to Greater Heights
Under Leadership of Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr.
By Ashley Elliott
“When you saw him, you could touch him, and he knew most people
on campus,” recalled Dr. George Bradley as he reminisced about President
M. Maceo Nance Jr. Bradley, an SC State alumnus and current president
of Paine College in Augusta, Ga. fondly remembers Nance. “He walked
the campus, attended football games and would come into the locker
room to talk with us. He would also eat bologna sandwiches with us in the
canteen,” laughed Bradley.
Often referred to as the students’ president, Nance was an educational
pioneer who led South Carolina State College, now South Carolina State
University, through a period of progression while achieving his own
academic success. Throughout his years as president, Nance accomplished
much and would ultimately leave a legacy of pride and reverence among
family members, friends, colleagues, faculty, staff and most importantly,
students.
Nance’s academic journey began in his hometown of Columbia, S.C.
8 / Nance
where he received his early education in public elementary and secondary
schools. He attended South Carolina State College and received a Bachelor
of Arts degree in 1949. While at SC State, Nance made the decision to
serve his country and enlisted in the United States Navy from 1943 to
1946. He went on to continue his education, earning a Master of Science
degree at New York University.
Upon his employment at South Carolina State College in July 1949,
Nance, through hard work, superior knowledge and stellar performance,
began to rise steadily through the ranks from ROTC supply clerk to
director of the Student Center. He also held such positions as business
manager and vice president for business and finance. Succeeding Dr.
B.C. Turner on June 23, 1968, Nance made history by becoming the first
alumnus to hold the position of president. He was also the first of the
college’s five presidents to be inaugurated and the youngest at age 41.
“Nance served for one year as acting president and became president
following the Orangeburg
Massacre,” noted Dr. William
Hine, history professor at
SC State University. “I think
a lot of people were impressed by the way
he helped guide the institution through that
tragedy. People gained confidence in him and
he gained confidence in himself,” Hine says.
Throughout his tenure, Nance’s administration
envisioned a meaningful role to be performed
by the College through the acquisitions of
new sources of income, the ensuring of sound
curricula, sincere students, dedicated teachers
and alumni, and a burgeoning physical plant
with the addition of more than 30 buildings,
additions and renovations. These include the
Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center,
the Ko. W.G. Donma Administration Building,
Queens Village, Benjamin E. Mays Hall,
Sojourner Truth Hall, Martin Luther King, Jr.
Auditorium, the I. P. Stanback Museum and
Planetarium, Henderson-Davis Theatre, Miller
F. Whittaker Library, Crawford-Zimmerman
Service Complex and the College radio station,
WSSB.
Under his administration, 20 degree programs
were established including the doctorate in
education administration. The majority of
qualified faculty held doctoral degrees. Many
academic programs received professional
accreditation, while the College maintained its
regional accreditation. Scholarship programs
and faculty chairs were enhanced and initiated
to promote the pursuit of knowledge.
In keeping with the land-grant mission of
the College, the 1890 Research and Extension
program (United States Department of
Agriculture), through its services and research,
assisted in improving the quality of life for the
citizens of South Carolina. In recognition for
the need for additional school-community
interaction, an Adult and Continuing Education
unit and a comprehensive college-community
relations program were established and
promoted. National and international awards
were bestowed on many academic programs and
extracurricular activities.
The innumerable contributions that Nance
made not only to South Carolina State College
but also to the local community, the state of South
Carolina and the nation, brought him a plethora
of accolades, honors and awards. He was the
recipient of honorary degrees from Morris
Brown College, Francis Marion University, the
University of South Carolina, The Citadel, the
Military College of South Carolina and Clemson
University. Other honors include: the first
African-American to deliver the commission
address of a nuclear attack submarine (U.S.S. Sea
Devil SSN664 at Newport News, Shipbuilding
and Dry Dock Company, Newport News, Va.);
the coveted Outstanding Civilian Service Medal
by the Department of the Army, guest lecturer
in Africa; citation for Distinguished Service in
Education and the Community by Kappa Alpha
Psi Fraternity; membership in Delta Psi Omega
Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society;
SC State’s ROTC Hall of Fame member; MidEastern Athletic Conference Hall of Fame
member; South Carolina State College Athletic
Department Hall of Fame member and recipient
of the Outstanding Administrator’s award
presented by the South Carolina Personnel
and Guidance Association. Then Governor
Jim Hodges also noted Nance’s phenomenal
accomplishments, stating “his tireless efforts on
behalf of higher education have made our state a
profoundly better place.”
After serving as president for 19 years,
Nance retired on June 30, 1986 and was named
president emeritus by the Board of Trustees.
While in retirement, Nance enjoyed spending
time with his wife, Julie Washington, who was
very active as First Lady, and his sons, I. Maceo
Nance and Robert Nance. Robert currently
serves on the SC State University Board of
Trustees.
On Aug. 19, 2011, the Orangeburg
community dedicated U.S. Highway 601 from
S.C. 33 (Russell Street) to Interstate 26 in honor
of Nance, renaming it the Dr. M. Maceo Nance
Jr. Highway. U.S. Rep. Jim Clyburn said during
the dedication, “Nance is probably one of the
best politicians I’ve ever met in my life. I had
known Nance for many years and as I grew into
adulthood, I got to appreciate Maceo Nance
more and more.” Former Orangeburg Mayor
Martin Cheatham was also quoted on that day
saying, “We’re grateful for what Mance Nance
has done for the community. He hasn’t lost
Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. welcomes Coretta Scott
King to South Carolina State College.
his interest or his concern for a community he
loves.”
Nance continued to exhibit his love and
faithfulness until his death on March 23,
2001. This marked the first day that he would
forever be remembered for his divine success,
leadership and important life purpose. The Times
and Democrat noted on that very day that “Dr. M.
Maceo Nance didn’t live his life to build a legacy.
In fact, Nance was quite the private individual
when given the opportunity to step back from
the leadership roles into which he was so often
thrust. That he stood tall in those roles when
he could have stepped away is the blessing of
building he leaves for all of us.”
Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. shares a moment with (l to r) James Clyburn and Andrew Young.
Nance / 9
The Honorable Ernest A. Finney Jr., ‘54
Dr. Ernest A. Finney Jr. (1st from left/front row) enrolled in the South Carolina State College Law School to satisfy his passion for justice and people.
THE ARBITRATOR
Passion, Purpose, Principle:
Dr. Ernest A. Finney Jr.
Encompasses All
By Antia Dawkins
After a conversation with Dr. Ernest A.
Finney Jr., a retired chief justice of the state
of South Carolina, a sense of commitment and
service fills the air. A native of Smithfield, Va.,
whose mother died when he was 10 days old,
he was raised by his father, Dr. Ernest A. Finney
Sr. Finney did not have any siblings and Finney’s
father wanted a better life for himself and for his
child. Dr. Ernest A. Finney Sr. and his young son
moved again and again as Finney Sr. advanced
his career as a teacher and school administrator.
After living several years in the Washington, DC
and Maryland areas, Finney’s father accepted
10 / Finney
a position at Claflin College, now Claflin
University, located in Orangeburg, S.C.
Young Finney wanted to follow in his father’s
footsteps as an educator. He enrolled in Claflin
College in 1949. In 1952, he received a Bachelor
of Arts degree in political science. Although
he focused on education, as a young child,
Finney always aspired to be a lawyer. “In the
Washington, DC area there were many lawyers.
I saw everything that they were doing and that
made me want to be involved. I believed lawyers
made the world a better place,” says Finney.
With a passion for justice and people, Finney
later enrolled in South Carolina State College
Law School, now SC State University. “The
reason why I enrolled in the law school was
because I felt that South Carolina State College
provided an opportunity for persons who were
interested in improving and making their lives
better. This was an excellent opportunity and
I wanted to be a part of that progress,” says
Finney. The law school opened in 1947 with just
eight students. In time, 50 men and one woman
graduated from the college and went on to
become judges, attorneys, law school teachers
and deans. Finney was one of the 50 graduates
that graduated from the law school with a juris
doctoral degree
before its closing
in 1966. “South
Carolina
State
College
Law
School
was
beneficial to the
people of South
Carolina
and
the lawyers. We did the best we could under
difficult circumstances and we continually kept
our faith,” says Finney.
After graduating from South Carolina State
College Law School, Finney’s passion and his
career in law began to progress. “My experience
at South Carolina State College as a student was
deeply rewarding and fulfilling and provided me
with the opportunity and the background to do
what I eventually began to do as a lawyer and as
a citizen,” Finney exclaims.
Finney worked as a lawyer in Horry, S.C. and
as a lawyer in Sumter, S.C. where the action
was. He specialized in civil rights litigation
and represented more than 6,000 clients that
were involved in sit-ins in the North Carolina
and South Carolina region. Finney later served
in the S.C. House of Representatives and was
the first African-American appointed to the
Judiciary Committee. After serving with the
S.C. House of Representatives, he founded and
chartered the Legislative Black Caucus.With the
education that he gained from South Carolina
State College Law School, Finney also became
the first African-American circuit court judge
and won the election to the S.C. Supreme Court
in 1985. Finney served as chief justice for six
years until his retirement in 2000.
After retiring from the courtroom, Finney
focused on educating aspiring leaders, serving
one year as the interim president of South
Carolina State University in 2002. During
his presidency, Finney developed the only
undergraduate nuclear engineering program
at a Historically Black College and University
(HBCU) which was developed in conjunction
with the University ofWisconsin. Under Finney’s
leadership, South Carolina State University
received $9 million to construct a state-ofthe-art transportation research facility and
became the lead institution to grant state-wide
management for the South Carolina Alliance
for Minority Participation (SCAMP), providing
a $5 million grant to increase the number of
minority students participating in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics.
During his short term at the University,
Finney also grew very fond of the students and
the loyal alumni of SC State. “South Carolina
State College provided us with the opportunity
to share our thoughts and feelings with the young
people and it was a magnificent experience. It
made my year very meaningful and significant to
my family and me,” says Finney.
During his presidency, he and his wife
Frances, also known as “Lady Bug Finney,”
resided on campus. Frances received the
name “Ladybug Finney” for her kindness and
gentleness, as well as her planning efforts. The
alumni and students of South Carolina State
College adored the Finneys. “That year was a
time in our lives that we really enjoyed. South
Carolina State College loved us and we loved
them,” says Ladybug Finney. Ladybug Finney
says that her first experience at South Carolina
State College with the alumni is one that she will
never forget.
During Finney’s tenure at the University,
Ladybug Finney and alumni organized the
Bulldog Round-Up committee, which consisted
of alumni from all over the state. Most alumni
from Charleston, Orangeburg, Greenville and
Spartanburg would assist with beautifying the
campus.
“We would meet every Monday morning
at the President’s Hall at 7:30 a.m. and have
The Bulldog Round-up committee constructed this gazebo during Dr. Ernest A. Finney Jr.’s tenure.
coffee and donuts. Alumni from Greenville and
Charleston would assist us in any way possible.
They would even have companies from the
Spartanburg area that would bring red mulch to
beautify the campus,” says Ladybug Finney. The
final beautification project that was completed
by the Round-Up committee before Finney’s
departure was the gazebo currently located in
the middle of South Carolina State University
with the assistance of Mr. Aldrefus Neal, a
contractor and owner of Neal Construction
Company in Sumter, S.C. and a graduate of SC
State University.
As president, Finney also cherished
conversations with students. Finney had an
open door policy where students could have a
conversation with him whenever they needed.
“Students would knock on the door at 10:30
p.m. They would have rap sessions where they
asked questions and I would tell them what we
could do to make them better students,” says
Finney. “It would be maybe six to 10 students
that would come over regularly. Ladybug Finney
would make them coffee and they would tell us
what they were upset about. The concerns of
the students were very important to me,” says
Finney. “Those students knew that we were
there to listen. They would even come to the
house, bring food and cook their own meals. We
really enjoyed our experience at South Carolina
State University,” Finney adds.
After retiring, Finney continues to educate
children. He enjoys speaking to students. “As
older people, we must share our experiences
that we encountered with future generations. I
really enjoy speaking with children of all ages; it
gives me the opportunity to share knowledge.”
Finney’s success motto is to do the very best you
can with what you have. “I treat people like I
would want to be treated.”
Finney / 11
Dr. Mays was an
exceptional man
that wanted black
males to succeed. He
was instrumental in me
considering the presidency
at Benedict College. The
closest person to me
throughout my career was
Dr. Mays.
BFP
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, ‘55
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, ‘55, addressses the faculty, staff and students at Tuskegee University.
THE LEADER
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton
Defines Exceptional
Leadership
By Antia Dawkins
After speaking with an inspirational man like
Dr. Benjamin F. Payton, one word comes to
mind: “leader.” As a young child in the hallways
of Felton Laboratory School, Payton was a
leader. As a student at Wilkinson High School
(now Orangeburg-Wilkinson), he was also a
leader, and as a phenomenal student at SC State
University, he held leadership positions that not
only molded and shaped his life, but presented
him with the opportunity to assist others with
reaching their goals.
Inspired by his visionary father, Reverend
12 / Payton
Leroy R. Payton, a native of Hampton County,
S.C., and encouraged by his steadfast mother,
Mrs. Sarah M. Payton from Eutawville, S.C.,
Payton was instilled with a desire to work hard,
to be honest and to be educated. His father, the
son of former slaves, pushed his kids to succeed
in life. He knew that in order to succeed in life,
you had to have an education. Leroy had little
education himself and still aspired to be great.
He became a Baptist pastor, a school teacher
and a school principal in Cordova, S.C. To
Leroy, education was not only a way to make a
difference, but was essential in the Payton home.
“My father moved from Hampton County to
Orangeburg, S.C. because two Historically
Black Colleges and Universities, Claflin
University and SC State University, were and
are located there,” says Payton. “He would tell
us, there are two colleges in Orangeburg and I
expect each of you to go get a college degree,”
continues Payton.
Payton is thankful for all the challenges and the
fulfillment that he gained from the Orangeburg
community. “Orangeburg, S.C. was a wonderful
community to grow up in. I felt extraordinarily
graced by the people who helped, shaped,
pushed, encouraged and molded me, from my
parents to every teacher that I had, from Felton
Laboratory School, Orangeburg-Wilkinson
High School and SC State University. There
were so many well-educated, highly motivated,
concerned people about the civic rights and
responsibilities of Black folks,” declares Payton.
Many of the well educated and the highly
motivated persons in the Orangeburg
community ignited a flame for education in
Payton. “They made it clear that if you wanted
to live a decent life, you had to have a good
education, and that meant that you had to follow
the paths that were established by your teachers
and the stronger community leaders. They also
encouraged reading broadly and critically.” With
the will to make a difference in everything that
he set out to do, Payton achieved academic
excellence and gained leadership opportunities
throughout his academic years. It was during
his matriculation at Orangeburg-Wilkinson
High School that he gained leadership positions
and a passion for speaking. “At Wilkinson High
School, I developed certain leadership qualities.
I was elected class president of my sophomore,
junior and senior class. I was also appointed
as the president of the Student Government
Association,” explains Payton.
While a member of the drama club at
Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School, Payton
learned that he had certain gifts for speaking
and a fairly good stage presence. “Through
my appointments as president of my student
classes as well as my stage presence from the
drama club, I wanted to try my hand with civic
organizations. It was during that time that I
joined the Junior National Association for the
Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) of
Orangeburg and became concerned with civic
issues,” says Payton. Payton vied to make a
difference in the Orangeburg Community. “We
were tired of parallel and unequal societies; it
was all black on one side and all white on the
other side, with gross resource disparities on
the white side, but it was also during those
assemblies at Wilkinson High School that I began
forming a determination to become and do
something significant, something characterized
by excellence. My teachers pushed me and I
wanted to be pushed. It meant someone cared
about me and believed in my capacity to reach
high goals,” Payton says enthusiastically.
As a senior at Orangeburg-Wilkinson High
School, Payton seemed able to handle more
advanced work than was being offered, and one
of his science teachers, Dr Clemmie Webber,
decided to send him, for a brief period, to study
in a physics class at SC State University. This
was his first experience as a SC State student.
But it was only after he graduated from high
school and registered as a full-time student at
SC State University, that Payton soared and his
peers, his teachers, his advisors and his mentors
played pivotal roles in his success. “I have always
cherished the many ways in which Dr. Webber
has expressed confidence in me and challenged
me to stretch for higher goals,” says Payton.
Payton shares some of his most memorable
experiences with some of the most effective
instructors that have ever taught at SC State
University. Teachers such as Dr. Clarence
Ferguson, who served as the biology teacher
his sophomore year, placed a love for science in
him. “Dr. Ferguson floored me. I was awed by
the level of his brilliance,” says Payton.
Payton recalls one of his fondest memories
of his history teacher, Dr. Lewis K. McMillan.
“Dr. McMillan, one of the few Blacks in the
world to earn a Ph.D degree from a German
university, Heidelberg I believe it was, taught
classes in world and European history (among
other things), and had a shiny black Buick
that he always kept spotlessly clean. He was
a brilliant scholar with a sharp wit and a
down-to-earth ease with students. He lived
a bit up the road from our home, and I would
sometimes encounter him on my two-mile walk
to the University,” says Payton. “He would call
everyone ‘neighbor’ and would offer me a ride
to campus after politely asking me not to put any
fingerprints on his always sparkling clean car. For
Payton at Tuskegee’s Legacy Museum Grand Opening
Payton / 13
the next 15-20 minutes, I had wonderful private
lessons in history from this absolutely profound
and lucid scholar. This man was truly a work of
art,” Payton says admiringly and warmly. “He
transmitted to me an avid respect for and love of
history which I retain to this day.”
One of his math teachers, Edna Jones,
placed in him the love for math. “She was one
of the most effective teachers that I had at the
University. She would not accept the excuse that
you could not learn math or did not understand
math; she wanted to ensure that you understood
math and that you could do it,” says Payton. “Dr.
William Owens, professor of English, speech
and drama at State, was simply one of the most
demanding and effective teachers I have ever
had anywhere. Speech was his passion and he
demanded that it be done properly.”
Payton was very gratified from the education
that he gained while attending SC State
University. “Some of my most effective learning
experiences took place at South Carolina State
University. There were teachers who were really
good at their profession,” Payton says.
Inspired by intellectual men and women,
Payton was transformed and ready to lead by the
example of his mentors and advisors. Mays was a
great mentor, friend and advisor. “Dr. Mays was
an exceptional man that wanted black males to
succeed. He was the president of Morehouse
College for 27 years; he was instrumental in
me considering the presidency at Benedict
College,” Payton says. Payton served as president
of Benedict College from 1967 to 1972. “The
closest person to me throughout my career was
Dr. Mays,” Payton exclaims.
Payton also got to know Dr. Benner C.
Turner, former president of South Carolina
14 / Payton
State University, in a special way. President
Turner and Mays were instrumental in Payton’s
acceptance into Harvard University, located
in Cambridge, Mass. “They both helped me to
identify scholarships that I should try for, and
I did. I ended up with more scholarships than
I could handle.” Payton became a Danforth
Graduate Fellow from 1955-1963. This grant
was given to 50 students a year around the
country aimed to create college and university
presidents, professors and administrators
working towards a Ph. D. degree. The grant
paid all of Payton’s expenses, tuition and
travel through Harvard University, Columbia
University and Yale University. Ultimately,
Payton received his Bachelor of Divinity degree
from Harvard University in 1958; a Master of
Arts degree from Columbia University in 1960
and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Yale
University in 1963.
Equipped with the knowledge and great
advice from his mentors, Payton also held several
leadership positions. During his matriculation
at SC State, students elected him president of
the sophomore and junior classes, the Student
Union, the Student Government Association,
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Alpha Kappa Mu
Honor Society, among others. Prior to joining
Tuskegee University, Payton was program
officer of Higher Education and Research at the
Ford Foundation, located in NewYork City, N.Y.
from 1972 through 1981.
Aspiring to follow in the footsteps of Mays,
Payton became the fifth president of Tuskegee
Institute (now Tuskegee University) in 1981. He
served as president at Tuskegee University for
28 years. “As president at Tuskegee University,
it was very challenging and rewarding; it was
rewarding because it made me feel good to see
the magnificent transformations that occurred at
the University with the help of so many people,”
Payton exclaims.
Through the relationships and contacts
that he gained, Payton was able to make great
strides at the University. During his tenure,
Payton’s administration established the Gen.
Daniel “Chappie” James Center for Aerospace
Science Engineering and Health Education;
launched Tuskegee University’s first Ph.D.
programs (Materials Science and Engineering
and Integrated Biosciences); developed the
Tuskegee University National Center for
Bioethics in Research and Health Care; launched
the Tuskegee University C. Alfred “Chief ”
Anderson Department of Aviation Science;
developed the Tuskegee University Kellogg
Hotel and Conference Center; restructured the
academic programs into six colleges and schools
and reorganized all programs; successfully
completed a $150 million Capital Campaign
by raising $169 million; and just before his
retirement, completed an additional $60 million
campaign, called the Legacy Campaign, at the
level of $74 million. He also reconstructed
and renovated the entire campus, including
new parking, roadways, the library, the science
buildings, student residence halls and apartments
for student on-campus living. He also enclosed
the University’s campus with beautiful brick and
cast-iron fences and gates, including a dramatic
new set of campus entrances and exits.
Payton, however, believed that two of his
biggest accomplishments at the University
were when he and an effective group of faculty,
staff, students and alumni members worked to
develop a recommendation from the president
to the trustees to change the school’s name,
transitioning from Tuskegee Institute to
Tuskegee University. “It wasn’t as easy as simply
taking down one name and putting another
name up in its place; we had to first demonstrate
to the regional accrediting body (the Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools) and then
to the trustees that we had put in place the
academic strength that one expects to find in a
University,” Payton declares. “I tried to create
a more serious interest in really high-quality
education.”
In 2010, the University graduated the most
African-Americans with Ph.D.’s in material
science and engineering of any school in
America. “We did this as a single institution, not
a joint venture with other schools in the country,
and we also launched a new Ph.D. program in
the integrative biosciences,” says Payton. “Those
fields are all high-tech fields that called for
extraordinary levels of rigor and excellence.”
Payton retired as president of Tuskegee
University on July 31, 2010. In gratitude for
his 28 years of transformative leadership, the
Tuskegee University Board of Trustees named
him president emeritus, awarded him the
honorary degree, Doctor of Laws (LLD), and
authorized the construction of the Benjamin F.
Payton Living Learning Towers near the center
of the historic campus.
In recognition of his leadership, intellectual
and scholarly achievements, as well as his
dedicated service to education, Payton
has also received many other honors and
honorary degrees, including a Doctor of
Laws, LLD from SC State. He is a member
of many professional and social organizations,
including the American Council on Education,
the American Higher Education Association,
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and Sigma
Pi Phi Boulé. His academic honors include
membership in Phi Beta Kappa Society and
Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society. Payton
serves or has served as director on numerous
boards including AmSouth Bankcorporation,
AmSouth Bank, Ruby Tuesday, Inc., Liberty
Corp., Praxair Corp., the ITT Corp., SONAT,
Inc. and Morrison Management Specialists,
Inc.
Payton also holds and prizes a framed pencil
sketch drawing of a motivational quote from
his mentor, Dr. Benjamin E. Mays. It reads:
“the tragedy of life doesn’t lie in not reaching
your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal
to reach. It isn’t a calamity to die with dreams
unfulfilled, but it is a calamity not to dream. It
is not a disgrace not to reach the stars, but it is
a disgrace to have no stars to reach for.”
OTHER
NOTABLE
PRESIDENTS
Through extensive research efforts
we identified three additional
presidents who are not featured
in this publication due to limited
availability of information. Those
loyal sons include:
Dr. Christian E. Baker, ‘51
Cuttington College and Divinity
School
Monrovia, Liberia
President, 1960–1972
Interim President, 1987–1988
Dr. Harry P. Graham, ‘50
Voorhees College
Denmark, S.C.
Interim President, 1970–1971
President, 1971–1977
Dr. Howard Jordan Jr., ‘38
Savannah State College
Savannah, Ga.
President, 1963–1971
Payton / 15
When I
moved into
the interim
presidency, he (Dr.
M. Christopher
Brown II) was one
of the students that
interacted with me
and accompanied
me during the
renaming hearings
of South Carolina
State College to
South Carolina State
University.
CAC
Dr. Carl A. Carpenter, ‘66, ‘70
Dr. Carl A. Carpenter served in many capacities including vice president of academic affairs.
THE BENEFACTOR
Dr. Carl A. Carpenter has
Purpose Driven Life
By Antia Dawkins
As a young child, Dr. Carl A. Carpenter
Sr. grew up in Gaffney, S.C. picking peaches
for fifty cents an hour. With ambition in his
eyes, Carpenter yearned for more. Early on,
he aspired to be like his local neighborhood
barber, specifically because of the image he
portrayed in the local community. “He was a
very impressionable man who had a nice vehicle
and a great reputation,” says Carpenter.
The youngest of six children, Carpenter
set goals and strived for greatness in all areas,
ultimately surpassing the goal he set as a young
child. Education was most important in the
Carpenter home; Carpenter and all of his
16 / Carpenter
siblings received some type of post secondary
education. “My mother and father stressed
academic excellence. In high school I set very
high standards and they set very high standards
for me,” says Carpenter.
Carpenter gives accolades to the Gaffney
community for encouraging and believing in
him. “I developed the ‘you can do it’ syndrome
that permeated not only in my initial household,
but in the entire community. You felt that
you were not alone; your family, church and
the community were there to support you,”
Carpenter declares. “There were people that
had leading roles in the community who made
a difference in the lives of students. I have been
really blessed to have those people in my life,”
Carpenter exclaims.
Carpenter attended Granard High School in
Gaffney, S.C. and enrolled in the academic college
prep courses, achieving academic excellence.
With hard work and dedication, Carpenter
graduated salutatorian of the class of 1962. In
the pursuit of higher education, Carpenter
gained his first glimpse of South Carolina
State College, now SC State University, during
his high school senior trip to the institution.
Carpenter was very pleased with what he
had seen. “South Carolina State College was a
beautiful campus.
The people were
very
pleasant.
There
were
several academic
programs at the
institution that
were available for
you to choose. At
that moment, I
believed that it was the very best option for me,”
says Carpenter. He was also interested in South
Carolina State College because of the in-state
tuition fee of $1500.
Inquiring about the institution, Carpenter
asked coach Willie Jeffries, a 1960 graduate
of the College and then head football coach
at Granard High School, to offer his honest
perception of South Carolina State College. “I
sought him out and asked how South Carolina
State College was as I wanted his impression of
the college. He was very positive and thought
that if I attended South Carolina State College,
I would enjoy it,” says Carpenter. Based on the
perception of Jeffries and the impression that
the coach left, Carpenter chose South Carolina
State College. While Carpenter was excited
about coming to college, he knew that there was
work to be done.
Before attending South Carolina State
College, Carpenter made a pact with his
parents. If he found a way to primarily support
himself for college, then they would assist him
with higher education expenses. Searching
for opportunities on campus, Carpenter met
with the administrative assistant for the former
president of South Carolina State College,
Dr. Benner C. Turner. From that meeting, he
immediately began working in the Army ROTC
building, cleaning the facility in the evenings.
Networking with other individuals on campus,
Carpenter received another job opportunity to
work in the Hodge Hall lab. While working on
campus, he was able to meet the pact made with
his mother and father, and they assisted with all
expenses throughout his matriculation at South
Carolina State College.
While attending SC State, Carpenter majored
in the teaching of chemistry. While studying
chemistry, he gained many mentors. “No person
is an island,” Carpenter says. His advisor was
Harold Hauser who was influential in steering
him towards chemistry. Dr. Lewie C. Roache,
Dr. George Hunter, James Green, Dr. Amelia
Roberts, Dr. Alba Lewis, Dr. Clemmie Webber,
Dr. Isaac Bracy and Maxine Crawford were
also several of his many mentors. “These were
people that sincerely took your best interest at
heart,” says Carpenter.
Following graduation in the top 10 of his class
from South Carolina State College, Carpenter
instantly began teaching chemistry, biology and
physics at Lincoln High School in Sumter, S.C.
He earned a master’s degree in science from
South Carolina State College in 1970. During
the Civil Rights Era, Carpenter decided to
enroll at the University of South Carolina (USC)
in Columbia, S.C. to pursue a doctoral degree.
“The University of South Carolina had not
admitted large numbers of students that were
African-Americans; you had professors that
were really racist during that time,” Carpenter
exclaims. However, according to Carpenter,
there were other professors who sincerely
believed in equal educational access opportunity
and justice at USC.
Carpenter continued to press forward,
working with the state of South Carolina’s
Department of Education and completing
his doctoral degree in education. Carpenter
was later asked by Dr. Armelia Roberts, dean
of SC State’s School of Education, to return
to his Alma Mater and serve as the assistant
professor of education and the assistant director
of student teaching. Carpenter previously
developed a relationship with Roberts while
student teaching at Felton Laboratory School.
Carpenter considered the position and discussed
the transition with his wife, Parthelia. They both
Carpenter / 17
decided that it would be a wonderful career
opportunity. In 1972, he continued his higher
education teaching/administrative career at
South Carolina State College. By 1980, he had
advanced to full professor and vice president of
academic affairs. While serving as vice president
of academic affairs from 1980 to 1986, 13 new
degree programs were initiated, to include a
doctoral degree in educational administration.
Carpenter’s stint in administration continued as
he served as the acting president in 1984, during
president Maceo Nance’s bypass surgery.
On Jan.13, 1992, the Board of Trustees
named Dr. Carl A. Carpenter Sr. interim
president of South Carolina State College.
During his tenure, the new master plan for
facilities was finalized and approval was given
for construction of the Fine Arts Building,
improvement of Oliver C. Dawson Stadium,
expansion of the 1890 research facility and
new conference center at Camp Harry Daniels.
The Intercollegiate Athletics program was
reorganized with the employment of the first
full-time athletics director and the first full time
compliance director of athletics. The Masters
of Arts in Teaching (MAT) was approved by
the Commission on Higher Education and
the institution was designated South Carolina
State University on Feb. 26, 1992. According
to Carpenter, becoming a University was a
very difficult process; however, it was worth
the effort and time. “It meant all the difference
in the world to me. It is something that will
remain in perpetuity for the institution; the
renaming cast the institution in a different light,”
Carpenter says.
The renaming of SC State University and
many other initiatives were made possible
because of the cooperative team work of all.
Carpenter met with students on a habitual
basis, as he maintained an open door policy.
During his interim presidency, Carpenter
demonstrated a close working relationship with
students, especially one student in particular,
Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, who served
as the president of the Student Government
Association (SGA.) “When I moved into the
interim presidency, he was one of the students
that interacted with me and accompanied me
during the renaming hearings of South Carolina
State College to South Carolina State University,”
says Carpenter. During the renaming of the
College, Brown shared with Carpenter that he
wanted to be a president of a Historically Black
College and University (HBCU). Brown is now
the president of Alcorn State University in
Lorman, Miss.
Brown was not the only person that
Carpenter molded. Other individuals of SC
18 / Carpenter
State University that Carpenter shaped were:
Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. (president of Alabama
A&M University, Huntsville, Ala.) and Dr.
JoAnne Boyd-Scotland (former president and
current interim president of Denmark Technical
College, Denmark, S.C.) “Andrew served as
the assistant to the vice president of academic
affairs and JoAnne served as the director of
special academic programs during the time I
served as the vice president of academic affairs.
They reported to me, and since then, they
have had excellent careers in higher education
administration. We saw ourselves as a team. I
believed in teamsmanship and I promoted close
working relationships and loyalty.”
After serving as interim president of South
Carolina State University, Carpenter held
supervisory roles at other higher education
institutions to include: Fort Valley State
University where he served as dean of the
graduate school, formulating a graduate school
and developing strategy to recruit students;
Claflin University where he served as the
professor of education and Voorhees College
where he served twice as the executive vice
president and academic dean. He developed an
English program and resurrected the teaching
education program in elementary education.
There, he also initiated a sports management
degree program with the assistance of Dr.
William Gunn and Dr. Cleveland Sellers.
Carpenter retired in May 2011 and currently
consults with higher education institutions and
community organizations.
Carpenter and his wife are the proud parents
of two children, Dr. Carl A. Carpenter II, who
serves as the director of Human Resources of
Cherokee County Schools and Carla Adams,
who is a nationally certified master teacher
in Lexington, S.C. The Carpenters have four
grandchildren and are members of St. Luke
Presbyterian Church in Orangeburg, S.C.
Dr. Leroy Davis Sr., ‘71, ‘74
Dr. Leroy Davis Sr. confers the Doctor of Laws degree upon (then) Vice President, Al Gore, during the 1998 Spring Commencement Convocation.
THE ENTHUSIAST
SC State University’s Eighth President Takes
Institution to Greater Heights, Creating
Tangible Success
By Ashley Elliott
Standing three stories high with extraordinary features to include an
office tower, state-of-the-art classrooms and laboratories, two auditoriums,
and five conference rooms, is a 57,000 square-foot edifice that bears the
name of a profound educator and leader. On April 10, 1996, he became
the eighth president of South Carolina State University, forever changing
the history of the institution. Today, the modernized Science and Research
Complex that bears Dr. Leroy Davis Sr.’s name, serves as a testament to
the years of hard work and dedication which he passionately exhibited as
president.
This fascinating, $17.5 million building is personally deemed as Davis’
highest honor, but his childhood gave no notion that this day would ever
come to fruition. Growing up with three brothers on Treadwell Street
in Orangeburg, S.C., Davis wasn’t afforded many luxuries and quickly
learned the value of a dollar. “We didn’t have very much so we shared a
lot,” recalled Davis. “By the time clothes got down from my oldest brother
to me, they were just about worn out,” he shared.
Although having to regularly share tangible items, Davis and his
brothers each possessed intrinsic values to include a strong sense of family
and the importance of getting a quality education, instilled by their parents
early on. “My mom and dad had very little education. They both grew up
during a time in which it was difficult to come by,” he said. “They knew the
value of an education and encouraged us as much as they could for us to
continue our education.” As a result, learning came very early for Davis as
he quickly imitated his father’s avidity for reading.
“I used to read a lot about scientists such as George Washington Carver
and others, who, to me, just seemed to have done some wonderful things
and I, too was just amazed at being able to discover things.” The more he
read, the more his interest grew in science and nature. Then at the age of
12, Davis went to live with his grandmother, an experience that further
cultivated his interest in scientific exploration. “I got a chance to spend
a lot of my earlier years in a farm environment where there were a lot
of animals, snakes, bugs and
things that were fascinating
to me.”
Davis’ fascination for
science stayed with him and
allowed him to excel greatly
Davis / 19
Leroy Davis, Sr. Research and Science Complex
while in middle school and high school. He
became a member of multiple science clubs,
frequently participated in science fairs and won
a multitude of prizes. He also possessed another
quality that emerged during that time: his natural
ability to lead. “Ever since I got to high school I
was always in a leadership role at the head of my
classes,” noted Davis. Seizing the opportunities
available to him, Davis served as class president
during his first three years in high school, then
became president of the student body during his
senior year. “I was very outgoing with a lot of
people. I did very well in my classes and was
always a good student so I was always voted into
these leadership roles.”
Upon graduating from Wilkinson High
School, the second to the youngest, Davis had
a different stance from his two older brothers,
who decided to attend Claflin University. “At
that particular time my teachers encouraged
me to go to South Carolina State because they
had a strong science program. I was awarded a
partial scholarship and I wouldn’t need to have
as much money to go to school, plus I could stay
at home,” he adds.
While working diligently to obtain his
bachelor of science degree in biology, Davis
delved into various student organizations,
exhibiting his creativity and leadership traits
once again. “I was involved in the Earnest E.
Just Science Club (president), Beta Kappa Chi
honor society, and the Student Government
Association. The young biologist also had
another special talent in which he fervently
tapped into. “I was on the staff of the Collegianas a matter of fact I was a cartoonist for the
Collegian newspaper,” he humorously revealed.
Amid making sure he stayed focused
academically, Davis was also eager to help
create social change in the town where he
grew up. While still a freshman, a tragic event
occurred that would forever change his outlook
on life and ignited his passion to serve others.
“There were a lot of protests on campus and I
20 / Davis
was heavily involved with the protests,” shared
Davis. “When you were young and during that
era, we just felt that we had a right to the same
kinds of things that others enjoyed and we were
going to protest until we received those kinds of
privileges as well.”
On February 8, 1968, state troopers and
police opened fire on a group of students who
were protesting the local segregated bowling
alley. During this horrific event, now known as
the Orangeburg Massacre, Henry Smith, Samuel
Hammond and Delano Middleton, were killed,
along with the serious wounding of 28 others.
Fortunately, Davis had just left campus to return
home when the shootings occurred. “I came to
realize that even though I was young I could lose
my life very quickly. It led me to believe that life
is very precious and that you could very easily
lose it in the blink of an eye,” conveyed Davis.
“Neither one of these three guys that were killed
had any notion that their lives would be cut
short. So I came to appreciate the beauty of life
and the fact that I really wanted to have a fuller
life and make a difference in the world.”
Determined to take steps toward making
a profound impact, first in his life, then for
countless others, Davis continued to further
his education. Upon graduating from then
South Carolina State College, he obtained his
M.S. degree in microbiology from Purdue
University, where he would later obtain his
Ph.D. in molecular biology. At the tender age of
23, he returned to his hometown and became an
assistant professor of biology at his Alma Mater,
teaching in the same building he once studied in
as a college student. “I came back and I taught
after I got out of graduate school and I enjoyed
the teaching, the research and working with
the students,” Davis said. “I thought that was
my complete career path. I was going to be an
outstanding professor and I was going to be a
good researcher and do all the things I learned
in graduate school,” he said.
Just as he’d done throughout his educational
journey, Davis excelled in his career, being
named “Teacher of the Year” within the
Department of Natural Sciences for two
consecutive years and later honored as SC
State University’s “Teacher of the Year”.
Not too long after, however, Davis realized
that he could make a profound difference
in other capacities and decided to take on
administrative roles at the University. In
1982, he became director of the Academic
Counseling and Tutoring Program. Shortly
after, when asked by then president Dr.
Albert E. Smith to lead the administrative
department he accepted the opportunity,
becoming director of the Office of
Institutional Studies. He successfully
led the University through its Southern
Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
accreditation, creating the best SACS results
in the history of the institution.
“When President Smith asked me to head
this new office dealing with accreditation it
was something new, it sounded challenging
and it was an opportunity for me to learn,”
said Davis. “I normally don’t shy away from
challenges so I decided that I would try it and
in the back of my mind I said, well I’m still
going to be a professor, I’m not going to give
up the title and if this doesn’t work out, i’ll
put my tail between my legs and come back
to Hodge Hall,” joked Davis.
As it turned out his stint in administration
worked out very well. He went on to hold
positions of vice president for Academic
Administration, vice president for Student
Services and interim University president.
Shortly afterwards, he entered into the
prestigious role of president. “The thing I
always had in my mind was that no matter
what role I served in at the University
whether it was in a classroom as a professor
or whether it was as an administrator, I
always tried to think back to the real reason
why I was at the University. I always had to
remind myself that whatever I was doing it was to help give the students a
good education so that they could make a difference in life.”
This was Davis’ inspiration as president, in which he profoundly
demonstrated during his six-year tenure. Determined to lead the then
100-year old institution to greater heights, Davis immediately got to
work; first establishing financial stability for the University. He increased
annual giving from $419,000 in 1996 to $2.1 million in 2001­-­­­­more
than a 400 percent increase. He obtained accreditation for the School
of Business by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
(AACSB International), the 13th Historically Black College and University
(HBCU) in the nation to gain this status. He also obtained reaffirmation
of the University’s accreditation by SACS. Additionally, Davis initiated a
Bachelor of Science degree program in nuclear engineering, the first such
program of its kind in the state of South Carolina. He also established a
University Center of Excellence in Transportation and received more than
$30 million in funding over the past five years; established a University
Center of Excellence in Leadership and established the Savannah River
Environmental Sciences Fields Station, the only such program in the
United States devoted exclusively to undergraduate research. The Field
Station would later receive notable awards from former vice president
Al Gore and the Forestry Service of the United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA). Davis developed the University’s Stateite Creed to codify the
institution’s core values and beliefs. Additionally, he established the Staff
Senate to represent the interests and concerns of staff employees. He was
also instrumental in the development of the STATE Room at the Columbia
Metropolitan Airport, an extravagant reception/business center-unique
among HBCUs; and funding and approval for the construction of privatized
student housing ($35 million). Under his leadership, the University also
saw tremendous improvement in deferred maintenance and other facilities
to include: the construction of the new $9.5 million Fine Arts Center
(1999), construction of the Leadership and Skills Development Center at
Camp Harry Daniels (1998), construction of the Unity Wall for campus
Greek-letter organizations (2000); and several renovations to campus
facilities totaling $12 million to include Truth Hall, Dukes Gymnasium,
Belcher Hall, Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, Mitchell Hall and Felton
Laboratory School.
Of his many accomplishments, the most proudest would be the
attainment of $10 million for construction of the Hodge Hall annex, a new
complex that would serve as a extension to the science building which
was originally erected in 1928. “I had promised my mentor Dr. Addelle W.
Stewart that I would find a way to make a difference in science amongst
leaving Hodge Hall; I would find a way to make a difference to the students
and the professors I left behind. So my getting some of the funding to get
the new facility started was my way of keeping good on my commitment,”
he professed.
Another motivation was his frequent reflection upon the days he spent
in Hodge Hall as a student then as an instructor and wanting to provide
better opportunities for students. “I remembered the conditions in Hodge
Hall that we dealt with while still producing excellent students, still
producing excellent research and how it consisted of a wonderful family
of dedicated people. I also thought that being in the position I had been
blessed to be in, that I could make a difference.”
Indeed he has. According to Dr. Judith Salley-Guydon, chair of the
Department of Biological and Physical Sciences, many of the barriers that
once existed in the former science building, a place where she also studied
as a college student and later returned to educate others, has now been
removed. “Prior to moving in this new facility, we were limited in our
possibilities to offer diverse majors, to recruit new faculty in the sciences
and to conduct research in new areas,” she noted. “We are now able
to offer additional research and academic opportunities to our students,
which will help them compete on an even higher level. Our professors are
also excited because they are able to engage in more research and training
opportunities that will benefit them greatly.”
A strong advocate for the sciences, Davis never knew that his exertion
would result in him looking upon his name in bright white letters on the
“awe-inspiring building, as he describes it. “This is an extremely high
honor and I will be forever indebted to the University for doing this,”
he said. “This facility is a fantastic place of discovery and learning. I’m so
pleased that the future looks bright for those students who are going to
come to this building to learn and have their lives transformed just like I
had mine.”
Today, Davis continues to make an impact in service and education. He
serves as executive director of Voorhees College’s Center of Excellence in
Rural and Minority Health, designed to help persons in rural communities
with health challenges to gain resources necessary to improve the quality
of health. He serves on a number of foundation boards to include the
Jessie Ball Dupont Fund and the Southeastern Council of Foundations,
the nation’s second largest regional association of grantmakers. He also
serves as a consultant with organizations such as the Southern Education
Foundation, whose mission is to ensure fairness and excellence in
education for all. Additionally, he assists HCBUs and minority-serving
institutions with accreditation and other important factors. Together, he
and his wife Christine, a retired speech pathologist who Davis describes
as the ‘wind beneath his wings,’ also seek to provide financial support
for students through the establishment of an endowment fund at the
University. “We are both at the stage in our life where we want to do as
much as we can to help people have an opportunity to experience some
of the successes we’ve experienced in life,” shared Davis. “If I could have a
dream come true it would be that I gain enough wealth to become a major
philanthropist and give back financially to educational causes that I feel
strongly about.”
As a young boy, he didn’t have much to call his own, but throughout
his successful life journey, Davis gave much. He kept his stance to always
give back to his students and SC State University. Now, although his name
solely adorns this new facility, he forever shares a legacy of passion and
commitment that will create continuous success for many others.
Davis / 21
I was able to
hold my own
at
Michigan
State because of the
tremendous background
that I developed at SC
State.
AH
Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., ‘71, ‘74
Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr., ‘71, ‘74, served as ninth president of SC State University.
THE EDUCATOR
“Standing the Test of Time”
Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. Still
Embraces His Alma Mater
By Tameka Kenan-Norman
After spending over 30 years at SC State
University, you would think that Dr. Andrew
Hugine Jr. systematically chose the institution
where he would begin his undergraduate studies
and flourish as a director, administrator and
ultimately as president. However, this Green
Pond, S.C. native did not choose SC State
after spending years on the campus or after
researching its many fine academic offerings.
Instead, Hugine chose SC State to quell any
differences that he may have ultimately caused
his parents. “I went to SC State so I would not
upset either of my parents,” says Hugine. “My
father was an AME minister and wanted me to go
to Allen University. My mother was a graduate
of Claflin, so I solved the problem by going to
SC State. That’s the only school I applied to.”
22 / Hugine
For Hugine, the first selection was a charm,
as SC State afforded the aspiring high school
math teacher many opportunities. “The best
experience I had was to serve as president for
the Student Government Association,” exclaims
Hugine. “It gave me an opportunity to interact
with a number of people in a different format.
That to me was the highlight of my being at the
University.”
Hugine credits administrators like Dr. Nance
and his wife, whom he refers to as congenial
individuals, for his achievement later in life and
for his successful graduation. “I didn’t graduate
‘thank you Lordie.’ I graduated with honors,”
jokes Hugine.
But joking didn’t get this honor graduate
to propel as quickly as he did after graduating
from SC State. After receiving his Bachelor of
Science degree in mathematics and the Master
of Education degree in mathematics education at
SC State, during a time of strife between African
Americans and Caucasians, Hugine attended
Michigan State University. Although the anguish
caused by unequal civil rights surrounded him,
Hugine was not intimated at his new home. “It
didn’t intimidate me at all because I knew that if
I did my best and studied hard, I’d be ok,” he said.
He then reverts back to the solid foundation he
attained at SC State University. “I was able to
hold my own at Michigan State because of the
tremendous background that I developed at SC
State.”
Hugine wouldn’t call Michigan State home
for long. After obtaining his doctorate in higher
education/institutional research, he found his
way back to his true roots, returning to his
Alma Mater serving in the capacities of director
of the Special Services Program and director
of the University Year for Action Program.
Other positions he served at SC State included
research fellow; assistant director of the selfstudy; director of the institutional self-study;
assistant vice-president for academic affairs;
professor of mathematics and interim executive
vice-president. However, an unexpected
transcendence happened for Hugine as he soon
became the president of SC State University, his
beloved Alma Mater.
“Obviously that was a great honor.
Being the president of any institution is an
accomplishment,” notes Hugine, but for a
man whose vision was to become the vicepresident of academic affairs, his world was
changed in an instant. “If I reflect back on my
career and aspirations in life, I never thought
about becoming president of any institution,
particularly president of my Alma Mater,” states
Hugine.
Being appointed to such a prestigious position
at his University meant that Hugine had to work
effortlessly, and he did just that, acquiring SC
State as the home for the first debate of the
Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr. greets (then presidential hopeful) Barack Obama and other contenders during the
Democratic Debate on the SC State campus.
2008 Democratic Party Presidential Candidate
Debate Series. Many flocked to the campus as
notorieties like Hilary Clinton, John Edwards
and President Barack Obama took the stage
at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium.
The event also marked the first of such at any
historically black college or university.
Hugine’s success continued at SC State with the
construction of a new $42 million residence
hall, named in his honor. The Andrew Hugine,
Jr. Living/Learning Complex was the largest
residence hall in South Carolina at the time
of construction. Under Hugine’s leadership,
significant improvements were also made to
other physical facilities, including the completion
of the additions to the science building and the
construction of a new engineering building.
In 2008, Hugine departed from SC State,
now continuing his success as president of
Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University
(Alabama A&M). Even in his new position,
Hugine still can’t help but to compare it to his
SC State. “Like South Carolina State University,
Alabama A&M is a land grant university, so it
shares some of the same philosophies relative
to access, relative to providing opportunities
for students and relative to improving the
lot of individuals,” notes Hugine. “Plus, both
institutions are Bulldogs, so it was a good fit
coming from another 1890 land grant university
coming into Alabama A&M. The transition was
almost seamless in that regard.”
In his second stint as president, Hugine has
already made significant progress. Appointed
as president of Alabama A&M on July 16,
2009, under his leadership, academic programs
have been restructured to bring about greater
efficiency; residence halls have been enhanced;
life, health and safety issues have been updated
and there has been a major effort in building the
university’s aesthetics.
While Hugine goes on about his daily work at
Alabama A&M, and even though he didn’t depart
from SC State on the best terms, he still holds
the University dear to his heart, encouraging
others not to reflect on a sordid experience
but to help in building a more positive SC State
University. “My belief is that it doesn’t matter
what kind of experience you had while attending
the University,” declares Hugine. “I’m sure the
individual you happened to run into is no longer
there, so forgive the building, move on and
support the University.”
Hugine also encourages alumni to support SC
State and HBCU’s in particular. “Our institutions,
HBCU’s in general, are dealing with trying times
economically. It’s time to reinvest in our schools
and make our institutions a part of our budgets,”
says Hugine. “If you look at great institutions, the
piece that separates the great institutions from
the good institutions is the giving on the part of
the alums and their endowments. We don’t have
sizeable endowments because we have not given.
If we don’t invest in them, how do we ask others
to invest in them?”
Hugine attributes his success to an unfailing
faith in God and a supportive family, especially his
wife, Abbiegail, who is also a graduate of SC State.
In the meantime, Hugine continues to give to his
Alma Mater and continues to be humbled by his
title of president. “When you look at a presidency,
it’s designed to give you a platform from which
to enhance and improve the institution,” says
Hugine. “It’s not about the individual. It’s about
what it is that I can do, what leadership can I
provide to make this a better place. It’s about
what you can do to ensure the future survival for
the expansion and growth of these institutions.”
The Hugines are the proud parents of a son,
Andrew III, a graduate of SC State, a daughter,
Akilah Hugine-Elmore and a son-in-law, Quincy
Elmore.
Hugine / 23
Dr. Anthony Parker, ‘75, ‘84
Dr. Anthony Parker, ‘75, ‘84 cuts the ribbon to symbolize the opening of one of many new buildings on the Albany Technical College campus.
THE THEORIST
Albany Technical College
President has Strong, Lasting
Affinity for SC State
By Tameka Kenan-Norman
Don’t be surprised if you see Dr. Anthony
Parker “getting up for the Bulldogs” at a few of
the home games. Dr. Anthony Parker’s roots
run deep at SC State University. Although the
SC State alumnus currently presides as president
of Albany Technical College, Parker will never
forget his time at the institution where he
set milestones. “I remember the pool in the
basement of Dukes Gym is where I learned to
swim,” recalls Parker. He even remembers the
traumatic times. “I didn’t get there very long
after the Orangeburg Massacre,” he says. “By the
time I got there, I imagine SC State had done a
lot of things to deliberately make it comfortable
for us to stay on campus.”
This comfort soon proved to make SC State
24 / Parker
home for Parker, so much so that almost 30 years
after graduating from the University, he can still
recall the names of buildings and the family
atmosphere. “I remember Washington Dining
Hall. The food was good,” says an ecstatic Parker.
“And White Hall was a beautiful building with
a performing arts auditorium. I took history in
White Hall and math there as a freshmen. I lived
in Bethea Hall and I can remember the classes in
Turner Hall in the late summer or the early fall
when we didn’t have air conditioning.” Parker
even recalls the barracks style dormitories,
nothing similar to the apartment style living
afforded to current University students.
It was good that Parker had an affinity for
SC State living, considering that he was not
allowed home on the weekend, a mere five to 10
miles from the University campus. “I came
home the week before Halloween during my
freshman year. My friend took me home and
my father asked me why I was there,” says
Parker. Parker’s father quickly reminded
him that he was paying for a University
meal plan and suggested that Parker not return
until the Thanksgiving holiday. “I now know that
he wanted me to get the most of my college
experience, and coming home every weekend
that I could wasn’t going to make that happen,”
says Parker.
Returning to SC State where his father
attended and a University that was a staple in
the community and so close to home was easy
for Parker. Early on, his father’s reputation at the
University and his previous visits to the campus
were deciding factors for him to attend “Bulldog
Nation” as he affectionately refers to his friends
and Alma Mater. Plus, there was the segregation
of the early to late 70’s that still permeated
the air and met you head-on at predominately
Caucasian campuses. Although those universities
were held in high esteem, Parker, a St. Matthews,
S.C. native, notes that his education at SC State
could rival the nation’s best schools. “When I
viewed the catalogue at USC, I noticed that I
was more likely to be taught by a diverse faculty
at SC State,” states Parker. “We had more female
professors and more Caucasian professors than
USC at that time had African Americans. I was
also taught by faculty with terminal degrees as a
freshman and a sophomore. That wasn’t likely to
happen then in Columbia or some of the other
places.”
In addition, Parker learned the significance
of career development at SC State. “When I was
at SC State, Ms. Daisy Johnson was the director
of Career Services,” says Parker. “She had us
practicing for employment back when we were
freshmen.”
Parker says that this preparation from
Johnson, his father’s stern ruling and the family
atmosphere that surrounded him at SC State
University are the reasons for his success. “I
don’t know if there’s any HBCU that has any
more black sitting college presidents at this
time, so there must have been a lot of good
leadership development going on when we were
around,” states Parker.
After receiving this good leadership
development, Parker graduated from SC State
University in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science
degree in accounting and in 1984 with a master
of education degree in counseling and guidance.
Later, he received a specialist in education
degree in educational administration from
Augusta College and a Ph.D. from USC. Parker’s
initial ambition, however, was to become a plant
manager in manufacturing. “I was a business/
accounting major. There was nothing that would
have indicated to me back then that this is what I
wanted to do,” states Parker.
The journey to his appointment as president
of Albany Technical College in July 1995 was
as Parker calls it, through the back door. “I was
working for Colgate Palmolive as a production
planner and my wife was expecting our second
child. She didn’t want to move back to N.C.
because Augusta was closer to home, (Parker’s
wife, Sandra, is a 1976 graduate of SC State and
is from Orangeburg) so I took a job at Augusta
Tech,” recalls Parker. Initially thinking that he
would only teach at the college for one year,
Parker discovered that he enjoyed teaching. This
would prove to be a turning point in his career.
While working at Augusta Tech, Parker
decided to pursue his terminal degree at USC.
“There were people at USC who encouraged
us to look at what our maximum potential
could be,” says Parker. “I attended somewhat of
a preparation class at the executive leadership
institute. After spending a week looking at the
preparation process, I saw that there were people
who were doing well and probably weren’t as
prepared as I was. So I thought if I could align
myself with the right type of institutions and
references, then I could take the progressive
steps of finding the best job fit for me.”
Parker’s progression soon went from vice
president of student services at Southeastern
Tech in Vidalia, Ga. and Aiken Technical College
in Aiken, S.C., to his present job as president
of Albany Technical College. During his tenure
as president, he also served as interim assistant
commissioner of adult literacy for the Technical
College System of Georgia in Atlanta. His
ambition and planning has led him to his
current position as president, making significant
accomplishments and crediting a lot of his
preparedness to being a graduate of an institution
where his roots run deep.
During his tenure, AlbanyTechnical College has
grown enrollment by over 400 percent. Branch
campuses have been built in Early and Randolph
counties and the college assumes responsibility
for adult education in seven different counties.
In regards to programs, “we have added three
engineering technology programs,” says Parker.
“Over half of the programs we offer today were
not offered when I got here in 1995.” The college
has also added over 50 percent of the physical
staff buildings since Parker’s appointment, some
that have been near the campus and renovated
and others have been constructed. We just cut
the ribbon on our newest building on campus,
The Center for Logistics Education which houses
our student center, library, culinary institute and
student center , says Parker, which will be home
to the Career Center.
According to Parker, Albany Technical
College is also in the process of developing
an operations management degree. “We have
the only for credit quality assurance six sigma
green belt black belt program in the country,”
says Parker. In addition to the unique programs,
under Parker’s leadership, a successful capital
campaign was also completed.
In essence, Parker’s upbringing in rural St.
Matthews and the time that he spent at SC State
has molded him into the man that he is today,
one who has been successful in many of his
endeavors. Parker had such admiration for the
University that he may have also encouraged his
oldest daughter to attend. After graduating from
SC State, Dr. Kimberly Parker is now a member
of the faculty at Texas Women’s University.
“You get out of college what you put into
it,” says Parker. “If students want to learn a lot
and accomplish a lot, they can get the graduate
directory at SC State and see that Bulldogs are
doing important things, and certainly you can
go anywhere from SC State because people have
already proven that. I have a permanent love and
affinity for my Alma Mater. I truly am one of the
loyal sons and daughters who are proud to own
the name we bare”!
Parker / 25
I feel that I got my start there
with SC State, and I hope that
other alumni and potential
students will see this as a statement that
SC State is a strong, positive institution
that prepares leaders.
LTG
Dr. Linda Thomas-Glover, ‘76
THE CONQUEROR
AHA!!! Dr. Linda ThomasGlover Shares her Path to
Success
By Tameka Kenan-Norman
“The path to our destinations is not always a
straight one.” For Dr. Linda Thomas-Glover, SC
State alumna and current president of Eastern
Shore Community College located in Melfa,Va.,
her initial career path did not include obtaining a
position as prestigious as president of a college.
Thomas-Glover, however, can now recall the
very moment in which she realized that this
position may be in her future.
Some may call it an epiphany or an AHA
moment, but it happened for Thomas-Glover
26 / Thomas-Glover
in 1998. “I was working at Guilford Technical
Community College and I had gone on a SACS
(Southern Association of Colleges and Schools)
visit to a college in Kentucky,” recalls ThomasGlover. According to Thomas-Glover, the college
had recently appointed a female president, and
it was while walking on the college campus
that she had her personal epiphany. After
interviewing one person and then another,
Thomas-Glover consciously thought, “I, too, can
become a college president.” A mere thought
developed into reality for this Orangeburg, S.C.
native. “After that experience, I took advantage
of leadership and professional development
opportunities that came along that would
prepare me,” notes Thomas-Glover.
Although it was almost 11 years from her
AHA moment to the time she became the fourth
president of Eastern Shore Community College,
Thomas-Glover’s vision has always been evident,
unbeknownst to her. Extremely shy while in
pursuit of her B.S. degree in chemistry from
SC State University, Thomas-Glover admits that
she never would have envisioned being in her
current role, but there were professors who saw
the potential that Thomas-Glover never knew
she had. “I have to admit that I was very shy,”
states Thomas-Glover. “I was the type of person
who had ideas but was very hesitant to put them forth, but this was the
time in which individuals saw in me leadership potential that I didn’t see
within myself. Namely, individuals like Dr. Datta Gupta who gave ThomasGlover the opportunity to be involved in research projects and Dr. Leroy
Davis, a former SC State President whom she sees to this very day. “They
provided opportunities for me to do certain things.”
These “things” would propel Thomas-Glover into the spotlight. Working
multiple jobs while attending SC State, she ultimately became a member
of the Student Government Association (SGA) where she was treasurer, a
member of AKA sorority, and a participant in numerous conferences and
research projects. A first generation college student, Thomas-Glover is
adamant that her tutelage at SC State prepared her for the experiences that
she would later obtain. “I feel that I got my start there with SC State, and
I hope that other alumni and potential students will see this as a statement
that SC State is a strong, positive institution that prepares leaders.”
After graduating from SC State in 1976, Thomas-Glover acquired an
M.S. degree in medicinal chemistry from the State University of New
York at Buffalo, N.Y. and a doctorate in chemistry from Temple University
in Philadelphia, Pa. She began her teaching career as an assistant professor
of chemistry at Bennett College in Greensboro, N.C. She also held several
positions at Guilford Technical Community College in Greensboro, N.C.
including vice president of instruction, division chair for science and
mathematics and department chair for physical sciences. Thomas-Glover
also served as provost/chief academic officer at Elizabethtown Community
and Technical College in Elizabethtown, Ky.
Throughout all of her opportunities, Thomas-Glover consistently
learned skills that would prepare her for Eastern Shore Community
College. For example, there’s always the prominent challenge of
reigning as a female president on a college campus. While ThomasGlover does not particularly feel challenged as a result of being
a female, her time at Elizabethtown Community and Technical
College prompted her to deal with the onslaught of stereotypes
that often come along with a female assuming a top spot. “I had the
good fortune of having an African American female president while
working as provost of Elizabethtown Community and Technical
College,” states Thomas-Glover. “This gave me the opportunity
to have experiences that really prepared me for this particular
transition.”
Perhaps the most difficult transition that was eased by her
experience with SACS, however, was Eastern Shore Community
College’s probation status only a few weeks after her arrival. “I
started my position here on June 1, 2009 and it was on June 26,
2009 that I received notification that our institution had been put
on probation by the Commission,” says Thomas-Glover. But with
her involvement in SACS since the early 1990’s, Thomas-Glover
had an affinity for the commission and a thorough knowledge and
understanding of what an institution needed to do to remain fully
accredited. “I am pleased to say that when we submitted our first
monitoring report the following year, we were fully accredited
because we had been able to address the issues,” notes ThomasGlover.
With full accreditation under her belt early on, ThomasGlover has continued to implement many worthwhile initiatives
at Eastern Shore Community College. “I instituted a faculty and
staff recognition program where individuals get to nominate
their peers,” states Thomas-Glover. A committee reviews the
submitted applications and individuals are selected on a quarterly
basis, a chance for employees to gain recognition and financial
acknowledgement for their commitment to the institution.
Thomas-Glover also loves the college’s latest involvement with
NASA. Melfa, Va. is an area, once the space shuttles are fully retired,
in which rockets that will restock the international space station will
be launched. “That means there’s potential for some employment
opportunities that will exist either with NASA or with contractors that
could really have some financial impact for individuals,” states an ecstatic
Thomas-Glover. Student opportunities may also exist. “I was able to
reestablish the opportunity for our students to have some internships
with NASA just this past spring semester. The evaluations came back from
some of the mentors for our students and they were very positive, some
encouraging us to continue to do this.”
Additional accomplishments for Thomas-Glover while at Eastern
Shore Community College include spearheading the development of new
instructional programs, as well as demonstrated successes in establishing
and strengthening partnerships with K-12 and transfer institutions. She has
also presented at numerous workshops and seminars at local, national and
international levels on leadership, student development and instruction.
Although the path for Thomas-Glover was not always envisioned, the
sole female alumna of SC State to acquire the status of president for any
institution encourages SC State students to move towards their current
goals and take advantage of all opportunities that are set before them.
“Students should have the confidence that SC State has prepared them
to address any of life’s challenges,” says Thomas-Glover. And for students
to get to their own AHA moment, Thomas-Glover says, “always be open
to new experiences. Even if you don’t know exactly where you want to
go, you should know where you don’t want to go, then you will make
decisions that will keep you from going there.”
Thomas-Glover / 27
Dr. George C. Bradley, ‘83, ‘85
(L TO R): Dr. Bradley, Vice President Joe Biden and Brandon P. Brown, Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Paine College
THE VISIONARY
Paine College Leader Shares his
Personal Progression to Success
By Ashley Elliott
As the 14th president of Paine College in
Augusta, Ga., Dr. George C. Bradley, ’83, ’85,
has attained his highest goal and takes pride in
living it out each day.
“The success of the students that move through
our institution is my personal achievement and
greatest success,” affirmed Bradley, who has
been an integral part of the lives of thousands of
students he calls his sons and daughters.
28 / Bradley
Since his presidency began in October 2007, Bradley
has undoubtedly taken the College to greater levels.
In just three years, he overturned the institution’s
financial deficit from $3.5 million to a significant
surplus. He has been instrumental in partnering with
local, state and federal agencies on over $8 million
worth of capital projects that will benefit the broader
Augusta community. He has assembled a stellar faculty
who is responsible for 65 percent of the College’s
undergraduate students’ ability to produce professional
theses. Additionally, because of Bradley’s phenomenal
leadership, the entire Paine community has benefitted
greatly, so much in fact that the College is the only one
in Augusta, Ga. to have successfully refrained from
implementing furloughs or layoffs for its faculty
or staff during his tenure.
These remarkable efforts can be attributed to
many factors ranging from organized leadership
to strategic planning, but Bradley’s visionary
leadership, determination, faith and the
fortitude to never give up, are the true elements
that have helped create the dynamic leader he
is today.
“I’ve always called my life a rollercoaster
filled with ups and downs,” expressed Bradley.
“During each event, whether it’s up or down,
I’ve always used it as a learning experience
because you really can’t appreciate the sunshine
until you have a nice storm.” These learning
experiences began early for Bradley as his legs
were confined to braces for seven years. This
proved challenging and averted his efforts to
participate in many childhood activities. What
he initially deemed as a curse, however, resulted
in a remarkable blessing.
“When the braces were removed, my legs
were real strong. I could run fast and I became
an exceptional athlete,” shared Bradley. During
this time he learned that “even though there’s
some down time in your life, you have to take
those experiences, make the best of them and
keep moving.”
The Florence, S.C. native has been non-stop
ever since. In 1978, Bradley was awarded a
full football scholarship to play the position of
linebacker with the SC State Bulldogs.
“We could tell right off that he was going
to be an outstanding player,” shared Coach
Willie Jeffries, ’60. “He was always on time for
practice, meetings, was strong academically and
never got into trouble.”
Jeffries adds that while he’s had football
players to become doctors, lawyers and even
attain high military rankings, Bradley is a great
exception to the rule. “I finally have a college
president and that makes me doubly proud of
George,” gleams Jeffries.
Although he was dynamic on the field, Bradley
initially found it difficult to gain the same zest in
the classroom. He quickly received the help he
needed. “When I got to South Carolina State I
was shy about speaking. They told me if I didn’t
want to grow, I was in the wrong place,” he said.
“After they chastised me, they taught me. They
told me to stand in the mirror and go over your
speech. They just ingrained it in you,” noted
Bradley.
He also recalled how everyone from the
faculty and staff to the administrators played a
major part in his well-being and overall success.
“When you went to South Carolina State, there
was no doubt in your mind that when you left
you were going to graduate school and you were
going to higher heights. The family orientation
and the detail that the people painted were
outstanding. They took interest and paid
attention to you as you matriculated.”
After obtaining his Bachelor of Science
and Master of Science degrees from SC State
Dr. Bradley confers a degree to one of his students during the 2011 Spring Commencement Ceremony.
University, Bradley went to Bethune Cookman,
serving as head football coach and math
instructor. An advocate for higher learning, he
continued his education, obtaining a Ph.D. in
higher education administration with a cognate
in research and evaluation from Iowa State
University. Additionally, he studied at Harvard
University through the Institute for Education
Management and later co-founded the South
Carolina Institute for Research in Education
(SCIRE), designed to sponsor research on
education issues that impact African-American
communities in South Carolina.
Meanwhile, Bradley was prompted to
return to his Alma Mater, where he served as
an assistant professor. Within a year, he was
appointed chair of the doctoral program. It
was during this time that others could see his
presidential potential, but he admits that he
wasn’t so certain. “Everyone saw that I had
potential but I really didn’t see it. It wasn’t a
real strategic plan. My perspective in education
was that whatever position I was involved in, I
was to do the very best.”
Three years later, Bradley found himself
serving in administrative roles that would
prepare him to become the next president of the
Historically Black Liberal Arts College that lies
Bradley / 29
(L TO R) Dr. Luther B. Felder, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Dr. Tina Marshall-Bradley and Dr.
George C. Bradley
in the heart of downtown Augusta.
“While at Claflin University, I held the
position of executive vice president. I was also
afforded the opportunity of serving as acting
president,” recalled Bradley. “I studied for
several years under Dr. Henry Tisdale. He was
good at showing you the details. He gave me
just about every little piece in the college and
taught me how to run the institution.”
Unbeknown to Bradley, Tisdale was not only
preparing him, but ultimately encouraged him
to attain the presidency. “Dr. Tisdale never told
me that he was preparing me for this role, but
he told other people including my wife, Dr. Tina
Marshall-Bradley, who served as Claflin’s dean
of education at the time.”
I was very happy working with Dr. Tisdale,
being his number two person, because we were
doing some exciting things at Claflin. He is
one of the smartest people and one of the best
presidents I know. Once you work under him,
you are prepared to run any institution of higher
education.”
This has been proven by Bradley’s unparalleled
success. He continues to implement much of
the knowledge attained from Tisdale and the
life-lessons he gained while attending SC State
University.
“I’m a president who is very hands-on with
students. I have an open door policy on the
first and third Thursday of every month. I eat
in the cafeteria with the students. My wife
and I have a dinner every month for the first 12
students that sign up. If I’m in my office too
much, it’s not a good thing. I need to be out
talking and connecting.” Bradley also takes a
personal interest in the academic excellence of
his students. On many nights, he can be found in
the dormitories tutoring mathematics, another
skill he tapped into while at SC State University.
30 / Bradley
“When I initially asked him about tutoring
students he said, ‘oh no I cannot do that,’”
expressed Gloria Pyles, who served as director
of Student Support Services at the time. “I was
persistent and it took me two weeks to convince
him to serve in that capacity,” she said. “He
tutored football players and student support
services students and he was excellent at it.”
An exemplar of hard work and dedication,
Bradley wants his sons and daughters to have a
similar experience and leave Paine College with
a strong worth ethic, while always striving for
the best.
“You can go back and check my record. I
probably wasn’t the smartest person at SC
State, but I was one who had a great work
ethic, and when things got tough it didn’t
rattle me.” He recalled the important lesson
he learned as a freshman that shaped him into
‘the model student.’ “One day I didn’t attend
Dr. Hattie Hunter’s reading class. She came to
my dormitory, knocked on my door, slapped
me upside my head and told me don’t ever
miss her class again,” laughed Bradley. “I never
missed another class of hers while I was at South
Carolina State. She set the pace. She showed me
that I was loved.”
Although he doesn’t take the same approach,
the inspired college leader says he regularly
encourages students to push forward when
times are rough, a lesson he has always taught
his own son and daughter.
“My dad placed a heavy emphasis on being the
best at whatever you did,” said Curtis Bradley,
who is currently pursuing his master’s degree
in transportation at SC State University. “He
taught us that whatever you start, you finish no
matter what the circumstance; no matter what
odds are against you, you don’t ever quit because
there is always a learning experience involved.”
As he continues to carry out his most
fulfilling work, Bradley aspires to create
the same opportunities for others. “I look
forward to moving the institution towards its
vision, and after my presidency I would like
to teach others at the doctoral level and train
young folks to be college presidents,” stresses
Bradley. “To be successful you must work
hard, study your profession and when you get
knocked down, get up. In this business you
will get knocked down and you have to have
the emotional fortitude to get up and keep
moving.”
Dr. Bradley eagerly welcomes students during New
Student Orientation.
I will tell anybody that the best
training in higher education
and leadership management,
I received from SC State, and I am still
using today what I learned there.
MCB II
Dr. M. Christopher Brown II, ‘93
Dr. M. Christopher Brown II was recently inaugurated at Alcorn State University.
THE AMBASSADOR
SC State Alumnus Reaches
New Heights
By Tameka Kenan-Norman
After a mere 10-minute conversation with
SC State alumnus Dr. M. Christopher Brown II,
it’s apparent why this 39-year old was chosen to
lead Alcorn State University in his appointment
as president, the most recent appointment of
an SC State alumnus as president of a college
or university. After one conversation with
Brown, it’s as if you’ve met a long-lost friend,
one who does not incessantly speak of his
many accomplishments or who would make
those who have not achieved as much seem less
significant. Instead, you leave the conversation
inspired, humbled, and having learned more
from a man whose feats stand on their own
merits. Terrence Cummings, executive director
for Student Success and Retention at SC State
University and a mentor to Brown, describes it
best. “Dr. Brown has always been enamored with
people,” says Cummings. “He has this certain
‘royal mystique’ about him, yet he is fascinated
and embraces so many people, especially those
who are not enlightened or as enriched as he
is,” says a proud Cummings. “Chris never met
a stranger; he engaged every single person he
met, and each left him ever to remember M.
Christopher Brown II.”
Brown, who received his bachelor’s degree
in elementary education from SC State, the
master’s degree in educational policy and
evaluation from the University of Kentucky, and
a doctorate in higher education from
The Pennsylvania State University,
has gained his enlightenment over
the years and through his many
experiences. These experiences
include his last appointment as
the executive vice president and
provost at Fisk University in Nashville, Tenn.;
his service as dean of the College of Education
at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; vice
president for programs and administration
at the American Association of Colleges for
Teacher Education; director of social justice
and professional development for the American
Educational Research Association; and executive
director and chief research scientist of the
Frederick D. Patterson Research Institute of
the United Negro College Fund. Brown has also
presented research on six continents and is the
author/editor of 15 books and monographs.
How does an individual at such a young
Brown / 31
Brown’s inauguration as president of Alcorn State University took place on April 16, 2011.
age achieve so much? Brown attributes most to the experiences that he gained
while attending SC State University. “It was SC State that really gave me an
understanding of what was possible in life,” says Brown. “I will tell anybody that
the best training in higher education and leadership management, I received from
SC State, and I am still using today what I learned there.”
Brown recalls the nostalgia of his college days, conjuring memories of his time
lobbying University status with Dr. Carl Carpenter, his moments sitting on the
SC State Board of Trustees as Student Government Association president under
Dr. Albert Smith and certainly his time with president emeritus Dr. M. Maceo
Nance Jr. “I got the M in my name from President Nance,” admits Brown. Brown
also never forgets the role SC State administrators played in his development. In
fact, Brown gives a special thanks to former director of the Honors Program, Dr.
Roy L. Simms and Cummings in one of his first books, “The Quest to Define College
Desegregation: Black Colleges,Title IV Compliance and Post-Adams Integration.”
32 / Brown
Brown’s acquaintance with University faculty, staff and
administrators, however, goes far beyond the professional level.
During his speech at the SC State 2011 Founders’ Day program,
Brown cites another time with the late President Nance. “Many
years ago when I was a student, I would go to Dr. Nance’s home
just off the campus and there he would teach me about social and
cultural capital, and it was there that he taught me the importance
of reading beyond one’s own discipline,” says Brown. “And when
he had his heart attack, I sat with him at the hospital and read
to him the Times and Democrat.” Brown also notes the times that
he would babysit Lil’ Albert for Dr. Albert and Sadie Smith, “who
taught me the importance of humility and faithfulness.”
Although Brown acquired a tremendous amount of knowledge
from these individuals who nurtured him throughout his time at SC
State, this Charleston, S.C. native and product of a single-parent
home, says that his life is no different from the next individual’s,
and that his latest success is due to Godly intervention. “It’s really
destiny and divinity,” exclaims Brown. “There are lots of people
just as qualified as I am with the same or similar experiences that
I have. It’s an act of providence that you get to attain any height
in life.”
Brown is new to his latest challenge as president of Alcorn State
University, having recently been inaugurated on April 16, 2011,
but he understands what it takes to be successful at the helm. Aside
from hard work and an immense knowledge, Brown references the
humble nature that anyone may discover he has already acquired.
“One thing I’ve learned about successful presidents is that every
day they arrive on campus, they arrive with a sense of humility and
thanksgiving for the opportunity to be able to give and to serve,”
says Brown. “Those presidents that are unsuccessful often do not
arrive with that same posture.”
Obviously, that posture and his diligent work ethic were noticed
early on from faculty, staff and friends while Brown was a student
at SC State University. As the news broke of his appointment,
many sat in the Miller F. Whittaker Library on the SC State
campus sharing their memories of Brown, ecstatic that an SC State
alumnus had reached such a significant milestone. “It comes as no
surprise to me that at 39 years old, Dr. M. Christopher Brown
II would be elected president of a university,” says Cummings. “I
just thought it would have been by 35 years old and perhaps South
Carolina State University.”
Cummings assumptions weren’t too far fetched. “We all have
dreams of serving our Alma Mater and that was at one time my
career goal,” says Brown. “But I have seen that SC State has grown
through several capable leadership hands, so I don’t think about
that much any more, but I aspired to provide university leadership
as a result of my experiences at SC State.”
For SC State students who may look to Brown as a role model
to follow, Brown encourages these students to get involved and
to make a difference. “What we’ve learned from the research is
that students who are active and engaged in the undergraduate
experience, including student activities like Student Government
Association, the student newspaper, the yearbook and fraternities,
gain more informal learning and skill development,” stresses
Brown. “These activities prepare you in a real way to do leadership.”
SC State has faith that their outstanding alumnus will leave an
indelible mark at Alcorn State University. He too has faith in the
knowledge and values that his Alma Mater taught him, propelling
him to achieve at his new home. “While some may attack
affirmative action and scholarship programs and cut our budgets,
our students will remain the ones who will go out in the morning
to serve,” says Brown. “They will be equipped to have the mind and
the skills to receive promotions in their places of employment. In
the morning, the graduates of SC State and Alcorn will go about
the world turning darkness into light.”
Dr. John H. Dozier, ‘93
Archbishop Desmond Tutu takes time out from his busy schedule to speak with Dr. Dozier and his wife, Victoria.
Dozier Explains Why
Relationship Building is Key
to Success
THE ACHIEVER
By Ashley Elliott
Dr. John H. Dozier realized early in his career
that developing key relationships was vastly
important for success. The acquiring of this
lesson would ultimately lead to his appointment
as president of Kennedy-King Community
College in Chicago, Ill. Prior to this profound
role, however, Dozier had no idea that he would
one day serve as a college president and therefore
never deemed it as one of his professional career
goals. What he did know was that he wanted
to give back to his community by serving in
academia. This desire was instilled in him while
at his beloved Alma Mater.
Birthed into a generation of SC State
University graduates, Dozier always knew that
he wanted to attend a Historically Black College
and University (HBCU). He decided to follow
the family tradition, earning his Bachelor of
Science degree in marketing from SC State
University in 1993.
“My grandmother obtained her Bachelor
of Science degree in business administration
in 1947. My grandfather obtained his master’s
degree from South Carolina State in 1952 and
my mom attended the University as well, so
South Carolina State was kind of in my DNA,”
expressed Dozier.
With the awarding of a music scholarship,
KENNEDY-KING COLLEGE
Dozier / 33
the Columbia, S.C. native made his way to
Orangeburg and eagerly started his life on
campus. As a student, he was a member of the
concert, marching, jazz and symphonic bands
and became a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha
Fraternity. These were great experiences for
Dozier, but like many of his peers, he vividly
recalls the personal interest, attention and love
shown to students by administrators, faculty
and staff. “The thing I remember most was the
commitment that the professors had to really
help us-young students to understand our place
as blacks moving into different professions,” said
Dozier. “Instructors would really impress upon
you the necessity for you to do well, give back
and serve your community. Coming out of high
school I really didn’t have a strong connection
to my community. That’s something I acquired
while being at South Carolina State, learning
about the Orangeburg Massacre and the people
involved coming back and talking about it,
learning and being connected to the rich history
that graduates before me have created and
having a connection to them,” recalled Dozier.
Those events inspired him to “give back to the
community that has given so much to him” and
would later prompt him to share this passion
with other young individuals.
After graduating from SC State University,
Dozier decided to utilize his knowledge in
business, launching his career in the insurance
industry as a marketing analyst with Colonial
Life & Accident Insurance Company, a position
he obtained after completing an internship with
the company. He went on to serve as a systems
control consultant and customer service
manager for the Nashville,Tenn. based American
General Life & Accident Insurance Company.
“I had a very successful career in the insurance
industry,” shares Dozier. “The majority of my
experience and positions in insurance were
related to business process management and
internal management consulting work. In most
of the positions that I held, I was responsible
for ensuring that the organizations for which
I worked were getting expected, quantifiable
results out of the business processes that were
established.”
Dozier later obtained the position of process
analyst for Corporate Systems in Lisle, Ill.
While there, he successfully managed and
executed the discovery and documentation
of production controls and failure points for
all data feeds between Corporate Systems and
its largest client, the Hartford/Specialty Risk
Services. Undoubtedly, Dozier achieved great
success in the corporate sector, but admits that
these positions weren’t very fulfilling. As a
result, he and his wife Victoria, whom Dozier
credits as the main contributor to his success,
were praying for more fulfilling opportunities
to come their way. They’d just welcomed their
34 / Dozier
first daughter, Olivia, and Dozier was looking to
continue his career ascension while maintaining
a secure family life. Then a rapid turn of events
took place, fortifying his belief that developing
key relationships was a pivotal part of attaining
success.
“We just moved to Chicago and didn’t know
anyone,” he shared. “My wife and I went to
breakfast and we were going to have a family
planning session and talk about what steps to
take for my career transition.” He would soon
learn that the person seated next to them would
be the one to assist in launching his career in
education. “We were interacting with these two
people and found out that the guy was taking his
goddaughter to breakfast for her sixth birthday.
As we were about to leave, my wife went into
her pocketbook and pulled out six dollars for the
girl’s birthday and the guy came up and started
engaging us in a more in-depth conversation.”
Completely unaware that he was speaking
with the chancellor of the City Colleges of
Chicago, a district of seven independently
accredited community colleges located
throughout Chicago, Dozier shared his passion
for education and how he wanted to ensure that
those within the community could receive the
quality education they so deserved through the
establishment of key support services.This initial
conversation led to follow-up meetings between
the two. “I didn’t know much about community
colleges at the time and didn’t have any intention
to work at the City Colleges of Chicago because
I was familiar with and wanted to work at an
HBCU,” said Dozier. “We started talking about
the Morrill Act and how land grant institutions
came about, as well as the similarities between
HBCU’s and community colleges in terms of the
population of students that we serve.”
Three weeks later, Dozier was working at
the City Colleges of Chicago, serving as district
director of management information systems. In
this role, he served as a liaison between academic
affairs and the office of information technology
(IT), allowing him to utilize his business and
IT skills in the higher education arena. Dozier
placed specific emphasis on adding value and
performing to the highest degree. “I never really
focused on my career progression, so I didn’t get
into positions thinking about my next position.
That was never really my plan,” explained
Dozier. “I’ve always focused on doing a great
job and then letting people recognize my hard
work. As a result I have been fortunate enough
to be given more responsibility.” During this
time he also focused on his personal education
endeavors, attaining a Master of Business
Administration degree from DePaul University
in Chicago, Ill., the same University where he
would later receive his Doctor of Education
degree in education administration.
Dozier’s hard work in academia continued
to pay off. Within a year at the City College of
Chicago, he was offered to serve as the interim
vice president of academic affairs and student
services at Kennedy-King Community College.
He then realized that it was not only the
knowledge that he gained, but key relationships
that assisted him in making this important
transition into academia. “Making a jump from
a district director to a college vice president
is pretty difficult especially considering that
I hadn’t been a dean or had any other direct
academic experience,” he said. “I’d never been
responsible for academic programs, but I always
worked hard and created quantifiable value
for the institution. I understood the value of
creating partnerships to solve problems for
the college, and I had a strong student focus
regarding the decisions that I made. I believe that
the people with whom I worked respected that,”
he expressed. “Ultimately, the president felt
that these characteristics were more important
for his college, which is (in part) why I was hired
for the interim position.”
Dozier quickly established productive
relationships with the faculty and staff, ensuring
that everyone made sound decisions that would
impact the academic lives of their students.
But, as in any capacity, Dozier was faced with
challenges early on. As he’s done in previous
instances, he relied on a principle of creating
trusting relationships to fortify problematic
situations.
“During my first year as vice president,
our faculty went on strike. It was a really
difficult time for the College because there
was a lot of broken trust between faculty and
the administrators,” notes Dozier. Although
faculty were on strike, I understood that while
we may have had disagreements regarding a
contract negotiation, it served no one well
to be disagreeable. I developed some of my
strongest relationships with faculty during that
time,” he adds. “As faculty returned, trust was
more quickly restored. We remained focused
on our mission and got back to the business of
providing value for our students.” To solidify
his commitment to communication and trust,
Dozier worked to create an environment of
shared governance with faculty. “It was important
to implement a shared governance model at the
college. We wanted to ensure faculty had a voice
in the decision making process especially within
academic affairs.”
Dozier’s proficient leadership skills quickly
created other opportunities, thrusting him up
the academic ladder. He held the positions of
vice president of academic affairs and student
services at Wilbur Wright College in Chicago,
Ill. and vice chancellor and chief information
officer for the seven college district. Then, in
August 2009, he became president of KennedyKing Community College. “I didn’t know that I
really wanted to be the president because I really
enjoyed being the vice president of academic
affairs and student services. At the end of the
day being vice president of academic affairs
is where you have the most direct influence
on what students get and whether or not they
are able to succeed at your institution and
beyond,” notes Dozier. “The president’s role is
a little different from the perspective that your
focus is no longer internal to the organization.
Now you are focused on developing effective
partnerships across a much broader spectrum of
stakeholders.”
Under Dozier’s leadership, Kennedy-King
Community College partnered with the Local
Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), the
alderman and the Jane Addams Hull House
Association, an organization whose mission is to
improve the social conditions for underserved
communities in the Chicago area, to establish a
Center for Working Families (CWF). The center
provides employment, financial and income
support services to students and residents
within the community.
“Like many other public institutions across
the nation, Kennedy-King College was faced
with declining funding. We were unable to fund
through traditional sources-some of the activities
that I feel are as important to student success
as direct teaching and learning. The center was
a creative way of being able to provide these
services without the college having to incur all
of the direct costs.”
Additionally, Dozier was instrumental
in establishing a partnership with Chicago
State University, Black Oaks Farms and
Sweetwater Organics to develop an integrated
urban agriculture curriculum.
KennedyKing Community College and Chicago State
University also established an articulation
agreement for Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM) students to assist with
their bachelor’s degree completion.
“As president, it’s about developing strong
relationships with your faculty, staff, students
and community-relationships that are built
on trust, respect, and mutual confidence that
you will live up to your commitments. These
relationships are not built to serve you; rather
they exist to serve your students and community.
God will bless you and provide for you if you are
truly serving his people,” expressed Dozier.
Reflecting on what has made him successful
in his role as president, Dozier cites creating
a sense of family and a culture of adding value
amongst faculty, staff and students. “I don’t
believe in maintaining traditional structures of
hierarchy. Everyone has a role and adds value
to the organization if they are performing
effectively. I believe in doing what is necessary
to make the organization work effectively and
improve,” said Dozier. “For me that means that
leaders must be willing to work with people,
roll up your sleeves and get involved on any
level of the organization, irrespective of title,
and provide the leadership that’s necessary to
advance the mission and produce results.” As
such, Dozier regularly assisted faculty and staff
during the College’s registration periods, while
advising students on their academic goals and
course selections. Additionally, he made sure
to motivate students in having their own voice
within the campus and college community
regarding the things they felt most passionate
about.
Throughout his academic career, Dozier’s
personal passion for education undoubtedly
created the success he’s achieved as president;
however, he says his wife and three children,
Olivia, Evans and Sophia, are his true reason
for success. “I love what I do and I’m very
committed to it as a profession, but I think that
it’s also important that people organize their
lives based on the things that are most important
to them. Most important to me are faith, family
and service.”
Dozier’s dedication to family has precipitated
a transition back to his hometown of Columbia,
S.C., where he assists with caring for his
grandmother. Still, this family-oriented leader
continues to exhibit his passion for education,
currently serving as vice president of academic
affairs at Denmark Technical College in Denmark,
S.C.
“Denmark Technical College has a very rich
history in terms of its service to the AfricanAmerican community. I’m excited about using
my talents to improve the conditions at Denmark
Tech, making sure that we are more accountable
to the community, have relevant programs for
our students and ensuring that we have programs
relevant to the business communities within
Bamberg, Barnwell and Allendale Counties.
Dozier says that no matter what opportunity
presents itself in the future, he wants to leave
a profound mark on education, impacting and
giving back to his community that gave so much
to him while he was receiving his own education.
“I want to be involved in uplifting and building
my community. In whatever capacity that leads
me, I’m willing to serve. At a very basic level,
I want to be involved in doing something that’s
going to make people better and that’s going to
make my community better, both socially and
economically.”
Dozier / 35
Gala
2012 Scholarship
South Carolina State University Foundation
Saturday, March 3, 2012
and
Tribute
On behalf of the South Carolina State University Foundation, I am pleased to invite your
organization to participate in a very special event – the 2012 Scholarship Fundraising Gala.
This black-tie gala will be held March 3, 2012 and serve as a fundraiser to support the
students of SC State, as well as honor four of our most outstanding students from various
disciplines on campus.
You are a valued partner of SC State and we appreciate your organization’s service to the
University and your presence has been invaluable to our SC State family.
SC State University has a long and proud history of service, teaching and research. Our
founders have set a standard for the University that we have maintained for more than 115
years. In order to continue this standard, we must attract the best and brightest students,
faculty and staff. However, with the cost of educating our students continuing to escalate
and competition for students at its highest level ever, we must be able to offer comparable
scholarship and financial aid packages. That is why your support is so crucial to our continued
success.
The University has distinctive strengths in the sciences, business, engineering, health and
other professions, all structured on solid foundations in the liberal arts. We have a pipeline of
outstanding students and graduates that are well-prepared to meet the demands of corporate
America.
I look forward to meeting with you to answer any questions. SCSU Foundation is classified
as a 501(c) (3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Anthony L. Holloman
Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Executive Director of SCSU Foundation
36 / Gala
Gala / 37
Support South Carolina State University’s Engraved Brick Program
The “Bulldog Wall” will be the show piece for the Oliver C. Dawson Stadium. You can have your name engraved
and placed on the “Bulldog Wall” in the first phase of our Campaign, like the many other supporters who have
contributed. This first phase will contain only 500 bricks, so space and this opportunity is limited. The price of
each brick is only $500.00. We suggest you return or mail your completed form to the Division of Institutional
Advancement to ensure that your brick will be placed on the “Bulldog Wall.”
I challenge you to accept this opportunity by having your name or the name of your loved ones etched on a brick to
be placed on the “Bulldog Wall”.
Willie E. Jeffries
Our Goal is to raise
$250,000
38 / Brick Campaign
Legacy Society
SC State University
Mr. Huey B. and Mrs. Katherine D. Pasley
2010 Homecoming Parade Marshals and loyal supporters of SC State University.
For more information, contact the
Division of Institutional Advancement at (803) 536-8143.
Non-Profit
Organization
U.S. Postage
SC State University
Office of University Relations & Marketing
300 College Street, Northeast
P.O. Box 8124
Orangeburg, South Carolina 29117-0001
www.scsu.edu
PAI D
Columbia, S.C.
Permit #920