Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, left, presented the Order of the Palmetto to Trustee C. John Hipp, III, center, and his wife, Sherry.

“I'm really humbled. I am very grateful to the state,” said Mr. Hipp.

“Congratulations and well deserved,” Dr. Tisdale said as he presented the Order of the Palmetto to Mr. Hipp

A trustee since 1998, Mr. Hipp said he enjoys serving on the Claflin Board of Trustees and looks forward to increased success here in the future.

“It's been so rewarding to watch, under Dr. Tisdale and Alice, the success. And typically success brings other success. That's what happening at Claflin,” Mr. Hipp said.

In addition to his service at Claflin, Mr. Hipp has been in the banking business for the last 35 years. Gov. Sanford noted in his letter to Mr. HIpp that his commitment to the banking industry has allowed many people to purchase homes and start businesses.

The Order of the Palmetto is given to citizens who demonstrate the highest caliber of public service to enhance the state.

Over the years, Mr. Hipp has worked with many organizations, including the Downtown Development Leadership Group, the Minority Scholarship Program in Rock Hill, the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg, the Orangeburg County Private Business Partnership and the Indian Waters Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

Currently, Mr. Hipp is the Executive Vice President and Banking Group President of Ameris Bank. He is formerly the President and Chief Executive Officer of South Carolina Bank and Trust.

During the luncheon, Mr. Hipp was also recognized as a Walker Fellow, a category for awarded to individuals who have donated $5,000 to $9,999.99 in cash to the university.

The University honored Annie Jamison of Jamison Pharmacy in Orangeburg and her family and Dr. Zara Saddler as this year's Leadership Giving Special Honorees. The Jamison family donated $50,000 and Saddler gave $25,000 to start scholarship endowments for Claflin students.

The Jamison family's endowment seeks to increase the number of African American medical professionals in South Carolina. Right now, less than three percent of all medical professionals in the state are African Americans.

Dr. Saddler started the Charles R. Saddler Endowed Memorial Fund in honor of her late father, a 1951 graduate of Claflin and dedicated supporter of the institution. The scholarship will benefit students in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences.

This year's honorees are Ms. Flossie M Johnson, '51, a trailblazing hospital administrator who is a beacon in her community; Mrs. Betty D. Lee-Frazier, '71, an accomplished educator with a strong commitment to her academic roots; and Mr. Louis Haywood, '74, an Army veteran who is a proven winner in real estate.

Ms. Flossie M. Johnson

A 1951 graduate from Claflin with a Bachelor of Science Degree in biology, Ms. Johnson is an Orangeburg native who currently lives in Bronx, New York.  For 44 years, she served in a number of capacities at the Columbia University/Harlem Hospital Center Department of Pathology.  Ms. Johnson was the first African American supervisor of the Charles Drew Blood Bank at the hospital. 

An active member of her community and a long-time member of Shaw United Methodist Church, Ms. Johnson is a proud alumna of the University having attended 33 consecutive Claflin University International Alumni Association Conventions.  She received her Golden Diploma, commemorating her 50th year since graduation, from the University in 2001.

Ms. Johnson lives by the philosophy that, “If I can help somebody as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”

Her grandfather, Mr. H.E. Frederick, Sr., worked as a custodian at Claflin for many years.

Mrs. Betty D. Lee-Frazier

Mrs. Lee-Frazier’s path to Claflin started during her high school days when she participated in the University’s Upward Bound Program.  The Eutawville native decided to become a Panther and graduated from Claflin in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in early childhood and elementary education and later received her Masters in Education from the University of South Carolina.

Mrs. Lee-Frazer has molded young minds for the past 33 years at public and private schools in four states.  She is currently employed by the Richmond County School System in Georgia.

She is one of the founding members of the CSRA Alumni Chapter of Claflin and, to this day, is very active and supportive of the University’s current and future alumni.   For example, the Frazier family established the Frazier-Lee Scholarship in the 1980s.

She is a lifetime member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  She is married to Col. (Retired) William L. Frazier, Ph. D.  The couple resides in Augusta, Georgia and they have two daughters.

Louis M. Haywood

Mr. Haywood was educated in the Orangeburg County public school system.  He continued his intellectual pursuits at Claflin and obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in mathematics.  Through the University’s cross enrollment program with South Carolina State University, he received a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. 

Mr. Haywood has served as the president of two Claflin alumni chapters in two different states: New York and South Carolina.  While serving in Panama, Mr. Haywood recruited the first-ever students from that country to attend Claflin.   A successful realtor, he is a four-time winner of the “Earl M. Middleton Top Producer Award” at Coldwell Banker Middleton and Associate Realtors in Orangeburg.

During his military career, Mr. Haywood graduated from the Signal Officers Basic and Advanced Course and the Command and General Staff College.  Mr. Haywood is a member of the Veteran of Foreign Affairs, the American Legion, Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated and serves as President of the Orangeburg County Chapter of the Claflin International Alumni Association.

Claflin will also recognize its 15 2009-2010 Presidential Scholars during the Gala.

The inductions and Gala are part of the University’s 140^th Homecoming and Founders’ Day Anniversary that concludes on Sunday, Nov. 22 with the Founders’ Day Convocation, featuring Hofstra President Stuart Rabinowitz as the keynote speaker.

The Convocation will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Tullis Arena in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.  The public is invited to attend the Convocation.

Last June, Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale traveled to Hofstra to deliver the Honors Convocation Address at the institution. President Tisdale was also conferred with an honorary doctorate from Hofstra for his years of service in the higher education community.

“The strong relationship Claflin University has forged with Hofstra University shows great things happen when two fine institutions of higher learning work together. I applaud President Rabinowitz for gracing us with his presence and sharing in this historic moment at our proud university,” Dr. Tisdale said.

Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, right, shakes hand with Hofstra University President Stuart Rabinowitz, left, as Tisdale prepares to give the keynote address at Hofstra's Honor Convocation in June.

Mr. Rabinowitz was selected in 2000 as the eighth president of Hofstra, where he had previously served as dean of its law school. He has been at the Long Island institution since 1972.

As is Dr. Tisdale, Mr. Rabinowitz is also a highly respected and lauded leader in higher education.

He is a past recipient of the Martin Luther King Living the Dream Award, EOC; Distinguished Service in the Cause of Justice, Legal Aid Society; and the Alumni Association of the City College of New York 2005 Townsend Harris Medal, among many other accolades.

Mr. Rabinowitz holds several important positions in Nassau County, New York government and community organization positions. He received his Juris Doctor Degree from Columbia University and is member of Phi Beta Kappa and the American Law Institute.

The Homecoming and Founders' Day Convocation is scheduled for Sunday at 4 p.m. in the Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Center on campus. The public is invited to attend.

By: Elizabeth Washington

Communications and Marketing Intern

Miss Homecoming 2009-2010, Ms. Lakya Norelle Rice, hopes to do her best to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of her position. In doing so, Ms. Rice themes her platform as “Achieving the Unthinkable, While Striving for Excellence,” which focuses on the development of one’s self by spotlighting and achieving what it most important. She feels that in order to do so we must recognize and embrace the fact that we are Claflinites who demonstrate the “Claflin Confidence.”

“With that, it would only be natural to ‘Achieve the Unthinkable While Striving for Excellence,’” she said.

Ms. Rice of Duncan, S.C., is a senior Biology major who currently serves as an executive board member of the Pre-Alumni Council and the Student Government Association. She is the middle daughter of Ronnie and Raye Rice, with two siblings, an older sister and younger brother. When asked the question, “If you could talk to any of the former homecoming queens what would be one of the main things you would asks them?” she replied, “I would ask them for more insight on how to prepare myself for the festivities. I want to know how they handled balancing academics and planning events for the week of Homecoming.”

Ms. Rice’s advice to future Homecoming queens is to “stay organized and don’t spread yourself to thin.”

Miss Homecoming’s Crowning Ceremony takes place Sunday Nov. 15, 2009 at 4 p.m., which kicks off the Homecoming Week events celebrating 140 years of access and success. On the following Monday Ms. Rice is hosting Panther Palooza: Evening Mixer with Miss Homecoming. We hope to see everyone in attendance.  

Tournament winners Courtney Leavitt, left and Dr. Henry Marion, right, discuss the tournament win with Dr. Henry N. Tisdale.

All proceeds from the event will benefit the Claflin University Focus 100 Scholarship Fund for deserving students. SCANA and First Citizens Bank are serving as the event's title sponsors with KISS 103.1 being the radio sponsor.

Last year, the Golf Classic attracted the support of 34 Columbia- area businesses and corporations and raised over $50,000 in donations for deserving students.

The team of Dr. Henry Marion and Mr. Courtney Leavitt are looking to defend their title for the third consecutive year in the two-man Captain's Choice tournament. The duo fired a tournament best 62 to out duel the team of Dwayne Harper and Karl Daniels by two strokes in the 2008 edition.

The 2009 Claflin Golf Classic will award trophies for teams finishing in first, second and third places. In addition, prizes will be given out for those teams winning the longest drive and closest to the pin challenges.

Golfers skillful enough to make a hole-in-one will receive a prize as well, such as a Toyota Camry LE courtesy of Dick Dyer Toyota .

Located in Blythewood, Cobblestone Park features 27 championship holes and has been voted the top ranked course in the Midlands for the past two years.

To participate in the tournament, contact Ms. Leandra Hayes-Thomas, Assistant Vice President for Major and Planned Gifts at Claflin University. For more information, contact Ms. Hayes-Thomas by phone at (803) 535-5371 or by e-mail at lthomas@claflin.edu.

The deadline to register is Nov. 13. Golfers will tee-off at 11 a.m. on Nov. 19 at Cobblestone, 5 Links Crossing Drive in Blythewood.

Nobel Prize winner Professor Luc Montagnier talks to faculty from the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Claflin University.

“He had no idea we had this level of research capability. He was highly was impressed,' said School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dean Dr. Verlie Tisdale. “To see the type of equipment that we have - which rivals major research institutions - was just unbelievable to him.”

Dean Tisdale noted that Montagnier's visit to Claflin will likely not be his last. She said that the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize winner for Physiology and Medicine plans to consult long-time associate, Claflin Professor of Biology Dr. Omar Bagasra, with his on-going research regarding HIV/AIDS.

At the 17^th International Conference on AIDS in August, Dr. Bagasra proposed developing a vaccine that stops HIV from spreading once it's already inside a patient, a contrast to traditional approaches under consideration which target the virus before it enters a human cell.

On campus Monday, Professor Montagnier received a complete tour of Claflin's Molecular Science Research Center and the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology. Students were given a rare opportunity to share their work with him.

Claflin Research Associate Ms. Leslie Johnson gave a presentation on her research with prostate cancer.

She said Professor Montagnier was eager to hear the presentation and offered some helpful advice.

“The visit was wonderful and I learned a lot from him. I learned it's not just science but what you can do with science,” Ms. Johnson said.

First Year Biotechnology graduate student Ms. Sian Ramlal said she was kind of overwhelmed by meeting Professor Montagnier, who co-discovered the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in 1983.

Ms. Ramlal sought the Nobel Prize winner's invaluable perspective on her research involving transplantable organs. Ms. Ramlal is examining ways to reduce the rejection of transplant organs in patients by manipulating RNA strands.

Ms. Ramlal said her once in a lifetime consultation with Professor Montagnier “pushes me to want to pursue my goals. It makes my passion grow.” In the future, she wants to help protect endangered species.

“Dr. Bagasra has been a close associate with Dr. Montagnier. He's expressed interest in our research. Hopefully, things will work out for him to work with us. That would be great,” said Biotechnology graduate student Mr. Parthap Balasubnamanian.

He added it would be a dream to conduct research with both Dr. Bagasra and Professor Montagnier in the same lab.

Mr. Balasubnamanian is currently researching HIV with Dr. Bagasra. He said meeting Professor Montagnier allowed him to learn how the original research led to the discovery of HIV.

“This was a wonderful opportunity for our undergraduate and graduate students to be exposed to such a great mind,” said Dr. Bagasra.

In addition, Professor Montagnier attended a campus luncheon and a dinner reception in his honor that evening at Dunwalton, the home of Claflin's Eighth President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. He also met privately with President Tisdale.

“It is my hope that Professor Montagnier's visit to Claflin University is just the start of a long-lasting and productive relationship. Having Professor Montagnier play a role in the visionary research taking place at the University can only assist in the valiant fight against HIV/AIDS,” President Tisdale said.

Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President David Coleman had the opportunity to meet Montagnier at the reception. He said Montagnier's future collaboration with Claflin just adds more prestige to the University's already excellent science programs.

“Claflin is developing a strong national reputation in this area and a center of excellence is always a positive thing in the life of a university and certainly for the economic development of the region and the state,” Mr. Coleman said.

A large contingent of faculty, staff and students also gathered at Moss Auditorium in the W. Vernon Middleton Fine Arts Center to hear Professor Montagnier's lecture, entitled “HIV/AIDS: Future Prospects for Controlling Infection.”

Professor Montagnier said the current treatment for HIV, antiretroviral therapy, is neither a financially viable option for most people nor does it fully cure the virus. He outlined his vision for a two-way approach to rid infected individuals of the virus in six- to nine-months.

He advocates taking advantage of the fact that the current antiretroviral therapy partially restores the immune system of HIV patients. After using the current treatment to restore some function to the immune system, Professor Montagnier wants to develop a therapeutic vaccine and use antioxidants to fully restore immunity in patients.

In addition, he wants to aggressively identify and target the residual HIV cells that linger from the current treatment.

“No disease will occur,” Professor Montagnier said. “Right now, this is a dream.”

Dean Tisdale asked if the proposed vaccine could be more affordable for HIV patients. Professor Montagnier responded there was no simple answer to that question because both medical and political forces would be involved in determining pricing for the treatment.

Claflin Research Associate Kendall Williams said the lecture provided him with hope that a cure for HIV could be forthcoming soon.

“At this point, we are able to lower the HIV load in the bloodstream to enable patients to live longer. Hopefully, within in the next 5 to 10 years, we will eradicate it all together,” Mr. Williams said.

Dean Tisdale said the students were highly excited to have a Nobel Laureate in their presence. More importantly, she noted they were provided with motivation to elevate their own academic pursuits.

“They were able to see the height of where science can take you,” she said.

Claflin University Biotechnology student Victoria Desormeaux was among the many students who heard Nobel Peace Prize winner Dr. Luc Montagnier’s vision to cure the HIV/AIDS virus on Monday.

In 1983, Montagnier won that distinguished honor for being instrumental in discovering the source of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).   Montagnier has been dedicated to eradicating the virus ever since.

Desormeaux was pleased Montagnier’s efforts extended to help those in Africa - where an estimated 22 million people on the continent are affected by HIV/AIDS, according to the United Nations.  During his presentation, the Nobel Laureate discussed two facilities in Africa that are assisting in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Desormeaux also liked that Montagnier aspired to raise the level of treatment of those afflicted by the virus.

“It wasn’t just on a scientific level.  It was a on a public health level,” she said. 

Montagnier said the current treatment for HIV, antiretroviral therapy, is neither a financially viable option for most people nor does it fully cure the virus.  He outlined his vision for a two-way approach to rid infected individuals of the virus in six- to nine-months.

He advocates taking advantage of the fact that the current antiretroviral therapy partially restores the immune system of HIV patients.  After using the current treatment to restore some function to the immune system, Montagnier wants to develop a therapeutic vaccine and use antioxidants to fully restore immunity of patients.  

In addition, he wants to aggressively identify and target the residual HIV cells that linger from the current treatment.

“No disease will occur,” Montagnier said.  “Right now, this is a dream.”

Desormeaux has dreams to help others in the future.  The Claflin junior plans to pursue a doctorate and possibly enter into medical academia, where she hopes to make strides in cancer research.

“This is a great opportunity for the students.  We can make to their level because have the direction here at Claflin,” she said of Montagnier’s lecture.

The lecture was hosted by the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology at Claflin University.  The center’s director, Dr. Omar Bagasra, is a long-time associate of the Nobel Peace Prize winner.  Bagasra himself recently made headlines with his theory to cure the HIV virus.  Most HIV vaccines under development seek to stop the virus from entering a human cell.  But Bagasra is proposing the development of a vaccine that stops HIV once it’s already inside.

Montagnier also met with President Henry N. Tisdale, toured Claflin’s new Molecular Science Research Center and attended a campus reception in his honor.

“His presence is truly a cause to celebrate,” President Tisdale said. “His visit marks another historic milestone in the 140-year history of Claflin University, one that our faculty, staff and the state’s medical community can benefit from.”

Montagnier is the co-founder of the World Foundation for AIDS Research and Prevention and co-directs the Program for International Viral Collaboration.  He is also President of the World Foundation for Medical Research and Prevention based in Houston, Texas.  He has received more than 20 major awards, in addition to the 2008 Nobel Peace Prize in Physiology or Medicine awarded to him for the discovery of HIV.  He is also the recipient of the Legion d’honneur (Commander in 1994; Grand Officer in 2009), the Lasker Award (1986), the Gairdner Award (1987), King Faisal Foundation Prize (1993), known as the Arab Nobel Prize, and the Prince of Asturias Award (2000 and 2008).

Ever since her arrival at Claflin University, she has been the pleasant and unremitting presence at religious activities and she is still going strong.  In a tribute to her dedicated and devoted service during a span exceeding half a century, she has been selected to serve as Grand Marshal for the 2009 Homecoming parade.

Mrs. Williams has served Claflin in a number of capacities during an enduring tenure. She served as chair of the Department of Music for 27 years and also was the Director of the University Choir. She was also Director of the Learning Resource Center, faculty representative for the Board of the Wesley Foundation, assistant Dean of Women, and Director of Campus Religious events. She currently serves as Assistant Chaplain and Director of Power Hour, a weekly religious service open to students, faculty and staff held in James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel.

She attended Mather Academy and went on to Knoxville College of Tennessee, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in music, religion and social studies. She also received a master’s in music from Northwestern University and pursued further studies at Garrick Evangelical Theological Seminary, Boston University, Union Theological Seminary, Scarriett School of Religion, Syracuse University, South Carolina State University and Fred Waring Music School.

Mrs. Williams, mother to daughters Edwina and Cherryetta, has remained active in community affairs. She is a member of the American Red Cross, Orangeburg County Council on Aging, The Methodist Oaks Trustee Board, the Regional Medical Center Chaplain’s Board among others. She holds professional membership with the NAACP, Journal of Higher Education, Board of Directors of the South Carolina Conference Fellowship and the National Journal of Music Educators among many others. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the Rose Temple #1234 Order of Elks.

Before joining the Claflin family, Mrs. Williams had teaching stints at Tuskegee Institute (now University), Allen University, and Bethune-Cookman College. She previously taught at Evanston Township High School and at her high school alma mater, Mather Academy.

A native of South Carolina, Mrs. Williams humbly proclaims her birth in a “large, loving family” in historic Camden, the third child of Charlie and CherryAnne Belton. Her father was a realtor, entrepreneur and farmer, her mother a school nurse and Sunday school superintendent.

The widow of Maj. Edward J. Williams, who was a Tuskegee Airman and a U. S. Air Force pilot, Mrs. Williams is the recipient of numerous awards. She was twice presented the Francis Asbury Award from the South Carolina United Methodist Conference Board of Higher Education, which also honored her with the Shirley B. Bethea Volunteer Award. She also has received the Woman of the Year Award from Trinity United Methodist Church of Orangeburg.

The Presidential Scholarship Gala provides scholarships for the University’s presidential scholars. Additionally, the event pays tribute to outstanding leaders with the induction of new members to the Claflin University Hall of Fame and provides a special social event for alumni and the Orangeburg community. This year’s theme is “140 Years of Access and Success” in celebration of the university’s 140^th year.

“The Annual Presidential Gala has served as an excellent fundraiser to support the dreams of academically talented students at Claflin University,” said gala chairperson Mrs. Roe Hunt. “Because of our alumni, community supporters, and committed donors, participation has increased tremendously over the years.   In fact, few would argue that the Annual Presidential Scholarship Gala has grown to become known as one of the highlights and special social events of Orangeburg, South Carolina.”

Fantasia, as she is commonly known, is a R&B/Soul singer, Broadway and television actress who rose to fame as the winner of the third season of the television series American Idol in 2004. She has been nominated for eight Grammy Awards. After playing the part of Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple, she is cast to be in the film adaptation of the musical.

In 2004, she released her debut single, I Believe, which debuted at the top spot of the Billboard HOT 100, making Barrino the first recording artist in history to debut at the number one spot with a debut single. Subsequently, she released her debut album, Free Yourself, which went on to be certified Platinum by the RIAA and garnered Barrino four Grammy nominations in 2006. In that same year, she released her sophomore album, Fantasia, which featured the number-one R&B hit When I See You. The album was certified Gold by the RIAA and received three Grammy nominations in 2008. She then played the part of Celie in the Broadway musical The Color Purple. Her third studio album is set to be released in early 2010.

The Presidential Scholarship Gala is a part of Homecoming Weekend at Claflin. On Saturday, Nov. 21, the annual parade, tailgating and basketball games will be held on campus, capped by the Founders’ Day program at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 22.

“As always, we invite the community to come to Claflin and enjoy our annual gala and silent auction to raise money for our best and brightest students,” said Claflin President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “We look forward to celebrating 140 years of access and success here at Claflin.”

The Class of 2013 at Claflin University is special in two distinct ways.

First, its 474 members is the largest freshman class in school history, selected from the largest pool of applicants ever. Second, the class begins its first academic year as Claflin celebrates 140 years of existence.

Claflin held its Matriculation Day Convocation Thursday to officially open the academic year and welcome and introduce the incoming class to the Claflin Family. This year, the event also launched Claflin’s 140^th year celebration, and unveiled the theme “140 Years of Access and Success.”

 “We are celebrating the birthday and legacy of the university,” said President Henry N. Tisdale. “For 140 years Claflin University has given access and success to thousands of students from generation to generation. Claflin has evolved, had many battles, and won many victories. It’s a compelling story. One-hundred-forty years ago the world witnessed the birth of Claflin University, a beacon on a hilltop high.”

Claflin University has experienced tremendous growth over the years, extending its mission to provide access to education, regardless of race, and steer its students on a path to success. Over the past 15 years, Claflin’s enrollment has doubled to more than 1,800 students from national and international locations. This year’s freshman class is in fact the largest ever, exceeding last year’s record setting class. However, enrollment has also increased due to the retention of upper class students.

“If you could’ve seen Claflin 25 years ago, you wouldn’t believe it today,” Mayor Paul Miller said before reading a proclamation from the City of Orangeburg commemorating the 140^th anniversary. “In the last 15 years, I’ve seen a transformation like none before.”

In reflecting on the university’s legacy, Dr. Tisdale encouraged students to work hard and take advantage of the opportunities at Claflin University.

“The solutions to some of the world’s pressing problems will be solved right here on Claflin’s campus,” Dr. Tisdale said. “Students we need you to fulfill the future success of this institute and the world. Work hard to become extraordinary achievers with a distinctive Claflin confidence. You must become the next generation of a world visionary and personify success beyond the walls of Claflin University.

“I want all of us to believe that the best is yet to come,” he continued. “A solid foundation has been made. Let us do our part and let us do it now. Leave determined to be the best you can be.”

U.S.News asked schools to rate which of their peers does the best job of teaching undergraduates. Eighty colleges and universities were singled out most often when experts were asked to identify schools where the faculty has an unusual commitment to undergraduate teaching. Claflin University was the top school in the South among Baccalaureate colleges and universities.

“We are absolutely delighted with this recognition” said President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “This is consistent with our long range plan and vision to be recognized as one of the premier undergraduate teaching and research universities in the world that prepares visionary leaders with global perspectives. In all that we do, teaching our students and making sure they receive a quality education are by far our main goals. We have a stellar faculty here at Claflin whose commitment to teaching their fields of study go far beyond the classroom. They are in these students’ lives, making sure that they learn, understand and are prepared for their careers once they graduate. To be recognized for the tireless effort of our faculty and their strong commitment to teaching is indeed remarkable.”

Claflin also earned a #2 ranking among Baccalaureate colleges in the South for having recently made “striking improvements or innovations.” It is among 77 colleges and universities nationwide recognized as a school everyone should be watching, according to U.S.News and World Report.

“For prospective applicants, we believe the schools in this list offer the reassurance that whatever their historical reputation, they’re firmly focused on improving the job they are doing today,” the report states.

For the 12^th consecutive year, Claflin University was ranked One of America’s Best Colleges, earning #12 spot among Baccalaureate Colleges in the South, and is ranked #8 among the nations Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The exclusive rankings, which include more than 1,400 schools nationwide, are available today at www.usnews.com/colleges and will also be published in the September issue of the U.S.News & World Report magazine on newsstands starting Aug. 20.

Over the past 26 years, the U.S. News college rankings, which groups schools based on categories created by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, has grown to be the most comprehensive research tool for students and parents considering higher education opportunities. The America's Best Colleges ranking package, which includes extensive editorial content and multimedia resources, has helped families navigate the difficult decisions involved throughout the college process, from college admission and selection to financing options.

“We are proud to again be recognized as One of America’s Best Colleges by U.S.News and World Report,” Dr. Tisdale said. “The criteria used in calculating these rankings are all components we strive to excel in here at Claflin – graduation and retention rates, student selectivity and financial resources. And, once again, we have been recognized for having one of the highest alumni giving rates among southern baccalaureate colleges and the highest rate among HBCUs. We thank U.S.News and World Report for continuing to recognize our efforts.”

By Richard Walker

T&D Staff Writer

Dr. and Mrs. Henry N. Tisdale                Photo by Cecil Williams

One driver, one breakdown, two stops and nine hours later, Virginia Lewis Carson made it to Orangeburg from her home in Delaware for the ceremony Sunday honoring Dr. Henry Tisdale.

“It is wonderful that your peers think highly of you to recognize what you’re doing,” Carson said. “It’s just heartwarming.”

About 150 Claflin University alumni, faculty, family, and city and county leaders gathered at Minister’s Hall on campus to recognize Tisdale’s 15 years of service to the school and community.

“Alice (Carson Tisdale) and I accept this honor on behalf of the board, on behalf of the alumni, and the community,” Tisdale said. “We thank you, we thank God, and we thank the community for the support you’ve shown us.”

Tisdale received a bachelor of science in mathematics from Claflin, graduating magna cum laude.

After being awarded a master of education from Temple, Tisdale became the first African-American to receive a doctorate in mathematics from Dartmouth College.

In 1994 Tisdale returned to Orangeburg, becoming the first lay Claflin graduate to serve as president of the school.

“Now you’ve broken my heart when you took him away,” Carson said of her son-in-law. “But he had a vision as to what he wanted for the school and he wanted it to be a premier school.”

Under Tisdale’s leadership, Claflin became ranked as a top campus in Baccalaureate Colleges in the South by U.S. News and World Report for nine consecutive years and cited for “Best Value” and “Annual Alumni Giving.”

This year, however, and for the first time, the 140-year-old school has been recognized by still more publications that grade colleges and universities. The school has been placed among the national rankings.

Consumers Digest deemed Claflin number three for “Best Value Top Private Colleges and Universities Nationally.” U.S. News and World Report published its first list of “America’s Best Black Colleges” and ranked Claflin seventh among the country’s best-known and most highly regarded historically black colleges and universities.

“I think we have an opportunity to do some things at the university to achieve national recognition,” he said.

Tisdale said that, early in his administration, he set about identifying Claflin’s academic strengths and potential for growth in the health care field on an international basis.

In 1997, Tisdale orchestrated the Professional and Continuing Studies Program, which offered area adults degree-completion courses. This year, the program boasts more than 300 students in four counties.

School officials say that, from the time he assumed the presidency until 2008, the student body has almost doubled. Nearly 1,800 students are enrolled from 42 South Carolina counties, 24 states, and 15 countries, with the average freshman graduating with a GPA of 3.0 or better.

“I want to be known as the one who came in and strategically positioned and sustained the university as one of America’s best colleges,” Tisdale said in an earlier interview.

Executive Vice President Drexel Ball said that, a year and a half ago, he came from a school laying claim to be the best historically black college to serve in Orangeburg.

“I came from Number 1 to be with the best,” he said, smiling. “If you want vision as to the future, look for Dr. Tisdale.”

The Tisdales’ service goes beyond the campus borders, said Don Tribble, executive director of the Community of Character program.

“I have never asked them for something we needed and for the Community of Character that they haven’t graciously provided – speaking to the kids, providing facilities,” Tribble said. “They’ve just been wonderful citizens for the community of Orangeburg.”

Under Tisdale’s direction, “Claflin University” replaced “Claflin College” in 1998, restoring the institution’s original and historic name.

Claflin opened its doors on October 27, 1869, as a university with the support of philanthropist Lee Claflin and his son, Massachusetts Gov. William Claflin.

Despite the level of trouble she had getting to Sunday’s informal gathering to honor the long-term president and her son-in-law, Carson said she’d do it again.

“I’d come down three times” if that’s what it took, she said.

“We heard a doorbell around 9 o’clock (Saturday). We didn’t know who it was; the kids are away,” Tisdale said. “And it was Alice’s mother, Virginia, from Dover, Delaware.”

In addressing those attending, Tisdale deflected much of the credit aimed at himself, instead pointing out that he had the support of Alice, his wife of more than 30 years, and of the faculty and community.

“It’s all happened because of you and because of the support we’ve gotten from Orangeburg,” he said. “We didn’t do it alone.”

In its ranking of Best College Buys released Thursday, Forbes.com lists Claflin University in the top one-third percent of colleges and universities nationwide for affordability.

According to Forbes.com’s Center for College Affordability and Productivity, the goal of this year’s ranking was to research where students can get the most quality for each tuition dollar spent, especially for those shopping on a budget. For many students today, the price of a school is as important a factor in deciding where to go as its quality.

The “Best Buy Ranking” lists the top colleges and universities in the nation from a pool of 600 institutions. Claflin ranked number 31, making it the second-highest ranked school in South Carolina, behind The Citadel (#16) and the top-ranked Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

“It is more crucial now than ever to provide students with an affordable education,” said Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale. “At Claflin, we are very cognizant of the hardships students face in tough economic times, and we do as much as we can to ensure that the economic burden doesn’t overshadow educational opportunities. That’s why our Board of Trustees voted not to increase student tuition this year. We want to give our students every opportunity to be successful, and we thank Forbes.com for recognizing our efforts.”

This is the second national ranking Claflin has received for affordability. Consumers Digest cited Claflin third for best value among top private colleges and universities nationally in 2007.

To produce the current rankings, Forbes.com divided each school’s overall quality score by its average net (after allowance for scholarship grants) tuition rate from the 2003-2004 to 2006-2007 academic years. The quality score is calculated by summing each school’s score with respect to Who’s Who in America citations, salary data from PayScale.com, course evaluations from RateMyProfessor.com, the receipt of student and faculty nationally competitive awards, and the graduation rate variables used in the Best College rankings. All schools with an actual four-year graduation rate lower that 25 percent are excluded from the “Best Buy Ranking.”

“We believe that to be considered a ‘high value’ investment there must be a reasonable expectation of completing one’s degree within the normal time period,” according to Forbes.com.

The Center for College Affordability and Productivity compiled its college rankings using seven components:

1.      Listing of Alumni in the 2008 edition of Who’s Who in America (12.5%)

2.      Salaries of Alumni from PayScale.com (12.5%)

3.      Student Evaluations from RateMyProfessors.com (25%)

4.      Four-Year Graduation Rates (16.66%)

5.      Students Receiving Nationally Competitive Awards (8.33%)

6.      Faculty Receiving Awards for Scholarship and Creative Pursuits (5%)

7.      Four-year Debt Load for Typical Student Borrowers (20%)

The 600 institutions of higher education in this ranking are schools which award undergraduate degrees or certificates requiring “four or more years” of study, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Only those schools categorized by The Carnegie Foundation as Doctorate-granting Universities, Master’s Colleges and Universities, or Baccalaureate Colleges are included in this sample of schools.

This is the second ranking Claflin University has received from Forbes.com. In 2008, Forbes.com ranked Claflin in the top four percent among all colleges and universities and the top HBCU in the nation in its inaugural ranking of America’s Best Colleges.

Ms. Charlene D. Slaughter has been named the director of public relations at Claflin University in the Division of Institutional Advancement.

Ms. Slaughter came to Claflin as assistant director of public relations in 2007 after working as a journalist for 10 years. She is a mass communication graduate of Winthrop University and a native of St. Matthews, S.C.

“When Ms. Slaughter came to Claflin, she brought with her award-winning writing skills, great organizational skills and an ability to build relationships with students, the Claflin Family, alumni, media and members of the community,” said Ms. Vivian Glover, assistant vice president for Communications and Marketing.  “In taking on this new role, I look forward to her leadership in promoting the university to a global audience and positioning the university as a national resource for information and answers on education and research issues.”

As assistant director, Ms. Slaughter promoted the university locally, nationally and abroad, traveling to China, Trinidad and Tobago and across the country promoting various university programs and initiatives. In her position as director of public relations, she will expand her efforts to promote the Claflin Story in new ways, including more advanced publications, broader media exposure and through the use of new media.

“This is an exciting time to be a part of the Claflin Family,” Ms. Slaughter said. “We are steadily gaining national and global recognition for our student successes, innovative educational curriculum and cutting-edge research initiatives. The moniker ‘the best kept secret” has dissipated and Claflin has stepped into the forefront. My challenge is to expand our reach even farther, and we are well on our way to accomplishing that goal.”

Ms. Slaughter served in numerous positions in print journalism including sports writer, news writer, city editor, sports editor and special assignments reporter. She won six South Carolina Press Association writing awards during her tenure at The Times and Democrat in Orangeburg, S.C., including first place awards for enterprise reporting and profile feature writing.

“As assistant director of public relations, Ms. Slaughter enhanced her public relations skills and I am confident that she will serve the University well as director of public relations,” said Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president for institutional advancement.

Claflin University is a four-year, coeducational liberal arts university located in Orangeburg, S.C., and the oldest Historically Black College or University in the state. Founded in 1869, Claflin is ranked nationally for its academic excellence and will celebrate its 140^th anniversary during the 2009-2010 school year.

As director of public relations, Ms. Slaughter said she is looking forward to continuing Claflin’s legacy of excellence by promoting its academic programs, progress and student achievement. 

“Claflin University is customer focused, and our students are our customers,” she said, “By far, my greatest enjoyment comes from building relationships with our students and promoting their accomplishments.”

Dr. Peggy Ratliff, dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and Mr. Michael Brenan (center), chair of the SCICU, present the Excellence in Teaching Award to  Dr. Isaiah McGee.

Dr. Isaiah McGee has been recognized by Congress for receiving the 2009 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities’ Excellence in Teaching Award.

The accomplishment entered Congressional Record on Tuesday, June 9, by House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn. Dr. McGee was also recognized as the director of Claflin University Concert Choir.

“Madam Speaker, I invite you and my colleagues to join me today in applauding the tremendous accomplishments of Dr. Isaiah McGee,” Rep. Clyburn says in the citation. “He is an extraordinary example of an educator who inspires intellectuial curiosity and demands outside enrichment to ensure his students reach their full potential. This award is well deserved and is recognition of a job well done.”

Dr. McGee, who was recently appointed chair of the music department at Claflin, received the award at SCICU’s fourth annual banquet in April. He was awarded a certificate and a grant for $3,000 to be used for professional development opportunities.

SCICU is a non-profit organization established in 1953 with the primary mission of promoting independent higher education in South Carolina. The 20-member institutions of SCICU educate more than 33,000 students each year.

A native of Anderson, S.C., Dr. McGee has been a member of the Claflin University faculty since 1997.

To Read the Congressional Record Recognizing Dr. McGee, Click Here.

Claflin University has partnered with the Medical University of South Carolina to participate in the NIH- sponsored (National Institutes of Health) program, Institutional Research and Academic Career Development Award (IRACDA).

Under the three-year grant, the University provides training to prepare post-doctoral students for teaching by affording them with an opportunity to develop teaching skills through mentored assignments.

According to Dr. Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, Professor of Biology and Director of Research Development, many scientists spend several years at institutions where they hone their research skills prior to independent research and their first junior level faculty positions. 

“During that time, there is no training in teaching at all,” she said. “There’s been a realization by the science community, the federal government and higher education that a lack of teaching experience is a problem when a first year faculty member enters the classroom.”

NIH decided to run a program that would fund training of post-doctoral researchers to teach them while they are in a research program. MUSC has teamed up with Claflin to accomplish that goal.

“Claflin has a good reputation in the state for quality,” Dr. Bullard-Dillard pointed out. “Post-docs who are in biomedicine can come to Claflin to teach undergraduate courses in partnership with an experienced faculty member.”

Three post-docs have completed the program, one in biochemistry, mentored by Dr. Angela Peters, chair of the Chemistry Department; another in microbiology, working under Dr. Randall Harris, assistant professor of biology; and the third in cell biology, mentored by Dr. Mohammed Chowdhury, associate professor of biology. One of the post-docs recently was offered a position at the University of Wisconsin at Stout.

According to Dr. Nicholas Panasik, assistant professor of biology and the primary investigator for the program, having teaching experience in a diverse classroom is quite helpful in securing a position.

Pictured, from left, are Dr. Verlie Tisdale, Dr. Samina Hasanali, Dr. Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, Dr. Jerome Odom, President Henry N. Tisdale and Dr. Lance Haworth.

Claflin University is one of 10 institutions of higher learning involved in a multi-million dollar statewide alliance established to conduct tissue biofabrication research, which could lead to the production of human organs.

In announcing the National Science Foundation award Thursday, Dr. Lance Haworth, NSF director of the Office of Integrative Activities, said the award will accelerate research and expand the collaborations among South Carolina’s colleges and universities.

“This five-year, $20 million award will benefit the fields of medicine, engineering, mathematics, journalism and the social sciences,” Dr. Haworth said. “This award is the largest ever in South Carolina. The researchers in this alliance will be pioneering the field of biofabrication.”

Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, president of Claflin University, said the alliance will allow Claflin to further strengthen its bond with colleges and universities in the state in the field of research.  Claflin currently partners with the Medical University of South Carolina, University of South Carolina and Clemson University on research initiatives.

“This research collaboration will allow us to build on our research capacity at Claflin University, and what we’re trying to do here,” Dr. Tisdale said. “For us, with the number of collaborative efforts we already have with these universities, including an engineering dual degree program with Clemson, the master’s in public health and health disparities research with USC, and a post-doctoral training program with MUSC –  this builds on that and bolsters our research capacity.”

Claflin will receive $1.1 million, which will be used to recruit and mentor three new faculty members who will contribute to the scientific goals for the statewide initiative. Claflin will also partner with Greenville Technical College to develop a dual degree program in biotechnology, train Master’s level and undergraduate students, and provide training opportunities for middle and high school teachers, guidance counselors and students for workforce building in bioscience research.

More specifically, Claflin researchers will contribute to the research by developing a biofabricated molar implant technology for the replacement of teeth; developing computer programs to aid with the computer modeling of three dimensional maps of the blood vessels needed for biofabricated transplantable organs; and developing blood vessels for transplantation to patients who need vascular implants.

Dr. Verlie Tisdale, dean of the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Claflin, is the university’s principal investigator. Dr. Samina Hasanali is a junior faculty member with support for project development. Dr. Omar Bagasra, director for the South Carolina Center for Biotechnology and Biology professor at Claflin, will serve as Dr. Hasanali’s faculty mentor and will contribute his expertise toward his own research project in vascular tissue development. Dr. Rebecca Bullard-Dillard, director of research development, authored the grant for Claflin.

“This is Claflin’s second round of EPSCoR (Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research) research infrastructure building support as part of the South Carolina EPSCoR collaborative research initiatives,” said Dr. Bullard-Dillard.  “The success and productivity of that first initiative in bioengineering and biotechnology has provided the foundation upon which the current award is based. Our researchers and student research trainees are eager to get to the job of pioneering the future of healthcare in the vital field of tissue regenerations and biofabrication.”

MUSC will serve as the lead institution, with part of the grant going toward expanding and upgrading MUSC's current bioprinting lab into an Advanced Tissue Biofabrication Center, said Dr. Roger Markwald, lead scientific director.

“This center will be the interface between the 10 partners and partnerships around the world,” Dr. Markwald said. “The goal is to use the expertise from everyone in the state to basically transform the technology."

Bioprinting is the process of printing cells at high speeds into three-dimensional structures. The process was pioneered in South Carolina at MUSC and Clemson by retrofitting a laser jet printer.  The next major hurdle to clear, which the grant funds and alliance will support, is discovering a way to build branching vascular “trees" that are needed for engineered organs to be viable.

“You discover how things really work when you have to put it together piece by piece,” Dr. Markwald said of the challenge. “Once accomplished, 70,000 people in the United States alone will have a better chance of getting tissue replaced.”

Dr. Jerome Odom, project principle investigator, said the research will promote scientific and technological progress nationwide.

“The grant provides an opportunity to boost South Carolina’s research to higher heights,” he said. “The research done by these institutions has the potential to impact millions. The ability to fabricate organs offers new hope. This is global, there are no cultural boundaries. We want all of these universities to achieve national prominence and recognition.”

Mr. Michael Brenan

The Office of the President at Claflin University is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees.

They are Mr. Michael R. Brenan, president of BB&T of South Carolina; Mr. Calvin H. Elam, chief financial officer for EFG/ProVest Wealth Management Group which he founded in 1995; and Mr. Moses Lee Harvin, a 1975 graduate of Claflin and president and chief executive officer of American Services Technology, Inc (ASTI) of Rockledge, Fla.

 “We are pleased to have these three distinguished executives join our board,” President Henry N. Tisdale said. “They are admired and respected leaders in their area of expertise. Their insight and experiences will be invaluable in our efforts in sustaining the momentum of moving Claflin University to higher levels of distinction across the nation.”

Mr. Brenan has been president of BB&T of South Carolina since 2000. He has held numerous executive level positions in the banking industry, most recently executive vice president of BB&T of North Carolina and chairman and CEO of Main Street Financial Corporation of Virginia, a $2.2 billion multi-bank holding company that was acquired by BB&T in 1999.

Mr. Calvin H. Elam

Mr. Brenan’s business and civic affiliations include chair of the United Way of the Midland Board of Directors, a position he’s held since 2008. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for the United Way Association of South Carolina and the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

Mr. Brenan holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Bowling Green State University.

Mr. Elam, a retired lieutenant colonel, founded EFG/ProVest Wealth Management Group in 1992, which is a financial service and employee benefit consulting firm. Mr. Elam is currently a registered financial advisor with LPL Financial and is licensed to market insurance through the South Carolina Department of Insurance. He is also registered to provide investment services in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Massachusetts, Maryland and Texas.

Mr. Moses Lee Harvin

Mr. Elam graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in marketing in 1987. He currently serves on the Palmetto Health and Palmetto Richland Memorial Board of Trustees and the University of South Carolina`s Business Partnership Board of Advisors. In 2000, Mr. Elam was selected as one of Columbia, South Carolina`s future business leaders and was honored as Outstanding Young Man in America in 1988.

Mr. Harvin received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Claflin and participated in the South Carolina State University/Claflin ROTC program. He also completed graduate studies at Webster University and Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina. He was commissioned as a lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

ASTI supplies logistics, maintenance, administrative services, office supplies and construction services. Among his clients include the U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, U.S. Coast Guard, Department of Veteran Affairs and the Department of Energy. Mr. Harvin is a native of Sumter, S.C.