By Charlene Slaughter
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, who has received continuous recognition during his 14-year tenure as president of Claflin University, was recognized today with two prestigious honors, the 2008 CASE III Chief Executive Leadership Award and the Milliken Medal of Quality Award.
The CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) District III Chief Executive Leadership Award is recognizing Dr. Tisdale for his demonstrated ability to create vision and inspire others through his leadership.
“The selection committee was extremely impressed with the many achievements Claflin University has attained during the years of your presidency,” the award letter states. “The descriptions by those who nominated you of the changes that have taken place at Claflin since your arrival there are truly remarkable. We are privileged to recognize you and Claflin as shining examples of what can be achieved through the promotion of a positive image, encouragement of risk taking and innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
CASE District III, covering the southeastern United States, is the second largest district in the CASE family with more than 4,000 members. Dr. Tisdale joins a distinguished list of past recipients including Dr. Scott Cowen, Tulane University; Dr. James Barker, Clemson University; Dr. Thomas Hearn, Wake Forest University; and Dr. William Harvey, Hampton University. He will receive the award at the CASE District III conference in Atlanta, Ga., on February 19.
“These significant recognitions are testaments to Dr. Tisdale’s exemplary leadership at Claflin University and in the arena of higher education,” said Dr. Hasan who announced the awards. “The confluence of his charismatic ability to inspire others and his relentless pursuit of excellence are the primary reasons for the dramatic transformation of the institution. Under his stewardship, the University will continue to ‘make history’ and impact the state and the nation in a substantive way.”
The Milliken Medal of Honor recognizes current and former residents of South Carolina for demonstrated leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement in the implementation of quality systems in their organizations. In selecting Dr. Tisdale it was noted that the University’s president is “an inspiration for others to follow in South Carolina.” The award is given to” individuals who demonstrate leadership and vision to move teams and the organizational culture toward world class standards, that are consumer focused and supported by quality systems that empower and equip teams and individuals.” Dr. Tisdale is the first university president to receive the award.
Milliken and Company is a privately held textile and chemical company with more than 50 plant locations in the United States and extending to 10 countries worldwide. The first medal went to its namesake, Roger Milliken.
Dr. Tisdale will be awarded the Milliken Medal of Honor on October 24 and the CASE District III Chief Executive Leadership Award will be given February 19, 2008.
Claflin University was recently ranked #7 among HBCUs by the first ever listing of U.S.News and World Report’s America’s Best Black Colleges. Claflin was also included in U.S.News & World Report’s 2008 edition of America’s Best Colleges, ranked #10 in the Top Tier among Baccalaureate Colleges in the South and also ranked #3 for Highest Graduation Rate in the South.
The University was also singled out for other prestigious rankings recently. Consumers Digest ranked Claflin #3 nationally for “Best Value among Top Private Colleges and Universities.” The Chronicle of Higher Education gave Claflin a #2 ranking in graduation rates for Very Selective HBCUs, corroborated by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education which also gave the University a #2 ranking.
Under Dr. Tisdale’s leadership, the student body of 1800 students is a conglomerate that is continually evolving academically. The typical freshman now has graduated in the top half of his or her class with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The enrolment includes students from 26 states and 15 countries. Last year, the university received 3000 applications for the 400 spaces in class of 2010.
The campus has been transformed with over $50-million in renovations, classroom and office improvements, including the addition of major new buildings. Its student/faculty ratio is 12:1, with 75% of faculty holding terminal degrees in their fields.