Claflin University Announces Transformational Partnership with the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Family Foundation

Claflin University has entered into a landmark partnership with the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Family Foundation that will establish the Dr. Curtis J. and Mrs. Gina Crawford Family Foundation Honors Scholar-Fellows Fund, a $150,000 endowed fellowship designed to develop the next generation of high-achieving student leaders.

The fund will support academically exceptional Honors College students pursuing degrees in business or the natural sciences and mathematics by providing resources for undergraduate research, leadership development, faculty mentorship, professional networking, conferences, and experiential learning opportunities. The fellowship reflects a shared commitment to preparing students not only for career success, but also for lives of leadership and service.

“Our Foundation is committed to creating pathways that allow talented students to fully realize their potential," said Crystal Crawford-Parker President and Executive Director of the Dr. Curtis J. and Gina Crawford Family Foundation. "Through the Crawford Honors Scholar-Fellows Initiative, we hope to encourage students to pursue academic excellence, lead with purpose, and use their talents in ways that strengthen their communities and positively impact the lives of others. We are proud to partner with Claflin University in investing in exceptional students and helping prepare the next generation of leaders.”

The gift will create a permanent endowment supporting one Crawford Honors Scholar-Fellow each year, with renewable awards that help students pursue research and leadership experiences over multiple semesters. Fellows will complete faculty-mentored research projects while participating in activities designed to strengthen their academic, professional, and personal leadership development.

"This partnership represents the kind of visionary philanthropy that transforms lives and strengthens institutions," said Willie L. Jude II, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Claflin University.

"The Crawford family's investment affirms that leadership can be cultivated intentionally by providing exceptional students with opportunities to explore, discover, and grow beyond the classroom. Their generosity will help prepare Claflin graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities for generations to come," Jude said.

The Crawford Honors Scholar-Fellows program is designed to encourage students to integrate academic excellence with leadership development through faculty-guided research, professional experiences, and intentional reflection. The fellowship also emphasizes the thoughtful use of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies as students prepare to lead in rapidly evolving professional environments.

Dr. Monica Greene Robertson, Assistant Vice President for Honors & College Experiences, said the partnership aligns perfectly with the University's vision for honors education.

"The Crawford Honors Scholar-Fellows program expands what is possible for our students. It creates a pathway for exceptional scholars to deepen their research, develop as leaders, and engage in experiences that prepare them to excel in graduate study, industry, and public service. We are grateful to the Crawford Family Foundation for investing in our students' extraordinary potential, Greene Robertson said.

The agreement reflects the Crawford Family Foundation's longstanding belief that talent exists everywhere, and that strategic investments in leadership development can produce lasting impact for students, institutions, and communities. The Foundation's philanthropy emphasizes building sustainable institutional capacity while creating opportunities for high-potential students to achieve academic and professional excellence.

The partnership further advances Claflin University's commitment to preparing graduates who are equipped to lead, innovate, and address society's most pressing challenges through scholarship, research, and service.

For more information about the Crawford Honors Scholar-Fellows program at Claflin University, please contact Greene Robertson at (803) 535-5094. To establish an endowed scholarship fund at the university, contact Jude at (803) 535-5347.



Photo: Crystal Crawford-Parker President and Executive Director of the Dr. Curtis J. and Gina Crawford Family Foundation