Projects bringing change to Claflin campus, Orangeburg

President Dwaun Warmack answers reporters' questions on April 16. In the background is Chief of Staff Cletra Peters.

President Dwaun J. Warmack emphasized that for Claflin’s upcoming plans, “None of these projects come sort of overnight; there are years in the making of how these things work.”  

Warmack, Claflin’s ninth president, spoke to Claflin reporters on April 16. He detailed the developments that will soon take place on Claflin’s campus. 

Two projects will specifically benefit STEM students. With STEM being the largest major on campus and bringing in the most students, a biotechnology building and a public health center will be created. In the new public health center, nursing programs will be offered. 

“We want to be able to create a space where they can have practicum space, where they can do clinical work,” Warmack said. 

Warmack said both buildings will be funded by federal grants. They will also be eco-friendly. 

“Being eco-conscious helps with efficiency,” Warmack said. “We want to build smart, green buildings.” 

Ashley Schofield, Claflin’s interim vice president for fiscal affairs, also spoke about the new buildings.  

“We are building them with operational, maintenance and upkeep being in mind. We’re looking at those things that won't have heavy maintenance needs to begin with.” 

Warmack and his team are also taking their plans beyond the campus grounds.

The S.H. Kress & Co. building, located in downtown Orangeburg, is owned by Claflin and will be revitalized.  It was a site for sit-ins and more during the civil rights movement of the 1960s.

South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn is helping fund the project.

Reflecting on his initial proposal to Clyburn, Warmack remembers stating, “Imagine a place where African Americans couldn’t enter. It becomes the epicenter for developing the next millionaires and billionaires around innovation, entrepreneurship, developing your business, whatever your background is.” 

Schofield added, “[Warmack] really sees it as a downtown incubator economic development space for minority owned businesses where we can kind of revitalize downtown,” Schofield said. “[Claflin] will be an economic engine where small minority owned businesses can come in and really get the tools and materials to come in to be successful.” 

She continues that it will “bring back the downtown that Orangeburg was known for.” 

The S.H. Kress & Co. building project will be in conjunction with the School of Business and the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics to offer seminars and business classes. Housing will also be made available on the second floor.  

Warmack further addressed campus renovations.  

“This summer we’ll do probably $5-7 million in construction renovations,” he said. “We are intentional ... at some point over the next five years, every building will have some sort of touch-up.” 

Claflin reporters raised questions about funding of the renovations.  

“Dr. Warmack, his philosophy is he does not believe in putting the increase on the backs of his students,” Schofield said. “He fundamentally believes that it’s his job to go out and fundraise for the gap between operational costs.” 

Along with fundraising, Warmack also spends time traveling to meet with donors. He details the importance of showing up in rooms with such professionals.  

“If you’re not there, you’re not thought about. We have to be present, we have to be able to have the Claflin program there.” 

Claflin reporters also asked about funding for construction of a new presidential residence.

“... No student revenue was used to build this home,” Schofield said. “These were board-approved dollars that built this home because it was a board-approved asset that they believed that the university needed in order to be able to recruit talent beyond Dr. Warmack’s presidency at the institution.” 

In place of the former presidential house on campus, the new biotechnology building will be built.

“When you’re thinking forward, what is in the best interest of the students and people to continue to provide the rigorous academic spaces that you all need to become visionary leaders, it was a no-brainer,” Schofield said.

Warmack spoke further about student concerns.  

“I want students to express their concerns. I love it. Hold us to it, let us do it. But it’s a way to do it,” he said.  

Warmack made it clear that he hears student voices and knows changes are needed on campus. He takes time to visit these areas.  

“I want to see. Let me touch it, feel it, let me see what they’re going through.”  

Before school starts each year, he takes the vice presidents through the campus to evaluate buildings.  

“We’re going to walk every residence hall. I’m opening cabinets, I’m looking at the floors,” he said. “I say, ‘Would you put your baby in here?’ If you wouldn't put your baby in here, why would you move someone else’s baby in here?” 

Warmack, Schofield and their team are committed to creating sustainable and effective spaces for Claflin students.  

“So that means if they have to work all through the night, and if I have to work through the night, let’s get it; That’s what you deserve,” Warmack said.