TheBESTofBC Highlights

Institutional News

Benedict College Class of 2024 Rises Above the Challenges of 2020 to Reach Greater Heights

Over the past five years, Benedict College's graduation rate has increased by 233%.

Meet Mia Douglas, Benedict College Outstanding Senior 2024. 

Benedict College celebrated over 320 of its best and brightest students during a spirited Commencement Convocation on Friday, May 3, 2024. During the graduation ceremony, keynote speaker Dr. Michael Lomax, President, and CEO of the UNCF (United Negro College Fund), applauded the Benedict College community of faculty and staff along with the loving parents, grandparents, siblings, and other family members of the students in attendance for their support.  

“To you, I say, because of your nurturing and unconditional love, these distinguished student scholars have achieved their dreams of earning a college degree,” said Lomax. “They have done so because the Benedict community is strong and has weathered one of the nation’s most devastating periods in our history. Tonight, the community is on full display as we celebrate this esteemed and distinguished class of students.” 

Benedict College Makes History by Naming Its Administration Building after its First Woman President

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis has the distinct honor of having a college campus building bearing her name in South Carolina.

Benedict College Trustees hosted a Rededication and Naming Ceremony for the College’s Administration Building on March 22, 2024. The building was named in honor of

Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, the first female and 14th and current President and CEO of the institution. During the historic ceremony, the Chairman of the Benedict College Board of Trustees, Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, reminded the audience that seven years ago, Dr. Artis was not supposed to start until September 2017, but she voluntarily arrived a month early in August, rolled up her sleeves, and started her journey of creating what she coined “The BEST of BC.” 

“We have seen a lot of progress during Dr. Artis’ seven-year tenure,” Johnson noted during his remarks. “Especially in the area of technology.” Artis invested nearly $15 million in technology infrastructure and computer labs. Every employee received a new computer, and every classroom received Smartboard technology. 

During her comments, Artis thanked the Board of Trustees. “I am very grateful for the opportunity to lead Benedict College into the next chapter of her storied history. Thank you for your decision to memorialize my work in such a profound, powerful, and lasting way.”

The culmination of our 2024 Women’s History Month events was the Stilettos for Scholars Gala where we put on our High Heels for Higher Education! The Stilettos for Scholars Gala was a celebratory evening of elegance dedicated to showcasing the contributions of Women in HBCU Leadership. On this special night, we commemorated the naming of the Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis Administration Building, raised money to support capital improvements on our historic campus, enjoyed wonderful food and entertainment, and helped lay the foundation for the future of Benedict College!

On Wednesday, January 31, 2024, Acting US Labor Secretary Julie Su visited Benedict College B.E.S.T. Lives Center (BLC) to spotlight equitable access to training and education opportunities for military families, people formerly involved in the foster care system, formerly incarcerated people, and adult learners.  

“It was a distinct honor to welcome the Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, to the Benedict College B.E.S.T. Lives Center to meet some of the people in the Columbia community whose lives have been positively impacted by this state-of-the-art learning hub,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “The B.E.S.T. Lives Center has done a remarkable job helping our most vulnerable students to address challenges associated with educational access, connectivity, social mobility, workforce development, and long-term employment." 

Dr. Vanessa Harris, the new Executive Director of the B.E.S.T Lives Center, brings over 25 years of higher education experience to BLC. Dr. Harris arranged for a few adult learners, military students, and partners of the center to talk with Acting Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, about their personal experience in the program. “The Secretary’s visit to the B.E.S.T. Lives Center was a great recognition of the work that is occurring at Benedict College via the BLC. Her acknowledgement of the necessity of providing services and resources to the marginalized communities highlights the importance of workforce development and equitable access,” noted Dr. Harris. 

Benedict College celebrated 154 years of academic excellence during its 154th Founder Day Convocation, on March 14, 2024. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni gathered together in Antisdel Chapel to honor the founding of their beloved College by Bathsheba Benedict in 1870.

The Convocation included guest speaker Attorney James White, III, Assistant Solicitor, Fulton County, Georgia and music by the Benedict College Instrumental Ensemble and College Choir. Whitte earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Benedict College and Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Ohio State University. He gave an inspirational speech about his personal rise from a jail cell to courtroom as an Assistant Solicitor. “My whole theme was about history and choices and how your choices can make history,” noted White.

During today’s ceremony the class of 1974 was inducted into the college’s Half Century Club. In celebration of those individuals who graduated from Benedict College over 50 years ago.

The Annual Founder's Day Rally which brings together Benedict College alumni and Baptist leadership and parishioners of South Carolina to show appreciation for founder, Bathsheba Benedict, and to further the good work of the College was held on March 16, 2024. Nearly 175 supporters attended to celebrate the 154-year mission of Benedict College and to pledge their continued support. Dr. Jeffrey Haggray, Executive Director of American Baptist Home Mission Societies (ABHMS) and Chief Executive Officer of Judson Press, a 200-year-old publishing company based in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, served as the keynote speaker. During the program, Dr. Dorothy K. James was presented with the Mamie L. Duckett award for her faithful service and support of Benedict College. All donors to the 2022-2023 Benedict College Church Campaign were also recognized.  

Dr. Boyd is a prolific motivational speaker, a powerful preacher and a prominent advocate for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).

Benedict College continued its Women’s History Month programs on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at 4 p.m. in Antisdel Chapel.  The Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Elizabeth Boyd, who is an engineer and a champion for education, especially as it relates to STEM, was the keynote speaker. 

“It is my distinct honor to welcome Dr. Boyd, a fellow Sister-President to our campus during this celebratory month,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “We share a commonality of both being the 14th and first female president of an HBCU. She is a celebrated leader, my Soror, an influential humanitarian, and a champion for education. We are all looking forward to her powerful message on Sunday.” 

In 2000, Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Boyd was elected to serve as the 22nd National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., an international organization of more than 300,000 initiated members. During her tenure from 2000-2004, Boyd was described as a creative and innovative leader.  She was known as the “Technology President,” as she facilitated the establishment of technology usage and capacity in all facets of the sorority’s activities and administration. Her four-year tenure as president included several transformative accomplishments, including the launching of Project SEE (Science in Everyday Experiences), an initiative funded by a $1.6 million National Science Foundation grant with a goal of promoting math and science for middle school African American girls. As National President, Boyd created and secured external funding for a new initiative, Leadership DELTA, an innovative year long program for collegiate members to prepare for STEM careers by introducing them to tools for workplace success and providing them with meaningful internships. She led the sorority through the process of obtaining Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) Status at the United Nations with the Economic and Social Council making Delta Sigma Theta the second African American organization to obtain this designation. With the receipt of this NGO status Boyd introduced and led the sorority to have its first annual Delta Day at the United Nations. 

Elevating the Power the Power of the Pen Celebrated Women Leaders and Authors at the 5th Annual In Her Footsteps Luncheon

L-R Dr. Jennifer Bishop, Diann Price Williams, Dr. Ashley V. Wilkerson, and Dr. Macie P. Smith.

The theme for this year’s luncheon is “Elevating the Power of the Pen: A Celebration of Women Leaders and Authors.” Our Power of the Pen Sheroes: Dr. Dorothy Cowser Yancy, President Emerita of Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University with a biography about her amazing career; Dr. Ashlye V. Wilkerson, author, dynamic speaker, leadership expert, and motivator; Dr. Jennifer Bishop, author, CEO, philanthropist, and pastor; Dr. Macie P. Smith, best-selling author, speaker, and aging expert; and Diann Price Williams, self-published author, community leader, and Benedict College Alumna (Class of 1979). Each of these amazing women have helped to transform their communities through their leadership and by elevating the power of the pen.

On March 21, 2024, Benedict College proudly to celebrated and honored these “Sheroes” for using the power of written words to help raise our consciousness about our community and the issues that matter most to us in the world. These extraordinary women empower, lead, and share knowledge that elevates communities. We applaud them for their commitment to making the world a better place and for leaving a legacy through their published works.

The HBCU Sisterhood: Testimonies of Triumph and Transformation program welcomed seven Sister President to Benedict College

L-R Dr. Hakim Lucas, President, Virginia Union University; Dr. Diane Suber, Former President, St. Augustine's University; Dr. Cynthia Jackson Hammond, President, Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and Former President, Central State University; Dr. Brenda Allen, President, Lincoln University; Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO, Benedict College; Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier, Former President, Savannah State University, and Dr. Trudie Kibbe Reed, Former President, Philander Smith College and Bethune Cookman University; Dr. Lesia Crumpton Young, Former President, Texas Southern University; and Dr. Allia Carter, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Union University

Women’s History Month programs continued March 20, 2024, with THE HBCU SISTERHOOD: TESTIMONIES OF TRIUMPH AND TRANSFORMATION program. The one-of-a-kind all-day event that brought together seven dynamic Sister-Presidents to share their professional experiences and historic leadership journey which will be featured in an upcoming book titled The HBCU Sisterhood: Testimonies of Triumph and Transformation.

Recognizing this urgent moment for American higher education and our democracy, Benedict College President and CEO, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis is joining 60 other college presidents of diverse institutions from across the country to advance higher education’s pivotal role in preparing students to be engaged citizens and to uphold free expression on campus.

“The years that students spend on campus often involve the closest proximity they will experience in their lifetimes to people who think very differently than they do,” noted Artis. “At Benedict College it is an incredible opportunity to learn and grow. However, the benefits are only felt if all students are free to articulate what they believe and are willing to listen to the convictions of others.”

Through College Presidents for Civic Preparedness, a unique consortium designed by the presidents and convened by the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, participating presidents are dedicated to preparing the next generation of well-informed, productively engaged, and committed citizens; defending free expression, civil discourse, and critical inquiry as essential civic norms; and increasing thoughtful engagement and better understanding by students for the effective functioning of our democracy. The consortium, first announced with 15 members in August 2023, has grown significantly, demonstrating momentum for this movement.

The Benedict College Best Lives Center (BLC) has partnered with SC Works as a Connection Point within the city of Columbia. Benedict College is the first college in South Carolina to be named a SC Works Connection Point. As a designated Connection Point, community members can come to the BLC to search for jobs, seek new opportunities that will lead to career advancement, and file for unemployment insurance through the Department of Employment and Workforce

“We are thankful to SC Works for giving Benedict College this excellent opportunity to provide services to our students and community members,” said, Dr Vanessa Harris, Executive Director, Best Lives Center. “The partnership aligns perfectly with the BLC’s mission. We are thrilled to be in a position to share educational opportunities and workshops through the BLC to enhance job seekers’ skill sets as they look for employment.”

On February 28, 2024, Executive Director William Floyd and his team toured Benedict College BLC to observe the computer lab and learn more about how Benedict’s Connection Point was organized. The College is now featured on the SC Works website (https://scworks.org/about-us/statewide-centers/midlands) as a Connection Point.  

“Benedict College stands out as the first Connection Point four-year college in South Carolina,” said S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) Executive Director William Floyd. “An onsite computer lab, the Connection Point at Benedict College supplies dedicated computers for students and the local community to access career services and apply for jobs through SC Works. Our congratulations and appreciation to Benedict College for leading the way and participating in this job connection program.”

The BEST of BC Faculty and Staff

Job is a distinguished leader in education with a rich background in advancing enrollment growth, executing strategic fiscal management, and fostering impactful community engagement.

Benedict College named Mr. Yohannis A. Job, J.D. as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management. After an extensive national search, Job stood out as the strongest candidate with an impressive background in advancing enrollment growth.

“Mr. Job brings invaluable expertise to his role as Vice President of Enrollment Management,” noted Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “His leadership extends across key college departments, including the Office of Recruitment and Admissions, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, the Office of International Programs, and Upward Bound ensuring cohesive strategies for student engagement and successfully becoming the BEST of BC.”

Before arriving at Benedict College, Job significantly contributed to the enrollment successes at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, Texas, as Vice President and Dean of Enrollment Management. He also enhanced institutional visibility and student access in his roles as Special Assistant to the President and Director of Admissions at Philander Smith College in Little Rock, Arkansas. His strategic vision and execution have not only led to marked enrollment growth but also deepened the institutions’ engagements with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Benedict College recognized and celebrated for 35 Years of Civic Excellence and Service to the City of Columbia and Richland County by Richland County Council

Pictured above, Dr. George Devlin, founder of the Harambee Festival, accepts a resolution from Richland County Vice Chairman, Derrek Pugh, during the Harambee Festival.

South Carolina Academic, Congressional, and Industry Leaders Convene at DoD Symposium

to Discuss HBCU Contributions to

STEM Workforce Development

(L-R) Duke Hartman, CEO of Integer Technologies; Dr. Godwin E. Mbamalu, Associate Vice President for Research at Benedict College; U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn (SC-06); Dr. Jessica Furrer, Professor of Environmental Engineering and Interim Dean, School of Science & Engineering, at Benedict College; Crystal Pee, STEM Workforce Development Associate at Integer Technologies; and Benedict College President and CEO, Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D., Ed.D. Not pictured is participant Fatinah Muhammad, Benedict College alumna and Software Engineer I at Integer Technologies. 

PHOTO CREDIT: Kennedy Anderson

Benedict College and Integer Technologies have been selected to participate in the Department of Defense (DoD) Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions Program Symposium held recently at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC.  The purpose of this event was to expand DoD activities at HBCU/MIs in South Carolina. 

Dr. Mbamalu and Mr. Hartman presented on best practices in establishing academic-industry partnerships to enhance HBCU/MI research capacity and expand STEM workforce development.

The presentation focused on the upcoming Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored partnership with Benedict College and Integer. This partnership will have both research and workforce development components that will positively impact Benedict College students and augment South Carolina’s workforce pipeline to meet the needs of the U.S. Navy.  

Benedict College Welcomed Author

Dr. Carolyn P. Jenkins to a Fireside Chat with President Artis to Launch Her Book

Blazing Toward Freedom: Septima Poinsette Clark’s Story  

from Slave to Queen Mother of the Movement  

On February 10, 2024, Benedict College invited the South Carolina community to a Book Launch and Fireside Chat with Author Dr. Carolyn P. Jenkins’ book, Blazing Toward Freedom: Septima Poinsette Clark’s Story from Slave to Queen Mother of the Movement. Blazing Toward Freedom is framed by historical events told through the words and eyes of Septima Poinsette Clark, a distinguished Benedict College Alumna.

The BEST of BC Students Lead

The Student Government Association, along with Miss and Mister Benedict College, joined other SC HBCU student leaders, presidents, and administrators at the South Carolina State House on February 20, 2024, for the annual HBCU Day gathering. During the visit, the students met with legislators and shared issues they face as HBCU students. At the conclusion of the visit, Morgan Miles, Miss Benedict College, was interviewed by WLTX19.

Benedict stands out globally for providing a great mix of high-quality education and affordability. After evaluating 8,023 higher educational institutions across 69 countries, Benedict College earned the distinguished position in the Top 40% of universities worldwide.

Congratulations to Mr. Malik Hudson and Miss Autumn Tisdale on being elected Mister and Miss Benedict College for the 2024-2025 academic year!

In honor of Black History Month, Benedict College has opened an exhibit that features artwork from both current and rising college students.

As a part of Women’s History Month, Benedict College joined the national campaign to end period poverty. The “I Support My Sisters...Period” campaign was led by 1st Daughter, Jocelyn Artis and Morgan Miles, Miss Benedict College 2023-2024. Many women and girls who experience period poverty are unable to purchase the menstrual products they need. Difficulty affording menstrual products can cause women and girls to stay home from school and work, with lasting consequences on their education, economic opportunities, mental health, and well-being.  Members of the Benedict community along with churches, led by Rev. Lillie Burgess donated hundreds of personal products to deserving women in need. 

L-R President Artis, Jocelyn Artis, First Daughter; and Morgan Miles, Miss Benedict College 2023-2024.

L-R  Kymm Hunter, AVP Communications and Marketing and Tiger Food Pantry, Staff Advisor; Adrien Montalvo, co-founder of the Tiger Food Pantry, and Professor Felix Weston, Social Work Department and Tiger Food Pantry, Faculty Advisor

Senior Social Work major, Adrien Montalvo is one of the co-founders of the Benedict College Tiger Food Pantry was asked to speak at the Carolinas College Food Insecurity Summit on February 17, 2024, at the University of South Carolina. The Summit brought together faculty, staff, and students who help to run the food pantries on college campuses in North and South Carolina.



Benedict College’s food pantry was created in 2020 and opened its doors in 2021, to help close the gap of food insecurity on Benedict’s campus. Four years later, the Tiger Food Pantry team continues to raise awareness and foster a supportive environment. The Pantry ensures that all students have access to food and toiletries at no cost while promoting academic success and well-being. 

Pictured (left to right) is the Rear. Adm. Rothenhaus; ROTC Cadets Adam Bowman, Jacob Riley, and Semira Daniels; and ROTC Officer-in-Charge Anthony Robertson. Photo credit: Terrell Maxwell

On April 4, Rear Admiral Kurt J. Rothenhaus, Chief of Naval Research, visited the campus of Benedict College and spoke with a few of its cadets and faculty members.

“I want to thank you for being educators,” said Rear. Adm. Rothenhaus. “For doing the hard work and inspiring the next generation of young folk who are going to pursue these academic pursuits and be successful.” He added that one of the missions of the Office of Naval Research is to support the effort of encouraging students to study science and research.

The BEST of BC Athletics

The Benedict College men's track and field team won their fourth straight championship by claiming the 2024 Cricket SIAC Men's Track and Field Championship with a 28-point victory over Morehouse on Saturday, on the campus of Morehouse College.

Benedict scored 192 points, while Morehouse was second with 164 points. Albany State was third with 92 points.

The Benedict College athletic department honored its student-athletes at its annual athletic awards banquet on Monday evening.

A pair of standout athletes received the John E. Brown Award, Benedict's top student-athlete award. The award is named after the former legendary coach and athletic director who spent 32 years serving Benedict College, where he coached football, baseball and basketball for the Tigers. This award is given to the most outstanding student-athlete.

Kanesha Moses from women's track and field, and men's football player Loobert Denelus were this year's recipients. Denelus won the award for the second year in a row.

The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame (NFF) announced today the list of a record number of members of the 2024 NFF Hampshire Honor Society, which is comprised of college football players from all divisions of the NCAA, NAIA and sprint football who each maintained a cumulative 3.2 GPA or better throughout their college careers. An elite group of 1,988 players from 339 schools qualified for membership in 2024, setting a record for the number of members in a single year during the program's 18-year history.

Nominated by their respective schools, members of the NFF Hampshire Honor Society must be either: A senior player, who will graduate this spring/summer, and just completed his final year of playing eligibility in 2023; or a graduated player, who has been out of high school at least (3) years; And must have: Attained a minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.2 (4.0 scale); and been starters or contributors throughout the 2023 season.

Benedict College had 11 on the Honor Society List, one of three teams in Division II with at least 10 members, joining Bently (Mass.) and Colorado School of Mines, which both had 12 members. Benedict was the only Division II HBCU with players named to the Honor Society, and one of three HBCUs in the nation. Alcorn State and North Carolina each had one player selected.

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Benedict's Shun Taylor broke the school record in the long jump, jumping 7.15 meters (23 feet, 5 ½ inches) to finish fourth and was one of several outstanding performances the Tigers had at the USC Indoor Open on Saturday at the South Carolina Indoor Track and Field Complex in their final indoor meet of the season.

Benedict's 4x400-meter relay team finished second with a time of 3:17.08. Benedict's distance medley team won with a time of 11:26.02.

MOBILE, Ala. – The Benedict College men's tennis team went 4-2 at the second SIAC Roundup.

The Tigers opened the roundup with two losses, dropping a 4-0 decision to Spring Hill, and then losing a close 4-3 match to Tuskegee. The key matchup was at No. 3 singles, where Tuskegee's Torain Alleyne edged Benedict's Jason Chigaazira in a tightly-contested tiebreaker, 7-6, 0-6, 11-9.

The Tigers came back to win their next four matches, beating Lane 7-0, LeMoyne-Owen 6-0, Morehouse 5-1 and Fort Valley State 6-1.

Anesu Kwirirai went 5-0 during the roundup, playing matches at No. 2, 3 and 4 singles. Divgurjot Singh went 5-1, playing No. 2 and No. 1 singles. Mark Chigaazira went 4-1. His loss came at No. 1 singles, but then won the next four matches playing No. 5 and No. 4 singles.

The Tigers are now 11-5 overall and 9-3 in the SIAC. They will take on Emmanuel University (Ga.) on Saturday, April 6 at 2 p.m.

Benedict Splits with Morris

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict College Tigers scored seven runs in the sixth inning to pull away from a close game and take a 10-6 victory over Morris College in the first game of a non-conference baseball doubleheader on Monday at Tiger Field.

Morris won the second game 17-8.

In the first game, Benedict had a 3-1 lead in the sixth inning when Frankey Moree hit a two-run double to make it 5-1. Jamell Mitchell Jr. hit a single to score two more runs. The Tigers added two more runs in the inning to take a 10-1 lead.

Morris hit a grand slam in the seventh inning to make it 10-6.

Mitchell, Jalen McDuffie and Kaden Hindman all had two hits for the Tigers in the first game. Nicholas Gioia picked up the win, going five innings and allowing one earned run.

In the second game, the Tigers jumped out to a 5-1 lead after the first inning. Jose Gil had a two-run double. Morris scored four runs in the third inning on a pair of two-run doubles to tie the game at 5-5.

Morris took the lead in the fourth inning on a three-run homer. Morris increased the lead to 17-5 before Justin Murray hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning.

Lady Tigers Top Voorhees, 3-1

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Benedict scored three runs in the fourth inning and held Voorhees to just one run as the Lady Tigers softball team took a 3-1 victory in a non-conference contest on Thursday at Tiger Field.

Benedict broke a scoreless game as Taylor Gilbert led off with a single, stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Olivia Townsend hit a two-out double down the left-field line to score Gilbert. Kiyah Mayes hit an infield single to score Townsend, then scored on a dropped fly ball.

Voorhees had four of their game's six hits in the fifth inning. A two-out single scored one run, then Benedict got out of a bases-loaded jam on a pop-up to the catcher. Voorhees lost its season-opener to go to 0-1.

Alumni Spotlight

Brigadier General. Peggy R. McManus, native of Morven, North Carolina, received her commission as an ordnance officer in 1992 through the Reserve Officers Training Corps at Benedict College.

McManus began her Army Reserve career in Columbia, where she served as a platoon leader assigned to 175th Maintenance Company; and operations officer and company commander of 460th Replacement Company in Florence, South Carolina. 

She entered the Active Guard Reserve, or AGR, program in 2002 and served her initial assignment as an operations officer with the 390th Personnel Group, Richmond, Virginia. As an AGR commissioned officer, Col. McManus has held numerous leadership and staff positions including adjutant, team chief and officer branch chief, 108th Training Command, Charlotte, North Carolina; team chief Acquisition/System, branch chief Accessions/Training Manning Division and deputy division chief, United States Army Reserve Command, Fort Liberty, North Carolina; assistant chief of staff, 11th Theater Aviation Command, Fort Knox Kentucky; resident, U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barrack, Pennsylvania; personnel policy integrator, Pentagon; chief, Officer Management Division, and chief, Operations Readiness Division, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky; deputy director, Military Personnel Management, Pentagon; and case officer board member, Department of the Army Review Board Agency, Arlington, Virgina.

McManus served a combat tour 2013-2014 as the Army Reserve G-1 Theater liaison officer and acting deputy assistant chief of staff for Third Army in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. 

In January 2023, McManus became the deputy commanding general and director, Reserve Personnel Management Directorate, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, Fort Knox, Kentucky.

Her military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with seven oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal with hourglass.

McManus holds a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Benedict College. Her military education includes the Ordnance Officer Basic Course, Adjutant General Officer Advance Course, Command and General Staff College, and a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. Army War College.

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Benedict College Featured in New Historic Exhibit at the Museum of Greenwood

Reaching Higher: South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities Part 1 showcases the history of Benedict College and Allen University 

Benedict College celebrates Black History Month with the Museum of Greenwood located at 106 North Main Street in Greenwood, South Carolina. The Exhibit Coordinator, Marion Smith selected Benedict College and Allen University as the first exhibit of a series on Historically Black Colleges and Universities titled Reaching Higher: South Carolina’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities because of the schools’ ties with Lakeland.  

(L-R) Dr. Ernest McNealey, President of Allen University and Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College

During the opening day Smith welcomed, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College, and Dr. Ernest McNealey, President of Allen University to explore the new exhibit. Later that day, the choirs from Benedict College and Allen University performed at First Presbyterian Church of Greenwood.



“I am grateful and peacock proud to be the to be President of Benedict College and to have her legacy and history amplified in such beautiful ways,” said Artis. “I want to personally thank our Library Director, Darlene Zinnerman-Bethea, our Coordinator of Archives and Institutional Records, Wanda Scott-Kinney, and their team for expertly curating photos and historical items that highlights the BEST of BC for this exhibit.”

L-R Marquis Jefferson, Benedict College Atlanta Metro Alumni Club, President; Teshine Good, Atlanta Benedict Club, President, Kymm Hunter, Assistant Vice President of Communications and Marketing; Tina Jones, Atlanta Metro Alumni Club; and Walter Good, Atlanta Benedict Club.

The Home Depot has given over $12 million to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the past 15 years through its Retool Your School program. Since 2011, Benedict has won $190,000 through the campus improvement program. In 2011, Benedict won $10,000 which was used to paint historical buildings on campus, in 2022, the school won $30,000 which was used to purchase the grass for the new Student Activity Field, in 2023 the $50,000 grant was used to buy new furniture in all seven dormitories, along with campus lighting and banquet tables and chairs (to decrease the amount paid for rentals).

The program, which began with a simple mission of giving back to HBCUs in the communities that the company serves, awards campus improvement grants based on online voting from students, alumni, and other HBCU constituents. This year, Benedict College votes landed the school in 2nd place for a grand prize of $100,000 grant that will be used for “The B.E.S.T Tiger Impression” (Beautifying Engaging Spaces for Transformation) Campus Improvement Project. The project is designed to have a direct impact on the beautification of the College’s outdoor and student support spaces.

This two-fold project will promote the core values of excellence, accountability, diversity, collaboration, professionalism, and transparency as evidenced in B2: Focus on the Future, the institution’s 5-year strategic plan. Many of our outdoor spaces need sprucing with seasonal flowers, shrubbery, sod, and mulch.  

Additionally, the relocation of the Tiger Food Pantry and Tiger Closet has presented an opportunity to enhance students’ experience with special on-site accommodations. Thus, a Campus Improvement Grant will provide Benedict College students with an engaging and welcoming environment conducive for academic and personal success.

The proposed Campus Improvement Project seeks to capture the campus culture of community whereby both outdoor and indoor spaces are improved and functional. For example, the Tiger Food Pantry and Tiger Closet will be outfitted to have a feel of enterprise with appropriate shelving and needed items to cultivate a “shopping” like atmosphere. Outdoor spaces will become more inviting, enhancing the campus’ park-like environment.

L-R Chennis Berry, Derrick Pugh, and President Artis

Richland County Vice Chairman Derrek Pugh, Chairwoman Jesica Mackey and the entire Richland County Council unanimously voted to recognize Chennis Berry, Loobert Denelus, and the Benedict College Football Team with a proclamation for winning back-to-back SIAC Championships. 

PURE Theatre Presented the Life of Civil Rights Leader, Benedict Alumna and Educator Septima by Patricia Williams Dockery

On February 15, 2024, Pure Theater presented a dynamic and moving play celebrating the life and work of Civil Rights leader, educator and Benedict Alumna, Septima P. Clark. The play was performed at the Henry Ponder Theater as one of the College’s Black History Month Programs. The play was told through monologues, stories, and music. The play honored the moments of Septima’s life that shaped her into one of the most important figures in American history.

Community

The multi-Grammy Award winning gospel artist, Hezekiah Walker along with R &B singer KeKe Wyatt headlined this year's Benedict College 35th Annual Harambee Festival.

The iconic Harambee Festival, voted Columbia’s BEST Neighborhood Festival, returned to Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on Saturday, April 20th from 9:30 a.m. - 6:30 a.m. The 35th annual event was filled with activities for the entire family from ages 8 to 80. This year, the popular community festival increased the number of food trucks, live music performances, bounce houses, and vendors available for non-stop shopping.

In addition to the national and local headliners, the 35th Annual Harambee Festival’s will feature Artist-in-Resident David Bratton and the Benedict Choir, and Ronald Green and Pride Ensemble. Also performing with be magician Houdini, and winners of BC’s Got Talent Winners, ZY’REQUE and Westside c3. The Festival was hosted by Billie Jean Shaw of WIS TV and Shanik “Neek” Mincie of HOT 103.9 FM.