BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Benedict College is committed to being the best
college it can be. It is committed to establishing
and maintaining high quality programs of teaching,
research, and public service. Benedict is distinguished
by its continued commitment to facilitate the
empowerment, enhancement, and full participation
of African Americans in American society.
President’s Report
2007
VISION
Benedict College is committed to being the best college it
can be. It is committed to establishing and maintaining high
quality programs of teaching, research, and public service.
Benedict is distinguished by its continued commitment
to facilitate the empowerment, enhancement, and full
participation of African Americans in American society.
MISSION
TEACHING. The College is committed to providing instruction that leads to the baccalaureate
degrees in the arts and sciences and professional areas. In addition, we are committed to providing
continuing education that will lead to certificates and other special designations that may be useful
for a career in the external environments. It is our intent to prepare students to enter career paths
that will result in leadership positions in business, education, church, government, community, and
professional organizations, or prepare them for further graduate and professional study. We seek to
instill in students a life-long commitment to self-development and a commitment to being the best
and a desire for public service. Our graduates should be committed to making the world a better
place. They should be powers for good in society. We continue our historic emphasis on providing
educational opportunities that will prepare African-American students for full and complete
participation in American society. We explicitly accept the admissions challenge of providing the
broadest possible access to all students consistent with maintaining the highest quality. Benedict
College is an equal opportunity educational institution. We seek geographic, international, and racial
diversity in our student body.
RESEARCH. We are committed to undertaking faculty and student research that will contribute
to the knowledge required to achieve the full and complete participation of African Americans in
American society. We aim to improve instruction by incorporating the African American experience
and perspective. We seek to stimulate increased and improved discussion and consideration of
matters of importance to achieving a full and equal opportunity society. Benedict College hopes
that its research will contribute to discovery and implementation of better policies and programs in
the public and private sectors to advance African Americans to full and complete equality. We also
encourage our scholars to undertake research to keep current in their fields and to contribute to the
general advancement of knowledge in their disciplines.
SERVICE. Benedict College is committed to utilizing its faculty, students, and administrative
resources to provide service to improve conditions in the African-American community. We seek to
provide direct service in the local community and throughout South Carolina. Our service emphasis
is on education, social and family service, community and economic development, justice, and crime
reduction, and youth development. We seek to demonstrate and develop innovative approaches to
providing services that can have a profound and positive impact.
2
BENEDICT
Table of Contents
COLLEGE
Vision and Mission ......................................2
President’s Message ....................................4
Chairman’s Message ....................................5
Introduction ................................................6
Strategic Direction 1....................................8
Strategic Direction 2..................................14
Strategic Direction 3..................................17
Strategic Direction 4..................................20
Strategic Direction 5..................................22
Strategic Direction 6..................................26
Strategic Direction 7..................................28
Strategic Direction 8..................................30
Strategic Direction 9..................................32
Statement of Financial Position.................34
Statement of Activities 2003-2006 ...........35
Board of Trustees .......................................36
President’s Cabinet ....................................36
Appendix:
Additional Construction by Year...............38
Property Acquisitions ..............................38
Renovations/Upgrades/Projects ..............38
Credits .......................................................39
3
President’s Message
Dear Benedict Family and Supporters,
The first students to enter the doors of Benedict College were just five
years from emancipation and were ready to forge a new future for
themselves and their descendants. That was 1870, and 138 years later,
there is much left to be done, much of it is related to unshackling the
minds of our young people and enabling them to cut a path leading to
cultural and personal independence. The challenges remain and the
opportunities are more fulfilling than ever. Our obligation is to educate
and empower our students to build better lives for themselves and future
generations. In short, we claim our role in helping to make America and
the world a better place for all.
This report is presented in the context of our strategic directions; these
guidelines keep us focused and direct our efforts to achieve our goals
and objectives for the mission and vision of the College. We invite you
to peruse this book thoroughly and see what we have accomplished.
Note that our physical plant has never been better. From the renovated
and newly constructed buildings to the beautiful foliage and flowers,
Benedict is on the move. Our noble heritage and bright future as a school
of choice continues to catch the attention of prospective students. We
were fortunate to process more than 4,000 applications for the 20072008 academic year, a thousand more than the previous year. This flies in the face of data suggesting that
enrollment of African-American students has declined in the States’ institutions of higher education.
Please visit our campus. Attend one of our athletic events in our state-of-the-art Charlie W. Johnson
Stadium. Join one of the clubs and/or societies that provide service to the College. Hear our award-winning
choirs during our official and traditional events such as the Fall Convocation, Founder’s Day, the annual
Christmas Concert and Commencement. Become a part of us; lend us your talents, your support and your
good wishes. Together we can be the “Power” for all that is “Good” in our “Society.”
Sincerely,
David H. Swinton, Ph.D.
President and CEO
4
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Chairman’s Message
Dear Benedict Family and Supporters,
You have before you the newest President’s Report, outlining what Benedict College has accomplished, under the administration of
Dr. David H. Swinton.
Dr. Swinton came to the Columbia campus in 1994 and since then, the school has renovated and built new facilities, increased the
strength and size of its faculty, grown its student body and continues to have an astonishing impact on the greater community.
I invite you to drive around the neighborhoods surrounding our campus. Revitalization is too tame a word to describe what’s
happened around the Benedict College campus. “Extreme makeover” might be closer. And that’s just the buildings. Remember,
there are people inside those buildings, living and working and helping others live a better life, too, in outreach that extends beyond
working in the community to living there, too.
Benedict is truly helping to create a whole new Columbia.
The College has given me the opportunity to share in the blessing that is uniquely
Benedict. We have given thousands of African Americans for generation’s similar
opportunity.
Benedict continues to command affection and respect from its alumni and
supporters, generating more than $25 million in contributions in just the past
three years.
Many of these gifts come from alumni now working in careers that don’t
command large salaries: teachers and ministers, social workers and counselors, to
name just a few. These are people in jobs that have a huge impact on the people
– young and old – they serve, and on our society as a whole. And they know that
Benedict has helped empower them to do well, and to do good.
One of the things I appreciate most about Benedict is the diversity of learning and
service the school offers its students and the community, all within the context of
giving our students a superior college education. These are promising students to
be sure, but they come here with much to learn.
As Benjamin Franklin once said, “Genius without education is like silver in the
mine.” With your support, Benedict continues to grow as a place where genius is
mined and futures are forged.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter, and to read this report. Please
consider taking the time to visit the campus, too, either in person or on the Web at www.benedict.edu. Stop by to hear some “joyful
noise” at Antisdel Chapel from the hearts and souls of our award-winning gospel choir. And stop by the new football stadium and
hear some “joyful noise” there, too, as we cheer on our Tigers!
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlie W. Johnson
Board of Trustees, Chairman
5
BENEDICT Introduction
COLLEGE
At Benedict College, we’re in an enviable position.
Over the past 10 years,
one-third of Benedict
graduates have enrolled
in graduate school.
We’re graced with an illustrious history, steeped in tradition nearly a century and a half strong.
Legendary scholars and citizens call themselves Benedict alumni, with more graduate success
stories being written each day.
Only the current reality and bright future are equal peers to its past. Over the past ten years, we’ve
witnessed unprecedented growth at Benedict College, physical and academic expansion yielding
Benedict deserving national recognition.
Our students help ensure this recognition is a deserved one. They fill new state-of-the art
laboratories in Alumni Hall, restored pews in Antsidel Chapel; and the classrooms taught by
Benedict’s award-winning faculty.
In my last report, I presented you with a work in progress; a foundation on which to build upon
over the next few years. I’m pleased to report that foundation is complete.
Still, progress should never become complicated, stagnate or satisfied. Simply put: Laurels should
be received as motivators, not reasons to rest.
Thus, I welcome you to the next phase of Benedict College.
Go Tigers.
Strategic Direction 1:
Strategic Direction 2:
Strategic Direction 3:
Strategic Direction 4:
Strategic Direction 5:
Strategic Direction 6:
Strategic Direction 7:
Strategic Direction 8:
Strategic Direction 9:
6
Right-size the College
Educational and Academic Support Programs
Student Affairs
Research and Public Service
Physical Resources
Private and Public Partnerships
Financial Resources
High-Quality Management
Institutional Effectiveness
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Benedict was ranked one of the top ten producers of
African American Physics majors in the country, as
reported by the Education and Employment Statistic
Division of the American Institute of Physics.
Benedict is only the
second HBCU to receive
national accreditation for
its Environmental Health
Science Program among
the nation’s 25 institutions
of higher learning.
7
Strategic Direction 1
Right-Size the College
MEETING THE CHALLENGE
Today’s technology-powered, global job environment demands
a workforce to match. Colleges and universities nationwide
are faced with creating a student body prepared to handle this
challenge, a collection of future leaders possessing both diverse
skill sets and academic backgrounds that empower them to excel.
Not surprisingly, four-year degrees are becoming prerequisites
for this challenge. Record-breaking numbers of students enroll
at undergraduate colleges and universities each year, with these
numbers expected to grow exponentially. The National Center for
Education Statistics, in fact, predicts a dramatic 20 percent gain in
undergraduate student enrollment over the next half-decade.
“
The legacy of any college always
begins and ends with its students.
Benedict’s more-active recruitment
and retention efforts will help
ensure that this legacy not only
continues, but grows.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
8
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
BUILDING PAST SUCCESSES
INTO FUTURE ONES
As the nation’s fourth-largest Historically Black College and University (HBCU),
Benedict College both recognizes this challenge and is well on its way to
meeting it head-on.
Who do we recruit? How should we recruit them? Under the leadership of
President David H. Swinton, Benedict’s Office of Admissions and Student
Marketing actively increased efforts to both attract and retain top students.
These efforts are paying dividends. Benedict College experienced an 18.5
percent increase in the number of applications from 2006 to 2007, combined
with an equally impressive 48 percent rise in the number of mail responses
from students targeted by Benedict as future scholars at the Columbia campus.
Miss Colombia South America, Vanessa Mendoza, flew to the United States
with her mother, family members and friends to celebrate the graduation
of her younger sister, Verily Mendoza , an accounting major who recently
accepted a position with Price Water House-Coopers in Washington, DC.
Diverse: Issues in Higher Education, a national magazine devoted to minority
issues in academe, recently released its annual “Top 100 Undergraduate Degree
Producers” and “Top 100 Graduate Degree Producers” rankings. Using graduation
data reported by 4000 two- and four-year institutions to the U.S. Department of
Education’s National Center for Education Statistics for the 2005-06 academic year, the
magazine ranked universities not only on how many degrees were granted overall
to minority students, but also gave separate rankings by race, specifically African
American, Asian American, Hispanic and Native American, for specific fields of study.
• Benedict ranked 13th for granting undergraduate degrees in Physical Sciences to
African Americans.
• The College ranked 41st for granting undergraduate degrees in Computer and
Information Sciences to African Americans.
• Benedict College ranked 42nd for granting undergraduate degrees in BiologyBiomedical Sciences to African Americans.
© Copyright 2007 by DiverseEducation.com
9
Strategic Direction 1
Who do we recruit? How should we recruit them? Under the leadership
of President David H. Swinton, Benedict’s Office of Admissions and
Student Marketing actively increased efforts to both attract and retain
top students.
These efforts are paying dividends. Benedict College experienced an
18.5 percent increase in the number of applications from 2006 to 2007,
combined with an equally impressive 48 percent rise in the number of
mail responses from students targeted by Benedict as future scholars at
the Columbia campus.
Nearly 4,000 students accepted admission at Benedict College in the
Fall of 2007, a thousand more than the same period only two years
earlier. In contrast, African-American student populations at South
Carolina’s state universities steadily declined over this same period
while Benedict College has stabilized its enrollment.
A similar trend can be found within Benedict’s impressive male
enrollment. While most colleges and universities struggle to recruit
and retain male students, Benedict’s undergraduates are a near-perfect
gender split.
Still, educational success is never measured by application, acceptance
or enrollment figures. While the largest private undergraduate college
in South Carolina, Benedict College retains a mission of individualized
dedication to its unique student populations, past and present.
Several areas around campus,
such as the plaza around the
library, allow students to
enjoy a wireless connection
to the Internet.
10
Right-Size the College
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Posted on Tue., May 29, 2007
At black colleges,
door open for whites
By KATRINA A. GOGGINS
Associated Press Writer
Michael Roberts has done more than study finance at historically
black Benedict College. He’s played football for the college, joined a
fraternity and proposed to his girlfriend.
Pretty typical, except that Roberts is one of the few whites who
attend one of the nation’s traditionally black colleges.
“When I tell people I attend Benedict, they comment, ‘Well, you’re
not black,’” Roberts said. “But it’s still a school, I’m still getting an
education. You don’t have to be black to attend.”
Officials for the nation’s historically black schools say Roberts’
experience is not that unusual. White students are being actively
recruited, and attracting them has become easier for a variety of
reasons, including the offer of scholarships and lower tuitions than
those paid at non-black schools.
Private, historically black schools cost an average of $10,000 less per
year than their traditionally white counterparts, according to the
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.
Michael Roberts is a rising senior who plays on the football team, is
a part of Benedict’s ROTC program and a member of the Alpha Phi
Alpha, Inc. fraternity.
SUPPORTING THE MISSION OF
CREATING NEW LEGACIES
The College’s open enrollment policy combined with its
intervention strategies serve to provide and sustain opportunity
for its students. This opportunity is the legacy of Benedict College,
a 138-year tradition of opening higher education doors for men
and women aspiring for a college education. Of Benedict’s 2006
freshman class, 95 percent were first-generation college students.
The head of the association says lower costs are not the only
thing the schools have to offer. Whites who attend the schools are
preparing for an “increasingly black and brown world,” said Lezli
Baskerville, the association’s president and CEO.
“If you want to know how to live in one, you can’t grow up in an
all-white neighborhood, go to a predominantly white school, white
cultural and social events, go to a predominantly white university
and then thrive in a world that is today more black, more brown than
before,” Baskerville said.
White students say they’ve taken valuable experiences from their
time at black colleges. Skin color, the students say, is much more of a
factor away from the campuses than it is on them.
“You should get to know people based on who they are,” Roberts
said. “You can’t judge a book by its cover.”
Maximizing this opportunity can be a difficult task, as financial
and academic challenges often go hand-in-hand. Our HOPE
and LIFE Scholarship recipients receive regular check-ins
on their classroom performance, which serve as constant
measures of success from freshman orientation to senior
commencement.
Backed by a committed staff, these support programs achieve
resounding, measurable success. Retention rates for HOPE
Scholarship recipients increased more than 200 percent these
past few years, resulting in ten times the funding to support
future scholarship beneficiaries. Similar figures underscore
LIFE Scholarship students; a nearly 150 percent increase in
student retention plus $600,000 in available LIFE funds.
11
Strategic Direction 1
A FEW OF OUR FINEST
The investment in Benedict’s students is richly rewarded through
their outstanding accomplishments to society. Current Benedict
College undergraduates include NASA interns, Rohn and HAAS
Chemistry Award prize winners, athletic trainers with professional
football teams, and top-tier genetic researchers.
Similarly, the best of role models can arguably be found in the
footsteps of those who went just before you. Here we offer Antonio
Ellis, a 2005 graduate studying law at Georgetown University.
Gina Green-Davis, a 2006 Benedict alum, is a master’s student
at Harvard University. Elena Span, who completed Benedict in
2005, is in her second year as a Ph.D. student in economics at Ohio
State University. All proud Benedict College graduates and future
national leaders.
Current Benedict students
are following up on these
accomplishments through their
own dedication to academic
performance. Four-year
graduation rates at Benedict
College have more than doubled
over the last five years. Their future
is bright, and through them, so is
that of their college.
12
Right-Size the College
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Benedict to awards new degrees
Benedict awarded its first five electrical engineering degrees during the
May 2007 graduation program. The school will now be eligible to seek
accreditation, and for which dean Stacey Jones has high hopes.
The private, historically black college in the heart of Columbia will
award those new degrees among the 280 it plans to hand out today in
Charlie W. Johnson Stadium. Ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. at the
stadium on Two Notch Road at Read Street. The speaker for the
commencement is U.S. House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn.
Jones, who has master’s degrees in math and science from
Johns Hopkins University and a doctorate in computer sciences
from George Washington University, can hardly contain her
pride in the five graduates, all of whom plan to enter graduate
school.
The five earned scores between 730 and 790 on the Graduate
Record Exam, for which 800 is a perfect score in math.
Jones aims to prove that students can excel at an institution
that has an open admissions policy, which means Benedict accepts
students with marginal academic backgrounds.
Adura Sopeju, who transferred to Benedict from the University of Lagos
in Nigeria, has 10 scholarship offers, seven of which are fully funded, from
universities including Virginia, Florida, Cornell University and Purdue. And,
he has participated in research at the European Organization for Nuclear
Research in Switzerland, where Benedict plans to send more engineering
students for hands-on experience.
The five students also have had opportunities to interact with students
from engineering powerhouses like Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, Georgia Tech and Cornell.
They say they often feel a lack of respect for the Benedict program, and
they plead with the engineering world to give them a chance to prove
themselves.
“Don’t judge us until you see what we’ve done,” said graduate Aderele
Fapohunda.
Some people automatically think they’d prefer someone from MIT,”
Fapohunda said. “Just give us a chance.”
Jones said that, for starters, her electrical engineering program was
approved by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, a key
accreditation agency.
The program can now seek accreditation by ABET Inc., the recognized
accrediting agency for college and university programs in applied science,
computing, engineering and technology.
– by James T. Hammond
The State newspaper
13
Strategic Direction 2
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
The success of Benedict College is best determined through our most-prized assets:
the College’s students and faculty. We’re pleased to continue the academic momentum
from previous years, a testament to the stronger national presence Benedict College is
fast achieving.
NATIONAL PRESENCE, NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Under the skillful hand of Dr. Janeen Witty, Benedict’s School of Education has
strengthened its curricula, partnerships with area public schools and overall vision.
These efforts resulted in a resounding statement of support by the National Council
of Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE): national accreditation of Benedict’s
education program.
It also didn’t take long for one of our recent graduates to make her mark. Denise Covert
was honored as Williamsburg County (S.C.) School District’s First Year Teacher of the
Year. Education Professor, Dr. Gloria Boutte, was named Chair of the Multicultural
Committee for the American Association for College of Teacher Education (AACTE).
Finally, the school’s Elementary Program received national recognition status from the
Association for Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI).
14
Dr. Janeen Witty, Dean of
the School of Education,
also teaches students
in the new Continuing
Education program
designed to help adult
learners to complete their
bachelor’s degree.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
“
The Benedict experience
is a unique blend of
scholarly vigor and
community awareness.
Our goal is to produce
informed, participating,
contributing citizens,
who expand their
learning beyond our
campus and enrich the
community with their
deeds and words.”
Another program to make its national accreditation mark was the Health, Physical Education
and Recreation Department’s undergraduate degree in recreation and leisure services. The
program, led by Drs. William F. Gunn, Jr. and Ifeanyi Emenike, is now accredited until 2011 by
both the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Association for
Physical Activity and Recreation Council on Accreditation.
Similar success can be found across the campus curricula. Benedict’s Environmental Health
Science program received national accreditation by the National Environmental Health Science
and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), likewise re-accreditation was earned by the
Benedict College Social Work program from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Several Benedict College programs also began forging their own new success stories. More
than 14 new degree programs were created, including a Continuing Education program located
within a newly renovated building near the Benedict College Business Development Center.
Meanwhile, in May 2007 Benedict College awarded its first five degrees in electrical
engineering. All five recipients planned to enter graduate school in the next academic year.
– Dr. David H. Swinton
TEACHING BY EXAMPLE
It takes top-notch faculty to support growth throughout the academic department. Benedict
is fortunate to attract and retain scholars to its faculty ranks. For instance, Dr. Samirusubas
Raychoudury, professor of biology, was named a 2006 recipient of the South Carolina
Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). Excellence in Teaching Award. Benedict
College’s faculty are also involved in the “Town and Gown” connection, offering
services in outreach to the community. In that effort, Drs. Alma Byrd, professor of
English and French and Norma Jackson, director of international programs, were both
honored for their commitments to community service. Dr. Ronald high, professor of
music, received a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture at the University of Music and
Drama in Hannover, Germany.
Not surprisingly, our students thrive
under the tutelage of Benedict’s
outstanding faculty. Benedict College
is the second-highest producer of
African American physics majors in the
country as reported by the Education
and Employment Statistic Division of
the American Institute of Physics. In
addition, the 2006 Benedict College
Honda Campus All Star Challenge Team
finished fifth out of 64 competing
teams and emerged from the Floridabased tournament undefeated.
Dr. Samirusuba Raychoudury, who
received an Excellence In Teaching
Award shows off his country’s flag
during International Day.
During the December 2006
Commencement Ceremony, Miss
Kamilah Fabian was voted Outstanding
Senior by her peers in the senior class.
15
Strategic Direction 2
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
INVESTMENT IN SELF
AND COMMUNITY
In addition to the faculty, many of our students cite Benedict’s
unique service learning initiative as an important co-curriculum
program adding to their success. We aspire to create top scholars and
citizens, with several programs in place to help students meet their
expectations, and ours.
Benedict College’s Service Learning Program requires all
undergraduates to complete 120 hours of community service
during their matriculation at the College. Increased exposure to the
community means a greater ability to apply classroom skills in a realworld environment. Perhaps most importantly, it instills in Benedict
College students a culture of good citizenry that transcends beyond
both the campus and collegiate life. People have noticed. NASA cited
the Benedict service learning program for its excellence, awarding
it the Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Aerospace Academy
(SEMAA) Award for outreach efforts to Richland School District One
here in Columbia.
Benedict’s Service Equals Effort (SE2-square) project supplements the
College’s service learning requirement by rewarding underclassmen
for academic rigor. Designed to motivate and retain students during
early and often difficult collegiate years, the SE2 initiative increased
retention, number of credit hours enrolled, and overall academic
achievement for Benedict College undergraduates.
Supplemented by Benedict’s new Continuing Education Program,
School of Honors, and Offices of Academic Support and Special
Support Service, the College now
boasts an unprecedented number
of mechanisms in place to assist
Benedict students in reaching
their goals, in the classroom
and beyond.
16
The beautiful Miss Tina Sanders,
Miss Benedict College 2006
Strategic Direction 3
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Student Support Service
As the proverbial foundation supports the greatest of structures, so too does a strong
student affairs component helps to underpin a college’s mission, vision and objectives.
Benedict is no exception.
A DECADE OF STRONG SUPPORT
The ability to enable our students outside the classroom is vital both to their
academic and personal wellbeing, knowledge that led Benedict College to complete a
comprehensive, 10-year assessment of its student affairs programs.
The results of this study produced very definitive and favorable results. As Benedict has
grown, so, too, have the student affairs mechanisms to support this expansion.
With student enrollment increasing exponentially, the College expects the need for
housing to grow in tandem. Aggressive renovations and upgrades to existing facilities
and simultaneous location of new residential options occur on a daily basis.
“
The service learning
initiative is unparalleled
anywhere in the
country. For our
students, this is not
simply a graduation
requirement. It becomes
part of their Benedict
identity.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Two-dozen Community Life staff guide these initiatives, providing 24-hour coverage
for all Benedict College dormitories and the 65 percent of Benedict students who call
campus housing their home away from home during the school year.
The Benedict College Campus Police Department supplements these efforts,
continuously ensuring the safety of all Benedict College students, faculty and staff.
Community-oriented policing, mandatory dormitory inspections and a state-of-the-art
security monitoring system are all recent initiatives to keep our campus a safe, enjoyable
place to learn and live.
A COMMITMENT TO SERVICE AND SELF
Through the school’s award-winning service learning initiative, Benedict students
are extending their campus experiences to South Carolina and beyond. Now in its
twelfth year, a record-breaking amount of service learning hours are completed every
semester by Benedict undergraduates. The College has responded as well, appropriating
approximately $1.4 million each year to support service learning projects.
17
Strategic Direction 3
Student Support Service
In April 2007, a group of Benedict College students teamed up with
Habitat for Humanity to help rebuild New Orleans homes ravaged by
Hurricane Katrina. Eighty Benedict students applied for 18 available slots.
Related, a 2006 freshmen service learning project successfully resulted
in providing new school supplies to replaces much-needed goods stolen
from The Good Samaritans organization in Bishopville, S.C.
As a testament to its success, several service learning initiatives have
grown into annual events at Benedict College. Over a decade strong,
Benedict’s PLUS (Preparation for Leadership through Unity and
Service) Day attracts 600+ volunteers who help beautify neighboring
communities in Columbia. A similar success story is found in Benedict’s
annual “It’s Your Health” Day. Attendance tripled at this yearly health fair
that provides the Benedict College community with free tips, screenings
and resources on health issues vital to African Americans.
ROAR TIGERS, ROAR!
One of Benedict College’s proudest bragging points stems from the
amazing accomplishments of its student athletes, both on and off the
court. Benedict now fields a total of 10 teams each year, highlighted by
the action in Tiger football’s new home at beautiful Charlie W. Johnson
Football Stadium. Likewise housed in this stadium is Assistant Football
Coach John Montgomery’s annual NFL camp for area youth. The summer
camp offers 80 kids lessons in athletics and in life itself.
Benedict College men’s and women’s basketball produced stellar seasons
in 2006-2007, finishing 1st and 3rd, respectively, in their divisions while
netting spots in the NCAA Division II Tournament. Fred Watson, men’s
head basketball coach and
Benedict College alum, was
named SIAC Coach of the Year
two years in a row.
Benedict’s Tigers are certainly
no slouches in the classroom
either. Seven student athletes
were named to the SIAC
academic and all-conference
team, with women’s track
and field earning the title of
2005-2006 SIAC academic
champions. Their combined
GPA was an impressive 3.46.
18
Men’s Basketball Coach and Benedict Alum, Fred Watson,
was named SIAC Coach of the Year in 2006 and 2007.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Best program isn’t the biggest
Men’s and women’s teams have tall postseason expectations
By CHRIS DEARING
Special to The State
Quick, off the top of your head, name the most successful
basketball program – men and women’s combined – in the
Palmetto State this season.
Winthrop or College of Charleston? Nope. They have solid men’s
programs, but the women lack success.
How about Francis Marion or Charleston Southern? Neither one
would qualify.
Furman or Wofford? Not even in the discussion.
Don’t even try to bring the two big schools, South Carolina or
Clemson, into the mix.
Try tiny Benedict, whose men’s and women’s squads are in the
field of 64 for the NCAA Division II tournament.
The women’s team is 20-10 and earned the automatic berth
that went with winning the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference tournament. They will play today as the No. 8 seed in
the South Region and face the tournament’s No. 1 overall seed,
Florida Gulf Coast (29-0).
Head Football Coach,
Stanley Conner
talks to the media
during his first press
conference.
The men’s team won the regular-season SIAC title with a 25-4
record to earn a No. 3 seed and will play No. 6 seed Eckerd (25-5)
on Saturday.
“Both of our programs are on the rise,” fifth-year men’s coach and
Benedict alumni Fred Watson said. “We’ve gotten good backing
from the administrators, and they’ve given us the things we need
to be successful. I guess it would be safe to say that we have one
of the better combined programs in the state.”
The women’s team was the runner-up in the SIAC during the
regular season. It overcame several key injuries during the early
part of the season.
Natasha Gray missed time with a hip injury, Val McQueen, the top
perimeter shooter on the team, had a couple of injuries that set
her back, and Aja Trotter missed time with a pulled hamstring.
Throw in a couple of rolled ankles, and it took a while for every
thing to come together. The Tigers have won 10 of 11 entering the
tournament.
“We certainly started off slower than we anticipated,”
said second-year coach and former Eau Claire star
Felicia Jenkins said. “We had everybody coming
back, so we were looking for a big season until the
injury bug bit us.
Bennie Lewis was recently
named to the SIAC 2007-2008
Pre-Season All-Conference
Basketball Team.
“As we got healthier and worked harder, the
brighter side started coming at the right time,
and we’re peaking when we need to.”
19
Strategic Direction 4
Research and Public Service
Service to community is a commitment that Benedict College holds as a sacred component
in its mission. For almost 140 years, Benedict faculty and students have maintained a
tradition of outreach extending the college beyond its campus walls by supporting area
residents and businesses.
The past few years have seen a dramatic growth in these efforts, as Benedict College
committed an unprecedented amount of funds to public service initiatives.
BUILDING HOPE, REBUILDING NEIGHBORHOODS
The Benedict College Center of Excellence for Community Development celebrated its tenth
anniversary in 2007, marking a decade of investment in the Columbia community upwards
of $20 million. Under the leadership of Dr. Jabari Simama and in partnership with BenedictAllen Community Corporation, the center continues to offer new hope and opportunity for
South Carolinians.
“
At the end of the each
day, we feel we’ve
done something special
at Benedict College.
We’ve simultaneously
empowered our students,
our neighbors, our entire
community, and one
person at a time, a piece
of our nation’s economic
future.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
A notable example is the center’s contribution to help build the first new, affordable home
in over 30 years in Columbia’s Ridgewood section. The house is but one step in a much
larger revitalization project for one of the city’s oldest and most historic sections. To date,
nearly 70 affordable houses have been built by the center around the community and
purchased by Columbia-area residents.
THE BUSINESS OF OPPORTUNITY
Benedict College’s Business Development Center tells a similar story of success. The center
recently welcomed David Palmer as its new director, and with him, renewed our continued
commitment to helping new entrepreneurs looking for a business, technical and/or
financial leg up.
Four unique loan programs comprise the center’s new
Benedict Minority Revolving Loan Fund (BMRLF), a program
instituted in early 2007. Technology forums supplement
these assistance efforts, the most recent analyzing the role
of broadband in supporting economic development.
Over the past four years alone, the Business Development
Center raised $410,000 in capital while serving 119 business
and entrepreneurs across the state. It first opened its doors
to new facilities of its own and a business incubation
program in December 2006.
TRUCK DRIVER PROGRAM HITS HIGH GEAR
Inarguably the highest profile program for the Business Development Center is its
Entrepreneurial Truck Driver Training Initiative. This revolutionary project, a partnership
between Benedict College and C.W. Johnson XPress, offers direct job placement for those
who successfully complete the demanding program.
20
Dr. Jabari Simama, Vice
President of Community
Development and Executive
Vice President of External
Relations, shows Congressman
James E. Clyburn the
architectural rendering and
future plans for the LeRoy
Walker Health and Wellness
Complex.
Dr. Swinton is joined by Mr. William Dudley Gregory
(formerly) of SC HUD; Dr. Simama; new Business
Development Center resident, Mr. Gene Dennis of Prestige
Insurance Agency and Mr. Larry Salley, Executive Director
of the Benedict Allen CDC, at the ribbon cutting ceremony
for the official opening of the Benedict College Business
Development Center.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Enrollees receive five weeks of classroom training followed by 10,000 miles of hands-on driving leading to a
commercial driving license. The program also supports students via job skills training and credit counseling.
Successful graduates of the Johnson XPress program receive a starting salary of $42,000 – well above the
national average for this growth industry.
The School-to-Work Internship Program and the School-to-Work Transportation Training and Careers
Program were recognized for their excellence at the 2007 National Transportation Summit in Charlotte,
N.C. This program received the Summit’s National Partnership Award for its contribution to the country’s
transportation workforce.
SUPPORTING TOMORROW’S STUDENTS TODAY
South Carolina’s children – and prospective Benedict students! – are our future, of course, and are at the
loving heart of Benedict College’s community service programs.
Benedict’s Child Development Center serves 70 children annually, providing them with comprehensive
school readiness training and cultural enrichment courses. The center recently received reaccreditations by
the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).
Dr. Charlie W. Johnson conducts
an interview with a reporter
about how the Driving for Inner
City Development –Truck Driver
Training Initiative program works.
As a sister program, the Center of Excellence for Education and Equity of African American Children (CEEAS)
provides South Carolina educators with critical training geared toward servicing its diverse and minority
populations. The state recognized this program’s accomplishments via a $1.5 million grant to CEEAS from
the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education.
Research stemming from this program provides equal proof of its potency. In 2006 alone, four publications
and eleven professional, scholarly presentations emerged from CEEAS efforts.
Perhaps no Benedict College community service initiative has a greater legacy than its TriO Program.
For more than three decades, the TriO Program’s wide range of offerings has brought academic and life
opportunities to countless South Carolina students. Benedict was one of only a few schools that was
awarded $435,000 for the next four years, totaling $1.6 million from the US Department of Education.
More than 800 students each year benefit from its Upward Bound, March to Manhood, Educational
Talent Search and 21st Century Community Learning Center, all aimed at helping low income and/or first
generation, college-bound middle and high school students achieve their dreams of going to college.
21
Strategic Direction 5
Physical Resources
To anyone who’s ever said, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” come take a look. The latest
expansion and improvements of Benedict’s physical facilities continue what has indeed
become an source of pride of the school for and its surrounding neighborhood.
A HOME BEFITTING A CHAMPION
The new Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium – standing prominently on 61 acres
of open land at Two Notch Road and Read Street – is the centerpiece of the College’s
most with physical expansion in several decades.
Named after Benedict’s current board chairman, Charlie Johnson, for his outstanding
commitment and support to the College, the spectacular 11,000-seat, $13.6 million
facility becomes without a doubt the premier stadium in all of Division II football.
The Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium features a dramatic, five-story entrance,
state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and a professional-grade artificial turf
surface. New Head Football Coach Stanley Connor guides the Tigers in their new
environs. Connor previously led Alabama A&M to several SWAC Eastern Division titles,
including a SWAC Championship in 2005.
TIGER TRADITIONS
The new stadium, along with a new but, seasoned coach continues to add marks of
achievement and pride for the 12 year old Tiger football program. A far cry from the
current purple and gold, Tiger frenzy accompanying home football contests, Benedict
football first took to the gridiron in 1911 thanks only to the efforts of then-Professor
Ralph Fleming Bates. Bates founded the College’s baseball team four years earlier. In
1938 the mascot – originally a Deacon – was changed to a Tiger. Benedict did not field
a football team for three full decades, from 1965-1995.
“
The College’s aggressive
approach to physical plant
upgrades is essential to its
future. The Charlie W. Johnson
Stadium and the Alumni Hall
labs are testaments to this
thrust. They are landmarks
for the ‘new’ Benedict College.
They speak to the generosity
of resources and spirit that
propels Benedict toward a
bright future.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
22
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
BRICK BY BRICK,
OUR CAMPUS GROWS
Head Football Coach, Mr. Stanley Conners; Athletic Director, Mr. Willie
Washington; Palmetto Capital City Classic MVP and Quarter Back
Mr. Markus Webb; President Swinton; and Mr. Willie Jefferies, Executive
Director, 2007 Palmetto Capital City Classic
The new stadium trumps a new era in Benedict College
athletics, the first piece of a much larger $25 million LeRoy
Walker Health and Wellness Complex. Dr. Walker, 88, was an AllAmerican at Benedict in three sports, first as a Deacon, then a Tiger
from 1937-1940. Former chancellor of North Carolina Central University,
Walker coached more than 100 All-Americans, 40 national champions,
and 12 Olympians from six different countries. He also served as the
President of the 1995 Olympic games, held in Atlanta, Georgia. He has
been elevated to emeritus status as a member of the Benedict College
Board of Trustees.
Additional physical developments are planned for the Walker Complex
area, including a MainStays Suites Hotel and significant retail shopping.
These developments cap several years of renovation and revitalization
by Benedict and City of Columbia and others of the Two Notch Road
area adjacent to the College. Read
Street is now lined with new
homes. The same holds true for
the former Saxon Homes public
housing complex, replaced by the
Celia Saxon neighborhood. More
than $10 million has been spent
in landscaping which lines the
streets of Two Notch Road from
Taylor Street to Beltline Boulevard.
Finally, the new Drew Health and
Wellness center, one of the city’s
finest such facilities, welcomes
hundreds daily through its doors
for swimming, and aerobics,
weight training, compliments the
campus neighborhood.
The Health and Wellness Complex is named after
Board of Trustees Emeritus, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker,
who was the President of the United States
Olympic Committee Games and a 1940 graduate
of Benedict College.
23
Strategic Direction 5
Physical Resources
Within the Benedict College campus walls, outstanding development
continues. Having completed Phase I, the College is taking historic
Antisdel Chapel into its second and final restoration phase for the
foreseeable future. A campus landmark since 1932, the chapel stands
as a religious and spiritual landmark for the College’s past, present
and the years to come.
ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY,
CUTTING-EDGE RESULTS
The Benedict community reaps the benefits of the College’s most dramatic technology
infrastructure upgrade in its 138-year history. Granted an APC Silver Award for its efforts, Benedict
computing boasts new, blazing-fast servers, expansive computer
access, campus-wide wireless accessibility, and a potent firewall, all
backed by a gamut of support services.
The inarguably gem in this new technology infrastructure are
the five Alumni Hall learning labs within the School of Science,
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The Pearl B Cox Laboratory for Biomedical Research houses
equipment valued over $1 million, tools currently aimed at studying
cancer prevention in pregnant women and children. The Cox Lab is
the recipient of several National Institute of Health grants including
the Minority Biomedical Research Support, Research Infrastructure
in Minority Institution, Academic Research Enhancement Award,
and Extramural Associate Research Development Awards. Research
from this lab has appeared in the Journal of Environmental Science
and Health and the Journal of South Carolina Academy of Science.
24
Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones,
Dean of the School of
Science, Technology,
Engineering and
Mathematics (STEM),
and winner of the 2007
Governor’s Award for
Excellence, introduces a
high school student to
an interactive robot that
was built by the students
and faculty in the STEM
program.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Simultaneously, the Gladys Butler Goforth Laboratory for
Chemical Research and Teaching explores principles of organic,
analytical, physical and inorganic chemistry. Powered by the latest
in spectroscopic equipment, the Goforth Lab is funded by grants
from the U.S. Department of Defense, Experimental Program to
Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) and NASA.
Not to be outdone, the Freeda Moore Johnson Laboratory for
Environmental Science Research aspires to be South Carolina’s
premier research center for “green” technologies and their
impact on reducing environmental pollution. The Johnson lab’s
unique equipment is funded by the National Science Foundation
and the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security
Administration.
The premier James F. Littles Laboratory for Engineering
Discipline Integrated Teaching (EDIT) may be the only lab of its
kind dedicated to instruction in design testing, simulation, and
building of circuits and other prototype technologies. Created
according to the standards of the Accreditation Board for
Engineering and Technology (ABET), the Littles Lab is backed by a
grant from the National Science Foundation.
Finally, the Ethel Mae Taylor Laboratory for Computer Science
Research explores issues in and the teaching of mobile computing,
artificial and real intelligence, and embedded systems. The Taylor
Lab is also home to Team STACIE (Science and Technology Activity
Centered Interactive Education), a collaboration of Benedict
College engineering students, faculty and industry partners joined
in creating unique extracurricular and teaching experiences on
this topic.
One would be hard pressed to find a better setting to discuss
research findings from these state-of-the-art facilities than the
new Juanita Scott Simmons Conference Room, housed near these
five Alumni Hall labs. Dr. Simmons, esteemed professor of biology,
served Benedict in several critical administrative capacities for
nearly 40 years. Her efforts also
resulted in more than $7 million
in grants, some of which paid
for renovations to the building
that now houses the conference
room bearing her name.
Mrs. Freeda Moore Johnson, class
of 1949, proudly stands in front of
the new Environmental Science
Laboratory that bears her name
resulting from her generous
support to its renovation.
Dr. Taylor, class of 1946, greeted guests at the
grand opening of the new Ethel Mae Taylor
Computer Science Research Laboratory, which
was made possible through her financial
support of the program.
25
Strategic Direction 6
Private and Public Partnerships
Good news travels fast. As proof of this adage, Benedict College’s recent
accomplishments are generating significant buzz in both local and national media.
This buzz is tangible product of Benedict’s more aggressive approach to public
relations and advertising, efforts that in turn have helped attract key political figures,
artists, events, musicians and even astronauts to the Columbia campus.
SPREADING THE WORD
Local newspaper coverage of Benedict College has increased 65 percent over the
past decade, with national stories tripling over this same period. Benedict Tiger
athletics are likewise reaping this benefit, now appearing twice as often in these
same media outlets.
In turn, journalists are looking toward Benedict faculty and staff as experts for their
stories. Members of the Benedict family featured in such stories have tripled.
Benedict College President David H. Swinton and the College’s Community
Development Center (CDC) received front-page coverage in Black Issues in Higher
Education. Similar, front-page attention was attained in Marketwise magazine,
where Benedict was lauded for its contribution to the citizens of South Carolina.
Benedict’s unique “Call Me Mister” program was highlighted by WLTX-TV during
Teacher Appreciation Week. “Call Me Mister” helps place African American men into
elementary school classrooms. Benedict alum Nicholas Gillespie, a graduate of the
program and local third-grade teacher, was prominently featured in the story.
Two decades and counting, Benedict’s Dr. Marianna White Davis continues to put
Benedict College on the map with her annual Black History Makers Teleconference.
The 2007 version of this worldwide broadcast featured a number of distinguished
panelists including Randall Kennedy, author and Harvard Law professor; and former
NFL star and current entrepreneur Robert Porcher III.
“
The secret is out about
Benedict College, and we
couldn’t be more pleased.
Our nationwide recognition
has never been greater,
likewise the level of our
accomplishments.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
26
Rev. Jesse Jackson was among several
nationally renowned speakers to come
to campus to speak to students about
the 2008 Presidential election and the
importance of voting.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton embraces Miss
Nadia Muhammad, Miss Benedict College, after
Miss Muhammad introduced the presidential
candidate during one of her visits to Columbia.
NATIONAL VENUE, NATIONAL ATTENTION
With such continuous positive coverage, people are coming
to see for themselves. Campus visits have more than
doubled, with the historic campus on Harden Street is now
a must-stop for elite newsmakers and the media which
cover them.
Presidential candidate John Edwards featured Benedict
College as a significant stop on his 2007 Town Hall Meeting
tour. Several Benedict students were featured in the stories
this significant news item generated.
Nadia Mahammad – Benedict senior and Miss Benedict
College – introduced Senator Hillary Clinton during her
own 2007 presidential campaign visit at neighboring
Allen University.
Miss Benedict poses
with presidential
candidate, Mr. John
Edwards, before he
spoke to students
and the Columbia
community at Town
Hall meeting hosted
by Benedict College.
NASA astronaut Charles Bolden, a senior Marines
commander, returned to his hometown to introduce
Benedict College’s third Annual XTreme Technology Week
Assembly. Bolden, a veteran of three space flights including the deployment
of the Hubble telescope, kicked off the famed science competition attracting
high school students from three states.
Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan led a rally at Benedict College to stir up
support for the 10th Anniversary of the Million Man March. Black Entertainment
Television (BET) featured Benedict College students in their reality program “The
Road Show.” Two sold-out performances of “Dreamgirls,” the 2006 AcademyAward winning sensation, wowed the audience at Benedict’s Henry Ponder
Fine Arts Theater.
Moreover, locally born but internationally acclaimed, Larry Lebby brought
a mini-retrospective of his legendary paintings to Benedict College. Lebby
– whose works depict everyday African American existence in the South
– was commissioned to create a portrait of former U.S. President Jimmy
Carter. Several Lebby paintings also adorn the walls of the Vatican.
SGA President, Mr. Joshua Strohman (far left)
poses with Rev. Jesse Jackson and his cabinet
during a reception in the President’s Dinning
Room following Jackson’s speech to the campus
and Columbia community.
Finally, Benedict College played host to two of South Carolina’s most
prominent cultural events. Spiritual Rising, a symposium and celebration
of African American spirituals, beautifully echoed South Carolina’s official
state music at historic Antisdel Chapel. And over 400 attendees came to
Benedict College to participate in the 2005 Young People’s Christian Assembly.
The annual summer program is a 40-year tradition celebrating Baptist
Christian faith.
The FIVE PILLARS of SUCCESS
EXCELLENCE …TIMES FIVE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Without an doubt the most important public relations campaign at Benedict
College, occurs every day, with little fanfare and no reporters to speak of.
Benedict’s students, faculty and staff pride themselves on upholding the
new “Five Pillars of Success,” a campus-wide communications initiative
encouraging excellence in self and community.
Success = Personal Accountability
Success = Commitment to Excellence
Success = Effort
Success = Tiger Pride
Success = Community Engagement
27
Strategic Direction 7
Financial Resources
TIGERS OF THE PAST…
LENDING A PAW TO THE PRESENT
Every year, Benedict College alumni the world over return to campus, amazed at the
tremendous growth of their beloved alma mater. Restoration and expansion projects
fill the campus, likewise the surrounding Edgewood community in which Benedict’s
neighbors reside. The handsome Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium’s dramatic façade
greets these visitors, likewise the beautiful restoration inside Antisdel Chapel.
Finally and perhaps most importantly, they stop to interact with the promising students
as well as the outstanding faculty that are currently a part of the Benedict college family
and the collegiate environ. Members in both groups are winning national awards and
acclaim in areas of research, debate, the arts and sports. These noteworthy achievements
further point to a bright future for the College, the best is yet to come.
All of these assets, however, require financial stability to sustain such growth.
Alumni support, foundation grants and proper budgetary planning combine to
ensure that Benedict College continues the momentum it’s gained in recent years.
Indeed, the momentum is building. Due to aggressive fiscal management by
the administration, Benedict announced a $1 million budget surplus for 2007: a
dramatic change from budget concerns of years past. The College is also reducing
long-term debt through ongoing refinancing efforts.
TRUSTEES AND ALUMNI AGREE TO A $7,400,000
CHALLENGE OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS
The Benedict College Board of Trustees and the National Alumni Association
unanimously approved a $7.4 million Challenge over the next three years. Both
organizations have agreed to raise $2.0 million this year, $2.4 million in 2009 and
$3.0 million in 2010.
E-GIVING IS ACTIVATED
The Division of Institutional Advancement announced that all supporters of the
college can now make their gifts online at www.benedict.edu. Just click on
the Challenge banner and you are there! It is fast, simple and secure.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA RECOGNIZED FOR GIFTS TO
BENEDICT COLLEGE
The recruitment and arrival of Mr. Love Collins, III as the
newly appointed Executive Vice President for the Division of
Institutional Advancement, has added marked momentum to
the development and execution of a significantly enhanced
fundraising program. Mr. Collins has lead several fundraising
teams and three successful campaigns at other institutions
exceeding $200MM. Upon his arrival and after completing
an internal fundraising audit last summer, he has quickly
proposed a fundraising strategy that promises to enhance
private support in all giving areas. Overall fundraising results
are running ahead of where the College was at this time last
year. Mr. Collins will also lead the Institutional Advancement
team and Board of Trustees through a competitive Kresge/
UNCF Capacity Building grant program later this year.
Benedict College is a semi-finalist among nine other Colleges
competing for six $1MM plus awards to enhance Alumni and
Board giving.
Love Collins, III
Executive Vice President
Institutional Advancement
Benedict alumna – Freeda Johnson, class of 1949 – was recognized by the Kresge
Foundation as one of the nation’s top donors to Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (HBCUs).
ENJOY CHARTER DAY - April 2, 2008 - WITH A TOUCH OF DISNEY!
Make your plans to attend our Charter Day gala on April 2, 2008. The College is pleased
to host Mr. John E. Pepper, Jr., Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company. He also
is Co-Chair of the Board of National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. He has also
served as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of The Procter &
Gamble Company. Mr. Pepper also serves on the board of Boston Scientific Corp.
28
Mr. John E. Pepper, Jr.,
scheduled Charter Day
Dinner Speaker on
April 2, 2008
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
The Half Century Club also continues its outstanding support for Benedict College.
Several club members purchased naming rights to the five new, specialized labs
in Alumni Hall. Members of the Heritage Society, not to be outdone, contributed
generously, as well. To date, nearly $70,000 has been bequeathed to Benedict
College.
Benedict’s Charter Club welcomed both Steve Roberts, author, businessman and
owner of WZRB-TV in Columbia, and former “The Apprentice” contestant Kwame
Jackson to help kick off recent Charter Day fundraisers for the College. This annual
event each year celebrates the chartering of Benedict College by the South Carolina
Legislature back in 1894.
Members of the Benedict family are increasingly as generous, their giving reflecting
their support of the mission of the College. Faculty donations have tripled, and both
businesses and religious organizations have significantly increased their financial
support of the College.
Finally, the College Fund/United Negro College Fund – in a partnership with South
Carolina Governor Mark Sanford – continues to support Benedict student success.
Their combined efforts have produced more than $6.4 million in assistance during
the past decade.
A PATH WORTHY OF A LEGACY
Future paths leading to fundraising successes are literally being paved by each
successive graduating class. The new Benedict College Millennium Walk is a
testament to the effort of touching tomorrow-today. The Seniors gives are constant
reminder of the dedication by our newest alumni to the College’s future.
President Swinton poses with Governor Mark
Sanford at the first UNCF Governor’s Luncheon
which was created for the UNCF member
institutions in South Carolina. The event raised
$75,000 for the five historically Black colleges in
the state.
More than $100,000 in gifts have been given by graduating Benedict
seniors, now on their way to helping to ensure their gifts and the future
of their College. The Class of 2001 funded Antisdel Chapel’s melodious
chimes. A classic, bronze bust of our illustrious founder – Bathsheba
Benedict – came from the Class of 2002.
The Class of 2003 contributed a pair of magnificent, solid-orange
marble tiger sculptures honoring the school mascot. Benedict College’s
Alumni Commons and the prized Van Bergen clock within its center
are a gift of the Class of 2005. Finally, the two life-sized, bronze tigers
adorning the entrance to Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium are
legacies of the Class of 2006-2007.
Supporters from the Columbia Business
community pose for a photo at the Annual
Charter Day dinner, which celebrates the
1894 chartering of the College by the SC
Legislature.
29
Strategic Direction 8
High Quality Management
Outstanding colleges are backed by outstanding leaders. These individuals help
shape the vision of these institutions, simultaneously enabling faculty progress
and student growth.
As Benedict College moves into its next phase of evolution, these leaders are
integral to ensuring this transition is successful. Through their active participation
in conferences, training, associations and related activities, Benedict’s leaders
remain role models for their students and their peers across the landscape of
higher education.
LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE
One of our most prominent leaders is also one of our newest. Dr. Jabari Simama
was tabbed as vice president of community development, director for the Center
for Excellent in Community Development, and leader of the Center of Excellence
for the Education and Equity of African American Students. In these capacities, Dr.
Simama oversees more than $25 million in funds.
Prior to joining the Benedict family, Dr. Simama created and directed Atlanta’s
first multimillion dollar cable access program. He also served two terms on the
Atlanta City Council, playing an integral part in the city’s successful bid for the
1996 Summer Olympic Games.
Dr. Simama maintains an active research and conference agenda analyzing the
impact of advanced technology on minority and rural communities.
Welcoming Dr. Simama to the College was Dr. Norma Lozano Jackson, director
of international programs and assistant professor of comparative literature. Dr.
Jackson, writer of the first Fulbright grant received by Benedict College, was
recognized by the YWCA for her outstanding contributions to community service
and business leadership.
“
Faculty and student
leadership at Benedict
College is unmatched
at any institution in
South Carolina, possibly
nationwide. The
dedication of our leaders
is extraordinary and their
contributions are no less
than remarkable.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
30
President Swinton
greets Charter Day
keynote speaker, Mr.
Kwame Jackson, who is
nationally recognized
as one of the final
contestants on the
acclaimed Donald
Trump television series
“The Apprentice.”
Early in the day, Mr.
Jackson held a round
table discussion with
business majors
about what it takes to
succeed in the world of
business.
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Our most recent Fulbright scholar was Dr. Ronald High, associate professor
of fine arts and music. He spent Spring 2005 in Germany, lecturing on and
performing African American vocal music.
Meanwhile, Benedict President Dr. David Swinton, Dr. Warren Robinson and
Professor Sybil Rosado all were recognized by the National Association of
African American Honors Program (NAAHP). President Swinton received the
2006 NAAHP President’s Award, and Dr. Robinson was named vice president
for the organization. Finally, Professor Rosado was named NAAHP Faculty
Member of the Year for 2006. Additionally, President Swinton was the
recipient of the National Economic Association’s Samuel Z. Westerfield and
was recently inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame.
Of course, our greatest pride is in our students, including the winners of the 2006 NAAHP
debate competition and recipients of its Best Delegation Award. The same student body
also provided the members of the 2005-2006 South Carolina Collegiate Honor Concert
Band, who presented their musical handiwork at Clemson University’s Brooks Center for
the Performing Arts.
Several individual Benedict faculty nabbed
awards of their own. Gary Callahan, assistant
dean for the School of Education, was appointed
chairman for the Tripartite Council by the
National Network for Education Renewal’s Arts
and Sciences.
Benedict Ensemble Excels at
Festival of Choirs
Concert Included Four Local Choirs
By COURTNEY S. DANFORTH, Free Times
Four choirs participated in the 2007 Festival of Choirs at First Baptist
Church, representing Columbia’s secular choral community from
high school to college to “professional volunteer.” The delightful
surprise of the evening was Benedict College’s Concert Choir.
Conducted by Linda Kershaw, this group had the finest blend,
balance, color and dynamic range of the ensembles represented
– remarkable especially since more than half of the choir’s soprano
section was absent. Perhaps because of the small size of the
ensemble, the emotional connection between conductor and
musicians was obvious and appreciated. “O For a Faith” (arranged
by Nathan Carter) introduced the audience to the precision of
this group. Their performance of “In Bright Mansions” (arranged
by Roland M. Carter) was emotionally moving and demonstrated
impressive dynamic control. They ended with an upbeat “Non Nobis
Domine” (adapted from Rosephanye Powell) that was delivered
enthusiastically and ably.
31
Strategic Direction 9
Institutional Effectiveness
CUMULATIVE ECONOMIC IMPACT 2007
“
Prepared by: Mr. Jesse Bellinger and Dr. Corey R. Amaker
It has been 138 years since the founding of Benedict College, an institution that
has drastically grown from its humble beginnings with a student population of 10
students in 1870 to over 2,600 students in 2007. During the first quarter century of
the College’s existence, its mission was to train teachers and preacher, and its first
curriculum included, the basic necessity of reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic,
and religion. Today, Benedict College offers bachelor’s degrees in 28 areas of study
and a Continuing Education program to assist adult learners with the completion of
their undergraduate degrees.
When assessing its cumulative economic impact, Benedict College focuses on the
following four dimensions:
Dimension
Definition
Direct Budget Expenditures This figure reflects the fact of the College’s direct spending.
The College is also a major employer, providing 471 full and
part-time opportunities for faculty and staff.
Indirect Multiplier Effect
Benedict College’s direct expenditures have a multiplier effect as
each dollar cycles through the local economy numerous times
creating a rippling effect across the service area and region.
Educational Earnings
Enhancement
The educational earnings enhancement is the scope and
result of the College’s education activities-degree programs,
continuing education, and special/sponsored programs.
Dynamic Investment Attraction Dynamic effects are created indirectly by firms that
are located within the Counties of Lexington and Richland because of the presence and
national reputation of Benedict College, its faculty and staff, its training,
education, programs, and services.
That being said, Benedict College’s cumulative value of impact
is approximately $106.71 million dollars. A strong, yet very valid
interpretation of this result suggests that Benedict College has a very
significant sphere of influence, positively affecting the economic and
social environment of numerous citizens, businesses, and industries
within the Midlands Area of South Carolina. The detailed information
support this assertion is presented below:
Indirect
Multiplier Effect
$38.52 million
Direct Budget
Expenditures
$52.76 million
32
Educational Earnings
Enhancement
$14.19 million
Dynamic Investment
Attraction
$1.24 million
Benedict College’s annual
cumulative economic
impact is approximately
$106.71 million dollars.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
33
Statement of Financial Position
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Years Ended June 30, 2003 - 2006
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Investments
Accounts receivable, net:
Students
Grants and sponsored programs
Interest and other
Assets limited as to use
Contributions receivable, net
Student loans receivable, net
Notes receivable
Prepaid expenses
Beneficial interest in assets held by others
Property and equipment, net
Deferred financing costs, net
932,942
15,820,453
$
1,452,199
18,607,863
$
368,200
18,281,728
$
385,294
18,450,490
74,895,646
2,853,456
1,567,128
1,149,247
1,143,500
22,315,561
794,081
8,107,820
56,847
217,840
664,718
76,961,546
2,700,817
1,177,820
1,374,176
1,083,888
8,842,814
696,557
4,498,114
628,169
720,234
83,661,477
1,977,503
$133,033,399
$134,230,864
$134,329,033
$123,496,536
$
$
5,595,591
1,126,654
1,125,666
1,781,812
2,611,851
84,017,495
880,388
124,417
$ 7,131,766
1,398,177
1,195,457
1,797,247
3,544,056
1,806,030
83,117,941
340,683
1,117,394
120,847
$
93,513,159
97,263,874
101,569,598
95,576,374
Net assets:
Unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
26,416,304
6,159,532
6,944,404
25,661,620
4,184,275
7,121,095
23,233,590
2,282,358
7,243,487
19,382,049
2,192,549
6,345,564
Total net assets
39,520,240
36,966,990
32,759,435
27,920,162
$133,033,399
$134,230,864
$134,329,033
$123,496,536
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Student balances
Accrued compensated absences
Accrued interest payable
Deferred revenue
Line of credit
Notes and bonds payable
Asset retirement obligation
U. S. government loan funds refundable
Funds held for others
Total liabilities
Total liabilities and net assets
34
$
2006
2005
2004
2003
1,125,784
2,771,226
141,482
28,150,651
894,888
8,468,506
59,767
-
799,440
1,336,326
87,053
23,802,156
896,633
9,122,122
240,601
137,369
71,661,604
3,006,096
3,726,331
1,116,216
998,109
1,824,253
2,056,247
82,833,913
848,753
109,337
4,175,315
1,465,264
1,072,351
1,703,922
3,441,487
4,200,000
77,998,198
340,683
1,146,236
32,918
Statement of Activities 2003-2006
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Years Ended June 30, 2003 - 2006
2003
2004
2005
2006
$ 27,416,469
9,651,799
3,631,381
10,147,635
865,644
1,267,568
1,411,449
-
$ 28,715,739
8,446,823
2,564,533
9,917,006
769,514
625,152
1,484,709
-
$ 28,401,682
8,289,198
2,134,373
10,461,421
977,263
1,795,501
1,179,992
-
$ 23,908,309
7,896,168
2,552,439
10,459,998
1,027,010
1,086,783
1,110,956
-
54,391,945
52,523,476
53,239,430
48,041,663
EXPENSES:
Educational services:
Instruction
Student services
Auxiliary enterprises
Research
Public service
9,712,879
11,067,664
9,792,751
1,095,477
1,566,879
9,226,354
12,942,815
10,684,576
1,104,164
1,637,064
9,591,378
12,151,956
11,435,274
584,498
2,121,673
8,643,180
9,900,820
9,467,531
960,888
979,305
Support services:
Institutional support
Academic support
13,848,839
5,754,492
13,617,804
6,311,574
16,293,472
5,638,104
16,552,549
6,251,694
Total expenses
52,838,981
55,524,351
57,816,355
52,755,967
1,552,964
(3,000,875)
(4,576,925)
(4,714,304)
351,996
447,625
710,053
(124,969)
1,904,960
(2,553,250)
(3,866,872)
(4,839,273)
37,615,280
39,520,240
36,626,307
32,759,435
$ 39,520,240
$ 36,966,990
$ 32,759,435
$ 27,920,162
SUPPORT AND OPERATING REVENUE:
Tuition and fees, net of discount
Government grants and contracts
Private gifts, grants and contracts
Auxiliary enterprises
Investment return within spending rate
Interest on student loans
Other
Net assets released from restrictions
Total support and operating revenue
Expenses under (over) support and
operating revenue
Excess of investment return over spending rate
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS
NET ASSETS AT BEGINNING OF YEAR
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR
35
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Board of Trustees
2007-2008 President’s Cabinet
2007-2008
Mr. Mitch Adams
Mrs. Pearlie Allen
Mr. G. Tyrone Bonds, Secretary
Mr. Anthony T. Burroughs
Attorney Valoria Cheek
Mr. James E. Clark
Mrs. Frances Close
Dr. S. C. Cureton
Dr. William P. Diggs
Dr. Paul W. Drummond
Mr. Vince Ford
Ms. Sheryl L. Good
Dr. Lewis P. Graham
Dr. Willie J. Hill, Jr.
The Honorable Darrell Jackson
Mr. Charles B. Johnson
Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, Chairman of the Board
Dr. Milton Kimpson, Vice Chairman of the Board
Mr. Stephen G. Morrison
Dr. Rufus G. Pettis
Dr. Lucy Perez, Assistant Secretary
Ms. Britney Rouse, Student Trustee
Mr. Donald Rozier
Dr. Harry Singleton, III, Faculty/Staff Trustee
Dr. Eunice S. Thomas
Mr. William L. Thomas
Mr. Emory L. Waters
Dr. Lucille S. Whipper, President
Mr. William B. Whitney
Mr. Mack I. Whittle
The Reverend Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, III
Dr. David H. Swinton, President and CEO
Dr. Ruby W. Watts
Executive Vice President
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
Dr. LeRoy T. Walker
36
Mr. Love Collins, III
Executive Vice President,
Institutional Advancement
Dr. Burnett Joiner
Vice President, Academic Affairs
Mr. Gary Knight
Vice President, Institutional Effectiveness
Mrs. Barbara C. Moore
Vice President, Institutional Advancement
Dr. Jabari Simama
Vice President, Community Development
Mrs. Brenda Walker
Vice President, Business and Finance
Mr. Willie T. Washington
Athletic Director
Dr. David H. Whaley
Vice President, Student Affairs
Mr. Leonard Williams
Interim, Chief Financial Officer
37
Appendix
1996-2007
Renovations/Upgrades/Projects
The College has successfully managed largescale construction and maintenance projects.
The following lists some of the projects that
were completed within the allotted budgets
and on a timely fashion.
Additional Construction
Facility
Year
Oak Street Honors Complex
1996
Parking Garage
1996
Mini Dormitory
1997
Swinton Campus Center
1998
Haskell Dormitory
1999
Administration building
2001
Business development Center
2002
Community Park
2003
Park House (2317 Laurel)
2004
Health and Wellness Center (Stadium Complex)
2006
Property Acquisitions
Facility
Year
Child Development Center
1998
Fitness Center
1998
Center of Excellence
2000
Bentley Court Apartments
2001
English Meadows Apartments
2001
Courtyard West Apartments
2003
Visitors Center
2003
Houses (Approximately 45)
38
Facility
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Morgan Hall
Pratt Hall
ROTC Building
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Duckett Hall
Stuart hall
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Gressette Leadership Center
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Fire Sprinkler System Installation
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Jenkins Hall
Dormitory Window Replacement:
Stuart, Goodson, Jenkins, Gambrell
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Campus Security Lighting Upgrade
Community Park House (2317 Laurel St)
Dormitory Electronic Surveillance System
Dormitory Furniture Replacement
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Football Operations (1706 Heidt)
Mather Hall Fan Coil Units Replacement
Mini Dorm
Radio/TV Station (1625 Two Notch Road)
Visitors Center
Antisdel Chapel
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Alumni Hall Phase III
Antisdel Chapel
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Mather Hall Air/Heat Fan Core Units Replacement
Mather Hall Columns Painting/Furniture Refurbishment
Cafeteria Area
Campus Street Security Lights Upgrade
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Lamar Building
Main Transformer Replacement
Oak Dorm 4th Floor fire Damage Repairs
Dormitory Appliance Replacements
Dormitory Renovations/Repairs - (Summer & Mid-Winter)
Haskell Dorm Shower Repairs
Lamar Building Sprinkler System Upgrade
Bacoats Hall
Alumni Hall
Year
1996
1996
1996
1996
1997
1997
1997
1998
1999
1999
1999
2000
2001
2001
2001
2002
2002
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2003
2004
2004
2005
2005
2005
2005
2005
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2006
2007
2007
2007
2007
1998/2003
1999/2004
This publication was produced by The Office of the President
and The Office of Communications and Marketing
President:
Dr. David H. Swinton
Executive Vice President of Institutional Advancement:
Mr. Love Collins, III
Director of Communications and Marketing:
Ms. Kymm Hunter
Art Direction:
Ms. Addie W. Rosenthal
Blind Squirrels Production Group
Photographers:
Bennie Brown Photography
Mr. Larry Cameron
Printing:
R.L. Bryan
Special thanks to:
Mrs. Barbara C. Moore
Mrs. Doris Wright Johnson
Mr. Mark Rapport
Benedict College is an equal opportunity in education and
employment institution that does not discriminate for such
non-merit reasons as race, sex, national origin, religion or
disability. Persons who need assistance with this material may
contact the Office of Communications and Marketing.
Benedict College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges
of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097; Telephone
number 404.679.4501 to award: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of
Science and Bachelor of Social Work.
Office of the President
1600 Harden Street, Columbia, SC 29204
803.705.4681
www.benedict.edu
35
BENEDICT
COLLEGE
Office of Institutional Advancement
Benedict College
1600 Harden Street
Columbia, SC 29204
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
COLUMBIA SC
PERMIT 677