BENEDICT
President’s Report
COLLEGE
2008
Understanding our Story
Uniting our Communities
Underwriting our Future
VISION
Benedict College will be the best open
enrollment Historically Black College in the
nation by 2012.
MISSION
COLLEGE
BENEDICT
Benedict College will be a power for good
in society.
2
We will be a full-opportunity college with
high-quality programs of teaching, research
and public service.
These programs will provide our students
and community with the knowledge, skills,
understanding, and values required to
empower them to create a better world.
We seek geographic, international, and
racial diversity in our student body while
continuing to facilitate the empowerment,
enhancement and full participation of African
Americans in a global society.
Table of Contents
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..................................22
Strategic Direction 4..................................24
Strategic Direction 5..................................26
Strategic Direction 6..................................32
Strategic Direction 7..................................36
Strategic Direction 8..................................37
Statement of Financial Position.................34
Board of Trustees .......................................38
President’s Cabinet ....................................38
Credits .......................................................39
On the Cover: Curtis Wilson, who was
selected “Outstanding Senior” when he
graduated from Benedict College in 2007
with a degree in mass communications.
Mr. Wilson earned a degree while working
at WLTX as a Morning Co-anchor. He is a
broadcast veteran who spent 24-years in
radio before making the move to television.
Mr. Wilson was also the host and producer
of the top rated Curtis & Company Morning
Show at The Big DM. Mr. Wilson is a native
of Brooklyn, NY and is a recruiter for
Benedict College when he is not on the air.
3
President’s Message
Dear Benedict Family and Supporters,
With the hope that President Barack Obama’s election brings to the country
as a whole, we – the students, faculty, staff and friends of Benedict – must
focus on our future with a new enthusiasm. Hope, of course, is not enough.
We have every reason to work harder so we can turn that feeling of hope
into a concrete plan around which to build our future – a future holding
great promise for Benedict College and brighter things for all Americans.
In each of our Strategic Directions, we lay out our hopes and plans,
our roadmap to the future. We are working, as this report describes, to
understand our story, unite our community, and underwrite our future. Each
one of these elements is essential to our progress as an institution, and we
have made great strides in each of these in the past year.
To better understand our story, we are working to know who we are: how
many students can we serve and what kinds of programs do they want and
need? We planned for 2,739 students to enroll last fall, and we surpassed
that with 2,885. Our target size is 3,000 by 2012, and we are right on track.
By constantly assessing the academic and non-academic programs offered
to students at Benedict, we ensure the most productive and successful academic experience possible for our students. In
this report you will read about some of the many successful programs and the students, faculty and staff who made them
possible and reaped their benefits.
As we recommitted ourselves to our long-ongoing work to unite our communities, we looked at ties inside the Benedict
family and those with the larger communities which we are a part. Through our Service Learning Programs, our family gave
back to the community, supporting the work of more than 120 non-profit organizations in the state. Our students gave blood
and they gave their time, preparing baskets of food for the needy, cleaning neighborhoods and building playgrounds. At
Benedict we believe in the value of service in the education and development of young people, and we build our ties within
and without on these values. In partnership with others, including the U.S. Department of Education, Richland County, Dali
University in China, other HBCUs in South Carolina and many other agencies, organizations and private citizens, we moved
forward with our plans for a strong, connected institution within our community.
Planning for our future is the third leg of the stool, and this year we continued our efforts to underwrite our future by
attracting talented faculty and staff and putting their talents to best use for the enhancement of Benedict College. Through
some substantial grants, we are training staff and building our fundraising infrastructure while simultaneously improving
our physical resources, including new library capabilities, new computers and campus-wide WiFi connectivity. Through
careful planning, we also are on track financially and will keep our tuition increases substantially below peer institutions
despite the economic downturn.
Yes! We have more work to do, but we are working in an environment of renewed hope and the promise of great things to
come. We are making great things happen at Benedict. Join us.
Sincerely,
David H. Swinton, Ph.D.
President and CEO
4
Chairman’s Message
Dear Benedict Family and Supporters,
Good news! Enrollment is up, faculty and staff are receiving national recognition, and students and graduates continue to
achieve outstanding academic and professional success. Our campus and community bloom and grow through the efforts
of our community development programs and our outpouring of time and attention into the city around us. Benedict
College in every respect is on track to achieve the Strategic Directions outlined by our president, Dr. David H. Swinton.
It’s also good to know that Benedict faculty, staff, students and friends know a good thing when they see it. They are aware
of the value Benedict College offers them. In an online survey conducted by the Office of Communications and Marketing,
members of the Benedict family spoke of the school’s supportive atmosphere, with faculty, staff and administrators who
care deeply about the students – a support system for student success inside the classroom and in the community.
Survey respondents also spoke of Benedict’s excellent student-teacher ratio and campus size. They praised its history and
its dedication to service, its music and athletic programs. And they recognized the phrase “power for good in society” as an
important part of the brand of their great academic institution.
You can feel the pride our students, faculty and staff take in Benedict College when you read the survey results. It’s the same
feeling of pride you notice among our young people working, walking, studying, rehearsing, or practicing on campus.
Come visit Benedict Campus and feel it for yourself. On any given week day, you’ll find students in classrooms, students
in labs and libraries, students engaged in social clubs,
practicing on the sports fields or in the rehearsal halls,
and students engaged in reaching out to the larger
community. In all these endeavors, the students work
proudly and confidently, knowing they have a platform
of support beneath them.
I’m pleased to be a part of that platform supporting
Benedict’s community, and I invite you to be a part of
it, too. You can be, by giving of your resources – time,
expertise, money – to help build on and strengthen what
is already well under way.
Sincerely,
Dr. Charlie W. Johnson
Board of Trustees, Chairman
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Introduction
While we acknowledge our illustrious past here at Benedict – standing on the
shoulders of those who came before us – we nonetheless keep our focus on the present and beyond. Today’s economic
challenges call our college leadership to make hard choices and look for new ways to build our institution for the future,
but on Benedict campus, the positive energy is palpable.
It’s apparent in the office of the President as he meets with his cabinet and lays out his vision. It’s obvious in the classrooms,
where students are enjoying improved technology and hands-on learning with Benedict’s award-winning faculty. It’s in
the air over the stadium and in the gym where the teams are working out and in the joyful noise echoing in the rafters of
the Antisdel Chapel where the choir is rehearsing. On a national scale and locally, on the Benedict College Campus, people
are enthusiastic and hopeful for the future.
At Benedict College, we are energetically meeting the challenges and turning them into opportunities to make our
community, our school, and our lives stronger and more productive, to be the true Power for Good in Society that our alma
mater calls for.
Building on the successful work completed under the Swinton Administration for the past fourteen years, Benedict has
continued its pursuit of excellence, guided by the slightly revised Strategic Directions from last year. As you will see in this
report, much has been accomplished and the atmosphere on campus is alive with the potential for more.
That’s the beauty of being a part of Benedict College right now, at this moment in time.
Strategic Directions:
Strategic Direction 1: Right-size the college through recruitment and
improved retention by 2012.
Strategic Direction 2: Establish, maintain, and implement programs and
support services to produce graduates and graduation
rates to implement our mission.
Strategic Direction 3: Provide and strengthen research and service programs
to achieve the mission.
Strategic Direction 4: Acquire and maintain the quantity and quality of
human and physical resources required to achieve
the College’s mission.
Strategic Direction 5: Develop, maintain, and establish good public relations,
strategic partnerships and collaborations with
all constituents that will help the College carry out
its mission.
Strategic Direction 6: Obtain and efficiently manage the financial resources
required to carry out the College’s mission and goals.
Strategic Direction 7: Maintain high-quality program management.
Strategic Direction 8: Maintain and strengthen the institutional
assessment plan.
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Benedict College Partnership Alliance presents
a $534,000 check for scholarships to Benedict
College President Dr. David H. Swinton.
Mrs. Jacklyn Brown Chambers, ’80,
Miss Benedict College National
Alumni Association
Benedict College Club Presidents presents
a $873,526 check, the highest amount
ever contributed by alumni in one year, to
President David H. Swinton.
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Strategic Direction 1
Understandin
Right-Size the College
Finding and Keeping Great People
Benedict is a small community within the larger community of downtown Columbia. It’s
a subset of the academic community in Columbia, in South Carolina, in the South and
in the United States. From its beginning in 1870, more than 139 years ago, Benedict has
focused on community, and has served its students as a close-knit, supportive community
on campus and served the larger community as a source of learning, positive deeds and
inspiration. That’s who we are, and that’s the way we make decisions about where we
want to be in terms of enrollment in years to come.
As part of our planning for the future, Benedict is growing along with overall college
enrollment nationwide in response to global demands for a skilled, educated workforce.
As we seek out the best and brightest to fill our classrooms, we remember our strength
as a small community of support for individual success, a springboard for our students as
they work to become a growing “power for good in society.”
“
We wanted to recruit
between 4,700 and 5,000
accepted applicants in the
fall and 1000 accepted
applicants in the spring,
and our recruitment plan
is on schedule – in 2008
we met or exceeded each
stated expectation. This
is progress.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Goal
45005000
Fall 2008
Actual
4907
Recruitment Payoff Rate
Goal 20% Fall 2008
Actual
23.2%
Total Student Enrollment
Plan 2739 Fall 2008
Actual
2885
New Student Enrollment
Plan 1000 Fall 2008
Actual
1138
Knowing Who We Are…
And Letting Others Know
In keeping with the idea of community, in 2008 we continued our planning for
enrollment and retention to attract and keep top students at Benedict. In response to
these efforts, Benedict enjoyed record enrollment for the second year in a row. A total
of 7,018 students applied for admission to Benedict in the fall of 2008. On our way to
our total enrollment goal of 3,000 by 2012, we planned for 2,727 students to enroll in
the fall of 2008 and we welcomed 2,885 to campus. Of those, 1,138 were new students.
Again this year, the percentage of students coming to Benedict from out of state
increased. Male enrollment remains strong at Benedict despite trends, almost equaling
female enrollment here.
Benedict’s marketing staff worked hard to recruit
promising students using the following strategies:
• Providing great experiences for campus visitors for campus tours,
visitation days, summer testing sessions and other on-campus
experiences
• Maintaining an excellent college Web site (www.benedict.edu).
• Sending direct mail, print and electronic promotions
• Pursuing direct follow-up contacts with recruits and families
• Providing prompt and accurate support and information
to potential students
8
Accepted Applications
• Conducting recruitment visits to high schools,
college fairs, junior colleges and other venues
ng our Story
Hosting the Future:
High School Day at Benedict
With the tidal wave of interest among high school seniors in
careers in science and information technology, Benedict looks more
attractive than ever to high school seniors looking to take their
education to the next level. The 4th-largest private, historically
black college in the nation, Benedict again ranks among the top
producers of African American physics majors in the nation. As
impressive, Benedict ranked 13th out of 4,000 colleges for granting
degrees in physical science and 41st for granting computer and
information science degrees by Diverse Magazine.
Benedict hosted high school students and their families for High
School Day last November to let them know about the school’s nationally recognized academic
programs. The event-filled day treated prospective students to campus tours, meetings with
faculty, staff and students, live performances by our cheerleaders, nationally recognized gospel
choir and, of course, the Marching Band of Distinction.
Benedict College First Lady, Mrs. Patricia L. Swinton
and Miss Benedict College 2008-9, Andrea Mack
welcomes a potential student to High School Day
and Open House on November 1, 2008.
Keeping Great Minds Engaged
Once students arrive on campus, most Benedict students want to stay! We provide the
support they need to help them succeed inside and outside the classroom – That’s the
value of the small-college experience at Benedict. Our students indicate a high level of
satisfaction with the programs, both academic and non academic, on campus. To help
them get the help they need to be successful students, the Benedict staff is dedicated
to helping students find sufficient financial aid and locate resources for help with
academics when needed.
Benedict continued to work hard to keep students at the school, planning for 80
percent of freshmen, 85 percent of sophomores, 95 percent of juniors and 95 percent
of seniors to return to Benedict by 2012. Staff achieved this goal by helping students
attain outcomes that promote successful and satisfying enrollment through guidance
on finding sufficient financial aid; help with academic success; and promotion
of satisfaction with the college experience. Personal satisfaction and individual
development also are stressed.
Enrollment % by Classification
Enrolled SP07
Classification Return FA07
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
All Classes
Enrolled SP08
Return FA08
(80%) 67.0%
(85%) 80.2%
(95%) 86.1%
(95%) 89.4%
81.9%
76.1%
84.3%
91.3%
88.1%
82.4%
For example, staff used the following types of programs to help students achieve satisfaction:
• Financial aid preparation – helping maximize student financial aid through the “On-time and Online” campaign
• Running the campus effectively – campus=wide WiFi, streamlined, Web-based registration, campus-wide security system
• Academic affairs – programs that help students succeed academically
• Student affairs – programs that help students succeed in the non-academic programs that help round out the complete
student and person.
• Athletics – helping athletes succeed off the field, in the classroom, by providing structure to help them manage busy,
demanding class schedules, including mandatory study halls and mentors for every freshman.
9
Strategic Direction 1 –
Right-Size the College
Celebrating Academic and Institutional Success
Dr. David H. Swinton kicked off the academic school year at the Fall Convocation, held in September
at the Benjamin E. Mays Human Resources Arena to welcome new and returning students.
A number of students earned special recognition at the event for academic and other achievements,
including those who received the president’s trophy for academic excellence.
Best and Brightest
Benedict College’s best and brightest know a good thing
when they see it. These students have worked hard and taken
advantage of all that Benedict has to offer, inside and outside
the classroom. Close interactions with instructors and staff
and involvement in campus groups and activities have given
them the college experience they wanted, and provided the
foundation they needed to excel at Benedict and go wherever
their goals take them from here.
Student Standouts: Anthony Jugmohan
Anthony Jugmohan, a finance major in the school of Business
and Economics, praises the small college experience at Benedict.
The Trinidad and Tobago native
especially notes the one-on-one
contact with his professors, the
excellent instruction and the
close-knit family environment
at Benedict that served as his
springboard to a bright future.
Jugmohan attended Benedict on
a full scholarship and has taken
advantage of all the college has to
offer. He has taken leadership roles
as business manager of the International Student Organization and
president of the National Association of Black Accountants. A true
businessman, Jugmohan sees his membership in these and other
clubs and associations as networking opportunities. Jugmohan,
who graduated in May 2008, was offered a full-time position on
the USB Investment Banking Team.
Student Standouts: Joshua Strohman
Joshua Strohman, a public policy major and Benedict College
student body president, had a dream of going to Harvard. He
got that opportunity during the summer of 2007 when he was
selected for the Galbraith Scholars Program, a highly selective,
seminar-style internship that takes place for one week in June at
Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in Boston.
10
He is now studying in the Master’s
of Theological Studies program
at the Harvard Divinity School.
He personifies the very best,
extraordinary achievement and
unshakeable commitment to the values of Benedict.
Student Standouts: Aundrea E. Mack
Aundrea Mack was elected Miss
Benedict College 2008-2009 by her
classmates. A senior psychology
major from Beaufort, Mack says she
is “achieving ultimate goals and
striving to accomplish great things
through my actions.” Amiable and
outgoing with a winning smile
and personality to match, Mack
will represent Benedict College at
functions on campus and in the community.
Student Standouts: Samuel Struachan
Samuel Struachan, a senior biology major from Nassau,
Bahamas, aspires to become
a physician specializing in
emergency medicine. Struachan
maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while
staying active in many campus
organizations, including the Honda
Campus All-Star Challenge team,
Pre-Health Club and Beta Kappa
Xi Scientific Honors Society. Upon
graduation, he plans to attain a
medical degree. “Benedict College
has empowered me in my chosen profession via the mentoring
and counseling all of my professors have given me. I found here
at Benedict College a unique opportunity to be engaged in four
years of scientific research,” he says.
Student Standouts: Alexandra Morgan
Student Standouts: Samantha McGill
Alexandra Morgan was a senior Trustee Scholar and School of
Honors Scholar majoring in political
science with a 3.9 GPA and holds
the record for honors credits earned
by any graduate to date. She has
served in numerous positions in
organizations and committees on and
off campus. Morgan is the director
of The Legacy Project, an initiative
to improve literacy among children
worldwide.
Samantha McGill is a senior biology major from
Yakima, Wash. She has maintained a 3.95 GPA
while staying actively involved in many campus
activities, including tennis and the Honda
Campus All-Star team. McGill’s career goal is
to own a veterinary clinic that specializes in
equestrian rehabilitation. She says, “Benedict College empowers me
with the ability to be independent enough to pursue my career goals
and to make them reality.”
Student Standouts: Tyecia N. Smalls
After graduation, she traveled
throughout Latin America, and in the fall will begin research
in Hatti through an international exchange program. Upon
completion of this program, she will enroll in a master’s or
doctoral program in Boston, MA.
Tyecia Smalls, Miss Benedict College 2007-2008,
is from Florence. The senior English education
major will continue her education and plans to
pursue a career as a teacher. She aspires to start
a program that focuses on preparing young
ladies for obstacles they might face in life.
“I am empowered to be a world changer by providing
opportunities to others because I have witnessed the lifechanging power of the opportunities provided by Benedict,”
she says.
“Benedict College empowers me because it
implements students to become powers for
good in society, while learning to be the best.”
Student Leadership for the Future
Students elected a new group of student-body officers
to guide and decide issues on campus in 2008-2009. The
following seven students, hailing from six different states,
currently hold leadership roles in student government.
Ryan Hickman (senior, mass communications major,
Pens Grove, N.J.) – Student Government Association
Tamone Bacon (senior, business administration,
Macon, Ga.) – 1st vice president
Elizabeth Strong (junior, elementary education,
Anderson) – 2nd vice president
Stanley Davis (junior, mass communications,
New York, N.Y.) – business manager
Benjamin Johnson (junior, business administration,
Baltimore, Md.) – recording secretary
Alex Harvey (junior, business administration,
Detroit, Mich.) – corresponding secretary
Mayokun Aiyelokun not pictured, (senior,
business administration, Kennesaw, Ga.) – student
representative to the Board of Trustees
11
Strategic Direction 1 –
Right-Size the College
Dorms and Dollars
By Noelle Phillips; The State.com
College students may learn an important lesson before classes get started in a few
weeks: Budgeting.
Families already are feeling pinched by rising gas and food costs. Add the expense of
sending a kid off to college and something has to bend.
Benedict College sophomores De’Kylen Jordan, 20,
left, and Robert Squirewell, 19, laugh as they talk
As a result, this year’s crop of college students are cutting back on gear for their
about some of their items inside their dorm room,
dorms, or dipping into their summer job earnings to pay for extras such as televisions Wednesday, August 6, 2008. The roommates said they
and decorations.
shopped at Wal-Mart, Target and some thrift stores for
items to decorate their suite.
Students such as Mark Owens, a 19-year-old sophomore at Benedict College, are
learning to bargain-hunt. “Now that I’m in college, one of my favorite grocery stores is the Family Dollar,” he said.
The National Retail Federation expects back-to-college spending to drop 7 percent this season with the average person spending
about $599. The NRF reports students are cutting back on electronics, clothes and furnishings.
“Young adults this year more than likely had to fill up their car’s gas tanks with their own money and they were less likely to have
part-time summer jobs,” said Kathy Grannis, an NRF spokeswoman. “Young adults are getting a good vision of what it means to
have to be frugal.”
For Owens’ freshman year, he racked up on gifts from family and friends such as a bedspread and sheets from his grandmother and
a mini-refrigerator from his pastor. He’s reusing most of those things this semester and will wait a few weeks to see what else he
might want.
“When you come to school and get in the swing of things, you can go to stores and add what you need,” he said.
Owens is a veteran now, but freshmen and their families have more questions about how to outfit a dorm and how much they
should spend.
“
On-campus housing in
campus dorms continued to
offer good value to students
looking to live as frugally as
possible in these challenging
economic times. During
2008, 1,922 students lived
in on-campus housing at
Benedict and 719 lived off
campus. We see our students
mature as they learn how
to budget their money, cut
back on non essentials and
shop for bargains.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
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MAKE A CHECKLIST
This will help the student focus on what is needed and will help the family stick to a budget.
Most schools – and many stores – offer a checklist for students moving into dorms, said
Catherine Gentile, a spokeswoman for Bed Bath & Beyond.
NEXT, TALK TO YOUR ROOMMATE
No need to bring two irons, two microwaves and two televisions for a tiny room.
Benedict sophomores Robert Squirewell of Columbia and De’Kylen Jordan of Cincinnati waited
until they arrived on campus Saturday to go shopping. They split the costs of a television,
entertainment stand, floor lamp, microwave, fridge and carpet. Not only did they save money
but Jordan had fewer things to haul to South Carolina from his Ohio home.
LOOK AROUND THE HOUSE
Families may have sheets, pillows, hair driers and other items that aren’t needed at home but
would be perfect for the rough-and-tumble use they’ll get in a college dorm.
FIND IT USED
Squirewell and Jordan also accepted hand-me-downs from former classmates. A four-seat kitchen
table fits nicely in their suite and was inherited from their freshman residence hall advisor.
While they failed to find suitable goods at thrift stores, the roommates recommended others
give it a try.
During this summer’s freshman orientation at USC, parents asked more questions than usual
about budgeting for dorm rooms, said Joe Fortune, assistant director for housing.
“I wouldn’t say they were worried about money, but they were trying to budget more than in
the past,” Fortune said. “What is really necessary and what is really fluff? I’m sure the fluff is
not going away, but maybe there’s not as much fluff as in the past.”
Coronation of a Queen
Students, faculty, and more than 40 campus and visiting HBCU Campus
Queens and their escorts attended the coronation of Aundrea E. Mack
as Miss Benedict College in October at the HRC Arena. Mack, a senior
psychology major from Beaufort, was flanked by her court, Shanta
Gardner (senior, psychology, Estill) and Tiarra Johnson (senior, business
administration, Ridgeway). After the coronation, a reception and ball was
held at the David H. Swinton Campus Center.
Posted on 12/10/2008
Win Big with Lottery Scholarships
By Ashleigh Walters; WLTX News 19
Every time you play a South Carolina Education Lottery Game, you are
helping a college student get though school. Now is a good time to get
your high school student prepared for some of that financial help.
“Up through the last school semester, we’ve funded over 595,000
students, given them scholarships, since 2002. So that’s wonderful. That
equals about $1.1 billion.”
Benedict College junior Elizabeth Strong is the first in her family to go to
college.
“Benedict College is opening a lot of doors for me,” she said.
Junior Nichelle Marion said, “I was really on the verge of not coming back
to school because I didn’t know how I was going to pay for it. You just
have to work hard and push yourself to get it.”
Strong said a scholarship from the South Carolina Education Lottery has
meant she can focus on getting her degree.
Sophomore Whitnee Clark said it’s worth the simple application, “For
those students who are in high school, just have your GPA up.”
“So it’s less loans. The more I study, more scholarship I had.”
For Strong, a first-generation college attendee, every time people play
the lottery, she is the biggest winner.
Twenty-six cents of every dollar spent goes to education in our state, for
K-12, community and college programs.
“We are trying to keep the best and the brightest students here in the
state to attend our fine institutions,” said Julie Huffman, the beneficiary
communications coordinator for the SC Education Lottery.
Huffman says there are several different scholarships available.
“As long as you apply yourself the money will be there. The money is
sitting there and waiting for students to apply themselves. And take the
initiative to find out that this money is for you,” Strong said.
Learn about scholarships from the Commission on Higher Education:
www.che.sc.gov. Learn how much your county has received from the
lottery: www.scceducationlottery.com.
13
Strategic Direction 2
“
Benedict is constantly
growing and pushing to
add more opportunities
for our current
students and others
in the community.
We are on the way
to adding at least
two master’s degree
programs in business,
education or social
work by 2010. Our
application to include
master’s programs
was submitted to the
Southern Association for
Colleges and Schools
in accordance with the
deadline last October.
The first proposed
program is for the
master of business
administration (MBA).”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
An all-around great value, Benedict College attracts students from across the country and
around the world. Of the 20 independent colleges in South Carolina, Benedict has the largest
undergraduate student body and is the second-largest overall, with 2,885 undergraduate
students. Benedict boasts a nationally ranked award-winning gospel choir, and regularly fields
championship teams in debate and basketball.
Benedict’s commitment to high-quality programs in teaching, research and public service
was clear last year as some of its most outstanding programs received national attention:
The Education and Employment Statistics Division of the American Institute of Physics ranked
Benedict College 2nd in the nation in producing African American physics majors. Out of 4,000
colleges across the nation, Benedict is ranked 13th in granting physical science degrees and
41st in granting information science degrees by Diverse Magazine. Benedict College became
the second HBCU in the nation and the first in South Carolina to receive national accreditation
for its Environmental Health Program (EHAC). The College’s debate team won 1st place at the
National Association of African-American Honors Program Conference last fall. The Benedict
College pioneering Service Learning Program recently won the 6th annual Commission on
Higher Education’s Service Learning Competition. Seven members of the men’s basketball team
were selected to the 2007-08 Academic and All-Conference Team.
Gospel Choir Again Recognized as an Asset
Benedict’s award–winning gospel choir traveled to Atlanta last fall to take top
honors at the Annual Black College Gospel Choir Competition.
The victory brought a cash prize of $3,500 and a guest appearance on Black
Entertainment Network’s internationally acclaimed Bobby Jones Gospel Television
Show, filmed in Las Vegas.
The choir has won six national championships in the past eight years, performing
around the United States and Europe, including a coveted appearance at the Vatican
in Rome, Italy.
“To have a championship choir it must be built with members who are champions,”
said Darryl Izzard, Director of the Benedict College Gospel Choir.
14
Proper Farewells
Spring and Winter Commencement ceremonies
featured prominent speakers and well-known
business and political leaders on campus to
receive honorary degrees.
Judge Matthew J. Perry Jr., Senior U.S. District
Judge for the District of South Carolina, received
an Honorary Doctorate of Laws degree at
Benedict College’s 139th Commencement
Convocation.
Rep. Joseph H. Neal, Benedict Alumnus
Representative, of District 70 of the South
Carolina House of Representatives, was the
featured speaker at Benedict College’s Spring
Commencement Ceremony held on May 10,
2008 at the Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in
Columbia.
Mid-Year Commencement, held in December
in the Benjamin Mays Human Resources Center
Arena on the campus, featured two men of
Benedict College, President Dr. David H. Swinton, presented a gift to Rep. Joseph H. Neal,
District 70 of the S.C. House of Representative during the 2008 Spring Commencement.
distinction. Graduates, faculty and staff of Benedict College
welcomed Dr. Norman C. Francis, president of Xavier
University, as the keynote speaker for the college’s winter
commencement exercises.
Dr. Francis received honorary degrees from Benedict College
during the commencement.
Admired for his sharp mind, revered for his modesty and
praised for his dedication, Francis enjoys a prestigious
national reputation. In December 2006, he received the
nation’s highest civilian award, The Presidential Medal of
Freedom, from President George W. Bush. He has served
in an advisory role to five Presidents, including the historic
National Commission on Excellence in Education, whose
findings, published in the groundbreaking work “Nation
at Risk,” created a sense of urgency for bringing about
educational reform in the nation’s school system.
Benedict College, President Dr. David H. Swinton confers an Honorary Degree of
Doctor of Laws upon Dr. Norman C. Francis, President of Xavier University.
15
Strategic Direction 2 –
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
Our Best and Brightest: Distinguished Faculty and Staff
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) named Marjorie Brittain
Hammock, LISW-CP, MSW, the 2008 NASW Social Work Pioneer. Hammock has been
a practicing social worker for 49 years. Currently, Hammock is an assistant professor
and field coordinator in the Social Work Department at Benedict College.
Pioneers are role models for future generations of social workers. Their
contributions are reflected in every aspect of the profession, as well as in the
establishment of social policies and human services programs.
Hammock has received numerous other awards including the Ernest F. Just Award
for scholarship at the doctoral level, the Social Worker of the Year by the NASW
S.C. Chapter and recently was profiled as an Exemplar in Celebrating Social Work:
Faces and Voices of the Formative Years. She served on the Council on Social Work
Education in Alexandria, Va. in 2003.
Ms. Marjorie Brittain Hammock
Excellence in Teaching Award
South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Inc. recognized Benedict
Professor Rev. Lillie Burgess with the 2008 Excellence in Teaching Award at its April
award banquet held at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.
The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes faculty from 20 independent institutions
of higher learning for their scholarship and for their skill, commitment and dedication
to classroom teaching.
Faculty and Staff Recognized
for Excellence
Rev. Lillie Burgess
Anthony Benjamin (groundsman, physical plant)
was named 2007-2008 Outstanding Staff Member
of the Year.
James B. Stewart (director, food services) was
named 2007-2008 Outstanding Administrator of
the Year.
Mr. Anthony
Benjamin
Dr. Ronald H. High (associate professor of music)
was named 2007-2008 Distinguished Faculty
Member of the Year.
Dr. Warren D. Robinson (interim dean
of the School of Honors and assistant
professor of Education) was voted
President of the National Association
of African American Honors Programs.
Dr. Ronald H. High
Mr. James B. Stewart
Dr. Warren D. Robinson
16
Talented Staff Tackle New Roles and Responsibilities
Building on the framework of the strategic plans already in place, Dr. Swinton made
some staff changes and appointments to help guide the College in the right direction.
Dr. Burnett Joiner, former vice president for
academic affairs, has been appointed dean of
Graduate Programs and Continuing Education.
Dr. Stacey F. Jones, former dean of the school of
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
Research and Sponsored
Programs, has been appointed
vice president for Institutional
Effectiveness and
Sponsored Programs.
Dr. Burnett Joiner
Mr. Gary E. Knight, former
vice president for Institutional
Effectiveness, has been
appointed vice president for
Student Affairs.
Dr. David B. Whaley, former
vice president for Student
Affairs, has been appointed
associate dean of the School
of Education.
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Dr. Stacey F. Jones
Mr. Gary E. Knight
Dr. Janeen P. Witty,
former dean of the School
of Education, has been
promoted to vice president for
Academic Affairs.
Dr. Allen J. Coles, formerly
the Superintendent of
Richland School District
One in Columbia, has been
appointed the new dean
of the School of Education
where The Benedict College
Teacher Education Program
was recently accredited by
the National Council for
Accreditation of Teacher
Education.
“
This First Evening and
Saturday programs catalogue
is being issued by the College.
Benedict has remained true
to its mission of preparing
students to be ‘powers
for good in society.’ While
the history of the College
has been spectacular,
Benedict anticipates its
future will surpass previous
accomplishments and
achievements with new
programs with flexible
schedules.”
Now is your time –
Make it Happen!
Dr. David B. Whaley
Dr. Janeen P. Witty
Dr. Allen J. Coles
Hectic work schedules, family
responsibilities, and church and
community service commitments
prohibit many working adults from
returning to college, either for a degree
or for enriching their lives with learning.
Traditional undergraduate programs
often do not meet the needs of working
adults, but the Benedict College Evening
and Weekend Program and the Center
for Lifelong Learning are designed
specifically to accommodate the working
adult and non-traditional student.
17
Strategic Direction 2 –
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
Benedict Physics Majors: Where are they now?
Sheldon Bernard, graduated May 2003: completed master’s
degree in electrical engineering from Washington State
University.
Harry Preston, graduated May 2003: middle school science
teacher, Richland School District One, Columbia.
Celon Blair, graduated May 2004: Completed master’s degree
in electrical engineering from North Carolina State University,
working with Intel Co.
Curtis Lane, graduated May 2004: Completed master’s degree in
mechanical engineering from University of Wisconsin at Madison,
working with Savannah River Site.
Kurt McNabb, graduated May 2004: Completed master’s in
electrical engineering from Florida International University.
Uloma Ogba, graduated May 2005: Graduate school, Purdue
University.
Adeleke Adeyemi, graduated May 2006: Graduate school,
Hampton University.
Brandi Hopkins, graduated May 2006: ITT Fellowship at California
State University, San Bernardino, currently working on master’s
degree in architecture at Morgan State.
Marquise Jackson, graduated May 2006: ITT Fellowship at
California State University, San Bernardino, currently working on
MBA in entrepreneurship.
Koyett Miles, graduated May 2007: ITT Fellowship at California
State University, San Bernardino.
Angela Stewart, graduated May 2004: physics teacher, South
Carolina public high schools.
Richard Thomas, graduated May 2004: Completed MBA from
Ohio State University and now is working with McKinsey &
Company consulting firm in Cleveland, Ohio.
Ramdon Roopchan, graduated May 2004: Completed master’s
degree from Hampton University, attending Drexel University.
For Three Consecutive Years
For three consecutive years, Benedict College was ranked the 2nd top producer of African
American physics majors in the country by the Education and Employment Statistics Division of
the American Institute of physics.
“A major factor in achieving this important ranking has been the preparation of our physics majors
beyond the standard four years of coursework. Our majors engage in discovery at renowned facilities
such as CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, in Switzerland. This exploratory
approach to mastering the principles of physics has undoubtedly influenced their decisions to pursue
doctoral work in areas such as nuclear physics, and master’s level work in applied or related areas
such as mechanical engineering at prominent universities across the country.”
– Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones
18
“
Our athletic programs are designed to
support the mission of our school by
creating campus spirit, loyalty, and pride
among all constituencies and providing
resources to support the program and other
college priorities. We are on track to meet
or exceed all goals – competitive, academic,
and financial – for athletics at Benedict.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Athletics
Student athletes at Benedict excelled on the court and
field as well as in the classroom, maintaining an overall
3.01 GPA with more than 80 percent graduating. Go Tigers!
Benedict Hoops!
The whole campus celebrated the outstanding overtime victory
of the 2007-2008 Benedict men’s basketball team in the SIAC
Tournament – for the fourth time in the past five years.
Coach Fred Watson continued his record of success, leading the
Tigers to a 28-4 season record and securing an overall winning
record of 128-47 since joining the team in the 2002-2003
season.
Benedict basketball fans have a lot to be excited about, with
two top Southern Region All-Tournament team players and a
highly competitive men’s team hitting the court for the 2008-
2009 season. Benedict freshman Michael Holmes took the SIAC
by storm last season, averaging ten points per game and 5
rebounds, leading Benedict to a conference championship. He
was named second team all conference, all tournament and
was named Freshman of the Year and SIAC Tournament MVP.
He and teammate Benny Lewis were both named to the South
Region All-Tournament Team.
Lewis was also named to the SIAC’s All Academic team and
All Conference team last season. He was also named to
the DII South Regional All Tournament team and the SIAC
All-Tournament team for his
role in leading Benedict to
the conference championship
and the NCCAA tournament
appearance.
With Holmes’ and Lewis’
leadership, the Benedict
College men’s basketball team
was chosen by the Coaches
Association to lead the SIAC for
the second straight year.
19
Strategic Direction 2 –
Educational and Academic
Support Programs
Building a Legacy on the Links
Benedict players teed off in the inaugural
Leave a Legacy golf invitational at the
historic Clearview Golf Course in Canton,
Ohio, the only golf course designed,
built and owned by African Americans.
Under cold and windy conditions, the
Benedict Tigers jumped out to an
early lead and finished the tournament
on top.
Women’s Golf Team: (L to R) Laura
Daniels, Letrica Carter, Cynthia Jordon
20
Men’s Golf Team: (L to R) Coach Daniel Gillus, Vernon Harris, Galen Aldrick,
Debereaux Burnett, Oljuwon Ajanaku, Willie Funderburk, Assistant Coach
Miss Benedict College, Miss. Aundrea Mack
and SGA President, Mr. Ryan Hickman stand
with Mr. and Miss Homecoming 2008-09,
Miss Monika S. McGee and Mr. Theodore
“Teddy” Hill during the Homecoming
Football game on October 25, 2008.
Homecoming Highlights
Benedict students and faculty welcomed alumni returning to their alma
mater for the College’s annual homecoming celebration in October. Faculty,
staff, students, alumni, and members of the Midlands community enjoyed
a weekend full of activities and event, highlighted by the crowning of Miss
BCNAA at the Radisson Hotel, the 14th annual LeRoy Walker Invitational
Golf Tournament held at Wildewood Country Club, alumni day, campus
tours, Jazzin’ for Education Benefit Gala and Auction at the Radisson Hotel, a
homecoming parade, Benedict Tigers football game, and homecoming after
party. The weekend concluded with a
performance of the Benedict College
award-winning Gospel Choir. New to
Homecoming line-up was a corporate
mixer entitled An Appetite for
Partnership: A Wine Tasting Reception
sponsored by Southern Wines and
Spirits and Outback Steakhouse.
Dr. David H. Swinton, President of Benedict College, shares a moment
with Mr. J. T. McLawton, President & CEO of Columbia Urban League at
the Appetite for Partnership: A Wine Tasting Reception held at Southern
Wines and Spirits in Columbia, SC.
2008 Miss BCNAA and her Royal
Court: (Left to Right) Mrs. Margarette
Bell Miller ’78, Mrs. Jacqueline Beard
Cathey, ’81, Mrs. Jacklyn Brown
Chambers, ’80, Miss Benedict College
National Alumni Association, and Mrs.
Marshell Williamson McKever, ‘81
21
Strategic Direction 3
Uniting our
Research and Service
Benedict President David Swinton launched the college’s
nationally recognized Service-Learning Program in 1995
with the goal of encouraging Benedict’s students and other
members of the College family to engage in a day of service
to demonstrate the school’s commitment to the community.
Learning through community engagement is part of the
Benedict experience, and today, the College’s ServiceLearning Program serves as a model for similar programs
around the country. It recently won the 6th Annual
Commission on Higher Education’s Service Learning
Competition Award.
At Benedict, involvement in community through Service
Learning is a requirement for graduation. Through this
program, the College encourages student learning through
participation in outreach efforts, and provides service to
improve life around the African American community.
Service Learning at Benedict supports more than 120
nonprofit agencies in the surrounding community.
Columbia Children In Good
Hands at Benedict’s Child
Development Center
Benedict College Child Development Center
has earned re-accreditation from the National
Association for the Education of Young Children
(NAEYC), placing the school among only 129
centers statewide to hold such an honor.
Nationwide, only 8 percent of all preschools
and early childhood programs are accredited by
NAEYC.
“Benedict College Child Development Center’s
NAEYC accreditation is a sign that they
are a leader in a national effort to invest
in high-quality early childhood education,”
said Mark Ginsberg, Ph.D., executive
director for NAEYC.
Benedict’s teacher education program
also has earned national accreditation.
22
Reaching Out to the Community
Benedict College partners with neighborhoods through the Office
of Service Learning to create Community Outreach Services that will
help to enhance the quality of life in neighborhoods surrounding the
College.
For instance, hundreds of children and parents attended a free
“Strengthening Our Neighborhood Community Day” at the Charlie W.
Johnson Football Stadium in August.
The event, funded in part by the United Negro College Fund Special
Programs Division, featured live entertainment, health screenings and
games. The Richland County Sheriff ’s Department and Columbia Police
Department brought education programs to reach out to area youth.
Benedict College was one of three HBCUs selected to participate in the
UNCFSP Campus Community Policing Partnership Funding opportunity.
PLUS Day: Benedict Family Lends
Helping Hands
Students, faculty and staff, along with community service
organizations from around the Midlands, attended the 13th
Annual PLUS (Preparation for Leadership and Unity through
Service) Day at the David H. Swinton Campus Center in April.
Those in attendance helped to feed the homeless, repair
playgrounds, plant gardens, create arts and crafts with
seniors and children, and engaged in other services to help
improve communities in the Columbia area.
Communities
Blood Battle Benefits Local Patients
Patients in local hospitals benefited from the ongoing rivalry
between Benedict Tiger fans and South Carolina State Bulldog
fans as the schools faced off to see which could provide more
pints of blood to the Red Cross.
In the weeks leading up to the schools’ annual football
matchup, played this year at the Oliver C. Dawson Bulldog
Stadium in Orangeburg, the sophomore class at Benedict
challenged faculty, staff,
students and alumni to
give blood for the Tigers.
The Benedict family gave
generously, producing
the most blood donors to
prevail over the Bulldogs.
Ultimately, people with
sickle cell anemia and
other patients in need of
blood were the winners
of this annual contest.
Benedict College beat
South Carolina State
University in the Red Cross
Blood Battle-Go Tigers!
Students, Faculty
and Staff Give Back
to Community
With a struggling economy and high
unemployment, many families are dealing
with hunger and homelessness. Benedict
College asked its students, faculty, and
staff to open their hearts and reach
out to those in need during the Annual
Thanksgiving Food Basket Give-away.
Partnering with the Columbia Housing
Authority, the school helped to provide
baskets of food for more than 100 families
at Thanksgiving.
Dr. Mohammad Nikravesh, Interim Dean of the School of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics (left) and Rev. Thomas Davis, Benedict College
Campus Minister (right) present a Thanksgiving Basket to a representative
from the Columbia Housing Authority.
23
Strategic Direction 4
Underwriting
Human and Physical Resources
Building on successful foundations began in 2007, Benedict continued working
to meet staff and faculty training goals and, in partnership with others, worked
to build up physical resources on campus and in the surrounding community.
Project Sustain
In October, the Benedict community celebrated the launch of Project SUSTAIN (Sustainable Urban Services to
Advance Independent Neighborhoods) with the renovation of the Benedict College Community Learning Center.
The project was partially funded by a $600,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development. The new learning center, located off Two Notch Road in Columbia, will be operated by the
Benedict-Allen Community Development Corp.
EngenuitySC will provide additional funds to provide hydrogen fuel cell power and other eco-friendly renovations
for the building.
L-R: Larry K. Salley, E. W. Cromartie (background), Dr. Jabari Simama, Neil McLean, Sam Davis
(background), Yvonda Bean, Keia Askins, Harriet Perkins, Mildred Johnson, Roy Norman
24
g our Future
New Academic Technology
In pursuit of better access to academic technology
for Benedict students, the College has secured funds
for campus-wide WiFi (wireless Internet access);
implemented Web-based registration, secured funds
for classroom technology updates, implemented library
automation, and provided a new phone system and new
computers in labs across campus.
Benedict College now offers 29 computer lab locations
around campus, with a total of 350 computers available
to students, making the student-computer ratio 12/1.
Building for the Future
The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corp. has reached out into the community surrounding the two campuses
to make substantial improvements. In recent years, the community has seen the addition of the $7.5 million Drew
Wellness Center, the Charlie W. Johnson Football Stadium and more than 400 new houses and apartments.
In partnership with the city of Columbia, the Benedict-Allen Community Development Corp. is working to provide
affordable housing in the community. Improving conditions in the surrounding community makes the Benedict College
and Allen University campuses safer places to live, work and study.
L-R Larry K. Salley, Executive Director, Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation; Dr. Jabari Simama,
Vice President for Community Development; members of the Benedict College Board of Trustees, Mr. Emory
Waters and Mr. Donald Rozier hold the architect’s replica of the Project Sustain building.
25
Strategic Direction 5
Private and Public Partnerships
To attract the best students and raise funds for Benedict. Benedict College’s Office of Communications
and Marketing has retooled its communcations and marketing plan to match the positive changes that
are occurring on the College’s campus and in its programs. The new plan will improve to strategies for
promoting a positive image for the school with all internal and external constituencies and help to
define and promote Benedict’s new brand, putting a consistent bold and positive image of the school
on all future promotional fund raising and marketing materials.
New marketing materials are an essential part of
“branding” Benedict College. The new look ties
together consistent font styles and colors; with the
use of clean lines for a more up-to-date design.
The three-year marketing strategy began with Benedict’s first online survey. Benedict students, staff,
alumni, friends, and faculty responded to the 24-question questionnaire, which sought to reveal opinions
about Benedict’s image: its appeal, its media exposure, its assets and its value as an institution of higher
learning. The survey asked respondents to define Benedict’s brand in ten words or less, and found that
nearly 20 percent said “Excellent Institution” and about 15 percent said “A Power for Good in Society.”
The survey also asked for input on ways to promote the College locally and regionally. The most popular
responses were television commercials (49%), Web site (17%), and radio commercials (14%).
More than 58 % of respondents said they had seen a Benedict College advertisement.
Institutional Advancement has also commissioned Ruffalo Cody to provide contact information for
more alumni so the College can increase communications with them and other interested groups.
Heavy Hitters on Campus
Last January, Benedict College welcomed a number of national figures on the
business and political scenes, and enjoyed some exposure in local and statewide
media as a result.
First Lady Michelle Obama visited Antisdel Chapel
January 20, 2008 while on the campaign trail for
her husband, President Barack Obama.
That included presidential candidate Barack Obama, who surprised students in
an unannounced visit during lunch on campus.
Other heavy hitters also made appearances, including Hillary Rodham Clinton,
who spoke to students and members of the community at the David H. Swinton
Campus Center on Jan. 25. Kimberley B. Davis, president of the JPMorgan
Chase Foundation, visited Benedict’s campus on Nov. 20 to address students
from the College’s School of Business and Economics. Later in the day, Davis
was the keynote speaker at the National Philanthropy Day Award Luncheon
at the Radisson Hotel. Michelle Obama spoke to students and members of the
community on campus on Jan. 20, to talk about why Barack Obama is the right
person to lead our country.
Secretary of State,
Mrs. Hilary Rodham
Clinton shakes the
hands of students
during her visit
to the campus
as a Presidential
Candidate.
26
Kimberly B. Davis, president of
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
spoke to business and economic
majors during a visit to the
campus on November 20, 2008.
History in the Making
Classes were cancelled as students, faculty, staff, and members of the
community celebrated the election of Illinois Sen. Barack Obama as the
new president of the United States.
President Barack Obama dropped by the campus during the
South Carolina primaries to speak with students about the
importance voting and to take a picture or two.
“The election of President Obama makes a very important statement to
the world about the direction of American today,” Dr. David H. Swinton
said. “We are hopeful all Americans would agree that it would be a
travesty to go about the day as…business as usual.”
Local clergy, business leaders, the general public, alumni, elected
officials were all in attendance, and invited guest speakers included
J.T. McLawhorn, president of the Columbia Urban League and Benedict
alumnus, and Dr. Lonnie Randolph, president of the state NAACP and
Henry B. Haitz, III, President and Publisher of The State newspaper.
Mr. Henry B. Haitz, III the President and Publisher of The
State Newspaper joined the Benedict College Family for an
impromptu celebration and reflections rally in the gym.
Mr. Haitz presented President Swinton with a replica of
the plate used to print the front page of the newspaper
announcing the President Obama’s historic win.
Students from Benedict College
who worked on the Obama’s
campaign led the celebration
with signage, campaign chants
and speeches. Coverage of
the rally was picked up by
newspapers and TV stations
across the country.
27
Strategic Direction 5 –
Private and Public
Partnerships
Trading Places
Benedict College welcomed 25 students and a professor from
Dali University in Dali, China, from July 1 through Aug. 11 as
part of an exchange program.
While the visiting students were touring historic sites and
attending social functions and lectures in Columbia and other
cities on the East Coast, three Benedict students were attending
classes for six weeks at Dali University in China.
program as an effort to facilitate academic cooperation between
the United States and China, strengthen the international
collaboration in higher education in the areas of science,
technology, engineering and mathematics, and enhance the
cultural communication between the U.S. and China.
Dr. Stacey Franklin Jones, Vice President for Institutional
Effectiveness and Sponsored Programs defined the exchange
International and Sponsored Programs hosted the Benedict’s first China
Exchange Programs with Dali and Shandong Yingcai Universities in China.
Money Management 101
Helping more people achieve their dreams is the goal of The Money Smart
Alliance Program, a partnership between Benedict College Business Center and
the FDIC designed to educate the community about money management.
The program provides instructor-led, computerbased instruction for anyone who wants to
improve financial management skills.
The program is available to students and
members of the community free of charge.
L-R Dr. Jabari Simama, Vice President
for Community Development; Ms.
Penny King, Regional Director of
the FDIC, Mr. David Palmer, Director
of the Benedict College Business
Development Center and President
David H. Swinton formally establish
a partnership to educated the
community through The Money
Smart Alliance Program.
28
First Lady Mrs. Oluwatoyin Saraki,of
Kwara State, Nigeria, visited the campus
on Thursday, February 26, 2009. She was
greeted by Dr. Norma Jackson, Director
of International Programs and Nigerian
native, Dr. Ifeanyi Emenike, Chairman of the
Physical Education,Health and Recreation
Department. Dr. Emenike has worked at the
Benedict for over 20 years. Mrs. Saraki and her
accompanying delegation were on campus
to celebrate the founding of the Center
for the Economically and Environmentally
Just Development of Africa and the African
Diaspora at Benedict College.
Recreational Reading
Benedict College teamed up with the
Richland County Public Library to bring
the community together for the National
Endowment for the Arts program “The Big
Read,” an initiative to restore reading to the
center of American culture and encourage
reading for pleasure and enlightenment.
The program offered a series of events,
including community-wide book
discussions, a citywide essay contest, panel
analysis and dramatization, all focused
on Ernest J. Gaines award-winning novel,
A lesson Before Dying.
Benedict joined 127 communities
nationwide participating in “The Big Read”
programs.
Mrs. Lillie Burgess, Instructor:
Social Sciences and Criminal Justice
Department, Mrs. Faye Hardy, Instructor
of English, Foreign Languages, and
Mass Communication, Dr. Linda Quillian,
Dean, School of Humanities, Arts, and
Social Sciences, Ms. Valerie RoweJackson, Deputy Director, Richland
County Public Library, Mr. Charles
Brooks, Chairperson of Fine Arts.
L-R: (Grant Wiggins) Bilal Salahuddin, (Emma Glen) Sandra Thomas, (Paul Bonin) Keith T. Mills, and (Jefferson) Joshua Williams; Scene: Deputy
Sheriff Paul Bonin instructs schoolteacher Grant Wiggins and Aunt Emma Glen what they can and cannot do as they visit prisoner Jefferson who
has been sentence to die by the electric chair.
29
Strategic Direction 5 –
Private and Public
Partnerships
Ladies Take the Field
Braving Columbia’s summer heat,
ladies of the community learned
the fundamentals of “Down…Set...
Hut!” while participating in the Stan
Conner Football Clinic for Ladies,
sponsored by the BC Tiger Booster
Club/Central Midlands Chapter at the
Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in July.
Benedict coaches and players
provided hands-on learning exercises
for ladies interested in learning some
football fundamentals.
30
Palmetto Classic: “Battle of the Tigers”
In one of the biggest rivalries in the SIAC, the Benedict College Tigers
defeated the Morehouse College Purple Tigers in the Palmetto Capital City
Classic, this year held for the first time at Benedict College’s new Charlie W.
Johnson Stadium.
Now in its 7th year, the gridiron clash between Morehouse College and
Benedict College is marked by a fun-filled weekend of camaraderie and
football, but the event also has a larger purpose. Its mission is to generate
revenue for scholarships and financial support for Historically Black
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).
31
Strategic Direction 6
Financial Resources
The Office for Institutional Advancement (IA) worked its magic in 2008 with myriad
initiatives from finance to communications and marketing. IA was tasked with the job
of setting forth a budget and planning for fundraising efforts toward achieving that
budget. IA staff also worked with the alumni and the College’s recruiting team with a
primary purpose of designing and implementing a process for tracking the effectiveness
and outcomes of alumni volunteer college fairs. In addition, IA had six staff members
complete phase I training on Raiser’s Edge, a program to improve the efficiency of
fundraising operations with better data management and faster response time. And IA
worked with the Office of Communications and Marketing to conduct an online survey of
students, staff, faculty, board, and friends of Benedict College.
Raiser’s Edge – A $137,000 conversion
to Raiser’s Edge has been initiated and
is in full conversion and mapping status.
This new software is tops in the industry.
When conversion to this system is
complete, we will have a more efficient
database for improving our solicitation
and cultivation activity.
Kresge Grant
The Office for Institutional Advancement now can set its fundraising
goals a bit higher with next year with the help of $1 million from
the Kresge Foundation and the United Negro College Fund.
The grant is designed to help HBCUs put the infrastructure in place
to do effective fundraising from private sources, including alumni
and trustees of the school.
Benedict College 18th Annual Charter Day Awards Celebration
held at the Marriott Hotel in Columbia, SC on April 2, 2008.
(L to R) Mrs. Cynthia Pryor-Hardy, Co-Owner, Maxim Communications
Group, Inc., Mr. John Pepper, Chairman of Board, The Walt Disney
Company; Co-Chair of the Board of the National Underground Railroad
Freedom Center and retired Chairman and CEO of Procter & Gamble,
Mrs. Valeda Collins, Account Manager, United Way of the Midlands,
and Mr. Love Collins, III, Executive Vice President for Institutional
Advancement, Benedict College.
To continue to receive the money for the three-year grant, Benedict
must meet incremental goals: $2.5 million in the first year, $2.9
million in the second year, and $3.4 million in the third year.
To start, Love Collins, Benedict’s Executive Vice President for
Institutional Advancement, issued $1 million challenges to the
College’s alumni and its trustees.
Charter Day – Featuring
Disney Chairman
Walt Disney Co. Chairman John Pepper visited the Benedict
College campus in April to help promote and celebrate Charter
Day, a celebration of the College’s charter in 1894.
Pepper spoke at a fundraising dinner, held at the Marriott Hotel
in Columbia, which raised $130,000 for student scholarships.
Cynthia Pryor-Hardy, a popular radio personality, served as
mistress of ceremonies, and the crowd enjoyed performances
by the Benedict College Jazz Ensemble and the Benedict College
Gospel Choir.
Benedict business and economics students took the opportunity
to speak with Pepper, who told them they should continue to
work on their networking skills. Some did just that, walking
away with Pepper’s attention and his contact information.
32
A Record Amount of Funds Raised by
the Board of Trustees and Alumni
Last year, the Benedict College Board of Trustee’s unanimously approved a
resolution to collectively raise $1 million in 2008. The first of its kind initiative
was design boost giving among the governing board. The 30 member Board
rolled up their sleeves and raised in ‘08 $772,545.00 in convened and personal
gifts. The momentum continues for 2009. The Board also challenged Benedict
College’s 14,000 alumni living across the country to match their gifts and the
Alumni won the challenge by raising a record $873,525.55 by June 30, 2008.
Founder’s Day Rally
Featured speaker Rev. Dr. Jerry Michael
Sanders addressed a crowd of students,
faculty, staff, alumni, and members of
the community gathered for the Benedict
College Founder’s Day Rally, held in the
Antisdel Chapel on campus in March.
In tribute to our founder, Mrs. Bathsheba A. Benedict, Rally Day draws people from churches and
religions organizations, alumni, and the greater community to show philanthropic support for the
College. The event also provides the opportunity for the school to recognize individuals, churches,
and organizations that have donated financial, moral, and spiritual support to the institution.
Representatives of
Outstanding Financial
Contributing Church Groups.
Helping Ourselves by Helping Others
The Office for Sponsored Programs and Research focuses on the development of new and
expansion of existing programs sponsored primarily with external resources. The goal is to
significantly increase funds and other value added investments in the school’s infrastructure,
research, academic, student, and other initiatives.
Sponsored Programs and Research worked hard to secure a total of $5,068,740 in new grants
during 2008. In addition, Sponsored Programs hosted the College’s first China Exchange
Programs with Dali and Shandong Yingcai Universities in China. Sponsored programs in
transportation, energy, community development, student development, and other areas are
progressing well, and a number of proposals for innovative projects are in development.
WWII Veteran, Esteemed Educator and Alumnus Bequests $104,000 to her Alma Mater
An educational endowment was recently created by the late Sammie
Mae Rice of Laurens County. Rice passed away in January 2006 at the
age of 92, and through her estate an endowed scholarship at Benedict
College was established.
When presented with a check in the amount of $104,063.62,
President Swinton stated, “We acknowledge with gratitude the
receipt of this gift. It will be awarded annually to a student from
Laurens County” and noted it was good way the memorialize Ms.
Rice. Education played a large role in Ms. Rice’s life, and through the
scholarship her legacy will endure.
A graduate of Wilson High School in Florence, Ms. Rice received a
nursing degree from St. Agnes Hospital of Nursing at St. Augustine’s
College in Raleigh, NC. Shortly after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in
WWII, she enlisted in the US Nurse Corps. Lt. Rice joined nine doctors
and 29 nurses for an assignment to Liberia, West Africa. She was the
only nurse from South Carolina.
On December 19, 1945, Lt. Rice was honorably discharged and
returned home to continue her education at the Franklin School of
Science in Philadelphia, PA. She then received a B.S. degree from
Benedict College and a M.S. degree from Indiana University.
Statement of Financial Position
Times are tough, and at colleges and universities all across the state
budgets are shrinking, programs are suffering, and students are
being called upon to pay increasing tuitions and fees to provide the
needed operating revenues. Even in this challenging time, Benedict
College is still on track with budget goals, and has managed to keep
staff layoffs, program reduction and additional costs to students at a
minimum.
Revenue from student tuition and fees, as well as revenue from
the athletic department, has either met or exceeded the budgeted
amounts. Improved fundraising infrastructure is now in place, and
new staff is attending ongoing training to plan for and seek out additional
dollars for programs at Benedict. In the fall of 2008, active grants saw an
increase of 37.5% over 2007. Other fundraising efforts, such as private gifts,
are on track to meet target numbers.
Meeting financial goals for 2008 allowed the College to keep its tuition and
fee rate increase at 3.99%, as compared to peer average of 7.74%.
Fall 2008 budgeting called for $20,069,000 in student revenue, and actual
student revenue for fall was $22,570,299, exceeding the budgeted amount
by $2.5 million.
33
Strategic Direction 6 –
Financial Resources
Statement of Financial Position
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Years Ended June 30, 2007 - 2009
2008
2007
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents
Accounts receivable
Students, net
Grants and sponsored programs
Interest and other
Contributions receivable, net
Student loans receivable, net
Notes receivable
Prepaid expenses and other assets
Restricted cash and investments
Investments
Beneficial interest in assets held by others
Property and equipment, net
Deferred financing costs, net
Total assets
LIABILITIES AND NET ASSETS
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
Student deposits
Accrued compensated absences
Accrued interest payable
Deferred revenue
Lines of credit
Notes and bonds payable
Capital leases payable
Asset retirement obligation
Refundable government advances
Funds held for others
Total liabilities
Net assets:
Unrestricted
Temporarily restricted
Permanently restricted
Total net assets
Total liabilities and net assets
34
*Note: 2007 - 2008 are audited numbers 2009 is unaudited
$
1,030,539
$
432,300
2009*
$
859,493
2,256,089
1,303,911
976,831
581,346
2,869,322
2,046,517
1,013,557
882,843
267,607
1,246,218
1,367,988
788,914
620,894
252,055
802,217
672,191
23,029,966
4,408,734
818,313
86,600,131
1,752,989
$ 126,300,362
678,583
23,550,526
2,808,032
743,014
84,808,417
1,675,819
$ 120,153,433
1,088,863
25,202,582
986,245
571,911
83,163,338
1,598,648
$ 117,303,148
$
$
5,011,915
1,963,551
831,044
1,656,612
3,848,982
82,054,350
1,390,713
340,683
998,816
51,885
$ 98,148,551
3,697,146
2,489,107
851,185
1,512,057
4,326,697
79,257,406
994,987
340,683
1,015,209
46,016
$ 94,530,494
19,492,535
2,017,517
6,444,605
27,954,657
13,286,254
2,114,311
6,604,317
22,004,882
13,631,769
2,213,116
6,927,768
22,772,653
$ 126,300,362
$ 120,153,433
$ 117,303,148
4,594,464
1,276,305
744,977
1,621,634
3,271,114
83,703,727
1,869,365
340,683
920,209
3,227
$ 98,345,705
Statement of Activities 2007-2009
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS: Years Ended June 30, 2007 - 2009
2007
2008
2009*
$ 33,099,863
(8,618,349)
8,009,714
2,338,058
10,899,932
1,291,349
499,481
634,167
48,154,215
$ 36,866,855
(10,855,733)
7,322,226
2,093,103
12,655,116
1,508,677
3,771
751,152
50,345,166
$ 41,145,952
(11,999,731)
6,632,368
1,965,544
14,989,987
769,751
192,305
542,386
54,238,561
6,970,563
7,445,444
7,575,988
1,468,640
368,608
7,860,518
7,895,885
8,223,491
1,265,519
578,199
7,587,467
8,167,609
8,854,895
740,617
712,932
14,015,940
5,880,710
43,725,893
14,971,545
5,983,873
46,779,030
17,377,676
4,782,808
48,224,004
4,428,322
3,566,136
6,014,557
1,494,646
(2,255,325)
(489,790)
5,922,968
1,310,811
5,524,767
3,861,941
78,454
3,940,394
4,150,193
77,170
4,227,364
4,318,223
77,170
4,395,394
1,982,574
(2,916,552)
1,129,374
Bad debt expense
Student Accounts Receivable
Student Loans Receivable
Pledges
Total bad debt expense
618,000
1,183,000
147,080
1,948,080
1,826,000
1,430,000
(222,776)
3,033,224
300,000
61,603
361,603
Increase (decrease) in net assets
34,494
(5,949,776)
767,771
27,920,163
34,494
-
27,954,657
(5,949,776)
-
22,004,881
767,771
-
$ 27,954,657
$ 22,004,881
$ 22,772,652
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
Total operating revenue
OPERATING EXPENSES:
Educational services:
Instruction
Student services
Auxiliary enterprises
Research
Public service
Support services:
Institutional support
Academic support
Total operating expenses
Operating revenue over (under) operating expenses
Excess of investment return over (under) spending rate
Revenue over (under) operating expenses
Amortization:
Depreciation
Bond issuance cost expense
Total amortization
Revenue over (under) expenses including amortization
Net assets at beginning of year
Increase (decrease) in net assets
Cumulative change in accounting principle
NET ASSETS AT END OF YEAR
*Note: 2007 - 2008 are audited numbers 2009 is unaudited
35
Strategic Direction 7
High Quality Management
New Members Join Benedict Board
Three new members joined Benedict College’s Board of Trustees in May during the spring meeting, and four new members joined the board in
the fall meeting in December. Joining the board in the spring were R. Johnson Charleston, principal of The Charleston Group, a full service law
firm with offices in Fayetteville, N.C.; Kimberly Smith-Tann, president and CEO of Smith Ozman & Joseph’s Inc., a professional services firm that
provides association management and executive meeting planning services to Fortune 500 companies, universities and trade associations; and
Mayokun Aiyelokun, senior accounting/finance major at Benedict College, who was
elected to serve a one-year term as a student trustee.
In the fall, the college appointed the following new members to the board: Claudette
Chapman Cureton, president of South Carolina Women’s Baptist E&M Convention;
Natalie Reid Mallory, national president of Mather School National Alumni Association;
Thelma Brooks Salmond, national president of Benedict College National Alumni
Association; and Benjamin M. Snoddy, president of the Baptist Educational and
Missionary Convention of South Carolina.
President Swinton presents Board of Trustees Student
Representative 2008-09 Mr. Mayokun Aiyelokum with the
President’s Trophy during the 2008 Fall Convocation.
As part of the Strategic Direction to maintain high-quality management at Benedict,
Dr. Swinton examined the organizational and management structure of all units
within the College, and put several key staff in new positions of most effectiveness.
He had each division develop an operating plan linked to the College’s overall goals
and evaluate its personnel. In pursuit of that same goal, President Swinton set a goal
of having 65 percent of faculty with terminal degrees. In fall of 2008, 60 percent of
faculty held terminal degrees in their area of expertise, and the school is on track to
achieve the higher percentage by 2012.
Faculty and Staff Training
In preparation for the reaffirmation fo accreditation, five members
of the Leadership Team, including Dr. Marianna W. Davis, Dr. Stacey
F. Jones, Mr. Jesse Bellinger, Dr. Janeen P. Witty, and Dr. Mona
Thornton, are registered to attend the SACS 2009 Institute on Quality
Enhancement and Accreditation in Houston, Texas in July.
Staff members from the Division of Student Affairs attended the
following training sessions during this report period:
• Carolina Association of College Registrars and Admissions Officers
(CACRAO)
• College Board SAT Training
• National Association of College Deans, Registrars, and Admissions
Officers (NACDRAO)
Staff members from the Office of the Registrar and Student Records
engaged in internal training sessions this reporting period.
The Director of Community Life attended a college and universityhousing workshop this report period and GCA representatives
36
trained Community Life staff members on the new work order system.
Additionally:
• Saflok representatives trained the Area Coordinator of Maintenance
and the Community Life Coordinators of Oak Street and Haskell
Dormitories on the new swipe-key system
• Community Life staff members and resident hall advisors received
training on report writing and policies and procedures
Officers from the Campus Police Deportment remained visible in the
community and attended several training sessions during the report
period, including:
• Chief Bazemore attended the Midlands Chiefs Associations meeting
• Deputy Chief Davis and Captain Johnson attended the monthly
COPS meeting
• Deputy Chief Davis attended a rap session and forum with students
In the Division of Academic Affairs, a training was planned for academic
administrators. In addition to internal training on a range of topics
throughout the remainder of the academic year, intensive training with
external consultants took place during the week of May 11-15, 2009.
Strategic Direction 8
Institutional Assessment
Any effective entity working toward a defined set of goals must have in place a way
to assess progress toward those goals. President David Swinton’s long-term plan
for Benedict College includes annual assessments and evaluations of the College to
gather information about ways to improve and get closer to the established goals.
Dr. Swinton’s direction calls for annual updates of the strategic plans based on
results of assessment efforts, and also calls for refining of the institutional research
plan and the institutional assessment plan.
The assessment plan calls for regular reporting of progress to the Board of Trustees
and evaluation of the College’s progress in the following categories: student,
external and internal College image, enrollment and retention, programs and
services, fiscal stability, resources, faculty and staff, and management.
What Do You Think? Survey Says…
Benedict College enjoys a strong positive image among
students, faculty, staff, and friends, according to the 2008
Communications and Marketing Survey conducted by the
school’s Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Most respondents
said Benedict is a strong, positive institution that offers a
good education and a strong platform for future success of its
graduates. Respondents also said they believe the school is
already working in the community as a “power for good.“
An assessment schedule has
been developed to evaluate
the College’s progress in the
following categories:
1. Students
2. External and Internal
College Image
3. Enrollment and Retention
(includes Recruitment)
4. Programs and Services
5. Fiscal Stability
6. Resources
7. Faculty and Staff
8. Management
37
Board of Trustees
2008-2009
Mr. Mitch Adams
Mr. Mayokun Aiyelokun, Student Trustee
Mr. G. Tyrone Bonds, Secretary
Mr. Anthony T. Burroughs
R. Jonathan Charleston, Esq.
Valoria Cheek, Esq.
Mr. James E. Clark
Mrs. Frances Close
Dr. Claudette C. Cureton
Dr. William P. Diggs
Dr. Paul W. Drummond
Mr. Vince Ford
Dr. Willie J. Hill
The Honorable Darrell Jackson
Dr. Charlie W. Johnson, Chairman of the Board
Dr. Milton Kimpson, Vice Chairman
Mrs. Natalie Reid Mallory
Stephen G. Morrison, Esq.
Dr. Rufus G. Pettis
Dr. Lucy Perez, Assistant Secretary
Mr. Donald Rozier
Mrs. Thelma B. Salmond
Dr. Harry Singleton, III, Faculty/Staff Trustee
Ms. Kimberly Smith-Tann
Dr. Benjamin D. Snoddy
Dr. Eunice S. Thomas
Mr. William L. Thomas
Mr. Emory L. Waters
Mr. William B. Whitney
Mr. Mack I. Whittle
The Reverend Dr. Aidsand F. Wright-Riggins, III
Dr. David H. Swinton, President and CEO
TRUSTEE EMERITUS
Dr. LeRoy T. Walker
38
2008-2009 President’s Cabinet
Dr. Ruby W. Watts
Executive Vice President
Dr. Janeen P. Witty
Vice President for Academic Affairs
Mr. Gary E. Knight
Vice President for Student Affairs
Dr. Stacey F. Jones
Vice President for Institutional Effectiveness
and Sponsored Programs
Mrs. Brenda Walker
Vice President for Business and Finance
Mr. Love Collins, III
Executive Vice President for Institutional
Advancement
Mrs. Barbara C. Moore
Vice President for Institutional Services
and Major Gifts
Dr. Jabari Simama
Vice President for Community Development
Mr. Willie Washington
Athletic Director
Credits
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:
Love Collins, III
Director of Communications and Marketing:
Kymm Hunter
Manager of Communications and Marketing:
Mrs. Carolyn G. Wigfall
Special thanks to:
Mrs. Doris Wright Johnson
Mr. Mark Rapport
Benedict College is an equal opportunity 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
COLLEGE
Photography:
Bennie Brown Photography
BENEDICT
Art Direction:
Addie W. Rosenthal, Blind Squirrels Production Group
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