The World Needs Visionaries
American Chemistry Society Reaffirms Chemistry Department
The Claflin University Chemistry Department recently received confirmation that its program meets all requirements to continue its approval by the American Chemistry Society (ACS).  

The ACS's Committee on Professional Training (CPT) commended Claflin's administration for supporting a very well-funded and well-equipped program. 
 
"The outcomes of the students following graduation are exceptional with many pursuing post-graduate studies in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) fields," said LaTrease Garrison, the committee's executive vice president, in a letter to Claflin which outlined the committee's evaluation. "The Committee congratulates the faculty for improving the courses and described the diversity among the faculty as exceptional."
 
The CPT promotes excellence in postsecondary chemistry education and provides leadership to the ACS in the professional training of chemists. 
 
"Having this credential is important when our students look for jobs or apply to graduate school," said Dr. Derrick Swinton, chair and professor of chemistry." In the world of science, having a degree from an ACS certified program is like winning a trophy. The accreditation reaffirms Claflin's commitment to providing our students a quality education and contributing to the nation's efforts to broaden participation in STEM."

Under the 2015 ACS Guidelines MSN requirement student certification, approved programs must include instruction in at least two of the following four types of systems: synthetic polymers, biological macro-molecules, supramolecular aggregates, meso-or-nanoscale materials.
 
"The ACS was very impressed with the quantity of our chemistry and biochemistry students and the numerous opportunities they receive for undergraduate research, employment and graduate school", said Dr. Verlie Tisdale, dean of Claflin's School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and professor of biology. " Being approved by the American Chemical Society is a seal of approval. This certification puts Claflin's chemistry department in great company...exclusive company."
 
Claflin's next periodic review is due in 2023. The program was first approved in 2005 and reapproved in 2010.
 
"This re-certification was a team effort," said Dr. Angela Peters, vice provost and professor of chemistry. "The entire chemistry department faculty and staff were committed to seeing this through. Everyone realizes how consequential this certification is to Claflin and our students. This could not have been successful without the efforts of the entire Chemistry Department."
Claflin University Hosts 26th Annual Granville Hicks Leadership Academy
On February 1 through 2, Claflin University will host the 26th Annual Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy. Themed "How Congregations Can Reach the New Generation" this event equips laity and clergy for ministry and leadership within the church. The academy will take place in the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel.
 
The Granville Hicks Leadership Academy honors the Rev. Dr. Granville A. Hicks, a 1957 Claflin graduate who has been recognized for his leadership as a pastor and district superintendent in the South Carolina Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church. Hicks was instrumental in creating programs to improve race relations, education and leadership development at the conference. It began as a lecture series before evolving into a leadership academy that emphasizes connections between the academy, Claflin University, and The United Methodist Church. The event empowers attendees with biblical knowledge, intellectual growth and theological reflection.
 
Heading the list of distinguished speakers are: Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop of the East Ohio Episcopal Area of The United Methodist Church; Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, vice president of Institutional Advancement (Claflin University) and pastor of Silas United Methodist Church; Rev. Alisha Gordon, executive for spiritual growth for United Methodist Women; Rev. Samuel L. Green, Jr., director of christian education for the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church; and Rev. Dr. Reginald Lee, congregational specialist for the South Carolina Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
 
For more information contact Rev. Dr. Ernest C. Etheredge at (803) 531-5150 or [email protected].
Broadway Performer Charles Holt to Perform during Claflin University's Lyceum Series
Broadway performer Charles Holt will perform during Claflin's Lyceum Series event on Thursday, January 25 at 7 p.m. in Ministers' Hall. The event is free and open to the public.
 
The Broadway actor has performed in productions of "Smokey Joe's Café," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "The Lion King." Holt has entertained sold-out audiences at The John F. Kennedy Center and appeared on television and in films. Additionally, Holt has traveled to various colleges, universities, and spiritual centers performing his Sole Music Concert Series: A Journey through an African American Quilt of Song. 
 
Holt's accolades include being the first African American to play the role of Rocky in the European tour of "The Rocky Horror Show."
 
The annual Lyceum Series comprises guest lecturers, performers and events that stimulate and reinforce the cultural and intellectual environment of the campus and community.

For more information concerning the Lyceum Series, please contact Dr. Peggy S. Ratliff, professor of English at ( 803) 535-5233 or [email protected].
Claflin Hosts Sixth Annual Become A Visionary Leader Event for High-Achieving High School Scholars

Claflin University will host high-achieving high school scholars during its Sixth Annual Become A Visionary Leader event on Saturday, January 27 in Ministers' Hall. Registration will begin at 8 a.m. and the program begins at 9 a.m.
 
Sponsored by the University and the Office of Admissions, the event will feature presentations by Claflin deans, faculty, staff and students. Presentation topics include an overview of the Freshman College, the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College, academic programs, scholarships, financial aid, student life activities and more. Students and parents will also have the opportunity to tour the historic campus.
 
"We designed this event for students with strong academic records who also aspire to become visionary leaders. We look forward to meeting all of the prospective students and families that will visit our beautiful campus and learn the many benefits of choosing Claflin University," said Antonio McFarland, assistant director of admissions. 
 
For more information and to register, contact Antonio McFarland via email at [email protected] or (803) 535-5552.
Claflin Releases Capital Campaign Impact Report

On Thursday, October 20, 2016, Claflin University announced that it raised more than $105 million with its "Imagine the Possibilities" Capital Campaign. The Office of Communications and Marketing has produced a report that highlights this historic campaign. You may now read the Capital Campaign Impact Report - "The Dream Realized" -  by clicking here . 
Alumni Notes
Orangeburg Mayor, The Honorable Michael C. Butler, '83, received the Distinguished Service Award from the Delta Zeta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on Saturday, January 13 at the 29th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Unity Breakfast. 

Congratulations to the Rev. Benjamin Snoddy, '69, who recently celebrated 42 dedicated years of service at Mount Moriah Baptist Church in Spartanburg, S.C. "I think God has really blessed us here," he said. "The past 42 years have been great and challenging at times. It's been a ministry that has had different moves as we have come along with the community."

The Harvey B.  Gantt Center  for African- American Arts + Culture in Charlotte, N.C., will host the premiere of the documentary "Orangeburg, 50 Years Later" on Thursday, February 1 at 6:30 p.m. The documentary features renowned civil rights photographer, Cecil Williams, '60, and WBTV's Steve Crump. The documentary will air on WBTV (Charlotte) and Bounce on February 8 at 7 p.m.
Panther Pride
Claflin Men's Basketball Team Breaks Into NABC Division II Top 25

For the first time this season, the Claflin University men's basketball team has broken into the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings. The Panthers debuted at the Number 20 spot in the nation in the poll released Tuesday, January 16.
 
"This is a testament to the work the guys have put in all season," head coach Ricky Jackson said. "We appreciate the voters' confidence in us, but there is still a lot of basketball left.  I would like to thank our President, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, the Claflin University family - especially the student body - and the community for their continued support."
 
Claflin is ranked 5th in the South Region of the Men's Basketball Division II Media Regional Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA.

In addition, the Panthers are ranked third in NCAA Division II in field goal percentage defense, holding their opponents to 37 percent shooting, fourth in scoring defense, allowing just 62.3 points per outing and 5th in win-loss percentage at 94.4 percent.
 
Claflin will face Morehouse College, which is ranked 14 th  in the NABC NCAA Division II Top 25 Rankings, on Saturday, January 20 at 3 p.m. in Atlanta, Ga. They will also face Clark Atlanta on Monday, January 22.


Claflin Men's Basketball Team Ranked 5th in the South Region of the D2SIDA Media Poll

The Claflin University men's basketball team is ranked 5 th  in the South Region of the Men's Basketball Division II Media Regional Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA.
 
The Men's Basketball Division II Media Poll, sponsored by D2SIDA, is in its third year of existence. The regional poll is released every Monday, followed by the national poll on Tuesday.  These weekly rankings are independent of the official NCAA Regional Rankings that will be released closer to the end of the season. All records are as of Sunday evening.


Claflin Lady Panthers on the Road at Elizabeth City

The Claflin University women's basketball team will take a break from Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) play on Wednesday, January 17 when they travel to Elizabeth City, N.C. to take on Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).
 
Tip-off for the non-conference matchup is slated for 5:30 p.m. at the R.L. Vaughan Center on the ECSU campus.
 
The Lady Panthers have won their last four games, all against SIAC opponents, for an 11-7 overall record.
January 17, 2018
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@Claflin is published by the Office of Communications & Marketing 
President: Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, '65
Vice President for Institutional Advancement: Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73
Assistant Vice President for Communications & Marketing: George Johnson Jr.
Public Relations Director: J. Craig Cotton
Social Media and Public Relations Coordinator: Bernita Cooper, '12
Web Communications Manager: Colin Myers, '07
Sports Information Director: Romanda Noble-Watson
Photographers: Cecil Williams, '60, Geoff Henderson and Colin Myers, '07