@Claflin: Claflin/Africa University Partnership, Mellon Grant, Read Across America and more

The World Needs Visionaries

Africa University Administrators Visit Claflin to Discuss Research and Study Abroad Partnership

Dr. James Salley and Dr. Munashe Furusa present information at a student forum.

Claflin University demonstrated its emphasis on global outreach Monday during a visit by Dr. Munashe Furusa, vice chancellor of Africa University. Furusa and James Salley, Africa University's vice chancellor for institutional advancement, traveled to Claflin for a meeting with President Henry N. Tisdale and other University administrators to discuss implementation of a partnership which includes a faculty/student exchange program. A memorandum of understanding was signed in March 2017 by Claflin and Africa University. The partnership aligns with the Claflin University Strategic Plan, "Claflin LEADS: A Shared Vision for the 21st Century," which lists experiential learning and diversity and inclusion among its priorities. The relationship is also consistent with Claflin's vision to "develop a diverse and inclusive community of globally engaged visionary leaders."

We are very excited to have Dr. Furusa on our campus," Tisdale said. "His visit shows strong support and a commitment to our partnership. We want to expand and create more opportunities for our faculty and students to become globally engaged."

Both Claflin and Africa University are affiliated with The United Methodist Church.

Africa University is the first and only fully-accredited institution of higher learning established on the African continent by action of the General Conference of The United Methodist Church. The General Conference of The United Methodist Church unanimously approved the founding of Africa University in 1988. The official groundbreaking ceremony was held in April 1991. In January 1992, the President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Robert Gabriel Mugabe, issued the University Charter by official proclamation, making the institution the first recognized private university in Zimbabwe.

"This partnership is a great opportunity for two schools that are connected by The United Methodist Church and our commitment to involving students and faculty in research and our commitment to global engagement," said Tisdale. "We look forward to sending teams of faculty and students each year to Africa University to take advantage of the study abroad and research opportunities provided in this agreement."

Furusa is the fourth vice chancellor of Africa University. He has extensive experience as an academic leader in a range of positions and in aspects of the faculty and university administration including academic programming, financial and personnel management, and student success. He has served as dean and associate dean in the College of Arts and Humanities that is home to 19 academic programs and departments.

"This partnership with Claflin will equip students with the global competencies necessary to compete in a world that is constantly changing," said Furusa. "Africa University is committed to becoming a world-class university. We want our students to experience diverse and inclusive environments for study and research. We are following Claflin's model by requiring our undergraduate students to conduct research. We look forward to exploring all of the possibilities of our partnership."

Furusa received several gifts to commemorate his visit to Claflin including a proclamation from Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler, '83, who designated February 26 as "Dr. Munashe Furusa Day."

"We are pleased to play a role in this historic visit by Dr. Furusa," said Butler. "We are also looking at how the city of Orangeburg can benefit and provide support to both universities through this partnership."

Claflin Receives $500,000 Mellon Grant to Reform General Education Curriculum

Claflin University has been awarded a $500,000 grant by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to revitalize the School of Humanities and Social Sciences General Education Curriculum. The grant supports Claflin's goal of addressing the needs of the 21st Century workforce by re-engineering the general education curriculum. The primary focus is to prepare graduates for career opportunities through classroom and internship experiences. It also aligns with Claflin University's Strategic Plan, "Claflin LEADS: A Shared Vision for the 21st Century," which lists academic excellence and student success among its priorities.

The new General Education program was approved by the faculty in October 2017. The program will provide Claflin students with an intellectually challenging curriculum with a coherent structure and connection between courses and employment opportunities. The new program requires 39 credits, as opposed to the current program which requires 46 credits. The reduction of seven credits allow students flexibility, and is a less prescribed program. Students will be able to customize their courses based on their career goals thus providing a more fulfilling academic experience.

"By re-engineering the general education curriculum, we are expanding major programs of study to align with workforce needs," said Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale. "We will allow students to add minors and certificate programs that help prepare them for specific career opportunities. This initiative will create experiential learning opportunities and transformative academic programs - elements that are consistent with the UNCF® Career Pathways Initiative (CPI) funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., which allows participating institutions to develop programs to support curricular enhancements, co-curricular activities via experiential learning programs, and guided pathways."

According to Dr. Angela Peters, roundtable discussions with business and industry leaders and data from the National Association of Colleges and Employers identified critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, teamwork and collaboration; applying knowledge to real world issues and other "soft" skills, as the critical workforce skills required by today's employers.

"The faculty tasked with general education reform will create new courses within the general education curricula that will enhance our students' skills in those priority areas," said Peters. "The program will combine the essential foundation provided by Claflin's legacy and vision as a premier liberal arts education with the development of skills and characteristics needed to meet the needs of the 21st Century workforce as engaged visionary leaders in a global society."

Claflin University Hosts Read Across America Day on March 2

Hundreds of students from Orangeburg Consolidated School Districts 4 and 5, Calhoun County Public Schools, and local child development centers will enter a storytelling wonderland on Friday, March 2, during a celebration of Read Across America Day at Claflin University. The theme is Perseverance.

The program, sponsored by the Division of Student Development and Services/Office of Career Development, Program for Service Learning and Community Service will begin at 11 a.m. in Tullis Arena in the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center.

Featured readers will be Dr. Henry N. Tisdale, president of Claflin University; Dr. Anthony Broughton, assistant professor of education at Claflin University; Dr. Cynthia Cash-Greene, chief instructional services officer for OCSD 5; and Aaron LaTroy Ulmer, a fifth grade student at Whittaker Elementary School. They will read Dr. Seuss books that incorporate the Orangeburg County Community of Character Trait of the Month for March, perseverance.

In addition to reading Dr. Seuss classics, the program will feature cheers, chants and songs led by Claflin students, as well as appearances by favorite Dr. Seuss characters, the Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2.

The National Education Association's Read Across America Day is a nationwide reading celebration that takes place annually on March 2 - or the day closest to March 2 - Dr. Seuss's birthday. It's a day when thousands of schools, libraries and community centers nationwide bring together kids, teens and books to promote literacy. For more information, visit http://www.readacrossamerica.org/ .

For more information on Claflin's event, contact Jabian Cooper, program coordinator for Service Learning and Community Service, at (803) 535-5466 or [email protected].

Claflin Competes in Retool Your School Competition

Claflin University is currently in second place in The Home Depot Retool Your School Grant Program competition. In 2014, Claflin won $10,000 for campus beautification. This year we are aiming to win $50,000 and here is how you can help.

Everyday, go to www.retoolyourschool.com and vote for Claflin University. No matter if you have a laptop, desktop, smart phone, tablet - you can vote on ALL of these devices once per day. We encourage you to vote on all of your devices - the more votes we have, the better our odds are to win the $50,000. The contest ends on April 16.

Also in all of your Twitter and Instagram posts, use the hashtag #Claflin_RYS18

Remember it's just Instagram and Twitter only. You can do this multiple times.

Let's show others that we can win. Show that Panther Pride and vote online at www.retoolyourschool.com and by using the hashtag in all of your social media conversations on Instagram and Twitter only.

Claflin University Hosts 12th Annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea

The 12th Annual First Lady's Hats and Gloves Scholarship Tea will be held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018, in the Tullis Arena of the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Building. This year's theme, "Nevertheless She Persisted," aligns with the national Women's History Month theme: "Nevertheless, She Persisted: Honoring Women Who Fight All Forms of Discrimination Against Women."

The 2018 Visionary Leadership Award Honoree, Mrs. Frances Davenport Finney, '56, will be honored during the event for her outstanding service, contributions and persistence in every endeavor. She is the wife of the late South Carolina Chief Justice Ernest A. Finney, Jr., '52. The event will also include special presentations and musical selections by "South Carolina's Official First Lady of Song," Loretta Holloway, '74.

To purchase tickets, contact Ms. Tammy McCottry, director of special events, ( [email protected] ) or to make a financial contribution visit www.claflin.edu .

Student Profile - Travis Barnes

Senior mass communications major Travis Barnes' photography work was featured in a month-long Black History Month gallery at the Red Ventures Headquarters in Fort Mill, S.C. Barnes is also the 2017-2018 Mister Claflin University.

Barnes, a native of Lancaster, S.C., was honored to have his work featured in a gallery located between his hometown and current residence of Charlotte, N.C. "This allowed me the opportunity to pay homage to my country roots and my love for the metropolitan lifestyle and art scene," said Barnes.

Barnes' work titled "Out of the Soil" was a collaborative mixed media piece with graphic designer Antonio Roberson and featured Claflin students who are members of the university's En Veux Modeling Company. "It's amazing to see young African Americans being represented and acknowledged for our creativity. The piece represents the beauty of our ancestors who may have had to walk barefooted on the ground (soil) to tend to their daily tasks and responsibilities. They did not let obstacles deter them from bettering themselves and attending school and work," said Barnes.

Red Ventures is a leading digital consumer choice platform that connects customers with home, financial, and healthcare services with offices in South Carolina, North Carolina, Washington, and Brazil.

Employee News

Shirley A. Biggs, senior director of Human Resources/Title IX coordinator, will be awarded the Meritorious Service Award on Sunday, March 4, 2018 at the College and University Professionals Association for Human Resources Higher Ed Symposium, hosted by the Southern Region Chapter, in Charleston, S.C. The Meritorious Service Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the profession, their institution and CUPA-HR Chapters.

Biggs has been working as a human resources professional since January 1978.

Alumni Notes

In 1974, the International Alumni Association of Claflin University established an annual convention to discuss alumni affairs, recognize distinguished alumni, and develop ways to continue supporting our Alma Mater.

"Visionary Leaders Embracing Diversity in the 21st Century" is this year's theme as our Alma Mater continues to demonstrate its commitment to its legacy of nurturing, preparing, and developing visionary leaders.

Click here to register for the 44th Annual Alumni Convention in Atlanta, Ga. on April 5-8, 2018.

Do you need transportation to the 2018 CUIAA Convention in Atlanta, Ga.? Come ride with members of the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter to the convention. The bus will leave from the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center (Claflin University) on Thursday, April 4 at 9 a.m. and return on Sunday, April 8, 2018. The cost is $75.00 roundtrip. Seats will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Please make all checks payable to the Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter and mail to: Orangeburg County Alumni Chapter, P.O. Box 1412, Orangeburg, SC 29116. If you have any questions, please contact Rosa K. Dance, president, at (803) 308-0666 or (803) 533-1828. The deadline is March 23, 2018.

Panther Pride

Panthers Open SIAC Tournament with a Win Over Tuskegee

The Claflin University men's basketball team defeated Tuskegee University, 73-62, at the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament on Tuesday, February 27 at the Bill Harris Arena. MORE

Lady Panthers Defeat Lane, 68-51, in Opening Round of the 2018 SIAC Tournament

The Claflin University women's basketball team outscored Lane College, 22-6, in the second quarter en route to defeating the Dragons, 68-51, in the opening round of the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) basketball tournament on Tuesday, February 27. The tournament will run through Saturday, March 3, 2018, at the Bill Harris Arena, inside the Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala. MORE

Claflin Cheerleaders Win All-Female Division at the 2017 SIAC Cheer Competition

The Claflin University cheerleading team coached by Leslie Simpson was crowned the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletics Conference (SIAC) Cheerleading Champion in the All-Female Division on Monday, February 26. The team also won the same title last season.

The cheer competition was the kick-off event for the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Tournament. The tournament, which runs through Saturday, March 3, is being contested at the Bill Harris Arena inside the Birmingham Crossplex in Birmingham, Ala.

Williams Earn SIAC Second Team All-Conference

Domonique Williams, a senior on Claflin's women's basketball team, has been named to the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) All-Conference Second Team on Monday, February 26. MORE

Charles Named to the SIAC Men's Basketball First Team All-Conference

Jaleel Charles, a senior on Claflin's men's basketball team, has been named to the 2018 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) All-Conference First Team on Monday, February 26 . Junior Austin Lawson earned SIAC Honorable Mention Honors. MORE