@Claflin: Countdown to Commencement, Recognizing Women Administrators, UNCF Day of Giving, and more

April 8, 2022

The World Needs Visionaries

Countdown to Commencement Convocation

Claflin University’s Spring Commencement Convocation will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 10 a.m. at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex. The ceremony will celebrate Spring Class of 2022 graduates. The convocation is a ticketed event. However, the live broadcast of the ceremony will be available on the University's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ClaflinUniversity1869. Please visit the University's website for a schedule of activities and events, including guest speakers, Golden Class Anniversary details, hotels, directions, and more.

Note: In the next two stories, Claflin recognizes women administrators who are making indelible contributions to the University’s elevation and transformation.

Tijuana Hudson Provides Financial Accountability and Stability as Claflin’s First Female Vice President of Fiscal Affairs and Chief Financial Officer

by Daa'iyah Fogle, student writer

The recent groundbreaking ceremony for Claflin’s new student center symbolizes the reimagining of the campus landscape and University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack’s focus on creating innovative programs and providing impactful services that will benefit the campus and Greater Orangeburg communities.

Among those playing a vital role in helping Warmack fulfill his vision is Tijuana Hudson, Claflin’s first-ever female vice president for fiscal affairs and chief financial officer. In addition to managing the University’s finances, Hudson reviews facility designs, secures local, state, and federal funding, and tracks the progress of construction and renovation projects. Since February 2021, Hudson has worked on financing the new Student Center and ensuring that the project will be completed on schedule by 2023.

“I never thought that I would be in higher education. It was never on my radar, but here I am all those years later, and I can’t imagine doing anything else,” Hudson said.

Hudson began working at the University in July 2010 as associate vice president for fiscal affairs. In July 2012, she was appointed vice president for fiscal affairs. Before Claflin, Hudson served as the chief financial officer at two other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). “Yes, I have many years of experience in this position, but everything is different at each school. Coming in, I focused on learning about my colleagues, their diverse personalities, and how we can work effectively as a team.”

When Hudson began working at Claflin, she noticed she was younger than her male counterparts. Hudson also realized she needed to learn the culture of the University and earn the respect of her coworkers.

“The most rewarding part of this job is commencement when I see students walk across the stage. It makes this sometimes stressful position and the long hours worth it, when you know you are helping students earn a college degree,” said Hudson. “My role is to make sure the finances are in order so they can concentrate on their academic responsibilities. That’s what is awesome.”

Hudson’s strong belief in the high quality of Claflin’s academic programs led to her sons, William Hudson III and Christopher Hudson, becoming Claflin graduates. William is a Class of 2015 graduate who earned a bachelor’s degree in politics and justice studies. Christopher earned his bachelor’s degree in 2017 in biochemistry.

Hudson sees herself staying in higher education for the foreseeable future. “As I grow in my role, I have a passion for grooming women and helping them advance. So right now, I am preparing someone for this seat,” Hudson said. “I know that I won't be here forever. One of my priorities is to ensure that the person after me will continue my commitment the exemplary customer service and financial accountability."

Kristal Alexander Leads Sodexo’s Facility Management Partnership at Claflin University

by Daa'iyah Fogle, student writer

It should be no surprise that Kristal M. Alexander takes tremendous pride in her accomplishments. She is the first female to provide leadership for facility management at Claflin University through its partnership with Sodexo, an industry leader in integrated facilities management and food service operations. Alexander oversees buildings and preventative maintenance, landscaping, janitorial services, utility and energy management, and construction.

Much of what she and her staff does is often taken for granted. The well-manicured lawns, blossoming flowers, and the overall tidiness of the campus – including the administrative and academic buildings and residence halls – are testaments to the dedication and diligence of her staff.

Alexander began working as the director of facilities management for Claflin University in December 2020. Before serving in this role, she was a North America facilities management systems trainer, where she facilitated training with healthcare, corporate services, schools, and universities affiliated with Sodexo. The position provided Alexander with extensive experience in training vice presidents, directors, managers, and frontline employees to implement work order systems.

At Claflin, Alexander’s goal is to reshape the perspectives of facility personnel and janitorial services. “Our staff members play an instrumental role in the University's daily operations. My goal is to show how their work contributes to the effectiveness and efficiency of all University operations,” Alexander said.

Alexander did not begin her professional career in facilities management. However, her consistent pursuit of a purposeful career led to an opportunity with Sodexo. After obtaining a degree in international business, she worked in patient healthcare managing outpatient labs but soon realized she wanted to serve in a different capacity. Making a career shift, she became a building manager for another healthcare company, where she was responsible for supporting physicians with their businesses and practices. While serving in this role, she became intrigued with the facilities team that managed a location.

Alexander gained invaluable knowledge through her interactions with the team, and her academic curiosity inspired her to pursue a career in facilities management. Alexander has worked in various sectors throughout her career, including healthcare and the public school system. She has managed work order systems for 500+ schools and 600+ stationary engineers and has overseen the maintenance of fire systems, operating rooms, helipads, and much more.

“Having interpersonal skills, great customer service, and the ability to foster and sustain relationships are just a few keys to a successful career in facilities management,” Alexander said. “Also, having an open mind and willingness to expand your knowledge base is vital to this role. Being a jack of all trades can be very beneficial.”

Since launching her career in facilities management, Alexander has noticed a lack of diversity in the industry. She is often the only woman in the room, and sometimes - the only African-American woman.

“I strive to work with a strong knowledge base, have integrity and ensure consistency in my work with hopes that it will break stereotypes,” Alexander said. “This is the second time in my career where I was the first woman in the facilities director position, and I wear the title with great honor. I want more women, specifically women of color, to come to the table, rise and excel in these environments.”

Note: Alexander was recently promoted to district manager for Sodexo’s University Segment. She will continue to supervise facilities management operations at Claflin.

Help Claflin University Raise $25,000 in One Day for Student Scholarships

Claflin University will host its United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Day of Giving Campaign on Wednesday, April 27, 2022. The fundraising goal for this year’s virtual event is $25,000 to support student scholarships.

Please make your donation on April 27 using one of the following:

Go to http://alumni.claflin.edu/bbnc/uncf-giving
Givelify.com (https://giv.li/bk9s4a)
Text CUGiving to (844) 596-3403
Call (803) 535-5357

Sponsorship levels are:

Silver - $1,000
Gold - $500
Bronze - $250

You may watch the event live on Claflin's Facebook page by clicking here.

Gifts will be acknowledged during the live broadcasts on Facebook at 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

For more information, please call (803) 535-5357.

Alumni Notes

Congratulations to Brigadier General (Ret.) Twanda E. Young, '89, who was a Class of 2020 inductee into the Bulldog Battalion Hall of Fame at South Carolina State University. Her official enshrinement was held on April 8, 2022. Young serves on the Claflin University Board of Trustees. Young participated in the Army ROTC program at Claflin University through the cross-enrollment agreement with South Carolina State University. She was the first female commissioned from the ROTC program to earn the rank of Brigadier General. She earned two master's degrees from Ball State University and another master’s from the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle Barracks, Pa. The last position she held was Deputy Commanding General Human Resources Command, the nation’s largest human resources organization. She is now retired after a distinguished 32-year military career in U.S. Army. She is the recipient of the 2010 Order of Saint Maurice Award presented by the 197th Infantry Brigade and the 2011 Horatio Gates Bronze Medal by the Adjutant General Regiment. Her military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, two Defense Meritorious Service Medals, seven Meritorious Service Medals, Joint Service Commendation Medals, three Army Commendation Medals, four Army Achievement Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Army Superior Unit Award, NATO Medal, Army Staff Badge, and the Airborne Badge. Young is an adjunct professor at Bowie State University in Bowie, Md.

Central Savannah River Area Alumni Chapter to Host CUIAA Convention in Augusta, Georgia

The Central Savannah River Area Alumni Chapter will host the 48th Claflin University International Alumni Convention (CUIAA) on April 21-24, 2022, in Augusta, Ga. This year's planning committee is pleased to welcome attendees to Augusta where the theme for the Convention is "Feeling Good from the Garden City to the Hilltop High."

Click here to register online.