@Claflin: CAEP Accreditation, Granville Hicks Leadership Academy Youth Gathering, and more

June 11, 2021

The World Needs Visionaries

Claflin University School of Education Among 60 Educator Preparation Providers Recognized for National Excellence

The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP) announced that Claflin University is one of 60 providers from 26 states to receive accreditation for their educator preparation programs. The Spring 2021 review by the CAEP Accreditation Council resulted in 60 newly-accredited education preparation providers, bringing the total to 423 providers approved under the CAEP Accreditation Standards – rigorous, nationally recognized standards that were developed to ensure excellence in educator preparation programs.

“This achievement is significant for Claflin University because the national endorsement by CAEP is the gold seal of approval for all of Claflin's teacher education programs,” said Dr. Anthony A. Pittman, dean of Claflin’s School of Education. “The support we received from Claflin President Dr. Dwaun Warmack, Provost Dr. Karl Wright, and other members of the campus community, including our district K-12 partners was critical to our success. We also appreciate the assistance and cooperation provided by the CAEP Site Visiting Team and the SC Department of Education. This accomplishment speaks well of our institution's commitment to high quality - second to none – academic programs,” said Pittman who began his tenure as dean in 2019.

CAEP is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, a nongovernmental activity based on peer review that serves the dual functions of assuring quality and promoting improvement. CAEP was created by the consolidation of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Teacher Education Accreditation Council. It is a unified accreditation system intent on raising the performance of all institutions focused on educator preparation. Approximately, 700 educator preparation providers participate in the CAEP Accreditation system.

“These institutions meet high standards so that their students receive an education that prepares them to succeed in a diverse range of classrooms after they graduate,” said CAEP President Dr. Christopher A. Koch. “Seeking CAEP Accreditation is a significant commitment on the part of an educator preparation provider.”

“This accreditation is the successful culmination of a process that began back in fall 2016," said Wright, Claflin’s chief academic officer.“ This process confirmed the strength of Claflin’s mission of providing access to an affordable and exceptional educational experience, while constantly evolving to meet the national and global needs of 21st Century educators.”

The CAEP Board of Directors updated the educator preparation standards in 2020 as part of its commitment to reviewing the standards at least every seven years. The changes to the CAEP standards reflect the Board’s commitment to equity and diversity and place an emphasis on the importance of technology in preparing future educators.

“Among the recruitment strategies highlighted in our accreditation report was our Claflin University Bridges to Education (CUBE) Program,” Pittman said. “This is a partnership with South Carolina State University that focuses on recruiting prospective teacher education majors from high schools along the I-95 corridor. The goal of this initiative is to help diversify the teacher education pipeline for schools in rural and historically underserved communities.”

Educator preparation providers seeking accreditation must pass peer review of the CAEP standards, which are based on solid evidence that the provider’s graduates are competent and caring educators, and solid evidence that the provider’s educator staff have the capacity to create a culture of evidence and use it to maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.

“The impact of CAEP accreditation for our students means that the quality of their preparation for the teaching profession cannot be questioned nor second guessed; they will be able to secure positions as credentialed educators anywhere in the country,” Pittman said. “For our faculty, the accreditation is a testament to their dedication to producing education candidates of the highest caliber.”

Claflin University to Host Virtual Granville Hicks Leadership Academy Youth Gathering

Presentations by songwriter/educator Regina Skeeters and educator/motivational speaker Hayward Jean, an educator and motivational speaker will be among the highlights at the Granville Hicks Leadership Academy Youth Gathering on June 21-23 at Claflin University. The ecumenical gathering of youth from across the state is designed to help students from various denominations learn how to hear God's voice and answer God's call to discipleship and service.

Skeeters will serve as the keynote speaker for the opening and second sessions with Jean as the moderator. Jean will deliver the keynote message on June 23 during the final session. Each session begins at 6:30 p.m. The presentations are free and available to the public. Click here to register for the event.

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. The event 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 Leadership Academy empowers attendees with biblical knowledge, intellectual growth and theological reflection.

For the past 29 years, the Granville Hicks Leadership Academy conference was hosted at Claflin in January. However, due to the pandemic, the leadership and planning sessions, lectures by distinguished theologians, and worship services were presented virtually. This year, the Leadership Academy has included summer sessions for youth in kindergarten through the 12th grade.

“With all the stress of COVID-19 and the many challenges that young people have faced during this time, we need to address the spiritual formation of those who may be discerning how God is speaking and moving during this time,” said Dr. Arlecia Simmons, program director for the Claflin University/Duke University Leadership Education Grant.

Skeeters is a member of the All Nations Church in Columbia, S.C. and founder of Blend Out Loud, a non-profit organization and performing arts camp that teaches the “now generation” the importance of doing away with blending into society. The focal points of Blend Out Loud are peer pressure, abstinence, low self-esteem, and other issues that youth may face daily. Click here to learn more information on Skeeters and Blend Out Loud.

Jean is director of student services for the Orangeburg County School District. A 2004 graduate of Claflin University, he was an inaugural member of the Call Me MiSTER® program, an initiative that works to increase the pool of available teachers from broader more diverse backgrounds particularly among the state's lowest-performing elementary schools. Jean is also the assistant pastor of The Feast of the Lord Church in Orangeburg, S.C. Click here to lean more about Jean.

Claflin University President to Participate in HBCU Promise Presidents’ Forum II Sponsored by Dominion Energy

Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack will participate in a roundtable discussion, “HBCU Promise Presidents’ Forum II: One Year Later,” sponsored by Dominion Energy on Thursday, June 17, at 1-2:30 p.m. WISTV News Anchor Judi Gatson will be the moderator for the virtual presentation that will be available on Dominion Energy’s Youtube channel. Click here to watch the discussion.

Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University, Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, president of Benedict College, and Dr. Harold Lee Martin Sr., chancellor at North Carolina A&T State University will join Dr. Warmack as panelists during the forum to reflect on how last year impacted students at HBCUs. The HBCU Promise Presidents’ Forum is a part of Dominion Energy’s $25 million pledge to support HBCUs, which includes hosting a series of conversations with HBCU leaders and Dominion Energy executives about social justice and equity.

Claflin University is one of 11 HBCUs to receive support through a $35 million initiative of Dominion Energy aimed at promoting higher education equity. The six-year "HBCU Promise" program will provide $25 million in funding to select institutions. Additionally, a $10 million scholarship fund will support African American and underrepresented minority students across the company's service territory.

In selecting the institutions, Dominion Energy looked at a range of factors, including locations with a significant customer presence, and past partnerships and opportunities to make an immediate impact. In structuring the partnerships, Dominion Energy will focus on four general areas: operating needs, urgent capital needs, endowments and scholarships.

More than seven million customers in 20 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE:D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. Dominion Energy is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy. It is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with more than $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution and import/export services. Dominion Energy is committed to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050.

Claflin University Athletic Department to Host Inaugural PAWS UP Golf Classic

The Claflin University Athletic Department will host its inaugural PAWS UP Golf Classic on Friday, July 9, at scenic Lake Marion Golf Course located at 9069 Highway 6, Santee, S.C. Registration begins at 8 a.m. followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. The cost is $125 for individual players and $500 for teams of four players.

PAWS UP and the Orange and Maroon Athletic Support Association (OMASA) are coordinating the golf classic which is a fundraiser for deserving Claflin scholar-athletes. Proceeds from this event will also support initiatives that are critical to Claflin becoming a perennial nationally ranked program in NCAA Division II that consistently competes for championships in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

The CU Athletic Department is also committed to recruiting and retaining exceptional scholar-athletes who will continue the program’s proud legacy of achievement in academics and athletics. The fundraising goal for the PAWS UP Golf Classic is $50,000.

According to its website, “Lake Marion Golf Course features fantastic Miniverde greens that are in perfect shape all year long. The golf course will challenge you with pine tree-lined fairways, bordering lakes and 47 sand bunkers.” Lake Marion Golf Course also has the area’s largest golf pro shop, a lighted driving range, and golf instructions by PGA Golf Professionals.

“We are hopeful that you will support this year’s event and help us reach our fundraising goal as a golfer and/or sponsor,” said Tony O’Neal, Claflin University athletic director. “We want to increase funding and resources that will enhance the athletic and academic experience for the scholar-athletes that represent Claflin in 11 intercollegiate sports.”

In addition to the golf competition, a reception and silent auction featuring former NFL players Chris Canty, Erik Williams, and Na'Shan Goodard will be held on Thursday, July 8, at 7 p.m., at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Wellness Complex.

Canty played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Baltimore Ravens. He was a starter with New York when the Giants defeated the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLVI.

Goodard played with several NFL teams. He earned Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants in 2008 and the New Orleans Saints in 2010. Williams was a three-time All-Pro with the Dallas Cowboys and he helped the Cowboys win Super Bowls in 1995, 1993, and 1992.

Click here to register or sponsor or contact Ms. Priscilla Cramer, athletic program senior support technician, at pcramer@claflin.edu or (803) 535-5504 for more information.

Alumni News

The New York Alumni Chapter of the Claflin University International Alumni Association participated in the HBCU College Fair on Saturday, June 5, at the City of New York 28th Precinct in New York, NY. Pictured from left: Trinidell W. Thomas, ’72, George Alexander, ’70, Rose Anderson and Candis W. Bugg, ‘59, New York Alumni Chapter President.

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