Claflin University is located in
Orangeburg, South CarolinaOrangeburg, also known as "The Garden City," is the principal city and county seat of Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States. The city population was 12,765 at the 2000 census , within a Greater Orangeburg population of approximately 45,000...
. Claflin University was founded in 1869 and is the oldest historically black college or university in the state of
South CarolinaSouth Carolina is a U.S. state that borders Georgia to the south and North Carolina to the north. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence from the British Crown during the American Revolution. The colony was...
.
History
Claflin was founded in 1869 by Methodist missionaries to prepare freed slaves to take their places as full American citizens. The University takes its name from two Methodist churchmen, Massachusetts Governor
William ClaflinWilliam Claflin was an industrialist and philanthropist who served as Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts from 1869-1872 and as a member of the United States Congress from 1877-1881....
and his father, Boston philanthropist Lee Claflin, who provided a large part of the funds to purchase the campus.
Dr. Alonzo Webster, a minister and educator from
VermontThe State of Vermont is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state ranks 43rd by land area, , and 45th by total area. It has a population of 621,270, making it the second least-populated state...
and a member of Claflin’s Board of Trustees, secured Claflin’s charter in 1869. The charter forbids discrimination of any sort among faculty, staff and students, making Claflin the first South Carolina university open to all students regardless of race, class or gender.
Claflin opened its doors with Dr. Webster as its first president. He came to South Carolina to teach at the Baker Biblical Institute in
CharlestonCharleston is a city in Charleston County, South Carolina in the U.S. state of South Carolina. It is the largest city and county seat of Charleston County. The city was founded as Charlestown or Charles Towne, Carolina in 1670, and moved to its present location from a location on the west bank of...
, an institution established by the S.C. Mission Conference of 1866 of the Methodist Episcopal Church for the education of African American ministers. In 1870 the Baker Biblical Institute merged with Claflin University. An act by the
South Carolina General AssemblyThe South Carolina General Assembly, also called the South Carolina Legislature, is the state legislature of the U.S. state of South Carolina. The legislature consists of the lower South Carolina House of Representatives and the upper South Carolina Senate. Altogether, the General Assembly consists...
on March 12, 1872, designated the South Carolina State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute as a part of Claflin University. In 1896 the S.C. General Assembly passed an act of separation which severed the State Agricultural and Mechanical Institute from Claflin University and established a separate institution which eventually became
South Carolina State UniversitySouth Carolina State University is a historically black university located in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It is the only state funded, historically black land-grant institution in South Carolina and is a member school of the Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Fund....
.
Since the administration of Dr. Webster, Claflin has been served by seven presidents: Dr. Edward Cooke (1872-1884); Dr. Lewis M. Dunton (1884-1922); Dr. Joseph B. Randolph (1922 1944); Dr. John J. Seabrook (1945-1955); Dr. Hubert V. Manning (1956-1984); Dr. Oscar A. Rogers, Jr. (1984-1994); and Dr. Henry N. Tisdale (1994-present).
Dr. Cooke left the presidency of Lawrence College to become the second president of Claflin. During his administration, a disastrous fire destroyed the Fisk Building, a proud monument designed by Robert Bates, recognized as the first certified Black Architect in the United States. In 1879 the first college class was graduated.
The Reverend Dr. Dunton, former vice president and development officer, was Claflin’s third president. Dr. Dunton, a graduate of
Syracuse UniversitySyracuse University is a private research university located in Syracuse, New York, U.S.A.. It was founded as a university in 1870, but its roots can be traced back to a seminary founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1832 which eventually became Genesee College...
, was a practical educator. Under his administration the law department was set up under the Honorable J. J. Wright, a former Associate Justice of the
South Carolina Supreme CourtThe South Carolina Supreme Court is the highest court in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The court is composed of a Chief Justice and four Associate Justices.-Selection of Justices:...
; graduates were admitted to the South Carolina Bar; Claflin’s property increased from six to . After his retirement, Dr. Dunton deeded his personal home and of land to Claflin.
Dr. Randolph, Claflin’s fourth president, was the former president of Samuel Houston College and former dean of
Wiley CollegeWiley College is a four-year, private, historically black, liberal arts college located on the west side of Marshall, Texas. Founded in 1873 by the Methodist Episcopal Church's Bishop Isaac Wiley and certified in 1882 by the Freedman's Aid Society, it is notable as one of the oldest predominantly...
. As a professional educator, he placed emphasis on a complete liberal arts education for the students who were inspired intellectually, culturally, and spiritually to launch into varied fields. The high school and upper grades were discontinued, but the first four elementary grades were retained for the teacher education program; this part of the program was later discontinued.
Dr. Seabrook, director of Morgan Christian Center,
Baltimore, MarylandBaltimore is an independent city and the largest city in the state of Maryland. The city is located in central Maryland along the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, an arm of the Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore is sometimes referred to as Baltimore City in order to distinguish it from surrounding...
, became the fifth president of Claflin. Dr. Seabrook persuaded the South Carolina Annual Conference to increase substantially its annual giving to Claflin. Furthermore, he revitalized the interest of the New England Conference of the Methodist Church in the institution. The endowment was increased, and the curriculum was expanded. The college received its first accreditation by the
Southern Association of Colleges and SchoolsThe Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional educational accreditation agency for over 13,000 public and private educational institutions ranging from preschool to college level in the southern United States...
in 1948.
Dr. Manning was appointed Claflin’s sixth president. He was a Methodist minister and former associate professor at Claflin. Under Dr. Manning’s leadership the faculty was strengthened, the endowment increased and the physical plant was significantly expanded.
Dr. Rogers, former dean of the Graduate School at
Jackson State UniversityJackson State University is a historically black university located in Jackson, Mississippi founded in 1877...
, became Claflin’s seventh president. Under his administration the enrollment and endowment increased, the Grace Thomas Kennedy building was constructed, the financial base of the college improved, and two capital campaigns were completed. Dr. Rogers also commissioned a master plan to guide campus development into the 21st century.
Dr. Tisdale, Claflin’s eighth and current president, was former senior vice president and chief academic officer at
Delaware State UniversityDelaware State University , is a historically black, public university located in Dover, Delaware with two satellite campus sites in Wilmington, Delaware and Georgetown, Delaware...
. Dr. Tisdale brought a wealth of scholarly achievement and demonstrated leadership to the University. He declared academic excellence the number one priority for Claflin. The first steps, designed to enhance the academic environment, included the establishment of the Claflin Honors College and the Center for Excellence in Science and Mathematics, and the national accreditation of more than a dozen academic programs. Graduate programs established include the Master of Business Administration, the Master of Science in Biotechnology and the Master of Education. Facilities enhancements include construction of the Living and Learning Center, Legacy Plaza, the Student Residential Center, the Music Center, and the new University Chapel. Claflin University is now recognized as one of the premier liberal arts institutions in the nation.
Academics
Claflin University is an independent, liberal arts, co-educational, historically black institution that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It is dedicated to educational excellence and to preparing students without regard to gender, race, religion or ethnic origin. It is committed to offering quality undergraduate programs, select graduate programs, and viable continuing education opportunities.
At the undergraduate level, the University ensures that students receive a liberal arts education that is designed to produce graduates who understand themselves, as well as historical and social forces that impact the world. Their academic experiences will include an understanding of religious and aesthetic values in a universal context and a thorough grounding in their chosen discipline. Their education will incorporate the use of technology, our exposure to recent scientific developments, and inculcate critical thinking and communication skills in order to prepare them for leadership and service in a global and multicultural society.
At the graduate level, students are provided instruction to enhance the analytical and comprehensive research acumen necessary for professional growth and leadership. Continuing education programs create avenues for students to complete their educational objectives and develop skills necessary for contribution to their professional and personal fulfillment.
Undergirding the Mission is the University’s commitment to excellence in all its endeavors.
The university offers broad based education in liberal arts and sciences combined with internships and other career-focused programs and offers a Master of Business Administration degree (MBA), a Master of Science in Biotechnology and 33 undergraduate majors.
About 1,800 students are enrolled. 32% are male and 68% are female. They represent 45 SC counties, 24 States, and 18 countries.
Greek letter organizations
The university currently has chapters for eight of the nine National Pan-Hellenic Council organizations.
| Organization |
Symbol |
Chapter |
Chapter Symbol |
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.Alpha Kappa Alpha is the first Greek-lettered sorority established and incorporated by African American college women. The sorority was founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., by a group of nine students, led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle...
|
ΑΚA |
Gamma Nu |
ΓN |
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate fraternity established by African Americans. Founded on December 4, 1906, on the campus of Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, Alpha Phi Alpha has initiated over 185,000 men into the organization and has been open to men of all races since 1940...
|
ΑΦΑ |
Delta Alpha |
ΔA |
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.Delta Sigma Theta is a non-profit Greek-lettered sorority of college-educated women who perform public service and place emphasis on the African American community. Delta Sigma Theta was founded on January 13, 1913, at Howard University by twenty-two young women. Today, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority...
|
ΔΣΘ |
Gamma Chi |
ΓX |
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.Kappa Alpha Psi is a collegiate Greek-letter fraternity with a predominantly African American membership. Since the fraternity's founding on January 5, 1911 at Indiana University Bloomington, the fraternity has never limited membership based on color, creed or national origin...
|
ΚΑΨ |
Gamma Nu |
ΓN |
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.Omega Psi Phi is an international fraternity and is the first African-American national fraternal organization to be founded at a historically black college. Omega Psi Phi was founded on November 17, 1911, at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by three undergraduate students and one faculty...
|
ΩΨΦ |
Lambda Sigma |
ΛΣ |
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.Phi Beta Sigma is a predominantly African-American fraternity which was founded at Howard University in Washington, D.C. on January 9, 1914. by three young African-American male students. The founders A. Langston Taylor, Leonard F. Morse, and Charles I...
|
ΦΒΣ |
Omicron |
O |
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.Sigma Gamma Rho was founded on the campus of Butler University on November 12, 1922, by seven school teachers in Indianapolis, Indiana...
|
ΣΓΡ |
Theta |
Θ |
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.Zeta Phi Beta is an international, historically black Greek-lettered sorority and a member of the National Pan-Hellenic Council.Zeta Phi Beta is organized into 800+ chapters, in eight intercontinental regions including the USA, Africa, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean...
|
ΖΦΒ |
Mu |
M |
Reserve Officers Training Corps
Claflin graduates who complete the R.O.T.C. program (a cross enrollment agreement with South Carolina State University) may be commissioned as second lieutenants in the U.S. Army.
Athletics
Claflin is a member of
Southern Intercollegiate Athletic ConferenceThe Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference is a College athletic conference consisting of historically black colleges and universities located in the southern United States...
of the
NCAAThe National Collegiate Athletic Association is a voluntary association of about 1,281 institutions, conferences, organizations and individuals that organizes the athletic programs of many colleges and universities in the United States and Canada...
(
Division IIDivision II is an intermediate-level division of competition in the National Collegiate Athletic Association. It offers an alternative to both the highly competitive level of intercollegiate sports offered in NCAA Division I and to the non-scholarship level offered in Division III...
). Men's sports include basketball, baseball, tennis, and track and field. Programs for women include basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and track and field.
Notable alumni
External links