Founders Day 2023
South Carolina State University’s Founders Day 2023 celebrates 127 years of excellence in education and service to the community, the state, the nation, and the world.
SC State was founded in 1896 as Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural and Mechanical College of South Carolina. Over the next century, the institution evolved into a state college and finally the comprehensive university it is in 2023.
SC State is known for producing leading professionals in the arts, business, sciences, politics, law, medicine, and human services. The university has provided the state’s largest population of African American teachers, as well as more African American Army officers than any other university military training facility in the nation. SC State is the only Historically Black College or University in the nation and the only school in South Carolina offering a four-year degree in nuclear engineering.
The university marks the anniversary of its founding with a ceremony each year to recognize distinguished and outstanding alumni, Thomas E. Miller Society Inductees, faculty and staff service anniversaries, and staff employees of the year.
Founders Day affords the campus community each year to hear from a notable and inspirational keynote speaker. Over the years, the speakers have included Civil Rights Era icon Benjamin Mays, “Roots” author Alex Haley, famed newscaster Max Robinson, entertainer Sammy Davis Jr., human rights advocate Martin Luther King III, U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn and revolutionary educator Marva Collins.
Presidents of SC State University
From 1896 to Present
Col. (RET) Alexander Conyers
2021 - Present
James E. Clark
2016 - 2021
Thomas J. Elzey
2013 - 2015
Dr. George E. Cooper
2008 - 2012
Dr. Andrew Hugine, Jr.
2003 - 2007
Dr. Leroy Davis, Sr.
1996 - 2002
Dr. Barbara R. Hatton
1993 - 1995
Dr. Albert E. Smith
1986 - 1992
Dr. M. Maceo Nance, Jr
1968 - 1986
Dr. Benner C. Turner
1950 - 1967
Dr. Miller F. Whittaker
1932 - 1949
Dr. Robert S. Wilkinson
1911 - 1932
Dr. Thomas E. Miller
1896 - 1911
Founders Day
Keynote Speakers
Distinguished Alumni
Award Recipients
Keynote Speaker
Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty
Beatty is a native of Spartanburg, SC. Upon graduating from SC State, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army. After completing active-duty military service, he earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of South Carolina.
He was elected to the Circuit Court in 1995 and served as a trial judge until he was elevated to the Court of Appeals in 2003. In 2007, Chief Justice Beatty was elected to the South Carolina Supreme Court. He assumed the role of Chief Justice of South Carolina on January 1, 2017, after being elected to the position by the South Carolina General Assembly.
Read more about Chief Justice Donald W. Beatty
He established a private practice in Spartanburg. During this time, he committed to public service with his election to Spartanburg City Council and the South Carolina House of Representatives. Dedicated to his community, he served on numerous boards and commissions.
His current memberships include the American Law Institute, Conference of Chief Justices Board of Directors, National Advisory Board for the Bryson Judicial Science Education Center, and National Courts and Sciences Institute Board of Directors. Chief Justice Beatty remains dedicated to his community and enjoys speaking to youth groups.
Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards for community service and leadership. Among them are the Profile in Leadership Award, multiple Honorary Doctor of Laws, Living Legend Award, Superior Achievement Award, the South Carolina Business Network’s Vision Award, the Harvey Gantt Triumph Award, American Board of Trial Advocates Jurist of the Year, S.C. Lawyers Hall of Fame, the South Carolina Association of Justice Portrait Award, and Columbia Business Monthly 2020 50 Most Influential People Hall of Fame.
This Bulldog is passionate about his Alma Mater. He is a life member of the SCSU National Alumni Association and its Spartanburg Alumni Chapter and was the 2018 guest speaker at the National Alumni Convention. At SC State, he was the Commencement speaker in December 2007 and Parade Marshal in 2021.
Chief Justice Beatty is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. He resides with his family in Spartanburg.