SC State Fall Convocation moved to Thursday, Sept. 12

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University’s annual Fall Convocation has been rescheduled from Thursday, Sept. 5, to Thursday, Sept. 12.

Fall Convocation will begin at 3 p.m. in Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center on the SC State campus. The keynote speaker will be Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford.

Freshmen students are required to attend. The administration expects faculty members to attend, as well. Other students, employees and members of the public also are invited.

SC State classes will be canceled from 2-5 p.m.

About Naida Rutherford

Rutherford’s journey from homelessness to becoming a history-making public official is a testament to resilience, service, and determination. In 2020, she was elected to serve as the coroner of Richland County, South Carolina — home to the state’s capital.

Her victory made her the first woman, first medical professional, and first African American to hold this position in the office’s 173-year history.

Rutherford quickly gained national recognition, not just for her role as Coroner but also as an inspiring motivational speaker. Featured in USA Today, she has cultivated a strong social media presence, especially after launching innovative youth programs designed to introduce young people to unconventional career paths, like investigating causes of death. Rutherford enjoys bringing popular crime shows like "CSI: Crime Scene Investigators" to life for her audiences, offering a glimpse into the real-world side of forensic science.

Based in Columbia, Rutherford is also a nationally board-certified nurse practitioner, dedicating her medical expertise to serving underserved communities. Through her "ASK A DOCTOR" series, she bridges the gap between medical professionals and community needs, providing crucial resources and information.

Whether dealing with natural or unnatural deaths, Rutherford approaches her work with compassion, guiding families through the shock and sorrow of loss. She believes that every individual’s passing carries a unique story that deserves to be told with dignity, empathy, and justice.

Her life’s work is driven by the belief that no matter the circumstances surrounding someone’s death, their truth is vital and worthy of being heard. Rutherford’s journey from adversity to leadership is a powerful example of how determination and a commitment to serve can transform lives—not just her own, but those of the people she serves every day.