Joshua Jackson and Tuhina Sambhus named SC State’s Mr. and Miss Honors College 2025-26

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College has selected Joshua Jackson and Tuhina Sambhus as Mr. and Miss Honors College for the 2025-26 academic year.

In these roles, the students will serve as ambassadors for the Honors College, leading initiatives that elevate academic excellence, service and student engagement.

As representatives of one of the university’s most distinguished communities, Jackson and Sambhus will mentor peers, support signature programs and uphold the Honors College’s core values of leadership, scholarship and service.

Jackson said he is eager to step into a role that amplifies student achievement.

“Serving as Mr. Honors College is an opportunity to uplift student voices and connect scholars with the tools and mentorship that drive real success,” he said. “My goal is for every Clyburn Scholar to feel seen, equipped and empowered to lead with purpose.”

Sambhus, a New Zealand native, plans to focus on student well-being, belonging and global competence.

“It’s an honor to represent a community that values excellence paired with empathy,” she said. “I want to help every scholar transform potential into meaningful impact — academically, professionally and in service to others.”

Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean of the Honors College, praised the pair as two students who exemplify the strengths of the Clyburn Honors community.

“Joshua and Tuhina embody the bedrock of our mission — intellectual curiosity, leadership, integrity and service,” Whitaker said. “As Mr. and Miss Honors College, they will model the habits of mind and heart that define our scholars.”

Dr. Windy Stephenson, executive director for academics and scholarship services, highlighted their record of engagement.

“Both students are deeply involved in research, mentoring and community impact,” Stephenson said. “Their platforms cover a spectrum of student needs — from financial wellness and professional readiness to civic engagement and graduate school pathways.”

Ambassadors for a community of scholars

Beyond representing the Honors College at ceremonies and recruitment events, Jackson and Sambhus will work closely with the dean’s office and Honors leadership to advance high-impact programming throughout the year.

Jackson plans to introduce a peer-led Financial Fluency Series, covering budgeting, credit, scholarships and internship funding. He also envisions Alumni Networking Nights to connect students with mentorship and referral pathways, along with the creation of a First-Year Success Lab, pairing new scholars with trained upperclassmen for coaching in study skills and goal setting.

Sambhus will spearhead Mindful Scholars, a well-being initiative focused on stress management, habit building and time management. She also plans to expand the Global Dialogues Forum, a space for international alumni engagement and cross-cultural development, and strengthen Women in Honors, a leadership collective focused on research, internships and graduate school preparation.

A year of action and impact

Together, Jackson and Sambhus will co-lead initiatives designed to enrich the Honors College:

• Alumni/Student Financial Wellness Summit
• Honors Research support for creative projects and conference travel
• Civic Impact Projects connecting student teams with local organizations, culminating in public showcases
• Graduate and Fellowship Preparation Track with boot camps and mentorship
• Industry Site Visits and Shadow Days aligned with professional readiness

Jackson and Sambhus have already begun their work, launching the Financial Wellness Summit and the First-Year Success Lab. Civic impact project proposals will open in January, followed by the first series of fellowship and graduate preparation sessions. Monthly programming will continue throughout the academic year, leading up to Spring Commencement in May.

As Mr. and Miss Honors College, Jackson and Sambhus are expected to maintain exemplary academic standing, model professionalism and serve as visible leaders who strengthen the culture, community and mission of the Honors College.

About the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College

The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College is committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership and professional development among high-achieving students at South Carolina State University. The Honors College provides unique opportunities for research, internships and graduate school preparation, ensuring students are well-equipped to excel in their future careers.

For more information about SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and future opportunities, contact William Whitaker, dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-533-3710, or Windy A. Mack Stephenson, executive director, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610.