Bulldog Class Notes for Jan. 6, 2025
Sharing news about South Carolina State University alumni!
Malik Hayward
Class of 2023
He received a Bachelor of Arts in studio arts with a focus on painting and drawing from South Carolina State University in 2023.
He serves as the art teacher at Greeleyville STEAM Academy in the Williamsburg County School District and is a studio artist at the new ArtFields Acline Studios, Lake City, South Carolina.
Also known as "Yung4LifesArt," Hayward was born in Atlanta, Georgia, and raised in Nesmith, South Carolina.
He is an educator, painter, and artist. In 2019 he became a member of the Eta Iota Chapter of Kappa Pi International Honorary Art Fraternity, Inc.
He has received many accolades for his artistry and participated in prestigious local and national exhibits such as the City Gallery Mojo Arts Festival Juried Art Exhibition, ArtFields, the Gibbs Museum of Art’s Edwin Harleston and Kennard Kennedy HBCU Showcase, the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture Noir: Studies and Black Portraiture, Georgetown Art and Wine Walk, Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago Black Creativity 2023 and Black Art in America.
Patrina Smith
Class of 1999
Smith brings over two decades of educational experience to her new role, including more than 10 years in school administration. In her previous role as assistant principal at Jackson Creek Elementary, Smith has played a crucial role in implementing curriculum, supporting teachers, and fostering a positive learning environment.
"We are thrilled to have Patrina Smith step into the role of principal-elect at Jackson Creek Elementary," Richland 2 School Distruct Superintendent Dr. Kim D. Moore said. "Her dedication to education, proven leadership skills, and deep understanding of our school community make her the ideal candidate to build upon the excellent foundation laid by Dr. Mosso-Taylor. She will assume the role of principal upon Mosso-Taylor’s retirement at the end of the fiscal year."
Smith's educational background includes an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.) degree in educational administration from South Carolina State University (2011), a Master of Education in divergent learning from Columbia College (2006), and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education from SC State (1999).
Throughout her career, Smith has demonstrated a commitment to educational excellence and innovation. She has been recognized as Teacher of the Year at North Springs Elementary School (2008-09), a graduate of Richland Two's Assistant Principal's Academy (2021) and South Carolina Alliance of Black School Educators Assistant Principal of the Year (2023). Her experience includes roles as an athletic director, chair of various school committees, and founder of mentoring programs.
“I am honored and excited to take on the role of Principal at Jackson Creek Elementary," said Smith. "I look forward to working closely with our talented staff, dedicated parents, and wonderful students to continue building on our school's tradition of community engagement and educating the whole child to ensure that we meet our students' needs academically, socially and emotionally.”
Retired Col. LeRoy Zimmerman
Class of 1966
He is a 1966 South Carolina State University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. As a loyal supporter of his alma mater, Zimmerman is a member of SC State's prestigious Thomas E. Miller Society and a former member of the university's Board of Visitors.
He was commissioned in the U.S. Army through the SC State ROTC program. Zimmerman served 27 years of active duty as a field artillery officer, including a combat tour in Vietnam. Zimmerman was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat. He graduated from the U.S. Army War College in 1986. He retired from the Army as a colonel in 1993.
His education also includes a master's from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a doctorate from George Washington University.
In 1996 Zimmerman founded MEGAGENESIS, which provides opportunities for students to learn about colleges and careers. Since its inception, MEGAGENESIS has served over 46,000 students.
Lamar H. Hodges
Class of 2012
As a program manager, he is responsible for leading and directing efforts to support the implementation of community engagement. He oversees team operations and supports the implementation of community engagement efforts and activities to ensure the health needs of communities continue to be met. His team's strong focus is to use evidence-based policy, systems, and environmental change strategies toward community health improvement.
He is a proud Class of 2012 graduate of South Carolina State University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in family and consumer sciences business/multidisciplinary. He also earned his Master of Arts Degree in health administration from Webster University, Charleston South Carolina.
Hodges has over 10 years of experience in nutrition. He has served as a DHEC Cooking Matters Coordinator, nutritionist II and trainer in the WIC Program, and a program coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Social Services Child Care Licensing and Child and Adult Care Food Program. Also, he is a South Carolina Endeavors Certified Content Specialist Trainer. Lamar is proud to have served as the first African American male nutritionist in the South Carolina WIC Program.
In his spare time, he enjoys facilitating nutrition education to community-based organizations and providing consultation to various childcare centers in the community. He is a founding member and executive board member of The Gregory Kinsey Memorial Scholarship Fund LLC., a member of the Greater Columbia Chapter of South Carolina State University Alumni Association, and a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
He is a native of Smoaks, South Carolina, and he resides in Columbia, South Carolina.
Jerry Cheatham
Class of 1984
Cheatham has been vice president of global finance for the company’s Industrial Paper Packaging segment since December 2022 and previously served in several finance and accounting leadership roles since joining the company in 1988.
Cheatham holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from South Carolina State University and an Executive Master of Business Management from Vanderbilt University.
Cheatham and his wife, Carla, have three daughters.
Cheatham has been a member of the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU), an advocacy organization representing 21 of South Carolina’s nonprofit colleges and universities. He is also president of the Darlington County Education Foundation (DCEF), which raises funds and awards grants for teachers to enhance the educational experience for public school students across Darlington County. He serves on the Board of Trustees for Coker University.
State Sen. Kay Patterson
Class of 1971
He represented the state’s 19th Senate District from 1985 through 2008 and was a member of the state House Representatives from 1975 to 1985.
Patterson was born in Darlington County and served in the U.S. Marines.
He earned a bachelor's degree from Allen University and pursued additional education at Temple University. He attended an NDEA Institute in Black History at Atlanta University in 1963.
He earned a Master of Education from South Carolina State University in 1971.
Patterson taught social studies at W.A. Perry Middle School and briefly taught at Benedict College. Patterson taught for 14 years at W. A. Perry Middle School, C. A. Johnson Preparatory Academy, and Benedict College, He served for 16 years as a UniServ Representative for the South Carolina Education Association, from which he retired in June 1986.
He was a member of the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB). In January 1983, he was elected by the S. C. House Education Committee to serve on the University of South Carolina Trustee Board, the first African-American to serve on the Board since Reconstruction.
Patterson was married to the former Jean James. They had two children.
Donations to the Senator K. Patterson Scholarship Fund at SC State may be made at www.scstateallin.com. At the drop-down box for gift designation, choose "General Scholarship" and indicate “in memory of Kay Patterson” in the comments section.
Send Us Your Class Notes!
Are you an SC State graduate with good news to share? Tell us about career changes, promotions, awards, births of children and other important milestones.
Email details to Sam Watson, SC State director of university relations: swatson2@scsu.edu.
Be sure to include your class year(s) and degrees earned.