Meet Dashon Pinckney, a new Clyburn Scholar at SC State University
The Columbia, South Carolina, resident is a first-generation college student.
Before arriving as a first-year student at South Carolina State University this fall, Pinckney served as drum major of the Eau Claire High School Marching Band in Columbia, South Carolina, leading his peers to excellence with discipline, creativity, and unity.
Now, he is transferring those skills to his role as a newly inducted Clyburn Scholar in SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College.
“A first-generation college student and servant leader, Dashon embodies the values of resilience, scholarship, and service that define the Clyburn Honors legacy,” said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., the Honors College’s dean. “In choosing South Carolina State University and the Clyburn Honors College, Dashon sought more than a degree — he sought legacy, belonging, and purpose.”
With sights set on psychology or an education-related field, Pinckney is ready to fulfill that legacy.
“SCSU is where I see possibility and empowerment,” Pinckney said. “It’s where leaders who look like me have built paths for others to follow.”
In high school, Pinckney maintained Honor Roll status all four years, earned a 1250 SAT score. As a peer leader, he mentored underclassmen in academics, wellness, and leadership, fostering a culture of encouragement and accountability among his classmates.
He dedicated over 450 hours to serving others through initiatives such as the Military Families Support Program, Families Helping Families, and neighborhood outreach efforts.
“His volunteerism reflects compassion and empathy, particularly for children and families navigating hardship or deployment,” Whitaker said.
Pinckney’s leadership extends beyond the classroom and the marching field. He views leadership as “lifting others up with you,” a philosophy evident in every project and role he has embraced. His commitment to excellence earned him multiple Leadership Awards from Eau Claire High School and recognition for his contributions to the band’s regional and state-level achievements.
“With aspirations to continue serving through education and community engagement, Pinckney represents the next generation of Bulldog Scholars,” Whitaker said, He us disciplined, compassionate, and determined to create meaningful change for South Carolina and beyond.”
About the Clyburn Scholars Program
The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at South Carolina State University proudly celebrates the continued generosity of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Endowed Honors College Scholarship Fund, an enduring endowment honoring Congressman James E. Clyburn and the late Dr. Emily England Clyburn.
Established to support high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for community engagement, the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Endowed Honors College Scholarship Fund has become a cornerstone of the Honors College’s mission to elevate student success and expand opportunity for South Carolina’s most promising young scholars.
“The Honors College is forever grateful to the Clyburn family for choosing to invest in the lives of some of our best and brightest students here at South Carolina State University,” Whitaker said. “These financial gifts are noble and profoundly impactful, ensuring that our scholars can focus on academic excellence without the barriers of financial hardship.
“We accept these gifts with humility and a renewed commitment to the ideals of leadership, service, and scholarship that the Clyburn name represents,” Whitaker said. “This scholarship does more than ease financial burdens. It inspires our scholars to lead lives of purpose and to give back to the communities that shaped them.”
For more information about SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, contact Dr. William Whitaker, the Honors College’s dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-533-3710, or Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, the Honors College’s executive director, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610.