SC State Honors College recognizes distinguished supporters for leadership and generosity
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College recently honored a distinguished group of alumni and partners whose generosity, leadership and advocacy continue to advance the college’s mission of supporting exceptional scholars.
“Each name reflects a story – a story of a class taught, a door opened, a burden lifted or a path made straighter,” said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., the Honors College’s dean. “Together, they form a network of care that strengthens the Honors College’s work and widens its reach."
Honorary Members
As the Honors College inducted its 2025 cohort of Clyburn Scholars on Friday, Oct. 3, it also recognized the champions whose generosity and advocacy make such moments possible. The Honors College named Honorary Members for the Class of 2025, acknowledging outstanding leadership and philanthropy:
- Hank Allen (SC State Class of 1978) facilitated a $10,000 donation from the SC State University National Alumni Association.
- Nathaniel “Nate” Spells Sr., CEO of Dynamics Construction Inc., provided the $10,000 sponsorship underwriting the breakfast. The College extended special thanks to Nathaniel “Nate” Spells Jr. as well.
- Attorney Cheryl Irvin (Class of 1980), criminal defense and personal injury attorney with the Irvin Law Firm, Houston, Texas, contributed $20,000 in support of the Honors College.
- Dr. Kris Harley (Class of 1995), chief of surgery and trauma surgeon line director at CaroMont Regional Medical Center, Gastonia, North Carolina, donated $10,182.69, reflecting a precise and purposeful commitment to student success.
- Dr. Monifa McKnight (Class of 1999), educator, dean’s fellow and superintendent in residence at the University of Maryland, made a personal contribution of $10,000.
- Douglas Gantt (Class of 1984), chairman of the SC State University Board of Trustees, was honored for facilitating several gifts from the North Augusta Chapter. Gantt’s leadership helped secure Spells’ $10,000 sponsorship for the day’s breakfast and Irvin’s $20,000 contribution. Gantt also made a personal gift of $5,000 supporting the breakfast.
Affiliate Members: Partners in Purpose
The Honors College also acknowledged Affiliate Members who have provided steadfast support through advocacy, mentorship, gifts, and partnership:
- Mr. Hank Allen – Class of ’78, Former President of the SC State University National Alumni Association and former ex-officio member of the Board of Trustees.
- Ms. Deborah Blackmon, SC State retiree, Office of the President.
- Mr. Vernon Huggins, Zeus Industrial Products Inc.
- Mr. Roger Jackson, private donor.
- Liberty Hill AME Church, Summerton, South Carolina. Rev. Dr. George E. Hicks (Classes of 1981 and 1994), pastor and SC State professor of education.
- Mr. Jamal Miles, (Class of 1991), parent of Honors College Scholar Jamal Miles II.
- Ms. Anna Moorer, (Class of 1967), retired educator.
- Dr. Macie Smith (Classes of 1999 and 2002), vice chair of the Board of Trustees, a pledge of $10,000.
A special acknowledgment
The Honors College also recognized Trustee Monica R. Scott, honored as a 2024 Honorary Member for her $30,000 gift supporting student scholarships. Whitaker said her presence at this year’s ceremony served as a reminder that philanthropy is a relay, and each gift is both a culmination and a handoff to the next chapter of student success.
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.
