SC State University hosts successful spring passport fair, encourages global exploration

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University hosted its spring passport fair on Thursday, April 3, bringing students and community members one step closer to international travel.

Agents from the Charleston Passport Center set up on campus in Belcher Hall to accept applications for new passports and renewals. SC State President Alexander Conyers facilitated payment for all student applicants, eliminating a key barrier to global access.

“We know our students must be prepared to thrive in the modern economic and social structure that drives business and industry, and that means learning to engage on a global scale,” SC State President Alexander Conyers said. “Providing passports is just one example of how we are meeting the needs of our students in that regard.”

 A total of 115 people participated in the event, including 84 SC State students and 31 members of the community.

“Providing students with an opportunity to secure a passport is critical to increasing international mobility among students, faculty and staff,” said Dr. Learie Luke, director of SC State’s Office of Global Engagement. “Hosting passport fairs at SC State not only serves our students but the wider community, as well.”

 Sophomore Tamiah Garcia of Charlotte, North Carolina, admitted to feeling “a bit nervous,” but said the experience was “very good” after being assisted by student workers from the university’s Office of Global Engagement and the visiting passport agents. Garcia plans to use her new passport to visit Jamaica, a country she studied in elementary school and has dreamed of seeing ever since. 

Terri Whetstone, an SC State alumna who traveled from Aiken, South Carolina, said she attended the fair to apply for a passport in time for her 60th birthday trip to Jamaica.

Describing the process as “perfect, fast and friendly,” Whetstone added that she’s even interested in sponsoring a student for the next passport fair — a true example of Bulldog pride.

Several other students and alumni also expressed travel aspirations. Senior Kenard Holmes of Blythewood plans to visit Jamaica and Mexico after graduation. “The process was so easy,” he said.

 SC State senior Mariann Thompson of Dillon wants to travel to the Bahamas, inspired by TikTok videos she’s seen. She called the process “very smooth.”

Graduate student Karrington McClurkin of Rock Hill and junior Pearson Butler of Greenville also described the process as “quick and easy.” Butler hopes to visit London in the future. 

A survey conducted at the event showed that 91% of respondents rated the passport process as “easy,” while student workers managing registration received a 91% customer satisfaction rating. 

Junior speech pathology and audiology majors Eunice Eleke and Mykia Leake and freshman agribusiness major Saniyah Valcin staffed the registration desk.

Attendees praised both the student team and the passport agents from Charleston.

“Everything from the application process to the passport interview was executed professionally and smoothly,” one attendee said.

Another remarked, “Love that they were moving fast. I was only there for 10 minutes.” 

SC State continues to promote international mobility among students, faculty and staff through initiatives like the passport fair. 

For more information about SC State’s international and cultural exchange efforts, contact Dr. Learie B. Luke, director of SC State’s Office of Global Engagement, via email at lluke@scsu.edu. Visit the Office of Global Engagement’s web page at www.scsu.edu/oinsep.