'This school will change her for the better': Incoming students, parents share visions for life at SC State

Families embrace a new chapter as freshmen and transfer students arrive with dreams, determination and Bulldog pride

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- As hundreds of freshmen and transfer students arrived at South Carolina State University on Tuesday to begin a new chapter, alumna Krystal Gooden McKelvey saw something familiar.  

Years after finding her own path at SC State, she returned to campus to help her daughter begin hers. 

McKelvey was among the parents who arrived on campus Monday and Tuesday for freshman orientation and move-in as the university began its 2026–27 school year. The Welcome Center at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center was the first stop for her and her daughter, Kyndal.  

“My experience at State was a really good experience. I found myself here. I found some forever friends, and I got a good start in my career and my education. I want that for her,” said McKelvey, who is from Moncks Corner, S.C. 

“She’s coming here for mechanical engineering, and I know that this school will change her for the better and help her become a better individual all the way around. My father is from Orangeburg, and all my sisters and I went to SC State,” she said. 

Kyndal is a transfer student from Trident Technical College in Charleston. She said she is looking for a different experience at SC State, where she will be staying in Hugine Suites. 

“I really want to work hard on getting my degree here. I’m excited to go experience the things that are here, games, parties, etc. I’m excited for my classes, as well,” she said.  

“I want to see how different the classes are here, but I also like being around more people that look like me. To other freshmen, I would say get your work. It becomes a lot if you miss things,” the 18-year-old said.  

As she prepares to further her education, Kyndal has already spent two years as an engineering apprentice at Nexans High-Voltage Cables and Solutions in Goose Creek.  

“I want to become a mechanical engineer. I want to either find a company to work for or go into the military,” she said.  

Finding the right fit 

Jaden Edwards, 18, of Springfield, S.C., checked in at the Welcome Center with his family, including his mother, Francine.  

“I chose SC State because of the electrical engineering program. I believe it’s the best one near here. So, I believe I’m going to have a good time learning and everything,” said Edwards, who will be staying in Earle Hall.  

Edwards said the school's proximity to his home also factored into his decision. 

“If I really do need anything, I can just ask. Also, it’s a lot of people in Orangeburg who can help if I need help. After school, I think I would like to have a good-paying job. Hopefully my life goes right,” the 18-year-old said.  

His mother was proud of his decisions and outlook.

“I’m so very proud of him and thanking God at the same time for the journey. My hope is that his desire will be God’s will,” she said. 

A fresh start, close to home and far from it 

Tatiana Massey, 18, of Charlotte, N.C., was among the other freshmen checking into campus on Tuesday. She plans to major in physical activity management. 

“I chose SC State because I didn’t want to go anywhere where anybody from Charlotte was going. I’m trying to be an ultrasound technician,” Massey said. 

Tarika Anderson of Ridgeland, S.C., joined her 18-year-old son, Tavareous, at the Welcome Center. She said several of her son’s family members attended SC State.  

“It’s a family thing. All my family went here. I just love everything about State. They’ve got great academics around here,” Anderson said. 

Tavareous is majoring in criminal justice and will be staying in Hugine Suites. 

“I’ve heard experiences from friends who attend here. It’s close to home, but it’s also something different. At first, I was going to attend Norfolk State in Virginia, but I was like, ‘South Carolina State is kind of like a family thing, so why not continue it?’” he said. 

 Looking ahead, Tavareous said his goal is to give back to his community. 

“How things are going now, somebody’s got to lead by example,” Tavareous said, noting that SC State will provide a foundation to build on. 

“I already took most of my credits with dual enrollment when I went to high school. SC State can advance it further,” he said. 

Upperclassmen will arrive on campus Thursday and Friday. Classes will begin on Monday.