SC State honors five longtime educators in professor emeritus ceremony

The designation recognizes a distinguished career and relationship with the university.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- South Carolina State University recently honored five educators who have made significant contributions to the institution and their field of study with a professor emeritus recognition ceremony.

Each honoree was granted the title of professor emeritus, a designation recognizing a distinguished career and relationship with the university.

“South Carolina State University recognizes the achievement of its emeritus faculty for their many years of commitment to teaching, research and service to this academy,” said Dr. M. Evelyn Fields, dean of the College of Education, Humanities and Social Sciences. 

“This is indeed an occasion for a celebration, a celebration of excellence as we honor and pay tribute to our retired and retiring faculty. Our honorees have collectively dedicated 110 years to South Carolina State University, and they were not just counting time,” Fields said.

Five honorees recognized at ceremony

 The following honorees were awarded plaques with their designated titles during a ceremony held in the university’s State Room on April 2:

• Dr. Douglas Miller, Distinguished Associate Professor Emeritus of Psychology.
• Dr. Larry Watson, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History.
• Dr. George Hicks, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Elementary Education.
• Dr. Willie Legette, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
• Dr. Walter McArthur, Distinguished Associate Professor Emeritus of Educational Psychology.
  

 

Honoring Dr. Walter McArthur

While McArthur was unable to attend the recognition ceremony, Dr. George Johnson, chairman of the Department of Teacher Education, lauded his achievements as a professor and mentor.

“Dr. McArthur devoted 33 years of distinguished service to this institution from 1977 to 2010 as a professor of educational psychology. Over those three decades, he did far more than just teach courses. He helped shape minds and guide futures and strengthen the very foundation of educator preparation,” Johnson said.

“When we reflect on Dr. McArthur’s legacy, we don’t just think of years, you think of presence, you think of consistency, dedication and an unmistakable smile. Today, we recognize not just a career, but a life of meaningful contribution, a life that has touched students, strengthened programs and enriched this institution,” he said.

McArthur also served on numerous committees during his time at SC State.

“He was a steady voice, a trusted presence and a colleague you could rely on," Johnson said.

Honoring Dr. George Hicks

Johnson described Hicks as a person who reflected not only excellence in education but a deep and enduring commitment to humanity.

“Dr. Hicks’ journey in education spans decades of impactful service. Beginning as a classroom teacher, rising through the ranks as an assistant principal and principal and ultimately shaping generations of educators here at South Carolina State University as a respected professor, mentor and leader,” Johnson said of Hicks, who earned his Doctor of Education degree in educational administration from SC State.

“He understands that education is not just about content, it is about connection. It’s about seeing students not just as learners, but as individuals with purpose, potential and promise…. What truly sets him apart is how far he’s willing to go for his students.

“Throughout his tenure, Dr. Hicks has taught and mentored countless undergraduate and graduate students, served on dissertation committees, led program development and contributed to accreditation efforts that strengthened this institution,” Johnson said. 

He said Hicks had also been recognized as Teacher of the Year and had served in leadership roles across the university and broader educational community.

“Beyond the university, he is a man of faith, a pastor, a musician, a mentor and a pillar in the community,” Johnson said.

Hicks said he was grateful for the honor.

“One never knows where the road of life will lead one. I am grateful to God for allowing me to get to this point in my life. Paine College picked me up and dusted me off, but State College finished polishing me,” he said.

“It has afforded me 25 years of service here at South Carolina State University…. I came here in 2001 as a young, budding professor. Currently, I am under the leadership of Dr. George Johnson, chair of our Department of Education. We started out as professors together,” Hicks said, thanking Johnson for his leadership.

“I’m grateful to be at this juncture in my life. I also want to thank the faculty who serve in the Department of Education, as well as the staff members who are here,” he said.

Honoring Dr. Willie Legette

Fields said Legette taught political science at the university for more than 20 years before his retirement at the rank of full professor.

“Despite a zeal for teaching and his commitment to his students, he equally put an accent on research. He

won an award for his research project, Understanding the Effects of Citizen Participation and Community Development in Rural and Urban Cities, from the federal government,” Fields said. 

“His contribution to South Carolina State was not limited to the classroom. He served as vice president of the Faculty Senate. His contribution was also felt at the level of the college, where he was a force for change. Noteworthy also was his participation on several search committees, which allowed recruitment of faculty members who continue to serve this university today,” she said.

Fields said Legette made a lasting impact on the university.

Legette said, “This is a surprise to me actually. I spent a lot of years at South Carolina State, a lot of good years, a lot of years that I’ve grown. I think I’ve learned a lot, I think I made a contribution.”

“I hear from students quite often, thanking me and showing their appreciation,” he said. for not only his contribution to their lives, but South Carolina State University as a whole.

“I appreciate my experience at State, and I honor this very much,” Legette said.

Honoring Dr. Douglas Miller 

Dr. Benedict Jua, chairman of the Department of Social Sciences, said Miller served the university for 30 years, making his own impact on the university.

“During his time, he served as interim chair of the Department of Psychology and Sociology and as coordinator of the Psychology Program.

Though retired, he continues to serve in his latter role and as an adjunct professor in the program and its coordinator on a pro bono basis,” Jua said.

“I cannot overemphasize his role in this program, the second largest program in the university, which continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.

Jua said Miller was dedicated to making sure students succeeded.

 “Since teaching is viewed, of course, in and outside of the classroom, it explains the similar dedication with which he serves his students as an advisor and a mentor. Over the course of his stay in this institution, he has advised more than 900 students,” he said.

Miller said, “I think my greatest honor is I have lived long enough that I have two faculty members at this university who were my students.”

“Those are my greatest accomplishments, to know that somebody remembers something, somebody appreciated me, and they still remember that all these years later,” he said.

Honoring Dr. Larry Watson

Fields said Watson continues to serve as an adjunct professor even after he retired from serving as a history professor, a position he first took at the university in 2008.

“He has served as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees from

August 2011 to August 2013 and president of the Greater Columbia Chapter of the South Carolina State National Alumni Association,” Fields said.

“There is no greater understanding of African American history and critical contributions that people of color have made to this state and this nation. His expertise is widely acknowledged,” she said, referencing Watson’s service on the boards of the S.C. African American Heritage Foundation and the Mary M. Bethune Museum and Learning Center.

“In recognition of his value, the state of South Carolina invited him to serve as a social studies education consultant in the Department of Education, and the Charleston County Schools named him the lead historian for the Palmetto Project,” Fields said.

Watson said he was thankful for the honor of being recognized as a professor emeritus.

“The word emeritus is a Latin term that means to complete one’s service. As it relates to professor emeritus, it’s an honor given by and with the consent of that professor’s colleagues that symbolizes their appreciation of his or her body of work for the academy,” he said.

 “The recipient of this prestigious honor may retire from full-time day-to-day operations such as teaching and advising but still a maintain reasonable closeness, proximity to the university. This is quite an honor,” Watson said.

“It is with gratitude and humility that I accept this honor,” he said, pledging to continue to serve the university and its constituency to the best of his ability.

University officials tout the excellence of emeriti 

Dr. Frederick Evans, university provost and vice president for academic affairs said, “Each of you has contributed not only through the courses you have taught for many students here, but through countless hours spent advising students, strengthening programs, supporting accreditation efforts and upholding the academic standards that define our university.”

Evans also read from a prepared statement from SC State President Alexander Conyers, who had a scheduling conflict and could not attend the ceremony. 

“The designation of professor emeritus is reserved for individuals whose careers reflect sustained excellence in teaching, contributions to research, creative activity and unwavering commitment to the advancement to our institution, to the institutional mission,” Conyers said.

“Our emeriti have shaped academic programs, strengthened disciplines, guided institutional progress and, most importantly, transformed lives. Their influence extends far beyond the classrooms and offices; it actually lives on in the accomplishments of our alumni, the strength of our academic programs and the reputation of our university,” the president said. 

“I extend my deepest gratitude to each honoree for your service, your scholarship and your enduring commitment to South Carolina State University. Though you may have concluded your formal responsibilities, you remain an integral part in the fabric and the future of this institution,” Conyers said.