Information
Landmark: Benedict CollegeCity: Columbia SC
Country: USA South Carolina
Continent: North America
Benedict College, Columbia SC, USA South Carolina, North America
Overview
Benedict College, a private liberal arts institution with ties to the Black community, is situated in Columbia, South Carolina.It was founded in 1870 by northern Baptist missionaries during the Reconstruction era to educate African Americans who had been released from servitude.At present, Benedict stands out as a distinguished member of the HBCU community known for its emphasis on academic excellence and service to society while also embodying cultural values.With a strong liberal arts program and programs that emphasize professional and career preparation, the college is one of the most important institutions of higher education in the Southeast, serving primarily African Americans.Historical Background.Founding (1870):Benedict College was founded by Bathsheba A. The initial financial support was provided by Benedict, a Rhode Island philanthropist.It was founded with the assistance of the American Baptist Home Mission Society.Its original name was the Benedict Institute, which aimed to train teachers and ministers from freed African Americans.On the 110-acre site where the college still stands today, the first classes were held in a former slave master's mansion.Transition and Growth:The college's curriculum was fully integrated, and Benedict College was established by 1894.In the 20th century, it was a trailblazer for African American education, producing generations of educators, preachers, public servants and entrepreneurs.".Despite segregation, the college continued to be a hub for Black intellectual life and remains so today.Campus and Facilities.Situated just north of downtown Columbia, the campus combines its historic architecture with contemporary amenities:Historic structures such as the Morgan Hall and Duckett Hall highlight the school's history.Modern facilities, including state-of-the-art STEM centers and digital learning labs, have been incorporated into the newer buildings.The David H. A student-run hub for services, dining, and events is the Swinton Campus Center.With its collegiate Gothic architecture and red-brick buildings, the campus is characterized by open spaces with trees lined around the perimeter of walks and green spaces that serve as a strong sense of community.Academic Programs.Over 25 majors and programs are available at Benedict College, across various academic divisions:School of Business and Economics.Education, Health and Human Services.In the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences.STEM is a program that promotes the study and application of mathematical concepts.Popular programs include:Criminal Justice.Biology.Computer Science.Business Administration.Psychology.Education.The college stands out for its exceptional qualities:The teaching approach that emphasizes social mobility is a revolutionary concept.A robust focus on student mentorship and faculty participation..Integrating learning through internships, research projects and service learning....Civic and Cultural Significance.Civil rights activism and Black leadership in South Carolina have had a significant impact on Benedict:In the 1960s, Columbia experienced widespread sit-ins and protests by its students.A significant proportion of former students pursued careers in politics, educations, ministry, or social welfare.At the college, African American culture thrives, and it is frequently home to:.Guest lectures by national leaders.Exhibitions of art, films and readings by authors.'Gospel choirs and marching bands make an appearance.Athletics and Student Life.Athletics:The NCAA Division II and the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) are both schools that Benedict College is a part of.The Benedict Tigers, teams that compete in football, basketball, baseball, volleyball, cross country skiing, track & field, and softball, are all members of the team.The Charlie W. Johnson Stadium is a significant sports hub and frequently hosts regional football games.Student Organizations:Greek life, honors societies, academic associations and more than 50 student clubs and organizations.The Benedict College Leadership Institute and other leadership development programs equip students with the skills to work in both public or private sector roles.Community Engagement:Across Columbia, Benedict coordinates various outreach programs such as tutoring and food drives, neighborhood revitalization, and voter education.While balancing academics with community involvement, the college maintaina service-learning orientation.m2.Presidential Leadership and Vision.Recent years have seen Dr.taking on leadership roles.Benedict, who was appointed in 2017, has concentrated on: Roslyn Clark Artis.;.Digital transformation of education and infrastructure.?Strategic enrollment growth.Campus revitalization projects.Expanding collaborations with businesses and charitable organizations.?Dr.The institution's evolution was marked by Artis becoming its first female director, a momentous occasion.Notable Alumni.James E. Clyburn – U.S. Congressman and House Majority Whip.LeRoy T. Walker, who was the first African American to hold the position of U.S. President..Olympic Committee.Rev.Civil rights activist Joseph DeLaine was associated with the Briggs v.case...The Elliott case, which served as a precedent for Brown v.Board of Education.Legacy and Impact.Rather than an academic establishment, Benedict College is a symbol of Black excellence, educational prospects and cultural identity in the American South.Rooted in racial justice and committed to student success, the college has transformed the lives of thousands.The school's legacy lives on through the voices of its graduates, the leadership of it' s faculty and its community, all guided by an unwavering mission: to prepare students for life with integrity, purpose, creativity and purpose.".
