Academic Success & Student Accommodations

Cynthia Duncan Joseph is the Director of Student Success & Retention at Benedict College. She leads student success initiatives while working cooperatively with various college units regarding retention efforts. She also serves as an assistant professor of political science. Cynthia is an innovative, energetic and passionate educator and administrator. With more than 20 years of experience in academic and student affairs, she is committed to improving the academic and socio-cultural development of students, particularly first-generation, underrepresented populations and students in transition. She strives to connect students, colleagues, families, and other stakeholders in meaningful dialogue and engagement towards greater collaboration and cooperation for the benefit of student success and access. Cynthia received her M.A. in Political Science from The Ohio State University and a B.A. in Political Science and East Asian Studies from Colgate University, Hamilton, NY.

When not working, Cynthia enjoys long walks, short runs, listening to music, and spending time as a track & field and band mom!

Dorothy Richardson is currently serving Benedict College as a Student Success Specialist in the Student Success Center. She is a graduate of South Carolina State University (B.S) and Webster University (M.A.) where she studied Biology and Psychology/Counseling, respectively. Her career in Higher-Education at Benedict College has spanned more than 25 years of service. She has maintained positions in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS)-Office of the Dean, Criminal Justice Program and Cybersecurity. Her duties have included serving as an Adjunct Professor, Program/Project Coordinator and Career Coordinator. She has also been in charge of Department-wide budgets, Workshop Coordination and Academic Mentoring. She is a native of Columbia, SC, enjoys caring for her mother and she has a beautiful daughter, Bianca that has served as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model. She lives by the motto…

Kayin Jones’ history of serving others spans an excess of 25 years. Over this period, he made it a point to develop relationships with various individuals and institutions to the benefit of the public. The one common denominator for all positions he has held is his expertise in effectively managing relationships and programs that support the public good. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Planning from Morehouse College, and Master of Science Degree in Transportation Planning from South Carolina State University. He also completed a fellowship at Harvard University where he studied Urban Design and Landscape Architecture. He has honorably served his community by working at all levels of government – Local, State and Federal. He has also maintained several positions in the private-sector. He has a passion for Politics and served countless Campaigns and Initiatives. His most honored position was serving as the State Outreach Director for a Presidential Candidate in South Carolina during the 2020 Presidential Election Cycle. He enjoys all things outdoors, his beloved Alma Mater Morehouse College and he enjoys spending time with his dog, a Japanese Breed  – Kai-Ken, affectionately named Ladybug.

Patrice M. Cooper is a Student Success Specialist in the Student Success Center (SSC) at Benedict College. She serves as manager for the department’s social media and communications, as well as co-lead for peer tutoring. Patrice brings to the table over 10 years of experience in higher education with an unwavering zeal for student success through academic achievement coupled with personal development. Patrice is a firm believer in the power of mentoring and is committed to seeing students develop into strong professionals with a clear sense of purpose and integrity. Patrice holds a B.A. in English from Claflin University and an M.Ed. in Education Policy, Organization and Leadership from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.