Academic Success & Student Accommodations

The Student Success Center

Benjamin F. Payton Learning Resources Center (LRC)
803-705-4690
Office Hours Mon-Thurs 8:30am-8:30pm
Friday: 8:30am-5:00pm

Welcome to the Student Success Center (SSC) at Benedict College.  We are a comprehensive one-stop-shop for academic support services on campus dedicated to providing academic and technological support to all Benedict students to promote student retention and graduation.

All of our programs and initiatives are free to students in all classifications. 

Through its integrated services, the Student Success Center provides both group and personalized instructional assistance designed to develop the academic and personal skills needed for collegiate success. The unit offers services that are appropriate for students at all levels of matriculation, from first-year to senior-level and graduate students.

We understand that college is both exciting and challenging and we are available to help you as you navigate your academic journey. 

The Student Success Center is located in the lower level of the Learning Resource Center (formerly known as BC Cares). Our dedicated and engaged staff members are available Monday–Friday 8:30 am-5 pm or by appointment.  Our email address is studentsuccess@benedict.edu. 

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About SSC

The Student Success Center (SSC) is dedicated to providing academic and technological support to all Benedict students to promote student retention and graduation. Through its integrated services, the SSC provides both group and personalized instructional assistance designed to develop the academic and personal skills needed for collegiate success. The unit offers services that are appropriate for students at all levels of matriculation, from first-year to senior-level and graduate students.

Our Services

Academic Recovery Services

Meet the SSC Team

CDJ headshotCynthia 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 RichardsonDorothy 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 JonesKayin 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.

PMC headshotPatrice 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.

 

We look forward to partnering with you on your journey toward academic and personal success. Let us help you be #TheBESTofBC.

QUESTIONS? Contact us at 803-705-4690

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