The mission of Benedict College calls us to be a leader in providing transformative learning experiences for a diverse population of students, and it is more critical today than ever. For over 148 years, Benedict has been a special place where the creative genius of our students and faculty is recognized and celebrated. I take great pride in sharing a few highlights, accomplishments, and milestones from a very exciting year at Benedict College!
In the fall of 2017, we welcomed students to “The BEST of BC”- a phrase I coined to articulate the challenge to all Benedictines to be the BEST in all that we do – academically, socially, athletically, and spiritually. Benedict has risen to the challenge by swiftly transforming into a fiscally stable organization that prioritizes a strong academic culture, emphasizes customer service, and embraces technology and innovation across the College.
Within the pages of this report, you will read about the collaborations and corporate relationships we have built and stewarded with employers and partners including The Boeing Company and Google. Additionally, Benedict took the lead in creating the SC HBCU Economic Impact Conference which highlighted the $465 Million total economic impact of the eight (8) Historically Black Colleges and Universities in South Carolina.
Tuition was lowered and admission standards were increased to make sure that competitive students from around the globe have the opportunity to access a Benedict College education. A comprehensive curricular review was completed in order to ensure that we are offering high demand degree programs that position our graduates to compete at the highest levels in a 21st Century job market. In short, Benedict is on the move!
Allow me to thank everyone who attended and/or supported the Inauguration Celebration. The theme: “From Our Founding…To Our Future” connected the strengths of our past with our dynamic vision for the
future. It was a week to remember as we honored our Founder, Bathsheba A. Benedict, and welcomed the many other phenomenal women who have made an impact on Benedict. I am pleased to report that the Inaugural celebration broke historic fundraising records in support of the “BEST of BC Scholarship Fund” that was created to assist deserving students attending Benedict College.
Finally, and perhaps most important, I am grateful to all of our generous donors who support Benedict College and help to preserve our rich legacy. We are a national treasure, and. because of you, we are continuing to meet an important need in the higher education ecosystem. Thank you for your stewardship and support of Benedict’s Legacy and its Future. You represent The Best of BC!
Sincerely,
Roslyn Clark Artis, J.D. Ed.D.
President and CEO
