CSU Magazine - Spring 2024

Meet Me at the Museum

Alumni Leading at:

Smithsonian Institute

PAGE 6

Berkeley County Museum

PAGE 11

Metropolitan Museum of Art

PAGE 14

President Faulkner

Inauguration

PAGE 3

Cross Country Continues to Dominate

PAGE 16

Doctor of Physical Therapy Students Serve in Costa Rica

PAGE 26

EDITORIAL STAFF:

Miranda Asson, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communication

Ty Cornett, Multimedia Producer

McKenzie Barker, MBA, Digital Content Specialist

Jenna Johnson ’21, MBA, Executive Director of Marketing and Communication

Jan Joslin ’82, Editorial Director; Editor, CSU Magazine

Tyler Stokes, Creative Director; Brand Manager

Daniel Taylor ’22, Junior Graphic Designer

Brianna Parker ’25, Graduate Assistant

Elsie Verhoeven ’24, Intern

CONTRIBUTORS:

Michael Causey

CSU Athletic Communications

Metropolitan Museum of Art

Beth Myers

Smithsonian Institute

CSU Magazine is published by the Office of Marketing and Communication for alumni and friends of Charleston Southern University.

Contact us: magazine@csuniv.edu

Address changes: csudevelopment@csuniv.edu

On the cover: Dr. Michelle Commander ’00

Photo by Smithsonian Institution

Photo by Ty Cornett

PRESIDENT’S message

Reflecting on First 100 Days

By B. Keith Faulkner

As I write this letter, I have just completed my first 100 days at Charleston Southern. Patty and I are the grateful recipients of the best example of hospitality we’ve ever experienced. THANK YOU for the warm welcome home!

Our amazing Assistant Vice President for Spiritual Life, Pastor Jon Davis, organized a campus prayer initiative for our family and CSU over my first three months. The beautiful and earnest prayers of so many have been humbling, and we have been overwhelmed by the support. We appreciate all the prayers and ask that you continue to uplift our students, faculty, staff, and entire CSU community as we follow God’s lead in what is next for CSU.

It is refreshing to see that so much has remained unchanged on campus since I was a student here - in the ways that matter most. The mission remains intact; faculty are invested in the lives of students; staff are supportive and go above and beyond, and our students are outstanding. Please allow me a moment to brag about our remarkable

faculty and staff. These professionals strive to deliver excellence in every facet of the university every day. While we always can improve – and we will – I assure you that each member of the CSU team is focused on fulfilling our mission, living our E.P.I.C. values, and making CSU shine.

Students understand and appreciate the opportunity to live and learn in a Christian environment, especially in today’s challenging world. They are receiving the same foundational education that has been the hallmark of this great school from inception. Like me and so many of you, current students will someday reflect on and grow to appreciate even more what they have earned from the CSU experience and what a blessed place it truly is.

As an alumnus, I am excited to spend time with our alumni community. I have met with the Alumni Association Board on two occasions since I arrived in October. Alumni are engaged, and it has been so wonderful to meet many of you at sporting events this past fall as well as at Homecoming weekend.

While CSU is a huge part of your past, you are the future of CSU as you represent us out in the world. Great things are happening at CSU, and I invite you to join us at an alumni event, ballgame, concert, or chapel. If we haven’t yet had the chance to meet, I look forward to seeing you in the weeks and months ahead.

We have an incredible Board of Trustees that is fully engaged and truly cares about the welfare of the university and especially students. They attend many events on campus - athletic and beyond - and provide unwavering support. Members of this group recently envisioned and funded Costin Plaza, a student-centered event space at the entrance to our intramural field where students can gather around firepits for conversations, fellowship before or after athletic events, or find a quiet time to reflect on their studies or God’s purpose for their lives. I am thankful for this group of volunteer leaders who pour so much into their service to CSU.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Baptist College at Charleston, now Charleston Southern University. As we reflect on God’s many blessings and the impact He has on thousands who have walked this campus, please join us as we seek to help students to discover their passion, declare their purpose, and answer God’s call on their lives.

We are currently engaged in strategic planning and prioritization for the university, and we are dreaming big dreams for CSU. The university now finds itself located in the epicenter of the growth and expansion in the Charleston Region, and the time is now for CSU to take bold and faithful steps to capitalize on new opportunities. Through our Limitless Campaign, we will marshal the resources for CSU to act on the potential we have to impact the lives of more students, more communities, and the Kingdom. Priorities include building our long-awaited convocation center and arena, completing our science and engineering building, constructing new dorms and student activity areas, and erecting new academic buildings - to start. While some may say that these are impossible dreams, I rely on Luke 1:37 as a daily reminder that, “… with God nothing shall be impossible.”

CSU is truly a family, and one in which Patty and I and our family are proud, blessed, and humbled to be a part. We cannot wait to see what God has in store!

Stay tuned!

President B. Keith Faulkner presents the Alumni Military Service Award to 1973 alumnus Sarah D. Williams during Homecoming Week 2023. Photo by Ty Cornett

Inauguration of Fourth CSU President

March 25, 2024

“Casting a vision is not enough. Faith requires us to act. Walking in faith requires vision and action. Vision with action can change the world.”

— B. Keith Faulkner, President

“Greetings from 185 other Christian universities around the world. President Faulkner, trust deeply in the promise that God will see you through.”

— Shirley V. Hoogstra, president, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities.

Photos by Richard Esposito and Daniel Taylor

President Keith Faulkner and Patty Faulkner

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Dean Murphy, on right, administers the oath of office to B. Keith Faulkner.

Family members of the late Dr. John Hamrick, first president, donated Hamrick’s Baptist College at Charleston ring to CSU. President Faulkner wore the ring during inauguration.

Shirley V. Hoogstra of CCCU.

Inauguration of B. Keith Faulkner

“Sometimes you meet someone and you’re optimistic about who they appear to be. Sometimes, they are everything you hoped they would be and more. Meet Keith Faulkner.”

— Melissa Essary, Dean Emerita and Professor of Law, Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law

“President Faulkner is a man of God, and he is going to do wonderful things for this university.”

— Abby Barnett, Class of 2024, president, Student Government Association

The CSU AFROTC Detachment 772 color guard stands at attention as The Marquesmen of the Horton School of Music and Performing Arts sing “The Star Spangled Banner.”

“Charleston Southern University’s first 60 years have been incredible. Her next 60 years will be extraordinary. We are respectful of our past with a laser focus on our future.”

— President B. Keith Faulkner ’98

President of the Student Government Association, Abby Barnett, delivers greetings from the student body to President Keith Faulkner.

The Rev. Wes Church, president of the South Carolina Baptist Convention, brought greetings, appreciation, and encouragement from the half a million South Carolina Baptists.

Melissa Essary gave the keynote address.

March 25, 2024

“One of our Buccaneers has returned, and it is time for CSU to shine.”

— Dr. Maxwell Rollins ’95, professor of business and director of graduate programs in the Nielsen College of Business, representing the CSU faculty. Rollins taught Faulkner at CSU.

“We have a new visionary to lead the CSU family to new heights. Where he has been has prepared him to lead us where we are. The Lord has woven all that together.”

— The Honorable Timothy E. Scott ’88, U.S. Senator

View the recording and full photo gallery at charlestonsouthern.edu/inauguration.

Third President and First Lady Dr. Dondi and Vickey Costin, Fourth President and First Lady B. Keith and Patty Faulkner, and Second President and First Lady Sissy and Dr. Jairy Hunter.

President B. Keith Faulkner and The Honorable Timothy E. Scott ’88, United States Senator, visit before the ceremony. Scott gave the Charge to the President during the inauguration.

Dr. Tony Wolfe is the executive-treasurer of the South Carolina Baptist Convention and delivered the inauguration invocation.

COMMANDING A LEARNING LEGACY

Alumnus leads the way in world-renowned museum

By Jenna Johnson

With a name like Dr. Commander, one may visualize a modern-day superhero who seeks justice for the defenseless— or who leads an army as the top-ranked official. For one particular Charleston Southern alumnus, her cape may be figurative, but her climb to the top as a protector of our nation’s treasures and history is reality.

Dr. Michelle Commander ’00 is a leading lady in the world’s largest museum complex—the Smithsonian—serving as the deputy director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. A known scholar of slavery and memory, Black geographies and mobility, and the speculative arts, Commander is the author of numerous works, including Afro-Atlantic Flight: Speculative Returns and the Black Fantastic (Duke University Press, 2017) and Avidly Reads: Passages (NYU Press, 2021). She has worked in New York Public Library’s Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture as well as the Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery.

Commander is charged with being the right-hand person for the director and is involved in strategic conversations across the museum as well as day-to-day operations in the publications office. She writes grants, develops partnerships, and cultivates an environment of learning and engagement across the Smithsonian museums. Commander also supports the work on the current Living History campaign and ensuring the museum meets its goal to reach every corner of the digital world.

Purpose vs. Plan

As purpose filled as she is, working for a Smithsonian Museum wasn’t exactly a part of Commander’s life plan.

Hailing originally from South Carolina’s lower Richland County, Commander is a first-generation college graduate who grew up thinking that she would choose the nursing profession or something in the science field. College was always a part of her future—the result of both environment and her natural gifts.

“I saw how hard my parents worked and the value they placed on education,” she recalled. “There were always books and encyclopedias in our house. I picture my parents coming home from work—they were always behind a newspaper, passing each other their favorite section.”

Commander thrived in school. In fact, winning a state high school competition in extemporaneous writing may have been a revelation of her future career.

And though it was impressed upon her that college was in her future, Commander remembered that nagging anxiety that most high school students feel when their K-12 career comes to an end: “I just had to find my purpose.”

Commander remembers her first tour of the CSU campus: “I was slightly afraid of going to USC and being at a school that was a little bit large. I loved the intimacy of the CSU campus and the professors that we met on the tour. I felt like I could be away from home and grow up, but also be close enough to get back home an hour and a half away. It aligned with my beliefs and faith at the time especially, and it felt like a good place to spread my wings.”

Choosing CSU “set the stage for what was to come,” according to Commander. She credits some favorite faculty members for helping her find her footing as a student and guiding her on a pathway to purpose: Dr. Don Clerico for his passion and encouragement, Dr. Nancy Barendse for her affirmation and support, and Dr. Scott Yarbrough for his motivation and preparation.

Dr. Michelle Commander is a nationally recognized speaker.

“I was really pushed by these professors and had a solid writing foundation that set me up to successfully communicate in that way,” Commander said.

Yarbrough, now vice president for student success, said he remembers Commander’s determination to excel in her work. “I am and have ever been astounded by Michelle’s drive and work ethic. Those attributes alone don’t necessarily guarantee someone the success which Michelle has attained, but if you tie a fierce intelligence and intellect to those characteristics and unite them with intellectual curiosity and a willingness to keep expanding her knowledge base, then the sky seems to be the limit, as Michelle has demonstrated.”

Her college experience was a full one. On a partial music scholarship with a minor in music, Commander played clarinet and bass clarinet in band. A woman of many talents and interests, she also won Miss Congeniality in the Miss Charleston Southern University pageant.

She walked the stage with a degree in English with an English education minor.

After graduation, Commander continued to gain advanced degrees, receiving an MS in curriculum and instruction from Florida State University and a PhD and MA in American studies and ethnicity from the University of Southern California. She is also a recipient of prestigious research fellowships from the Ford Foundation and the Fulbright Scholar Program.

where she taught for eight years and earned awards and tenure.

Telling Stories for Legacy and Learning

Through her path to where she is today, Commander said she kept the faith. God placed people in her life who embraced her and took her under their wing. Along the way, she realized she had a set of skills that could be transferred to other careers.

“I still could never have imagined being in what feels like a dream position,” she said. “It feels like a blessing. It feels like confirmation that the steps that I’ve taken were the right steps. The sacrifices that I’ve made were worth it for this moment to not only realize something amazing professionally, but to be in service to the nation and the world to help tell this full American story.”

“This is a place where I can be recentered or even when I’m dealing with the minutia of the day that may be frustrating, I can see the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument right outside my door and feel as if I can almost touch it—I can see the White House.”

– Dr. Michelle Commander

A self-proclaimed country girl, Commander said that she was surrounded by others every step of the way who kept her motivated to advance as far as she wanted to go. “I saw people who were young getting their PhDs, other people of color,” she said. “And I hadn’t had too many examples in my life of people who had gone on to get their graduate degrees. Seeing them do it made me feel like I could do it. So, I just kept going. I was in school for 28 years—from age 4 to 32—a lifelong learner.”

During her graduate program, she felt her interests shift from high school education to something else. Instead, she thought about what it could mean to be a professor. Commander was an instructor at Florida A&M, Florida State, and the University of Ghana—and she was a professor in the Department of English and Program in Africana Studies at the University of Tennessee

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Howard University, 1923. Picture of Harriet Tubman published in The Philadelphia Tribune. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Cutlass file photo: Michelle Commander, center, won the Miss Congeniality Award in the Miss CSU scholarship pageant while at CSU.

The view from inside the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture Photo by Jenna Johnson

Commander reflects on what it means to work in a place where she is an integral part of presenting history in an educational, meaningful way.

“This is a place where I can be re-centered or even when I’m dealing with the minutia of the day that may be frustrating, I can see the Lincoln Memorial or the Washington Monument right outside my door and feel as if I can almost touch it—I can see the White House. And it reminds me of the stakes of the work that we do—how important it is, the ways we want to embrace everyone in America and be able to have these conversations and think about history and think about how we can move together into the future in ways that are not so separated from one another.”

The National Museum of African American History and Culture provides visitors the opportunity to explore African American life, history, and culture through interactive exhibitions, artifacts, and resources. It became the 19th museum of the Smithsonian Institution upon its opening in September 2016. Commander gave a personal tour to the 10 millionth visitor last fall.

Her favorite part of the museum? As a location, she pins Heritage Hall. But her favorite part?

“I love shadowing groups of families and hearing how they respond to certain parts of the museum and the conversations they’re having,” she said. “Whenever you’re writing label copy, you don’t want to be too didactic or tell people how to think. You want to present things and allow room for them to interrogate how they may feel about a particular subject matter. And so, it’s really awesome to see the ‘aha’ moments, and the ways that people are moved and see themselves in the story, whether or not they have a family connection, or whether or not they’re an African American. They can see a human story and build those connections in those kinds of ways.”

Being from a small town in South Carolina isn’t lost on Commander. Her goal is to ensure that permanent exhibitions are accessible to those not able to travel to D.C. Through her digital publications, Commander and her team tell “new and dynamic stories in new and dynamic ways using digital tools.” She added, “Our permanent exhibitions help us tell larger stories, and we are embracing the tools for new generations.”

Back Where It All Began

In a review of Commander’s impressive resume, Yarbrough said that Michelle’s work in literature, history, American Studies, and Africana Studies shows the benefits of a broad-based liberal arts degree. “In her work as a student, scholar, teacher, professor, museum director and curator, and now the deputy director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture with the Smithsonian, she has been able to draw upon all her strengths in these disciplines which tie closely together while remaining distinctive. The focus on critical reasoning and reading, on writing and communication, on history and the arts she learned at CSU have provided a launching pad for her continued upward trajectory. The firm foundation of faith integration in her coursework here has enabled her to keep in mind the truth that through God and Christ all things are possible.”

Commander credits CSU as that launching point thanks to “the foundation that I got at Charleston Southern and the push that I got from my professors there.”

Core memories like when Dr. Barendse gave her a review during her student teaching. “She wrote that I was a natural teacher, and that is something to tell someone that they are natural. It looks like it comes easy to them, and it was sort of an affirmation of me as a professional and that was so important to my trajectory. Believing—helping me to believe in myself. That sort of support from those professors that I’ve named was instrumental to me, feeling like I could go on, and that I belonged in the rooms that I stepped into. That is powerful, too.”

When she thinks about those moments and where she is today, she hopes to leave a legacy. “I think of those people in small places, or places that they don’t think or don’t know that they can get out of or make a difference in, that they can see me and my example as someone who demonstrates that you can make a difference in your field,” said Commander. “You can make a difference in your world. It doesn’t mean you always have to leave home, but that there are opportunities to find your voice. You have to sometimes step out on faith and see where the path will take you.”

CHECK IT OUT!

Dr. Michelle Commander gave us a sneak peek into current and upcoming projects for the museum publications:

• Game Changers, a story series

• Double Exposure, new book series based on photography collection

• Reckoning, a visual art exhibition

• Children’s books – in time for the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026, stay tuned!

To explore and follow the latest from the NMAAHC, go to nmaahc.si.edu.

Dr. Michelle Commander welcomes the museum’s 10 millionth visitor.

Charleston Southern Top-Ranked in S.C. for Online Programs

By Jan Joslin

Charleston Southern’s online bachelor’s programs and online bachelor’s programs for veterans are the top-ranked programs in South Carolina according to U.S. News & World Report’s best online programs list, released in February.

According to U.S. News & World Report, “Charleston Southern University’s online programs are among more than 1,800 programs surveyed by U.S. News. Only regionally accredited institutions whose programs are offered mostly or entirely online were evaluated.”

“Charleston Southern Online continues to change the lives of our students. We strive to deliver high quality academic programs that afford our students opportunities to start and advance their careers,” said Dr. Marc Embler, dean of the College of Adult and Professional Studies and associate vice president for academic affairs.

“We are extremely proud to be ranked among the top institutions in the nation. Our faculty are experts in their respective fields, and their pedagogical aim is to help students use the knowledge gained in a practical vocation. These high-achieving academic programs become even more powerful when they are integrated with faith. CSU continues to maintain the highest quality standards and provides extra-mile service. We are focused on preparing graduates to succeed spiritually, academically, and professionally,” said Embler.

Charleston Southern also ranked among the top programs in the country for Best Online MBA and Best Online MBA for Veterans.

In the fall, Charleston Southern made the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Colleges list in Best Regional Universities in the South, Best Colleges for Veterans, and the Top Performers on Social Mobility.

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Current students learn about graduate degrees in the Nielsen College of Business from Dr. Maxwell Rollins, director of graduate programs for NCOB at the Graduate Fair. Photo by Ty Cornett

CSU Alumni Serve as CARETAKERS of

Berkeley County

HISTORY

Compiled by Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett

Two Charleston Southern graduates serve as caretakers for the Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center, located in Moncks Corner. Chelsy Clark Proper ’13 is the museum director, and Shanda Phillips ’89

is chairman of the Board of Directors. Located within Old Santee Canal Park, the museum offers exhibits ranging from fossils, rotating artists, World War I, the American Revolution and the involvement of

Francis Marion, known as the Swamp Fox, to information about the Santee Canal, the Francis Marion National Forest, and more. Travel through time with these Buccaneers by visiting the museum.

berkeleymuseum.org.

FACING PAGE: Shanda Phillips and Chelsy Proper in front of the Berkeley Country Museum and Heritage Center.

Proper Turns Passion Into Career

Chelsy Proper, museum director, Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center

How long have you worked at Berkeley County Museum?

This May will be five years!

What’s your favorite thing about working at the museum: your favorite exhibit/time period?

I love being able to share history with visitors from all walks of life. My research interests are the social histories of medieval Britain, the Napoleonic Wars, and WWI, as well as death/mourning history, but I’ve also really come to appreciate and be interested in the American colonial period in the last decade. We have a great American Revolution exhibit here at the Museum, and it’s actually being revamped this year.

What do you think people would be surprised to learn at the Berkeley County Museum?

People are often surprised by our amount of Revolutionary War history - I certainly was! Berkeley County was home to the most skirmishes and battles in South Carolina during that war. The Museum is the current information hub for Fort Fair Lawn, a British earthen fort built during the Revolution and still standing about a mile from our back door.

Where did you work before the Berkeley County Museum?

Working in a museum seemed like the best option: I could share my knowledge with the public but also continue to learn on my own.

What advice would you give to someone who thinks they would like to work in a museum?

My first museum jobs were internships while I was a student at CSU. I interned at Farmington Plantation in my hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, for one summer, and during my final semester at CSU, I interned at the Old Exchange Building in Charleston. After that internship, they offered me a job, and I worked there for about a year. From October 2013 to April 2022, I worked at the Powder Magazine, also in Charleston. I started at the Berkeley County Museum in 2019. From 2019 to 2022 I worked at both museums; I became full-time here in April 2022. I am also a freelance reporter/researcher for the Doughboy Foundation and have been working on Stories of Service, a catalog of American veterans who served in WWI.

Did you always want to work in a museum?

I knew I always wanted to work in history in some capacity. While studying for my degree at CSU, I also knew I didn’t want to be a teacher.

Visit museums! I’ve been in the museum field for over a decade, but I still visit museums whenever I travel. And have an interest/ specialty (exhibit design, fundraising, etc.), but don’t limit yourself to that. A job in a museum often involves lateral moves or more varied work than the job title suggests. Don’t pass up a museum job because it’s visitor services, and you want to be a curator.

Fun Fact:

My history professors at CSU were some of the smartest people I’ve ever met - particularly Dr. John Kuykendall. His classes have (or at least had) a reputation for being difficult, but they sure are worth it.

Chelsy Proper

What are your duties as the board chair?

Leadership and motivating board members and museum personnel. Supporting and supervising the Museum Director. Seeking out support for the museum, through funding, volunteers, and members. Spokesperson and supporter of the organization.

How did you get interested in serving with Berkeley County Museum?

My employer Santee Cooper encouraged all employees to become active volunteers in the community. Due to my interest in history, preservation, and as a lifelong resident of Berkeley County, I chose the museum to give back to the community and work on the preservation of Berkeley County’s rich history. I also have a love of museums, so it was a perfect fit.

What are some of your favorite activities/exhibits at the museum?

My favorite activity is sharing the history of Berkeley County with the visitors of the museum. Speaking with the visitors, sharing the stories of historical people of Berkeley County, from Francis Marion to Maude Callen. Sharing the creation of Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion and the formation of Santee Cooper. The exhibits that feature simple things from everyday life

Phillips Brings Community Service to Role at Museum

Shanda Phillips, chairman, Board of Directors for Berkeley County Museum and Heritage Center

such as a spoon made from a shell used by Native Americans are my favorite items. I would not be able to choose a single favorite exhibit; each tell a different story and have special items.

What would you encourage others to do who might be interested in serving on boards?

Select an area in your community or subject that you have a true passion for, find the organization, and offer your unique skills to them. A successful board needs diverse members who bring a variety of job skills and experience to the board. Together the board can lead the organization to successful goals. Seeing the organization grow and ensuring the sustainability is a rewarding experience for the board members, staff, and the community.

Why are museums/historical sites important to communities?

Museum/historical sites tell us about our past, from everyday life to larger than life people. Museum/historical sites give us the closest opportunity to experiencing our history. Our past is not perfect and can be painful at times. However, ensuring these sites and exhibits are preserved, we are educating ourselves and future generations of mistakes and successes.

Parting words of wisdom:

I would encourage everyone to visit a museum or historical site. You may find a segment of time or artifact that will spark an interest that you never knew existed before, that will enrich your life.

Shanda Phillips

Working at The Met Enhancing Burke’s HR Career

By Jan Joslin / Photos provided by Metropolitan Museum of Art

Justin Burke ’04 describes landing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2022 as the manager of compensation as an opportunity and his skillset aligning at the right time. When he worked in DC for seven years, he was a regular visitor at the Smithsonian museums but never imagined working at a famous museum.

Burke said, “As manager of compensation, I lead the development, implementation, and administration of the compensation programs, policies, and procedures. I manage survey participation, job evaluation, salary

structure development, and associated initiatives. New York passed a salary transparency law in November 2022, so it’s been an exciting time to be working in compensation.”

Since graduating from Charleston Southern, Burke has had a broad HR career in recruiting, benefits, HR operations and benefits. He said, “Compensation has been a great addition to my HR toolkit.” He worked at National Public Radio as an intern while obtaining a master in human resources from Western Carolina University in 2015. He worked as an HRIS analyst from 2016-2019. He said, “In 2019 I went to Bloomberg Industry group as an HR operations analyst and was promoted to compensation manager in 2021.”

A SHRM-Senior Certified Professional, Burke’s HR career has led him to organizations that were modernizing their HR functions. “I love seeing how updating people processes can improve employee satisfaction and achieve strategic goals,” said Burke.

Burke and the majority of The Met’s 1,900 employees work on site. There are a few who work remotely.

Burke said there are little Met moments that come up to remind you what a special place it is to work. These might include discussing a gift that was made in the 1800s that continues to fund employee professional development programs. Or a registrar coming across a note from Jackie Kennedy about the movement of the Temple of Denur to the museum in the 1960s. The question everyone asks Burke is: does he get to attend The Met Gala? The answer is he does not.

But there are plenty of perks of working at The Met. Burke said, “It’s incredible to step away from my desk and walk to the gallery to view paintings by Monet or Van Gogh to get my mind off a stressful work situation.” Certainly not a bad work environment.

“There are little Met moments that come up to remind you what a special place it is to work. These might include discussing a gift that was made in the 1800s that continues to fund employee professional development programs.”

– Justin Burke ’04

Wheat Field with Cypresses by Vincent van Gogh 1889 Public domain/images.metmuseum.org

Justin Burke

College of Ed Recognized for Continued Accreditation

By Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett

The College of Education is among a select group of education providers recognized for excellence in preparing the next generation of teachers. The Council for

the Accreditation of Educator Preparation has continued the College of Education’s national accreditation.

Dr. Julie Fernandez, dean of the College of Education, said, “Accredited by CAEP furthers our reputation as an outstanding educator preparation program dedicated to developing highly qualified teachers and leaders for our community. The faculty and staff in the College of Education are experienced teachers and leaders committed to collaborating with area school districts to create innovative teaching and leading methods.”

Dr. Emily Thomas is 2024 Excellence in Teaching Recipient

By CSU Academics / Photo by Daniel Taylor

Associate Professor of Mathematics Dr. Emily Thomas is the 2024 South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities Excellence in Teaching Award recipient for Charleston Southern University.

A member of the Charleston Southern faculty since 2016, Thomas teaches Introduction to Mathematical Structures, Precalculus, Business Calculus, and Discrete Mathematics. She enjoys working with students to improve these courses and has conducted multiple research projects to identify pathways to increased student success.

Thomas uses her service as the state director for the Mathematical Association of America to provide research opportunities for students. Recent CSU graduate Maddy Parsons said, “Her unmistakable love for mathematics is infectious, but her passion for students is something that would be extremely challenging to match. She is more than a professor at CSU; she is the epitome of academic excellence while also keeping Christ at the forefront.”

Outside the classroom, Thomas serves as the supervisor for the Math Help Center and continuously looks for opportunities to improve this important student resource.

In August 2022 she established a tutoring partnership with Summerville’s Northwood Academy that teams Charleston Southern math professors and math majors with local high school students.

Provost Dr. Michael Wilder said, “Dr. Thomas exemplifies CSU’s commitment to distinctly Christian, academically excellent education as she deeply invests in the next generation of thought leaders. She is a highly valued member of our university community, and we are grateful for her teaching excellence.”

She holds a PhD and MS in mathematics, both from the University of Arkansas. She also earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Samford University. She is married to Dr. Ryan Thomas, associate professor of mathematics, at CSU.

The College of Education shared their accreditation news with the campus community at a celebration drop-in.

Some of the current Teaching Fellows gather for a group picture.

Dr. Emily Thomas

FOUR IN A ROW

Men’s Cross Country Wins

Fourth Consecutive Big South Crown

By CSU Athletic Communications

The men’s cross country team won the conference title in 1984, the Big South Conference’s inaugural season, and didn’t win the conference again until 2020. Then, they won it again in 2021, 2022, and 2023.

Charleston Southern Men’s Cross Country claimed their fourth consecutive Big South Championship Oct. 29, 2023, with Micah Gilpatric leading all runners to the finish line to defend his individual championship from last year. The Buccaneers’ Conan Harper and Sam Waldin were the next finishers and sealed the 1-2-3 sweep and saw Harper claim the league’s Freshman of the Year award after his performance.

“Outstanding races today by Micah, Conan, and Sam, as well as another very strong performance by Jaden,” said Director

of Track and Field and Cross Country Jim Stintzi. “In addition, I was very pleased with the efforts of Griffin, Jeff, and Jordan.

“We’re trying to create a tradition – and this is a big step toward that,” said Stintzi.

The race started off bunched with all of Charleston Southern, High Point, and UNC Asheville in the lead pack through the first two miles. By the 3.4K checkpoint, the clear lead pack of seven runners had established themselves with the Bucs being four of the athletes.

At the next checkpoint at 5.1K, Gilpatric and Harper separated themselves by over 20 seconds from the group to seal their top finishes. Gilpatric eventually turned the pace up even higher, turning in a pace of less than three minutes per kilometer over the final 3K of the race.

1 – Charleston Southern (21)

2 – UNC Asheville (56)

3 – High Point (65)

4 – Radford (110)

5 – USC Upstate (141)

6 – Longwood (183)

7 – Winthrop (193)

8 – Presbyterian (247)

9 – Gardner-Webb (266)

MEN’S CROSS COUNTRY Final Team Results

PREVIOUS PAGE: Four-time conference champions crowned. Photo by Rob Simmons/Big South Conference

ABOVE: The Buccaneers lead the pack of runners at the Big South Conference Championship. Photo by Rob Simmons/Big South Conference

He crossed the line at 23:24.5, for his second career individual championship as he won the race in 2022, and finished more than half a minute ahead of the next finisher. Gilpatric became the first male runner in the league to repeat as the champion in the race since NCAA Champion Sam Chelanga of Liberty did it in 2008, 2009, and 2010. Additionally, he became the 15th Four-Time All-Conference runner in Big South history.

Gilpatric said, “As defending champs, our goal wasn’t just to win but to dominate. It means a lot as a senior, winning four years in a row.”

Harper was the next to cross the line at 24:07.8 for a career-best in the 8K, improving upon the time at the Upstate Invite in the distance. Waldin rounded out the 1-2-3 podium sweep for the Bucs with a 24:26.6 after only needing 49.4 seconds to cover the final .3K of the race to sprint ahead of Adam Hessler of UNCA and Hunter Steinau of High Point. The podium sweep marked the sixth total and first in Big South history since the 2019 championship when Campbell accomplished the feat.

Jaden Kingsley was the fourth finisher for the Buccaneers with a time of 24:33.4 to finish in 6th overall and become the 16th runner in league-history to be named AllConference on four occasions. All three runners were named First-team All-Conference performers for finishing within the top seven in the field.

Caleb Kenyon was the fifth to cross the line for Charleston Southern as he came across at 24:58.5 and put the team’s scoring total of 21 on the day. Griffin Gillespie was right behind him with a new career best time of 25:00.8. Jeff Wedding rounded out the scoring team for Charleston Southern as he was 12th overall and had a time of 25:10.9. All three runners were SecondTeam All-Conference as they each placed between 8-14 overall.

Charleston Southern also had another trio of runners in the field with Jordan Smith being the top finisher of them. He had a time of 25:50.0 for a new career-best in the 8K ending the day in 22nd overall. Timothy Depue crossed the line at 27:29.8. Zack Wedding did not finish, withdrawing in the second half of the race.

In total, Charleston Southern had seven runners named All-Conference with four of them as First-Teamers and three as Second-Teamers. Additionally, Kingsley was announced as the CSU honoree to the Big South All-Academic Team for the year.

The men’s team went on to finish ninth in the NCAA Southeast Regional. Kingsley earned All-Region status with a 20th place finish, the highest finisher of all Big South Conference runners. He was named Big South Conference 2023 Cross Country Runner of the Year.

TOP: Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery presents the individual champion trophy to Micah Gilpatric. Photo by Rob Simmons/Big South Conference

ABOVE: Jim Stintzi, director of the track and cross country programs, led the Bucs to their four-time wins. Photo by Michael Causey

Men’s Cross Country Champions 1984 Set the Pace

By Jan Joslin

The first team to win the men’s cross country championship in the newly formed Big South Conference was the 1984 Baptist College (now CSU) team.

Dr. Marc Embler ’79 coached the Bucs to their first Big South victory. Embler said, “As a matter of fact, this was the first championship ever awarded by the Big South Conference. The conference started in 1984, and the cross country championship was the first to complete the season. I’ve always found that to be a very interesting bit of trivia.”

Embler is the current dean of the CSU College of Adult and Professional Studies and associate vice president of academic affairs. He continues to be a celebrated runner in South Carolina.

Members of that first championship team were: Irving Batten ’86, Al Dunn ’85, Stewart Uldrick ’88, LaMarl Collins, Glen Gorton ’85, Mike Hackett, Bruce Barnhill, and Mitch Embler ’90.

TOP: Irv Batten runs in the front of the pack at a regional cross country meet. Cutlass file photo

ABOVE: The 1984 men’s cross country Big South Champions. Cutlass file photo

Women’s Cross Country Matches Best Finish in Program History at Big South Second Consecutive Runner-Up Placing

By CSU Athletic Communications

CSU Women’s Cross Country finished as Big South Runner-ups for the second consecutive season, tying their finish from last year, the best in school history. Sarah McCartney and Keerstin Augustin were the top finishers for the Buccaneers in second and third overall to lead the trio of CSU runners to earn First-Team All-Conference.

“I am very proud of the fight the ladies showed today,” said Assistant Coach of Track and Field and Cross Country Cameron Ruppe. “We are making incredible growth and just barely missed a conference title and have a bright future ahead with this group. Everyone ran well, but Anne Akagi really stepped up in her final Championship Meet to put us in a position to be in the mix.”

The race started fast with a lead group of 10 runners through the first 2K with it made up of four runners from High Point and three from Charleston Southern. Not far behind, a quartet of Buccaneers were packed together just a few seconds off the lead group. At the next checkpoint of 2.8K, CSU was leading in the team title with 41 points over High Point with 45 and Radford with 53.

At the 4K, the Buccaneers continued to hold on to the team title at this point with 40 points and High Point with 42, while Radford had started to fade as they held 58 points. The lead group had dwindled down to just four runners with Charleston Southern having a pair of runners in it. By the next checkpoint, the Panthers started to slowly make their move up with a trio of runners moving up by the 4.7K mark and taking the lead in the team title.

At the finish line, High Point’s Brianna Malone broke away in the final stretch to close the day with a 16:45.2 to win the individual title. McCartney hung with Malone the longest of every runner in the field, crossing the line at 16:54.5 to finish

second overall. McCartney’s finish marks the first time a CSU female runner has been the meet’s individual runner-up since 1989 when Susan Dixon was. This tied the highest finish as well in program history.

Augustin was the next overall to cross with a time of 17:05.1, placing third. Her finish marks the sixth time a CSU runner has been in the top three at the Big South Championships and is the first to finish in third this decade as the last one was Carlajane Constantini in 1999. Akagi had the second-fastest final 300 of all competitors as she passed another runner on her way to the line to finish seventh overall with a 17:19.6 and earn a spot on the All-Conference First-Team along with the top two Buccaneer finishers.

High Point got their next four finishers in at 4, 9, 10, and 11 to close out the team title and extend their consecutive championship streak. However, the margin of victory this time marked the second-smallest margin of victory in their seven-year run.

Taylar White was the fourth Buccaneer to earn All-Conference honors as she crossed the line in 14th and had a time of 18:14.1. Charliza Antia rounded out the top five for Charleston Southern as she crossed the line at 18:34.0. Kallie Henderson and Sarah Jacobs finished off the scoring team for CSU with times of 18:36.7 and 18:42.6, close behind Antia in 18th and 20th overall.

The final finishers for the Buccaneers were Freya Buglass who ended the day with an 18:50.7, Emma James at 18:59.7, and Avery Bender who had a 19:12.4. Charleston Southern had all six runners run personal best times at the meet along with James and Bender each having career-best days.

In total, Charleston Southern had four runners named All-Conference with three of them as First-Teamers and one as a SecondTeamer. Additionally, White was announced as the CSU honoree to the Big South AllAcademic Team for the year. The total of four runners named All-Conference ties their total from 2021.

The women’s cross country team took second place in the Big South Conference, tying their best performance in school history. Photo by Rob Simmons/Big South Conference

McCartney Finishes Highest Ever by a Female Buccaneer in School History

By CSU Athletics Communications

Sarah McCartney had the best finish ever at an NCAA Regional meet on Friday morning by a CSU runner as she ended the day in 32nd overall. As a team, the Buccaneer women came away with a 20th place finish as they were the second best of the Big South schools and beat out the likes of College of Charleston, Davidson, and East Carolina.

McCartney ran a career best time in the 6K as she crossed the line at 20:47.4. In the final kilometer, she was able to pick off another pair of runners to move up in the starstudded field. She also was the first finisher of all Big South runners.

The Big South Conference selected Sarah McCartney as the recipient of the women’s

Runner of the Year Award. McCartney claiming the Runner of the Year marks the first time a Charleston Southern women’s athlete has taken the award or Individual Champion.

Sarah McCartney accepts a medal from Big South Commissioner Sherika A. Montgomery. Photo by Michael Causey

Crossing the finish line, Sarah McCartney finishes highest ever by a female Buccaneer in school history. Photo by Rob Simmons/Big South Conference.

CSU’s Dewey Center for Chaplaincy Partners with International Foundation

By Jenna Johnson

The Dewey Center for Chaplaincy at Charleston Southern recently entered into a strategic partnership with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc., of Ellicott City, Maryland.

Dr. Ron Harvell, director of the Dewey Center, said, “Together, we will provide accessible training for those serving, or preparing to serve, in environments where crisis intervention skills are deeply needed, to promote one another’s missions, and disseminate information.”

The Dewey Center for Chaplaincy’s mission is to increase chaplaincy ministry skills using education and training to provide the world with more confident, courageous, and compassionate servant leaders. Students may major or minor in chaplaincy ministry or take classes as electives. These courses include Introduction to Crisis Ministry, Foundations in Chaplaincy Ministry, Christian Counseling, and Internships.

The Center’s training programs have awarded training certificates to over 800 students in the past four years. Current training programs include Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention, Human Flourishing, Pastoral Care Intervention, and PTSD training for Global Leaders.

The Center was launched in 2020 after Rev. Rob Dewey and his wife, Kathy, committed $2 million to establish the Center through annual gifts and listing CSU as a beneficiary of their estate. Dewey said this strategic partnership is monumental, considering the fact that ICISF trains upwards of 40,000 first responders, nurses, and pastors each year. He added, “I came in contact with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. in 1996 as a consumer. I went to one of their in-person conferences and said, ‘Man, this is what I have been trying to do on the streets of Charleston, North Charleston, Goose Creek, but I didn’t have a formula to go with it.’”

Richard Barton, ICISF chief executive officer, said, “Our strategic partnership with the Dewey Center for Chaplaincy is a wonderful addition. I believe that we will be able to carry out some very meaningful work to support each other. We look forward

to working with their organization in the future.” In addition to cross promotional opportunities, the two organizations will explore curriculum and course content development as well as looking into the ICISFapproved Instructor Candidate Program.

The first event in collaboration with the Dewey Center and ICISF partnership was the Spiritual Care in Crises Conference at Charleston Southern University in early April. Some of the lead trainers included:

• Dr. George Everly: ICISF; Johns Hopkins - disaster mental health, resilience, crisis intervention, terrorism, psychological first aid

• Dr. Victor Welzant: ICISF; Crisis Intervention, Critical Incident Stress Management, Suicide, Disaster Behavioral Health, and the impact and treatment of trauma

• Dr. Tyler Vanderweele: Harvard; integrating empirical social sciences and humanities on topics central to human flourishing such as purpose, virtue, marriage and family, religion, work, etc.

• Rev Rob Dewey: Director of Low Country Chaplaincy, Co-author of Pastoral Care Intervention courses; Critical Incidents in Places of

Worship- Providing Effective Crisis Support

The ICISF offers these and a variety of education and training programs, both in person and virtually. Primary courses for someone new to Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) are their Core Courses (Assisting Individuals in Crisis & Group Crisis Intervention) which provide the foundation for crisis intervention. From there, individuals can participate in Advanced Core Courses to further their crisis intervention skills; profession specific courses, such as CISM in the College and University Setting, Grief Following Trauma and Spiritual and Psychological First Aid; CISM Refreshers, which offer practice scenarios; and Learning with Leaders, which are short presentations where subject matter experts share their expertise.

In addition to providing training opportunities, ICISF also provides CISM certification, CISM support and many more resources, such as the Crisis Journal, Crisis Resource Library, CISM Bookstore, CISM Live Series, CISM News (monthly blog), and the ICISF Podcast Series. Learn more about ICISF’s strategic partnerships, offerings, and resources at ICISF.org.

Luke Blackmon, CSU vice president for business affairs, the Rev. Rob Dewey, and Dr. Ron Harvell sign the agreement with ICISF. Photo by Ty Cornett

Five Join CSU Board of Trustees in January

By Jan Joslin / Photo by Ty Cornett

Charleston Southern University welcomed five new members to the Board of Trustees in January who will serve until December 2028.

President B. Keith Faulkner said, “We are delighted to welcome our new trustees and look forward to their assistance and leadership as we work together to prepare servant leaders to lead significant lives. Their expertise in business, education, and training Christian leaders will be an excellent asset for Charleston Southern.”

Dr. Ryan Ashley ’06 BS, ’09 MEd in secondary administration, is principal of Kennedy Middle School in Aiken. He currently serves as president of the Rotary Club in Aiken and is a member of Millbrook Baptist Church. He is a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and previously served a term on the CSU Board of Trustees.

Larry Driggers of Hanahan is a local business owner and has been active at CSU

on the CSU Board of Visitors leadership council, the Buc Club, and as a former Board of Trustees member. He and his family established The Dorothy D. Driggers Endowed Scholarship at CSU, and he is a member of Highland Park Baptist Church.

Rick Redden is a strategy consultant with The McNair Group. He is the retired division CEO for Wachovia/Wells Fargo, where he led the Carolinas and mid-Atlantic states. Currently, he serves on the First Reliance Bank Board of Directors and the Appalachian State Business School Board. He is a member of The Church at Life Park and has been featured on the S.C. Business Journal’s 50 Most Influential list. He is a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and a former member of the CRDA Economic Leadership Council and the Clemson University Board of Visitors.

Tim Whitfield is a local business owner and is a former member of the CSU Board of Trustees. He is a member of the CSU Legacy Society and has been a major donor to numerous Charleston Southern projects.

He administers the Whitfield Family Charitable Trust and is a member of Grace on the Ashley Baptist Church.

Bobby Wood is pastor of Redemption Church in Ogden, Utah. He is also Send Network Director for the North American Mission Board. He is originally from Summerville and has been a speaker at CSU Chapel.

Pictured are: Larry Driggers, Bobby Wood, Rick Redden, and Ryan Ashley. Photos by Ty Cornett

Tim Whitfield

Tuition Promise Program, CSU First Private University in S.C. to Cover Tuition

By Jenna Johnson

Charleston Southern is committed to preparing our students to pursue a life of significance. The Buc Promise is our pledge to CSU students that finances won’t stand in their way of developing their potential and declaring their purpose with a degree from Charleston Southern.

Students from all economic backgrounds who have shown grit and intellect deserve the opportunity to attend CSU. This is our promise: if a student is admitted to CSU and qualifies for the Buc Promise, CSU will pay their tuition.

The Buc Promise guarantees full tuition, and standard fees will be covered by grant or scholarship support for eligible South Carolina residents. Students will not have to pay back this aid. If tuition increases and students remain eligible, the financial aid will increase as well.

The Buc Promise ensures that CSU offers an affordable, accessible, private Christian higher education experience to our Buccaneers.

How does the Buc Promise work?

Tuition is covered first by federal and state grants—such as the Pell Grant or Life Scholarship.

If eligibility for these programs does not equal the full cost of tuition, CSU will make up the difference with institutional funding. Funds awarded for the Buc Promise will cover up to the calculated financial need and can be reduced if the student receives other private scholarships or funded resources.

The Buc Promise applies to tuition and standard fees only; however, there are additional grant, scholarship, work-study, and loan funds available to assist with other educational costs, such as room and board.

Who is eligible to apply for the Buc Promise?

To be eligible for the Buc Promise, students must:

• Be a resident of the state of South Carolina

• Must hold at least a 3.5 unweighted GPA

• Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by June 30 and be certified as Pell-eligible for more than the Minimum Pell Grant.

• Enroll full-time (12 credit hours or more)

• Be pursuing a first bachelor’s degree

• This aid is renewable provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress while at CSU

Prospective students and families tour the campus at a First Look event.

Undocumented South Carolina residents can be eligible for the Buc Promise even if not receiving a Pell Grant.

To apply, students must submit the FAFSA and list CSU (federal code #003419) as one of the colleges you wish to receive the results of your FAFSA.

Are there other financial aid solutions?

If students do not qualify for the Buc Promise, CSU still has grant, scholarship, work-study, and loan funds to help pay educational costs.

The Buc Promise is just one way to achieve the dream of completing CSU’s academic voyage.

Photo by Ty Cornett

CSU Dedicates Intramural Plaza for Third President

By Jenna Johnson / Photos by Ty Cornett

Charleston Southern held a dedication of the new intramural plaza along Alumni Drive on Nov. 17, 2023.

Costin Plaza is named for Dr. Dondi Costin and his wife, Vickey, for their dedication to student-centered projects during their tenure as the third president and first lady of Charleston Southern. Joining the Costins in celebration were former President Dr. Jairy Hunter and his wife, Sissy, as well as CSU President B. Keith Faulkner and his wife, Patty.

Faulkner said, “Dondi and Vickey’s hearts lie with students. They exemplify servant leadership.”

The plaza welcomes students, employees, and alumni as a functional entrance to the intramural complex completed in 2023. It hosts four fire pits with comfortable outdoor seating, permanent seating structures, a grill, picnic area, and a large porch to host small events and tailgates.

“How grateful we are for CSU,” Costin said. “You molded us and loved us back. This plaza is exactly what we had in mind and then some.” Costin now serves as the president of Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va.

Judy Hetz, Board of Trustees chairperson, and Gloria Thiem, a trustee, headed the committee to build the plaza. “Today is a

dream come true,” Hetz said at the event. “Students wanted more space to gather.

Kristin Thiem (landscape architect and daughter-in-law to Gloria Thiem) took this space and made it spectacular.”

This addition to the new intramural complex brings this long-awaited project to a close.

The complex, with artificial turf and outdoor lighting, offers Charleston Southern students the opportunity to play in the evenings after class or on weekends. The $1.8 million project was placed as one of highest priority per the 2020-2025 University Strategic Plan, along with other student life-centered projects. The campus dedicated the field in the spring soon after it opened for student use.

TOP LEFT: Members of the Pride of the Lowcountry, CSU’s marching band, enjoy a cookout in Costin Plaza.

TOP RIGHT: The fire pit and grilling area of Costin Plaza is heavily used by students.

BOTTOM LEFT: Cutting the ribbon for Costin Plaza were: Judy Hetz, Dr. Dondi Costin, Vickey Costin, Patty Faulkner, President Keith Faulkner, and Gloria Thiem.

PHYSICAL THERAPY’S TRIP TO

COSTA RICA

By Brianna Parker / Photos provided

In December, the Doctor of Physical Therapy program will graduate its first group of cohorts, and they are coming into the world ready to take over and spread the Word. At the start of the fall 2023 semester, students came to Dr. Janet Tankersley, director of the physical therapy program, asking

to design an immersive mission and work trip. Seeing the desire and passion in these students’ eyes, Tankersley agreed. So, starting in August 2023, students got together and brought their vision to life.

After reaching out to local churches to intertwine their work into spreading the

Word, students started working closely with the Bonilla family, worship leaders at North Palm Church. The church frequently led mission trips to Costa Rica and were looking to expand their horizons into helping medically as well. The trip was Dec. 18-22. Tankersley hosted a former student of

hers to discuss with the group how to share faith through their practice and work. The students also hosted a drive where they gathered equipment such as transfer belts and put together lectures on how to train staff on biomechanics. Since the students were versed already in some physical therapy tactics, they focused on planning to teach body mechanics, posture, and mobilities.

“If you really want to see what God has planned, you’ll just give it up to him,” said Tankersley as she worked with the students to create their itinerary. The students made contact with two elderly homes in separate regions of Costa Rica. Both family-owned and Christian driven, these homes had a huge need for training, education, and working directly with the elderly and staff.

The group worked with staff in transferring patients from bed to floors. With residents, they worked on stimulating activities for dementia and cognition through games and movements.

This was the main aspect of their trip, but through the Lord’s grace, the group found contact with a school of 14 children with disabilities who were wanting to learn new physical therapy approaches.

The CSU team gathered at a university in the mountains with the students, their parents, and special education teachers. The students did research on what individual students needed and were assigned to them, creating a bond from the start. The group worked on mobility, and they worked with the teachers on things they could do with

The CSU group worked with a school for 14 children with disabilities, teaching the educators and parents physical therapy techniques.

“If you really want to see what God has planned, you’ll just give it up to him.”

— Dr. Janet Tankersley

the students such as how to adjust their wheelchairs and manage their equipment. The CSU team also brought Christmas gifts to give as they celebrated the Christmas spirit with cake.

Toward the end of their trip, they were granted an amazing opportunity. They gained contact with the Costa Rican Women’s National Soccer team through the Bonilla family. The CSU team met for the soccer team’s final practice before the national championship. They opened it up for the

students to come watch and meet the soccer team’s physical therapist. This was a great opportunity for CSU students to experience a member in their career field.

On their final days, the team got to enjoy some team building, taking a catamaran out to the Tortuga Islands to snorkel, swim, hike, and banana boat rides.

Every morning the CSU team woke up and performed devotionals and debriefs. They also were open to eating the authentic food of the area. Tankersley recognized that there was so much more that is needed in education, so she has agreed to host virtual sessions as well, expanding the Costa Rican’s knowledge.

These students not only got to experience an amazing educational opportunity but also make connections as well. They are following up with the children and parents while they continuously are building on their education and learning from what they have already done. “These students have started this, really from nothing, but we have built these connections,” said Tankersley. “The next class is already talking about picking up where they left off and building on the training and education that has already been done.”

The majority of the team’s trip was spent working with senior citizens at two different homes for the elderly.

Mayo Family Donates Dr. S.M. Mayo’s Books to CSU

By Jan Joslin

The family of Dr. S.M. Mayo, former chair of the BCC/CSU religion department, has donated his personal library to Charleston Southern.

Mayo was a professor from 1976 until his death in 1997. Something of a Renaissance man, Mayo set out to become an aeronautical engineer until God changed his pathway. He was a graduate of Southern Illinois University, completing his degree in 10 years because he worked to pay for his education. He went on to study at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas.

Eric Kistler, director of the Rivers Library, said, “Dr. Mayo’s book collection contains a rich variety of very highly regarded theological treatises. The Charleston Southern research community will benefit greatly from this most generous donation.”

“Dr. Mayo was a kind, gentle professor who cared for his students,” said Dr. Michael Bryant, vice president for strategic planning, faith integration, and Christian leadership. “He invested deeply in their education and worked hard to help them learn.”

Mayo was an early adopter of computer technology and taught a computer class on campus, using the Apple IIe.

His son Stacy “S.M.” Mayo ’90 of Lexington, and his wife, Stephanie, made the donation to the university. Dr. Mayo’s daughter, Kisa Mayo ’91, and his wife, Parmelee, are both deceased.

CSU Archive Photos:

TOP LEFT: Dr. S.M. Mayo in 1994.

TOP RIGHT: A man of broad interests, Dr. Mayo rode a Moped from his home in Summerville to campus in an effort to be economical.

RIGHT: Dr. S.M. Mayo works with students in an Old Testament Survey class.

CSU Family Shows Up Again with Record-Breaking Numbers of OCC Shoeboxes

By Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett

The CSU family has packed the most Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes of any college or university in the nation for the fifth year in a row, with a total of 13,601 boxes in 2023.

“Every area of campus participated in packing shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child,” said Jody Jennings, vice president of student life and dean of students. “It was a joy to see students, staff, and faculty all united in the effort to pack a recordbreaking 13,601 boxes. These boxes will be sent around the world and carry with them the message of Jesus Christ. Only eternity will reveal the impact the CSU community has made through our efforts. Charleston Southern University is passionate about integrating faith in serving!”

Charleston Southern has packed OCC boxes for numerous years, but Laurie Diel, executive administrative assistant for the VP of student life and special events manager, challenged the campus in 2019 to do more. Previously, the campus had packed around 2,400 boxes. CSU collected 5,029 boxes in 2019 and has increased the number each year since.

“You don’t have to be a big school to do big things,” said Diel. She said Operation Christmas Child is more than a shoebox. Samaritan’s Purse estimates that each shoebox impacts between 6-10 people with the Gospel.

ABOVE: The annual packing party is the final Operation Christmas Child event. Filled boxes are loaded into larger boxes and put on trucks that will go directly to the OCC collection facility in Charlotte, North Carolina.

TOP: Doctor of Physical Therapy students bring their boxes on collection day.

ABOVE RIGHT: Sarah Emily Durham and her mother help unload a rented truck filled with the 1,513 boxes she collected.

Charleston Southern’s Newest Published Authors

By Brianna Parker ’25 / Photos by Ty Cornett

Winners of the top student packers:

• Sarah Emily Durham, a junior biomedical lab science major from Sumter, packed 1,513 shoeboxes.

• Second place winner Krystal Guntinas was inspired to pack 681 boxes after finding out friends in her native Philippines received boxes from CSU the year before. She is a junior nursing major.

• Leandra Watts, a junior English education major from West Columbia, packed 132 boxes for third place.

Durham will be joining 2022 winner Kelly Venning and 2021 winner DJ Brummett in traveling internationally with Samaritan’s Purse to deliver shoeboxes to children. Venning and Brummett’s trips were delayed by the pandemic.

Staff were divided into teams by senior officer. Employee winning groups were:

• First place: Team Blackmon averaging 58 boxes per person for a total of 696 shoeboxes.

• Second place: Team Baggs averaging 50 boxes per person for a total of 350 shoeboxes.

• Third place: Team Turner averaging 42 boxes per person for a total of 1,440 shoeboxes.

Faculty/College winners were:

• First place: College of Health Sciences averaging 17 boxes per person for a total of 565 shoeboxes.

• Second place: College of Education averaging 11 boxes per person for a total of 190 shoeboxes.

• Third place: College of Nursing averaging three boxes per person for a total of 80 shoeboxes.

• Top area under Team Wilder was: Library averaging 52 boxes per person for a total of 417 shoeboxes.

At Charleston Southern, students are not the only ones to accomplish big dreams, our faculty do as well.

Dr. Heather Chadwick and Mr. Boyce Smith recently published the second revised edition of Mastering Personal Finances: A Biblical Approach along with Ron Blue. Professors in the Nielsen College of Business, they serve as assistant director and director of the NCOB Center for Personal Financial Management. Chadwick said, “The second revised edition is greatly improved and growing in popularity for personal finance courses in

Christian schools. It is the ONLY biblically integrated personal finance book available.”

Looking to take the next step in your educational career? Wanting to get a doctorate in education but do not know where to start? In February, Charleston Southern faculty members Dr. Krista Allison and Dr. Julie Fernandez published their book Navigating the Doctorate in Education: Planning Your Journey.

Allison is the chair of the Doctor of Education in leadership program, and Fernandez is dean of the College of Education.

Dr. Julie Fernandez and Dr. Krista Allison

Dr. Heather Chadwick Boyce Smith

Nubuya Begins Scholarship to Assist Black Women Studying Computers and Technology

Junior, senior, and graduate black women enrolled in computer science or a technology-related degree or a graduate program within the College of Science and Math with financial need may be eligible for a new scholarship, The NEXT IT GIRL in Memory of Karen Vaughn Endowed Scholarship. Funded by alumnus Napiya Nubuya ’14 and her organization, The NEXT IT GIRL, the scholarship recognizes the efforts of the late Karen Vaughn, who helped start the organization.

While at CSU, Nubuya was inspired by Dr. Valerie Sessions, current director of graduate study in computer science, and the only female computer faculty member while Nubuya was in college. Sessions remains one of Nubuya’s most valued mentors in the field of computer science. Entering the workforce, Nubuya continued to see a need for women

and people of color in the technical world. These experiences led her to form The NEXT IT GIRL organization and establish a scholarship at CSU.

To read more about why Nubuya established The Next IT Girl, check out charlestonsouthern.edu/computer-sciencegraduate-comes-full-circle/

The Johnny and Sandra Ward Family Christian Studies Endowed Scholarship

Johnny and Sandra Ward, longtime CSU donors and champions, established a new scholarship in honor of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

In order to qualify for the Ward Family Scholarship, a student must be full-time, be a professing Christian, major in Christian studies or a church-related vocation, demonstrate financial need, and receive a recommendation from the dean of the College of Christian Studies.

The Wards have been active at CSU for many years. Johnny has served numerous terms on the CSU Board of Trustees, and his daughter, Terri, is currently serving a term on the BOT. Sandra served with the CSU Women’s Council for many years, raising funds for scholarships.

Alumnus Honors Mother with Scholarship

Debbie Rooney Goulding, a 1976 graduate, and her husband, Dr. Fritz Goulding, established the Ellen Barnes Rooney Nursing Endowed Scholarship in memory of Debbie’s mother. The scholarship will benefit South Carolina students in the College of Nursing. Debbie graduated with a degree in nursing, and Fritz is a retired physician.

Napiya Nubuya shares about her organization, The NEXT IT GIRL, with President Keith Faulkner. Photo by Ty Cornett

Pictured are: Johnny Ward, Sandra Ward, Robin Ward ’91 (on far left), and Terri Ward Austin ’20 (on far right). Photo by Ty Cornett

President B. Keith Faulkner, Debbie Rooney Goulding ’76 and Dr. Fritz Goulding. Photo by Beth Myers

CSU Presents Endowed Scholarship in Honor of Keith and Deborah Summey

By Jan Joslin / Photos by Ty Cornett

Charleston Southern University announces the establishment of The Keith and Deborah Summey Family Endowed Scholarship to honor the couple’s record of public service. Keith Summey retired in December after serving as Mayor of North Charleston for 29 years.

The endowment will provide financial assistance to numerous students from the Charleston tri-county region. The Summeys have long ties to Charleston Southern. Keith graduated from the-then Baptist College at Charleston in 1969, and Deborah graduated in 1970.

President B. Keith Faulkner congratulated the Summeys and said, “Think of your legacy – to North Charleston and to your alma mater as well.”

“Mayor Keith and Deborah Summey are two of CSU’s most successful alumni,” said Dr. Jairy Hunter, president emeritus of CSU, and scholarship campaign chair. “The Summeys have provided dedicated leadership in the local community during the best years

of their careers. Due to the generosity of friends and donors, we are delighted to present these alumni leaders with the Summey Family Endowed Scholarship totaling more than $170,000.”

Keith took office in October 1994 as the third mayor of North Charleston. He was re-elected in seven consecutive elections.

Under his leadership, North Charleston was awarded the National League of Cities Award for Municipal Excellence and Home Depot Foundation’s Award of Excellence for Sustainable Community Development.

He previously served on North Charleston City Council and on Charleston County Council and in numerous civic capacities. Charleston Southern awarded him an honorary doctor of public service in 2006.

Deborah is a retired magistrate judge. She was appointed by the Governor of South Carolina in 1996 as a Charleston County magistrate, where she served until 2012. She began the centralized criminal domestic violence court in Charleston County. She has been a teacher and served on the North Charleston constituent school board and also on the Charleston County school board. She previously owned Aunt Beas Restaurant and East Montague Antiques. The Summeys were instrumental in the revitalization of the old village in North Charleston.

The Summeys have two children and four grandchildren: Elliot Summey, wife Allison, and children Jackson and Harrison; and Annie Summey and children Rhett and Lizzie.

MIDDLE: Annie Summey and Helen Hill, CEO of Explore Charleston, join in congratulating Deborah and Keith Summey on the surprise establishment of an endowed scholarship in their honor.

TOP: Pictured at a luncheon honoring the Summeys are: President Emeritus Jairy Hunter, Summey grandson Rhett, Deborah Summey, Keith Summey, Annie Summey, and President Keith Faulkner.

BOTTOM: President Keith Faulkner announces the establishment of The Keith and Deborah Summey Family Endowed Scholarship in December. Pictured are: Faulkner, Annie Summey, Elliot Summey, Deborah Summey, and Keith Summey.

Class notes

1970s

John Ramsey ’73, chair of Diamond Hill Plywood Company in Darlington, has been elected to the board of trustees for the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities. SCICU supports the 21 independent higher education institutions in South Carolina.

Teresa Kendle ’74 was women’s basketball and volleyball coach at Summerville High School in Summerville from 1976 to 2012. Recently, the school honored her by naming the court in the main gym the Teresa Kendle Court.

Cassie M. Brisbane Ferguson ’78 has retired after 45 years as a nurse. She obtained her ASN at CSU, and later completed BSN and MSN degrees. She lives in Beaufort.

1980s

Rev. Michael Felder ’81 is group facilitator at Harmony Oaks Recovery Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Bernie Mazyck ’81 has been named again to the Charleston Business Magazine’s 50 Most Influential list. He is president and CEO of the South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development.

Richard S. Gates ’84 writes “I was on the seven year plan, so to speak. I attended as a full-time student until Interterm 1979 when I went to work as a North Charleston police officer. I worked

patrol for three years and spent two years as a detective on the State Narcotics Task Force.

“After I graduated in 1984, I was recruited as a Navy pilot and received my Naval Flight Officer wings in 1986. I served eight years on Active Duty and transitioned to the Naval Reserve after the Persian Gulf. I worked as a Naval investigative service agent, (before it was NCIS) with the Naval Reserve at NAS Memphis and was a full-time police officer. I later transferred to NAS Dallas (with NIS) and flew the Saab 340 with American Eagle on an NFO to first officer transition program, which was shortlived due to furloughs.

“I relocated out west and went to work in Oregon State Law Enforcement and Corrections. I am still employed with the State of Oregon as a wildland fire investigator and drone pilot.”

Tonya Russell Hall ’85 was named College & Career Navigator of the Year by the South Carolina Association for Adult and Continuing Education. Hall works for Dorchester School District Two Adult Education. She is married to Chip Hall ’85

1990s

Lara Reddy D’Eugenio ’97 is in private practice in Mount Pleasant.

Jerilyn Kelley Gilstrap ’97 has retired. She said, “I am doing what I love and what God called me to do – started and leading a ministry to approximately 40 widows at my church for the last six years.”

Merilee Williams Perrine ’97 is in private practice at A Shepherds Heart Counseling. She is a co-convener with Order of St. Luke Charleston, and works with Crosstowne Unbound Deliverance Ministry. She formerly worked for Charleston County’s Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services.

Danielle Hiott ’99 is a special education teacher and a case manager.

2000s

Heather Gray Blalock ’02 is currently writing Bible students for women and doing Prepare/ Enrich premarital counseling. She holds a master’s in counseling and theology.

Eddie Becker ’03 is a marketing specialist with Indeed.

Tina Ferguson ’04 is a lead elementary school counselor and career specialist in Dorchester District 2. She holds a Master of Education in school counseling.

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Corey Humphries ’04, ’09 MS is vice president of operations at Vibrant Logistics Co and SECO of Georgia.

Tracy Maynard ’04 is a special education/case manager at a public charter school. She holds a master’s in clinical counseling.

Kimberly Ray ’04 is a therapist and the owner of Safe Harbor Behavioral Health LLC.

Jennifer Roberson ’04 is the co-author of The Wonderful Wandering Wagon and is a homeschool mom.

Tab Dan Cam Cadee ’05 is a licensed independent marriage and family therapist in private practice contracted to work with veterans with trauma.

Kathleen Cesare ’05 is a United States probation officer.

Gwendolyn Ferguson ’05 is a therapist and a mental health supervisor and emergency response team coordinator for Mental Health Court.

Carmen Gina ’06 is a nurse practitioner.

Kristin Moore Epstein ’06 is an embalmer and funeral director at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc.

Jamie Fisher ’06 works in the Office of Institutional Effectiveness at the Medical University of South Carolina. She holds an MS in psychology and an EdD in educational leadership.

Kelly Hagen Herrick ’06 is a special needs advocate and consultant and is currently providing educational advocacy in South Carolina.

Leanne French Minnick ’06 is a physician assistant in Raleigh, North Carollina.

Dionne Middlebrooks ’08 is the owner of Reign Physical Therapy and Wellness in the Atlanta area, is an adjunct professor at Havor College and is on several boards for nonprofit organizations. She holds a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Rev. Phillip Wilson ’08 was named Emerging Leader of the Year by the Greater Summerville/ Dorchester County Chamber of Commerce. He said, “I am thankful for the groundwork CSU laid for me.” He is a vice president and client service advisor at Pinnacle Financial Partners in Summerville. He also serves as the associate pastor at St. Andrew’s Church, Park Circle. He holds a master’s degree from Trinity School for Ministry in Ambridge, Pennsylvania. He is the chairman of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity, Dorchester County, and is a member of the CSU Board of Visitors and the Summerville Rotary Club. Wilson is on the far right in the photo.

Laura Barber Cooke ’09 holds a PhD in clinical psychology, is about to be licensed, and is program director of an inpatient acute psychiatric facility.

Dr. Kila Pringle ’09 is a program analyst for business operations for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and lives in Killeen, Texas.

2010s

Elizabeth Stewart Hill ’10 is a 4th grade teacher and pastor’s wife.

Rhett Marley ’10 has won The Knot Best of Wedding for seven consecutive years and has been inducted into The Knot Hall of Fame for his work in wedding photography. He and his wife, Alicyne Smith Marley ’10, have three children.

Dr. Troy Hall ’11 MBA has been named to the 2024 Brainz Magazine 500 Global Entrepreneurs list. He is the author of Cohesion Culture: Principles to Retain Your Top Talent.

Nick Long ’11 is an instructional systems specialist (training and development subject matter expert) for a government contract and is also a career transition and leadership development coach.

Staci Ulichnie Reed ’11 is a gifted and talented teacher at Harbor View Elementary School in Charleston. She has two children, Waylon and Cora.

Leslie Williams ’11 has been selected to be included in Marquis Who’s Who for her work in the legal field. She is a co-founding attorney of Morris Williams LLC. She previously was a child support enforcement agent at the North Carolina Department of Social Services and was a military police officer in the U.S. Air Force. She holds a juris doctorate from Regent University School of Law.

Jordan Grubbs ’12 works in human resources for the South Carolina Attorney General’s Office.

Jeanette Deegan ’13 is an intensive supervisor officer for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Berkeley County, serving as an intensive probation officer for juveniles in the system.

The MOJA Arts Festival production of “Wedding Band” by Alice Childress during the fall festival

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featured Giselle Adams ’14 and Martinez Finney ’22 and former student Elaine McKiever as members of the cast. Professor Thomas Keating said, “The story is heart-wrenching and so close to home as it is set in Charleston during the time of antimiscegenation laws and centers around that topic.” MOJA Arts Festival is an annual celebration of AfricanAmerican and Caribbean Arts.

Ashley Hairr ’14 is a schoolbased mental health therapist and AP psychology teacher at a private, Christian school for K312th grade. She holds a master’s in marriage and family therapy.

Emily Godwin Laster ’14 is a licensed professional counselor and works at a Christian nonprofit organization as a biblical counselor specializing in equineassisted therapy. She said, “We use our horses and the Lord to help bring about change in our clients’ lives. We serve all ages, families, and individuals. Right now, I’m working more as Mom to our now 2-month-old.” She holds a master of arts in clinical counseling.

Audrey Phillips ’14 is coordinator of women’s services at Shoreline Behavioral Health Services in Conway. She is a licensed professional counselor, advanced alcohol and drug counselor, and a national certified counselor, clinical supervisor.

Juliann Dayle Sadler ’14 is director of social services at Veterans Victory House. She is a licensed master social worker.

Rev. Dr. George Atkins ’15 is the senior pastor at First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Greenwood. He completed a doctor of ministry degree at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2023.

Katy Novisky ’15 said, “For the last three years I’ve been working in workplace health and safety management for Amazon at a warehouse in Georgia. I moved back to the Lowcountry almost three months ago to work in the same field with the Boeing company.” She completed a master’s in public health in social and behavioral sciences in 2019.

Caitlin Cottingham ’16 is in her third year as a registered behavior technician for Positive Behavior Support Corporation. “I work with children who have autism in the field of applied behavior analysis,” she said.

Nicholas Lee ’16 is a licensed professional counselor and currently a behavioral health consultant at HopeHealth, a federally qualified health center.

Rachel Moreno ’16 is an occupational therapist at the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind. She holds a master’s in occupational therapy.

Michelle Staley ’16 is a human resources generalist.

Richard Anderson ’17 MBA is a lead consultant at Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

Kelsey Fitzhugh ’17 is an occupational therapist and is the 2023-2024 Hand Therapy Fellow at New York University Langone Health.

Ash Nay ’17 is currently pursuing a doctorate in occupational therapy. She was formerly a police officer.

Allan D. Stone ’17 is an associate pastor in a church and works in the local school district as a substitute teacher in Slidell, Louisiana.

Raymere Thomas, Esquire ’17 is an associate attorney at Kubicki Draper in Florida.

Courtney Watson ’17 is a school psychologist in Rock Hill.

Desiree Wright ’17, ’22 MBA announces the birth of a son, Kye Kendrick Wright, born Aug. 14, 2023.

Cheyenne Beets ’18 works as a court advocate for My Sisters and holds a master’s degree.

Gage Dowling ’18 has been named the director of housing at East Georgia State College. He holds a Master of Science in management from Southwestern Oklahoma State University. He is married to Casey Fabian Dowling ’17, who is the new assistant director of academic success at East Georgia State College.

Alexandra Duncan ’18 is the emergency department medication for opioid use disorder program coordinator and peer supervisor at the Medical University of South Carolina. She said, “My team provides addiction support and resources. Then if a patient qualifies, we do buprenorphine inductions (for OUD) and link them to next day treatment.” She is also working on a master’s of healthcare administration.

Emily Hall ’18 and Caleb Hall ’20 announce the birth of a son, Carter Jude Hall, born Dec. 29, 2023.

Harrison Huntley ’18 is a staff writer and graphic designer for The Catalyst at Medical University of South Carolina.

Hannah Moore ’18 is a high school teacher teaching history and psychology.

Jess Downing Reighard ’18 works as an HIV case manager through Roper St. Francis’s Ryan White Program. She holds a master’s in social work and is a licensed master social worker.

Sefa Bailey ’19 owns a private applied behavior analysis therapy practice and is a board certified behavior analyst.

Aishia Chenery Chestnut ’19 is finishing up a master’s in clinical counseling and will take the National Counselor Examination in April. She is a clinical counselor at Shoreline Behavioral Health Services.

Shermaiya Evans ’19 is a treatment coordinator at Dorchester Children’s Advocacy Center.

Chanin Hamilton ’19 has been an elementary physical education teacher and high school football coach since 2020.

Terraince Holiday ’19 works as a mentor at a nonprofit.

Andrew Lee ’19 is the assistant director of facilities at Vanderbilt University’s athletic department.

Emily Richburg ’19 is an early intervention specialist with babies through preschoolers and their families, through Easterseals.

Jessica Rudofsky ’19 is a licensed professional counselor associate at a private practice in Mt. Pleasant and holds an MS in clinical counseling.

Justina E. Smalls ’19 is the owner of Journey to Healing Consulting, LLC, and is a licensed professional counselor associate. She completed a master’s in clinical mental health from Walden University in 2022.

2020s

Jennifer C. Anderton ’20 writes, “I am a preschool teacher. I mold little hearts and watch for delays in learning.”

Kendra Crawford ’20 graduated from Winthrop University with a master’s in social work.

Kenneth Freeman ’20 MBA is the head football coach at R.B. Stall High School in North Charleston. He has 24 years of coaching experience in the state of South Carolina, and is a U.S. Army veteran. He is a national board certified school teacher.

Jonathan Hawblitz, PA-C ’20 is a physician assistant with Bronson Urology & Continence Specialists in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Evelyn Kelley ’20 is an air battle manager in the U.S. Air Force. She is working on her master’s in applied behavior analysis.

Katherine Parris ’20 is a family law attorney in Gaffney.

Skylar Robinson ’20 is working at a private practice outpatient with kids and teens in North Carolina. She is a licensed clinical mental health counselor associate.

Chloe Thirkettle ’20 is the new multimedia account executive for Summerville Communications Inc. She previously worked for Luxor Scientific, Go Social, and Clearwater Bio Tech.

Cailan Harter Alexander ’21 is an early intervention specialist.

Bree Bradley ’21 is currently pursuing a master’s in clinical mental health counseling and a master’s in school counseling.

in memory

Timothy O. Blakely ’85, age 60, died Dec. 28, 2023, in Hanahan. He retired after 35 years in civil service in the accounting department at SPAWAR. He earned an MBA from The Citadel and was the March of Dimes Poster Child in 1968.

Dorothy “Lorraine” Pinckney Browning ’82, age 64, died Dec. 21, 2023, in Spartanburg. She worked for more than 30 years in the Colleton County School District as a teacher and coach at numerous schools. She also served as athletic director at Walterboro High School.

Ricky Duckett, age 66, died Jan. 7 in Goose Creek. His 40-year career in coaching included his last stint at Charleston Southern University as assistant coach for men’s basketball prior to his retirement.

Lila Kay Fairey ’97, age 78, died Oct. 5, 2023, in Goose Creek. She was a registered nurse and had worked for Bon Secours St. Francis Hospital and the Charleston Naval Shipyard.

James “Jim” Richard Gardner Sr. ’69, age 78, died Jan. 22 in Niles, Ohio. He worked for Delphi Packard in the byproducts division. He was a member of the CSU Hall of Fame for basketball and baseball.

Jean Bowling Inabinet ’77, age 83, died Dec. 29, 2023, in Summerville. She retired from the state of South Carolina after 31 years, working for the department of vocational rehabilitations and the department of disabilities and special needs. She had been a member of the CSU Women’s Council.

Dr. Ronald William Jordan ’70, age 75, died Jan. 22 in Charleston. He had a long career

in education, serving as a teacher and assistant principal at Goose Creek High School and Stratford High School. He was active in the community and was listed in Who’s Who in America

Bonnie B. Karst, age 82, died Oct. 10, 2023, in Goose Creek. She retired from Charleston Southern University, working 32 years at the university in the business office.

Kisa Lea Mayo ’92, age 53, died Nov. 17, 2023, in Columbia.

Billy Lee Mew ’69, age 77, died Nov. 17, 2023, in Seneca. He held a ThM from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He pastored several churches and was director of missions for the Barnwell-Bamberg Baptist Association.

Thomas “Jacob” Ramsey ’22, age 23, died Dec. 19, 2023 in Summerville. He was a computer programmer with KFR Services.

John D. Scarborough III ’70, age 76, died Jan. 1 in Moncks Corner. He was a banker with C&S Bank and helped Charleston Regional Development Alliance attract employment for the region.

Teilah Shirley ’85, age 60, died Nov. 16, 2023, in West Columbia. She worked in the travel industry.

Jacky Ray Stamps ’69, age 76, died Jan. 9. He was a retired educator, with 47 years’ experience at numerous schools.

Timothy “Tim” Steven Tollison ’92, age 52, died Dec. 22, 2023, in Easley. He was the retired chief of police for the City of Easley. He was a graduate of the FBI National Academy and was also a guest instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy.

Kristie Bruckner ’21 is an assistant manager at a spa clinic. She said, “I’m currently taking a dental assisting class to go ideally into pediatric dentistry and eventually work my way into hygiene school and become a hygienist.”

Jada Adger Byrd ’21 is a graduate student online at Liberty University and will graduate in the spring of 2024 with a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy.

Caity Burke ’21 is in her third, and final, year at CSU for the master’s in clinical counseling. She is interning with a counseling center in Rock Hill, doing virtual counseling.

Megan Fennell ’21 is attending graduate school to become a licensed professional counselor.

Kristen Chestnut Jordan ’21 completed a master of science in applied psychology from Francis Marion University with an emphasis in school psychology in December 2022. She is currently working toward a specialist degree in school psychology to graduate with a master’s +30 in May 2024. She is completing an internship in school psychology with Horry County Schools.

Keirra Steele ’21 enrolled in the physician assistant program at CSU in January.

Ryan Tra’Neece ’21 is completing an education specialist in clinical mental health counseling at the University of South Carolina Columbia.

Bethaney Wilder ’21 is a case manager for homebound seniors. She assesses if there is a physical or financial need for Meals on Wheels or in-home services and sets them up for service.

Nyki Bailey ’22 is an investigations supervisor for Family Court.

Shama Winston Ford ’19, ’22 Master of Science in clinical counseling is a licensed clinical counselor associate and a second-year doctoral student at Regent University, pursuing a PhD in counselor education and supervision. She said, “I am honored to be living my dream as an adjunct professor in CSU’s psychology department.”

Annie Goss ’22 is in her second year of graduate school through Liberty University for clinical mental health counseling and is the youth minister at a church in Seneca, SC.

Baby Bucs

1. Kye Kendrick Wright, son of Desiree Wright ’17, ’22 MBA

2. Adaline Nichols Templeton, daughter of Alexia Templeton ’18 and Ryan Templeton ’17

3. Genevieve McIntyre Jones, daughter of Meg McCue-Jones ’10

4. Sammy, Wesley, and Ru Woodard, children of Emily Woodard ’15 and Mike Woodard ’15

5. Waylon Reed, son of Staci Ulichnie Reed ’11

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CSU graduates, if you have a child under the age of 2, let us know at alumni@ csuniv.edu, and we will send a CSU onesie for your Baby Buc. The shirt is free; all we ask in return is a photo of your Baby Buc for the magazine.

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6. Cora Reed, daughter of Staci Ulichnie Reed ’11

7. Vivienne Blake Beeman, daughter of Jennifer Sloan Beeman ’02

8. Carter Jude Hall, son of Emily Hall ’18 and Caleb Hall ’20

9. Eden Curtis and Eddie Curtis, daughter and son of Skylar Curtis ’20 and Joe Curtis

BCC Friends Tour Italy

A group of six Baptist College at Charleston (now CSU) friends traveled to Europe in October 2023 and spent a week in Italy. Karen Hill Seitz said, “Our friendship began 45 plus years ago. We were three sets of roommates on the same hall in the dorm. Our friendship bonds continued after graduation, and we make it a priority to get together as often as possible.”

Pictured are: Karen Hill Seitz ’80, Betty Gates Stillinger ’79, Carol White Reid ’80, Dr. Michelle Brown Smith ’79, Susan Johnson Shannon ’80, and Ruth Helmly Watson ’80.

Alumni Association Officers

President: Andre Dukes ’01 ’06

Vice President: Denise Deveaux ’96

Secretary: Brian Hyder ’98 ’17

Treasurer: Esther Wilkins ’91

Past President: Ron Jaicks ’93

Board Members

Lindle Beets ’94

Kimberly Bryant ’18

Travien Capers ’04

Jonelle Hair ’12

Stephen Sammons ’08 ’10

Steven Steele ’97

Travis Walthall ’15

Shameka Washington ’06

Where Did You Work When You Were at BCC/CSU?

Did you have a work-study job on campus? Did you work long hours at the switchboard? Or did you work offcampus at Northwoods Mall, or a fast food place close to campus?

We want to hear your favorite memories! Send your memories, and pictures if you have them, to magazine@csuniv.edu by June 1, and we will print as many as we can in the next magazine. The CSU alumni office will select one lucky person at random to win some CSU swag.

Take a walk down memory lane with us.

Photo provided

Pictured at a recent board meeting are: Andre Dukes, Esther Wilkins, Stephen Sammons, Jonelle Hair, Travis Walthall, Brian Hyder, Travien Capers, and Denise Deveaux. Photo by Ty Cornett

File photos from Cutlass yearbooks.

Graphic by Tyler Stokes