Meet Jewel Edwards, a new Clyburn Scholar at SC State University
The Eau Claire High School graduate is majoring in early childhood education at SC State.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. – As a first-year early childhood education major at South Carolina State University, Jewel Edwards is committed to shaping the next generation through literacy, empathy, and inclusive teaching practices.
The Columbia, South Carolina, resident is realizing that dream in part through the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College as one of nine newly inducted 2025 Clyburn Scholars.
“Raised by her grandmother, Jewel learned resilience, gratitude, and faith at an early age,” said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., the Honors College’s dean. “Guided by strong mentors and her own determination, she has turned personal challenges into purpose -- advocating for children and families whose voices often go unheard.”
A passionate advocate for young learners, Edwards intends to specialize in early learning and special-needs education while pursuing future research in equitable access for all children.
A graduate of Eau Claire High School, Edwards distinguished herself as president of the National Honor Society, president of Jobs for America’s Graduates, and a four-year varsity cheerleader. Logging over 450 hours of community service, she coordinated food drives, youth outreach, and mentorship programs for under-resourced families.
Along with being a 2025 Clyburn Scholar and Honors College General Scholar, her outstanding academic performance and service earned her the LIFE Scholarship and the Gamma Nu Chapter Scholarship.
Edwards describes South Carolina State University as “the place where education, culture, and purpose meet.”
As a future educator, she aspires to apply evidence-based practices that nurture curiosity and confidence in her students while inspiring them to reach their fullest potential.
“Graceful, grounded, and service-driven, Jewel Edwards embodies the mission of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College -- merging intellect, integrity, and impact to lead and uplift communities through education,” Whitaker said.
About the Clyburn Scholars Program
The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at South Carolina State University proudly celebrates the continued generosity of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Endowed Honors College Scholarship Fund, an enduring endowment honoring Congressman James E. Clyburn and the late Dr. Emily England Clyburn.
Established to support high-achieving students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, and a passion for community engagement, the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Endowed Honors College Scholarship Fund has become a cornerstone of the Honors College’s mission to elevate student success and expand opportunity for South Carolina’s most promising young scholars.
“The Honors College is forever grateful to the Clyburn family for choosing to invest in the lives of some of our best and brightest students here at South Carolina State University,” Whitaker said. “These financial gifts are noble and profoundly impactful, ensuring that our scholars can focus on academic excellence without the barriers of financial hardship.
“We accept these gifts with humility and a renewed commitment to the ideals of leadership, service, and scholarship that the Clyburn name represents,” Whitaker said. “This scholarship does more than ease financial burdens. It inspires our scholars to lead lives of purpose and to give back to the communities that shaped them.”
For more information about SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, contact Dr. William Whitaker, the Honors College’s dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.edu or 803-533-3710, or Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, the Honors College’s executive director, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610.