Honoring excellence: SC State welcomes 24 scholars into Honors College

Presidential Scholar challenges inductees to set goals, be led by defined principles.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. -- South Carolina State University inducted 24 scholars into the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College on Thursday, preparing a foundation upon which they will experience intellectual growth, leadership development and service opportunities. 

“This induction ceremony represents the beginning of an extraordinary academic journey for these outstanding students,” said Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean of the Honors College.  

“The Honors College provides an intellectually stimulating environment where scholars are challenged to think critically, conduct meaningful research and develop leadership skills that will prepare them for success in graduate school and their professional careers,” he said. 

This year’s scholars represent a competitive and diverse group of high-achieving scholars drawn from a variety of academic disciplines.  

Each scholar demonstrates the character, leadership and civic commitment that define the Honors College. The newly inducted scholars are: 

Nyla Banks	Rhiazia Grant
Ethan Beasley	Leah Maina
Jayrah Bostic	Savanna Mansel
Tori Dawkins	Nathan Marks
Tristan Jackson	Peyton McQueen
Ja’Leeah Jones	Amiyah Smith
Dashon Pinckney	Kelsey Whetstone
Kamryn Ross	Kiera Williams
Malcolm Salters	Tyrin Williams
Aleena Allen	Timothy Barnes
Ariana Borilla	A’miya VanBuren
Jewel Edwards	Kariemah Curry

“I don’t just see students -- I see highly successful people making a meaningful impact in their communities. I wish you all nothing but the best moving forward,” said Dr. David Staten, associate provost for academic affairs at SC State.  

A Presidential Scholar’s challenge 

Rejoice Anaele is a senior business economics major at SC State. The Presidential Scholar is also a member of the Honors College and vice president of the SC State Student Government Association.  

Anaele gave the newly inducted scholars a lesson on how to improve their overall student experience. 

“Congratulations. You have been distinguished by your hard work, your rigor and your achievement. I am ecstatic to formally welcome you to the Emily E. Clyburn Honors College,” Anaele said.  

“I recall about four years ago, I had the same buzzing excitement of what’s to come and the expectations of all I could achieve,” she said, noting that she had begun her senior year writing goals she wanted to achieve.  

“Looking back at these, if I had not thought about what I wanted when people would actually say, ‘Start now, the moment is now,’ I would have no idea what I actually would be doing,” Anaele said.  

She encouraged not just the scholars, but everyone to begin writing down their goals and expectations for what they want to accomplish. 

“Write about your goals, write about your likes, your dislikes. Let your plans be known to God. Write diary entries, poetry. Keep a record so that you can marvel at how much you’ve succeeded, how much you’ve failed, but, more importantly, how much you’ve changed in just one chapter of your life,” Anaele said.  

“Keep a record so you can understand the principles that make you, you. So that when wind shakes, you can be like the tree ever rooted. Right now, inductees, I am with both withered and newly grown leaves and now at the closing of this chapter this season,” she said. 

“But you, you have just begun. I am so excited for what God has in store for you and what fruit you will bear. I hope you are, too,” Anaele said.  

Tia Y. Green, a senior exercise science major and Presidential Scholar, issued her own challenge to the newly inducted scholars.  

“I challenge you to strive for excellence in every aspect of your academic journey. Uphold the values of integrity, leadership and service that define the Honors College,” Green said. 

“Make our impact felt not only within this institution, but in your communities and beyond,” she said. 

Scholars share their goals, aspirations 

Tyrin Williams, 19, is a freshman nuclear engineering major who was happy about being inducted into the Honors College, a chance for him to continue a track record of academic excellence.  

“I graduated from my high school with a 4.1 GPA, and I also got awarded the Honors College scholarship not too long ago. I think being inducted after doing my first semester and getting a feel for what the school is like is just a great feeling,” Williams said. 

He said SC State was the right school for him.  

“I was a part of an HBCU tour. We did a bunch of different schools, but when coming to SC State, it felt like I was welcome and almost pushed to come here. This was also the only HBCU which has my major, which is nuclear engineering,” Williams said.  

“My hope is that the Honors College molds me into an exceptional student,” he said.  

Amiyah Smith, 18, of Mobile, Alabama, is a freshman political science/pre-law major. 

She said she appreciated the recognition that Thursday’s induction ceremony placed on the academic excellence that she and the other scholars display.  

“I like that they recognize us. I honestly really appreciate it,” Smith said. 

“Later in life, I intend to be a lawyer. I will be going to law school; I will be passing the bar. But I don’t know if that will stay my route. I might go the diplomatic route instead of just being your typical civil rights lawyer because those are the areas that I’m interested in,” she said. 

Mission rooted in excellence, service  

“Let us reflect on the words of Dr. Emily England Clyburn. Education is the foundation upon which we build our future. May today’s ceremony inspire each of us to continue building a legacy which is rooted in excellence, service and purpose,” Whitaker said.  

Whitaker also acknowledged the collective support of faculty, administrators, and families who have contributed to the scholars’ academic success and personal development.  

Dr. Frederick Evans, provost and vice president for academic affairs, commended the students for their academic excellence and underscored the importance of the Honors College in advancing the university’s academic mission.  

“The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College represents the highest level of academic achievement at South Carolina State University,” Evans said.  

“These scholars have demonstrated exceptional dedication, discipline, and intellectual ability. Their induction reflects their commitment to excellence and their readiness to take advantage of the many opportunities available through the Honors College. We are confident they will continue to excel and bring distinction to the university,” he said. 

Evans said the Honors College plays a critical role in strengthening academic excellence across the university by providing enriched academic programming, research opportunities, and professional preparation. 

Strengthening academic excellence through leadership and mentorship

Dr. Windy Stephenson, executive director of the Honors College, highlighted its transformative impact and the importance of mentorship and academic support. 

 “The Honors College is committed to developing scholars who are not only academically successful, but also prepared to become leaders, innovators and agents of change,” Stephenson said. “Through mentorship, research opportunities, leadership development, and academic support, we provide our students with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in a competitive global environment.”  

Stephenson said Honors College scholars benefit from individualized attention, academic guidance and opportunities that enhance their intellectual and professional development.  

Jacqueline Mack, coordinator of enrollment, engagement and outreach, also recognized the dedication and accomplishments of the newly inducted scholars and reaffirmed the Honors College’s commitment to student success.

Transformative academic experience

The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College serves approximately 151 students from across the U.S. and around the world.  

It offers a comprehensive academic experience designed to challenge and support high-achieving students. Scholars participate in specialized honors courses that emphasize interdisciplinary learning, critical thinking, research and intellectual engagement.  

Honors College scholars benefit from:  

• Rigorous honors-level coursework designed to enhance academic excellence  
• Personalized academic advising and faculty mentorship • Undergraduate research opportunities across multiple academic disciplines  
• Leadership development programs and workshops  
• Graduate and professional school preparation  
• Internship and career development opportunities  
• Cultural enrichment programs and academic seminars  
• Community service and civic engagement initiatives  
  

These opportunities provide scholars with the skills and experiences necessary to excel academically and professionally.  

About the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College  

Named in honor of the late librarian, educator and civil rights advocate Dr. Emily England Clyburn, the Honors College at SC State offers a rigorous, holistic academic environment that fosters critical thinking, leadership, civic responsibility and global engagement.  

The college prepares high-achieving students to thrive in competitive graduate programs, professional careers and public service through high-impact practices and interdisciplinary learning.  

The Honors College also connects students with alumni, industry leaders, and professional organizations, providing valuable networking opportunities that support career development.  

For more information about the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, contact Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean, at wwhitak3@scsu.eduor 803-533-3710.