SC State’s Professor of the Year loves the ‘intellectual dance’ with colleagues, students

SC State alumna Dr. June Graham-Bethea is the 2024 Professor of the Year for the College of Graduate & Professional Studies and the university overall.

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Dr. June Graham-Bethea was not always focused on a career in speech pathology and audiology. Growing up in Marion, South Carolina, she only knew she wanted to help others.

So, when she started her undergraduate studies at South Carolina State University, she researched which disciplines might fulfill that quest and interviewed some professionals in those areas.

“Speech Pathology was top on the list,” she said, “and after taking classes in the department here at SCSU, I knew that I found what I really wanted to do and a home away from home.”

Having earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at SC State, Graham-Betha completed her Ph.D. at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in North Carolina. She spent more than 30 years in Greensboro before returning to SC State as an assistant professor in 2022.

It did not take long for her to establish herself as a leader. She has served as the Department of Speech Pathology and Audiology’s acting chair since Fall 2023. Less than a year later, she was named SC State’s Professor of the Year for the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and the overall university.

"She has been married for 37 years to a very supportive husband, Malcolm Bethea and has two adult daughters, Kiersten Bethea and Carmen Bethea."

University Relations recently asked Graham-Bethea a series of questions about experiences and her role at SC State.

Q: What has inspired you during your journey as an academic?

Graham-Bethea: My students are my inspiration! My students inspire me to be the best that I can be and my hope is that they see me as an inspiration to them. Throughout my journey in academia, I have been profoundly inspired by the intellectual dance with my colleagues—those who innovate and create technologies that transform the way we teach and learn.

However, what drives me most is witnessing the success of students who face challenges yet persevere. The collective support and mentorship provided to these resilient students often lead them to not only overcome obstacles but to thrive in their academic pursuits. Their determination and triumphs are what ignite my passion for teaching and inspire me every day.

Q: How would you describe your teaching philosophy?

Graham-Bethea: My teaching philosophy centers around fostering critical thinking and independent learning. All students have the potential to learn and grow but as a Professor I feel that I must model and encourage resilience and persistence. I think that we must tailor our instruction to individual needs and create an inclusive environment where students feel safe.

Additionally, as professors must facilitate learning where students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning through exploration, inquiry, and collaborative problem-solving. I incorporate activities that promote analysis, evaluation, and synthesis of information challenging my students to question assumptions and multiple perspectives. I am genuinely passionate about the work that I do and hope that my students see this in everything that I do.

Q: What drives you as a teacher and/or researcher?

Graham-Bethea: Student success is at the heart of my teaching philosophy. Every lesson I craft and every interaction I have with my students is fueled by the desire to see them excel. As a researcher, I am motivated and driven by the need for innovation and mentorship in education. I strive to contribute to the existing body of evidence that showcases new pathways to academic success. It is this commitment to enhancing student outcomes that drives my work and fuels my passion for both teaching and research.

Q: What in your career are you most proud of?

Graham-Bethea: I am most proud of returning to my Alma Mater and serving as an assistant professor and the acting chair for the Speech Pathology & Audiology Department where I am impacting the future of profession. I am also most proud of the work that I have been able to do with those who are communicatively impaired.

Q: What has been your most exciting or valuable experience in your career at SC State?

Graham-Bethea: The most exciting and valuable experiences that I have had here at SCSU involve working with the most wonderful people in the world and serving our students because they are the greatest and deserve the highest level of educational rigor that we can provide. It has been my honor and my obligation to provide those experiences to and for them.

Q: Tell us about a personal challenge you have encountered and how it affected your life.

Graham-Bethea: One of the most significant personal challenges I have faced was relocating to Orangeburg to take on the role of assistant professor while also being close to my mother. The passing of my mother less than a year after my move was an incredibly difficult experience. This loss profoundly impacted my life, teaching me the importance of resilience and the necessity of cherishing every moment.

It has reinforced my commitment to mentoring students, as I understand firsthand the value of support during challenging times.

Q: Tell us about an anecdote from your life that would allow people to know you better.

Graham-Bethea: Growing up as a country girl in the rural town of Marion, South Carolina, shaped my identity and aspirations. My early experiences of growing up in a one parent home instilled in me a strong motivation to pursue higher education and build a prosperous life. I had high school teachers and principals who served as my mentors and encouraged me to envision a future where I would thrive as an educated woman. This humble beginning is a reminder of where I came from and resonates with many who know me, as it reflects my journey toward personal and academic fulfillment.

Q: Is there anything else we should know about you and your experiences at SC State?

Graham-Bethea: In conclusion, my journey as an educator is defined by the success of my students, a commitment to innovation in teaching, and the personal experiences that shape who I am. I am honored to be recognized as Professor of the Year, and I remain dedicated to inspiring the next generation of leaders and learners.

SC State offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in speech pathology and audiology. For more information about those programs and SC State’s other academic fields of study, visit www.scsu.edu/academics.