SC State English professor named guest speaker for Benedict College 2024 Baccalaureate Service

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – South Carolina State University professor Sarah Priester will be the guest speaker for the Benedict College 2024 Baccalaureate Service.

The service will be held on Wednesday, May 1, at Benedict’s Antisdel Chapel at 3 p.m.

The Baccalaureate Service at Benedict is a ceremonial event that precedes the commencement ceremonies, highlighting the college's commitment to celebrating academic achievements in a spiritually enriching environment.

“I feel elated to be the 2024 baccalaureate speaker for Benedict College. I am honored that I get to stand before students to compel them to go out and use their voices,” Priester said. “I want them to know that someone needs to hear what they have to say – that they’ve been shaped by a Historically Black College (HBCU) that has empowered them to make a difference.”

Priester is a native of Orangeburg and a loyal daughter of SC State who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English and secondary English education from SC State. She received her PhD (ABD) from the University of South Carolina in English with a concentration in composition and rhetoric and a specialization in Black studies.

Priester is an English professor in the SC State Department of English and Communications. Her area of study focuses on composition and rhetoric, using strategic language to accomplish various economic, political or societal goals.

During her career at SC State, she has been named professor of the year for the Department of English and Communications. She is the supervisor of student-teachers for English majors and serves as the corresponding secretary on the executive committee for the SC State University Faculty Senate.

Priester is an active member of the Orangeburg community. She is the first lady of St. Paul’s Baptist Church, where her husband, Dr. Charcey Priester Sr., is the pastor. She also serves on the Review and Selection Scholarship Committee for the Congressional Black Caucus Essay and Issue Forum Contest of the 6th Congressional District for Congressmen James E. Clyburn.

Along with her accolades in higher education, Priester is also a published author, blogger, and singer. She published the article, “Writing Pedagogy for the Student-Ready HBCUs.” She’s also a recording artist of the gospel song, “I Feel the Spirit.”

Priester is passionate about uplifting women through her women’s empowerment social media blog. She is a charter member of the Orangeburg EmpowerHer American Business Women's Association (ABWA) Organization. She was also named "Organizer of the Year" for GirlTrek, a non-profit organization dedicated to diminishing health disparities in Black women.