SC State names Dr. Judith Salley, Dino James as Homecoming 2026 parade marshals

Distinguished alumni to lead Saturday's 8:30 a.m. parade through downtown Orangeburg and campus

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University will honor distinguished alumni Dr. Judith Salley and Dino A. James as marshals for its Homecoming 2026 parade Saturday, Oct. 24.

The parade begins at 8:30 a.m. in downtown Orangeburg and proceeds to the SC State campus, where it travels along Geathers Street. The annual tradition brings together alumni, students, families and supporters in a celebration of Bulldog pride.

Salley, a longtime professor and academic leader, and James, an entrepreneur and philanthropist, have distinguished themselves through professional achievement, leadership and service to their alma mater.

Dr. Judith Salley: A trailblazer in science and education

Salley, a member of SC State's Class of 1975, has devoted more than four decades to teaching, research and academic leadership at the university.

A tenured professor of biology, she has chaired the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences for more than 30 years, helping advance scientific research and expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Salley made history as the first African American woman to serve as president of the South Carolina Academy of Science.

 She also served as executive director of the Louis Stokes South Carolina Alliance for Minority Participation, coordinating programs at 12 colleges and universities to increase minority participation in STEM disciplines.

 Her research leadership includes serving as principal investigator on federally funded National Institutes of Health projects, including collaborations with the Medical University of South Carolina's Hollings Cancer Center. Her efforts have helped secure more than $20 million in grant funding for SC State.

Salley earned her bachelor's degree in biology from SC State in 1975 and master's and doctoral degrees in zoology from Ohio State University in 1980 and 1981, respectively. 

Her honors include SC State's Distinguished Alumni Award and the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Distinguished Alumni Service Award. She also has served on the boards of trustees for the South Carolina Governor's School for Science and Mathematics and the Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg.

Dino A. James: Business leadership and commitment to giving back

James is the founder, president and CEO of A. James Global Services Inc., a Columbia-based government and commercial contracting company operating nationwide.

An SC State marketing graduate, James has more than 30 years of experience in business development, corporate sales, construction, facilities management and government contracting.

Following a corporate career that included serving as an account sales manager with Lucent Technologies, he founded A. James Global Services in 2017.

Under his leadership, the company has grown from a one-person operation to approximately 100 employees, with federal contract operations spanning more than 14 states. It has secured more than 75 federal government contract awards and developed a federal contract portfolio with a combined potential award value exceeding $60 million.

James has maintained strong ties to SC State through philanthropy, mentorship and service. He established the Dino A. James Endowed Scholarship and has provided additional support for first-generation students, business students and aspiring entrepreneurs.

He serves on SC State's College of Business Advisory Board and remains active in the Berkeley County Alumni Chapter.

In 2023, James received the Dr. M. Maceo Nance Jr. North Star Award for Business from the SC State University Foundation and was inducted into the university's Thomas E. Miller Society in recognition of his philanthropic contributions. 

His community involvement includes mentorship through the Darlington County Community Action Agency, funding for a performing arts academy serving the Darlington County Head Start Program, and support for Communities In Schools of South Carolina and Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity. 

Parade access, parking and traffic information 

SC State advises Homecoming parade spectators and visitors to expect traffic congestion and temporary road closures Saturday morning, particularly along Magnolia Street from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Motorists should allow extra travel time and use Russell Street to approach campus when possible.

All visitors entering campus Saturday must have valid Homecoming football game tickets, including vehicle passengers. Current SC State students may enter with valid university IDs without game tickets. Vehicles must have appropriate parking passes, and on-campus parking is sold out. 

Faculty and staff must have game tickets, university IDs and current vehicle parking decals. They may enter through Gate 3 before 8 a.m. or after the parade concludes. Designated employee parking areas will be available.

State Club tailgaters leaving the Game Zone to watch the parade must obtain authorized wristbands for exit and re-entry.

SC State Public Safety and assisting law enforcement agencies will manage traffic and pedestrian movement. Visitors should follow posted signs and officers' instructions.

Homecoming celebration continues at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium

The Homecoming football game kicks off at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Oliver C. Dawson Stadium.

Fans should arrive at least two hours before kickoff to allow time for traffic, parking, security screening and stadium entry. 

SC State welcomes alumni, students and visitors to celebrate Salley and James and enjoy Homecoming traditions while helping ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for the Bulldog Family and surrounding Orangeburg community.