U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn and his daughter, Jennifer Clyburn Reed, with SC State's
2026 class of Clyburn Scholars.
U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn urges scholars to fulfill their civic mission
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — South Carolina State University inducted nine Clyburn Scholars into the Dr. Emily
England Clyburn Honors College on Friday during the university’s ninth annual induction
ceremony and breakfast.
The event at SC State's I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium began with a procession
of all students in the Honors College.
“What a beautiful sight we just witnessed, all of those great scholars that just came
through here. I want to thank Congressman Clyburn and his family for bestowing that
gift upon us with the Emily E. Clyburn Honors College,” SC State President Alexander
Conyers said.
“I especially want to welcome the parents of our newest inductees. Your hard work
has certainly paid off for your young scholar, and we are grateful and appreciative
that you chose South Carolina State University for the next chapter in your family’s
life,” he said.
This year’s cohort represents high-achieving students from a variety of academic fields,
including science, mathematics, technology, business, fine arts, humanities, education
and social sciences.
Each scholar demonstrates the character, leadership and civic commitment that define
the Clyburn legacy. The newly inducted Clyburn Scholars, who all hail from South Carolina,
are:
Julia Alston of Fort Mill
Mecca Glover of North Charleston
Anasimi Isa of Orangeburg
Denver Jordan-Evans of Irmo
Camora Little of Easley
Dewayne Lynch Jr. of Simpsonville
Jacob McCormack of Andrews
Sidney Nelms of Blythewood
Marchale Walker of Walterboro
Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, interim dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors
College, opened the program by recognizing the late Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., the
college’s former dean, who died earlier this year. She also led a moment of silence
in his memory.
Stephenson said Whitaker would be remembered for his service, dedication and commitment
to student success.
Congressman emphasizes civic responsibility
The scholars were inducted during the ceremony at the I.P. Stanback Museum and Planetarium,
where U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn delivered the keynote address.
Clyburn and his late wife, Dr. Emily England Clyburn, both graduated from SC State
in 1961. They were the original benefactors who established the scholarship fund and
secured support from prominent donors. The Honors College bears Dr. Clyburn’s name
in recognition of her commitment to fostering excellence at SC State.
Clyburn praised the scholars for pursuing academic excellence but also urged them
to demonstrate good character and fulfill their civic duties, including voting.
“I want to thank you for pursuing your education. I want you to do those two things
to put your education into practice. One, maintain good manners. Number two, be custodians
of this democracy and make yourselves good citizens,” Clyburn said.
He said his late father taught him that manners were the first sign of a good education.
“The second sign of a good education is citizenship,” Clyburn said before reflecting
on the critical moments in history that were decided by single votes. “Don’t forget
you are becoming custodians of a democracy, and you must be committed to maintaining
this democracy.”
Recognizing the Honors College’s mission of excellence
Dr. Louis Whitesides, SC State’s interim provost and vice president for academic affairs,
said the newest Clyburn Scholars had worked hard to make their loved ones proud.
“To our families, thank you for the encouragement, sacrifices and belief in this great
institution,” he said. “Dr. Emily England Clyburn understood that education can change
a young person’s life. We’re grateful to loyal son Congressman Clyburn, the Clyburn
family and our supporters.
“Within academic affairs, we have the privilege and responsibility of helping you
make the most of these opportunities. Here at South Carolina State University, you
will have professors who inspire, mentors who listen and meaningful challenges that
will push you to discover what you can accomplish,” Whitesides said.
He encouraged the scholars to reach out and take advantage of the opportunities SC
State offers.
“You belong to a university community that cares about your success. To our university
leadership, academic leaders, faculty and staff, thank you for the teaching, the patience
and daily encouragement of our students,” Whitesides said.
Challenge to the scholars
India Wilkes, a Presidential Scholar and 2024 Clyburn Scholar who serves as president
of the Honors College Student Leadership Council, also challenged the newest cohort.
“Make the most of this opportunity. Remember that you don’t have to navigate this
journey alone,” Wilkes said, urging the scholars to honor Dr. Emily England Clyburn’s
legacy through their actions.
“Find ways to serve even when no one is watching,” she said. “You belong here, and
you have something valuable to contribute.”
Charles Butler Jr. and Jada Gittings, Mister and Miss Honors College for the 2026-27
academic year, presided over this year’s induction ceremony. Both are also Presidential
Scholars.
About the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College
The Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College is committed to fostering academic excellence, leadership and professional development
among high-achieving students at South Carolina State University. The Honors College
provides unique opportunities for research, internships and graduate school preparation,
ensuring students are well-equipped to excel in their future careers.
For more information about SC State’s Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College and
future opportunities, contact Dr. Windy A. Mack Stephenson, interim dean, at wmack3@scsu.edu or 803-516-4610.
