SC State students prepare for competitive global workforce at Thurgood Marshall College Fund Leadership Institute

Josiah Rayford, Alia Goode, Shelton Manning Jr. and Josiah Stroman networked with industry leaders and peers from across the nation. 

ORANGEBURG, S.C. — Four South Carolina State University students had the opportunity to connect with career opportunities and build leadership skills through their participation in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s national professional development program.  

Josiah Rayford, Alia Goode, Shelton Manning Jr. and Josiah Stroman attended the TMCF Leadership Institute Sept. 9-12 in Washington, D.C. 

Shaping future leaders 

Approximately 500 students from 44 historically Black colleges and universities attended this year’s institute, where they participated in leadership and professional development workshops and networked with industry leaders and peers from across the nation. 

Students also explored careers through interviews, informational sessions and professional networking opportunities. They participated in a recruitment fair featuring Fortune 500 companies, government agencies and graduate programs offering jobs, internships and educational opportunities. 

Dr. Windy Stephenson, interim dean of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at SC State, said she was extremely proud of the students for representing the university at the institute. 

“Opportunities like this extend our students’ education beyond the classroom and place them in rooms where relationships are built, possibilities are expanded and future careers can begin,” she said.  

Stephenson said the four students returned to the university not only with new knowledge and professional connections but also with a responsibility to share what they had learned with other Bulldogs. 

“Their presence in Washington is another reminder that SC State students belong in these national spaces, and we want to continue preparing and positioning them to enter those spaces with confidence,” she said. 

Jacqueline T. Mack, coordinator of honors enrollment, engagement and outreach in the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College, accompanied the students in Washington. 

“I was proud of how well the four scholars represented South Carolina State University,” she said. 

Mack said the students carried themselves with professionalism, fully engaged in the institute’s sessions and networking opportunities, and made meaningful connections with their peers and professionals. 

“It was a pleasure to watch them embrace the experience with confidence and enthusiasm. They reflected the talent and leadership of South Carolina State University,” she said. 

Students reflect on Leadership Institute experience 

Stroman, a junior mechatronics major from Augusta, Georgia, said one of the most valuable lessons he learned at the institute was the importance of defining success for yourself. 

“As a returning scholar, this experience served as an affirmation of the relationships I built during last year’s institute. Reconnecting with peers, sponsors and staff members strengthened the network I have cultivated and highlighted the lasting impact of the connections formed through TMCF,” the 21-year-old said.  

“I would encourage other students to seek out opportunities through TMCF and similar organizations. These programs provide access to experiences, resources and professional networks that can open doors and make opportunities possible that might otherwise seem out of reach,” Stroman said.  

Goode, 21, a junior broadcast communications major from Spartanburg, South Carolina, said she learned that her degree could lead to many different positions and that diversification is important in the competitive job market. 

“I was able to create a professional relationship with many of my peers at other HBCUs. I also had the opportunity to connect with SCSU alumni and manager of TMCF programs,” she said, noting that the experience influenced her to help others on their professional development journeys.  

“This was a wonderful experience that put me in the room with professionals and like-minded individuals who strive to be ‘best in class.’ I am beyond grateful for the opportunity,” Goode said. 

Rayford, 21, a junior agribusiness and business economics major from D’Iberville, Mississippi, said he met and connected with multiple professionals at the institute who provided guidance and introduced him to internship opportunities.  

“I learned how to gauge company culture and discuss job fit with employers based on my own professional experience and how to better cultivate relationships with both peers and professionals,” he said. 

“I learned about steps that I can take now to prepare myself to work in the field of policy,” said Rayford, who is also part of the USDA 1890 National Scholars Program at SC State. 

Manning, 20, a junior agribusiness and business management major from Dallas, Texas, said he focused on building professional relationships. 

“I wanted to build genuine professional relationships and connect with professionals who could potentially come speak to my peers at South Carolina State University about their careers and opportunities available within their companies,” he said.  

Manning, who is also an 1890 Scholar and member of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College at SC State, said he learned how to become a more open-minded and well-rounded leader. 

“The Leadership Institute was an experience that I will carry with me well beyond the conference itself. Being surrounded by Black excellence, hearing from accomplished professionals and connecting with students from HBCUs across the country reminded me of the importance of representation, community and opportunity,” he said.