President's Report 2007 - Benedict College

BENEDICT
COLLEGE
“
The Benedict experience
is a unique blend of
scholarly vigor and
community awareness.
Our goal is to produce
informed, participating,
contributing citizens,
who expand their
learning beyond our
campus and enrich the
community with their
deeds and words.”
– Dr. David H. Swinton
Dr. Samirusuba Raychoudury, who
received an Excellence In Teaching
Award shows off his country’s flag
during International Day.
Another program to make its national accreditation mark was the Health, Physical Education
and Recreation Department’s undergraduate degree in recreation and leisure services. The
program, led by Drs. William F. Gunn, Jr. and Ifeanyi Emenike, is now accredited until 2011 by
both the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) and the American Association for
Physical Activity and Recreation Council on Accreditation.
Similar success can be found across the campus curricula. Benedict’s Environmental Health
Science program received national accreditation by the National Environmental Health Science
and Protection Accreditation Council (EHAC), likewise re-accreditation was earned by the
Benedict College Social Work program from the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).
Several Benedict College programs also began forging their own new success stories. More
than 14 new degree programs were created, including a Continuing Education program located
within a newly renovated building near the Benedict College Business Development Center.
Meanwhile, in May 2007 Benedict College awarded its first five degrees in electrical
engineering. All five recipients planned to enter graduate school in the next academic year.
TEACHING BY EXAMPLE
It takes top-notch faculty to support growth throughout the academic department. Benedict
is fortunate to attract and retain scholars to its faculty ranks. For instance, Dr. Samirusubas
Raychoudury, professor of biology, was named a 2006 recipient of the South Carolina
Independent Colleges and Universities (SCICU). Excellence in Teaching Award. Benedict
College’s faculty are also involved in the “Town and Gown” connection, offering
services in outreach to the community. In that effort, Drs. Alma Byrd, professor of
English and French and Norma Jackson, director of international programs, were both
honored for their commitments to community service. Dr. Ronald high, professor of
music, received a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture at the University of Music and
Drama in Hannover, Germany.
Not surprisingly, our students thrive
under the tutelage of Benedict’s
outstanding faculty. Benedict College
is the second-highest producer of
African American physics majors in the
country as reported by the Education
and Employment Statistic Division of
the American Institute of Physics. In
addition, the 2006 Benedict College
Honda Campus All Star Challenge Team
finished fifth out of 64 competing
teams and emerged from the Floridabased
tournament undefeated.
During the December 2006
Commencement Ceremony, Miss
Kamilah Fabian was voted Outstanding
Senior by her peers in the senior class.
15