President's Report 2007 - Benedict College

President’s Message
Dear Benedict Family and Supporters,
The first students to enter the doors of Benedict College were just five
years from emancipation and were ready to forge a new future for
themselves and their descendants. That was 1870, and 138 years later,
there is much left to be done, much of it is related to unshackling the
minds of our young people and enabling them to cut a path leading to
cultural and personal independence. The challenges remain and the
opportunities are more fulfilling than ever. Our obligation is to educate
and empower our students to build better lives for themselves and future
generations. In short, we claim our role in helping to make America and
the world a better place for all.
This report is presented in the context of our strategic directions; these
guidelines keep us focused and direct our efforts to achieve our goals
and objectives for the mission and vision of the College. We invite you
to peruse this book thoroughly and see what we have accomplished.
Note that our physical plant has never been better. From the renovated
and newly constructed buildings to the beautiful foliage and flowers,
Benedict is on the move. Our noble heritage and bright future as a school
of choice continues to catch the attention of prospective students. We
were fortunate to process more than 4,000 applications for the 2007-
2008 academic year, a thousand more than the previous year. This flies in the face of data suggesting that
enrollment of African-American students has declined in the States’ institutions of higher education.
Please visit our campus. Attend one of our athletic events in our state-of-the-art Charlie W. Johnson
Stadium. Join one of the clubs and/or societies that provide service to the College. Hear our award-winning
choirs during our official and traditional events such as the Fall Convocation, Founder’s Day, the annual
Christmas Concert and Commencement. Become a part of us; lend us your talents, your support and your
good wishes. Together we can be the “Power” for all that is “Good” in our “Society.”
Sincerely,
David H. Swinton, Ph.D.
President and CEO
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