NEWBERRY — The City of Newberry honored fifteen Newberry College seniors Tuesday as part of an annual tradition celebrating the impact of college students on the local community. Newberry Mayor Foster Senn presented each student with a 2026 Community Service Award during a special City Council meeting at the Center for Teacher Education. The student honorees were as follows: 

Ella Allardice, of Harare, Zimbabwe, is a psychology major and a member of the championship field hockey team. She has volunteered at Newberry Middle School and at a school in Pennsylvania during the national playoffs. She also helped with a sports day camp for children in Newberry, visited residents at Springfield Place retirement home, and volunteered with the Wolves food pantry. 

Ginny Bass, of Prosperity, S.C., is a nursing major and president of the Student Government Association. She has worked with the City of Newberry on multiple initiatives, including planting trees on campus for Arbor Day, speaking at Main Street Lights before 3,000 attendees, and supporting collaborative efforts between the City and the College. She has also volunteered with the Girl Scouts, Prevent Child Abuse America, and health disparity initiatives in Newberry County. 

Alexus Brooks, of Spartanburg, S.C., is a biology major and a creative leader and role model for the Scarlet Spirit marching band. She has volunteered at the Newberry County Animal Shelter and hosted a drive for the shelter as president of the Future Medical Professionals Association. She served as a science fair judge and conducted a science demonstration at Newberry Academy. 

Paxtyn Brown, of Charleston, S.C., is a criminal justice major and an active leader on campus and in the community. He has assisted with the Juneteenth Festival and Hispanic Heritage Festival and is the founder of the campus PRISM Club. He is also a key member of the Campus Activities Board and president of the Alpha Leaders. 

Jahleel Butler, of Saluda, S.C., is a music education major and a member of the Scarlet Spirit marching band. A talented percussionist, he has instructed youth in county schools and at clinics and competitions. He has performed at various community venues and events, including the Newberry Opera House, Wiles Chapel, and the Veterans Day Parade. 

Aniella Casper, of Newtown, N.J., is a health science major and an active community volunteer. She has been involved with local causes such as Lifebridge, Veterans Day Appreciation, Civic Duty Day, and voter polling locations. She also attended the NCAA Leadership Forum and has served as an on-campus leader with Morgan’s Message and other Newberry College initiatives. 

Tatyanna Chapman, of Myrtle Beach, S.C., is a psychology major and a member of Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She has been involved in several campus and community initiatives, serving as a volunteer with the Newberry Housing Authority, assisting with chapel services and the Newberry College food pantry, and working with the March of Dimes. She also attended a Lutheran ELCA gathering in New Orleans and helped clean up homeless encampments. 

Christian Draper, of Bamberg, S.C., is a digital marketing major and president of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. He has volunteered with Hurricane Helene relief efforts and supported youth through football camps, school events, and special needs fishing outings. He has also donated his time to food banks, diaper giveaways, and Keep America Beautiful cleanups. 

Gracie Graham, of Kingstree, S.C., is a business administration major and president of Kappa Delta sorority. She is a member of the Newberry College cheerleading team and a student ambassador for the Office of Admission. She has been involved in several campus and community initiatives, including Hurricane Helene relief efforts, voter registration drives, Prevent Child Abuse America, and the Girl Scouts in Newberry. 

Chance Jackson, of Georgetown, S.C., is a social studies education major and a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. As a member of the Newberry College Men’s Wrestling team, he has been involved in wrestling clinics and field days for children and youth, and has volunteered with the Living Hope food pantry, as well as other campus service projects.  

Micah McNamee, of Aiken, S.C., is a music education major and an accomplished trumpet player and pianist. A member of the Scarlet Spirit, he has volunteered his time and talents accompanying the Newberry Middle School choir, playing piano at area churches, teaching music to homeschooled students, and tutoring students in the Newberry College Department of Music. 

D’Ante Parker, of Port Royal, S.C., is a criminal justice major. As president of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, he has participated in numerous campus and community engagement efforts, including volunteering at Newberry Elementary School and supporting youth initiatives, the March of Dimes, and the Guide Right program. He has marched in the Newberry MLK Day March and participated in highway and campus cleanups. 

Marley Rourk, of Summerville, S.C., is a political science major and an active leader on campus and in the community. She is president of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and has volunteered with the March of Dimes, Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and voter registration initiatives. She has also tutored at Newberry Middle School, volunteered with Keep Newberry County Beautiful for roadside cleanups, and helped with toiletry and backpack drives. 

Tristin Sundell, of Ladson, S.C., is a music performance major and a drum major for the Scarlet Spirit Marching Band. He has been a student leader in the Newberry College Department of Music and participated in many community performances through the Newberry College Madrigals, the College Street Jazz Connection, and the Newberry Community Players. 

Erin Wilson, of Blythewood, S.C., is a nursing major and president of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. She has led FCA outreach efforts at White Oak Manor nursing home, supported Operation Christmas Child shoebox drives, and participated in other initiatives on and off campus. She has also coached youth athletic teams, promoted voter registration, and volunteered at a dance for individuals with special needs.

During the meeting, the City also recognized two Newberry College senior political science majors for their service as student interns –Margarita Roshka from Platja d'Aro, Spain, and Trevor Styron from Whitmire, S.C. 

Newberry College is proud to celebrate these outstanding seniors, whose service, leadership, and commitment continue to strengthen the bond between the College and the City of Newberry. Their dedication reflects the very best of Newberry’s mission, preparing students to lead with purpose while making a meaningful, lasting impact on the community they call home. 

For Newberry College junior Hunter McClary, a childhood summer camp experience came full circle during a campus career fair. After attending Camp Woodie each summer from the age of 8 until he was 18, McClary reconnected with the camp recruiter at Newberry College’s Spring 2025 Career Fair while looking for employers who offer conservation careers. The conversation with Camp Woodie led them to hire McClary as a camp counselor, transforming a meaningful childhood experience into a professional opportunity aligned with his future goals.  
 

Stories like McClary’s highlight the power of connections between students and employers, interests and careers, and past experiences and long-term planning. At Newberry College, those connections are intentionally fostered through Career and Professional Development services, where students receive guidance and hands-on opportunities that help them build networking skills and navigate the transition from college to career with confidence. 
 

“We help students with anything related to career exploration and finding jobs,” said Tracy Powers, director of Career and Professional Development, noting that students arrive at different stages of readiness. After Powers spoke with a class just ahead of the Spring 2025 Career Fair, McClary followed up with her to talk through his career interests. Encouraged to experience the fair and explore opportunities aligned with his long-term goals, McClary decided to attend, and the rest is history. 
 

One of the Center’s largest events each semester is the Career Fair, which brings businesses and graduate, law, and medical school programs to campus to connect directly with Newberry students. Powers helps students prepare by helping them with résuméwriting skills and advising them on how to introduce themselves and dress professionally so they can present themselves confidently and make strong first impressions with employers. 
 

At the Career Fair, McClary was thrilled to see the booth for Camp Woodie, a residential summer camp in Pinewood, S.C., operated by the South Carolina Waterfowl Association (SCWA). Founded in 1995, Camp Woodie introduces children ages 7–16 to the outdoors through conservation education, hunting and boating safety, and hands-on learning experiences. The camp hosts nine week-long sessions each summer and served 1,475 campers last year. 
 

 “We’re focused on helping young people develop respect and excitement for conservation and the outdoors,” said Chandler James, Marketing Director for the South Carolina Waterfowl Association. “Those early experiences often shape a sense of shared responsibility for our natural resources that carries into adulthood and helps perpetuate our outdoor heritage.” 
 

For McClary, a criminal justice major from Florence, S.C., that future came into focus early. An avid hunter and fisherman, he said his experiences at Camp Woodie helped instill confidence and inspired his goal of becoming a game warden. “During hunter education courses, game wardens would come talk to us,” McClary said. “I realized I could teach and enjoy what I love at the same time.” 

McClary credits the Center for Career and Professional Development with helping him connect his interests to real-world opportunities and encourages students to take advantage of events like the Career Fair. 

The next Newberry College Career & Internship Fair will be held Wednesday, March 18, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Employers interested in connecting with Newberry’s talented Wolves and building meaningful recruiting relationships can register at https://bit.ly/47NBQSx or contact Tracy Powers, director of Career and Professional Development, at Tracy.Powers@newberry.edu. 

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Feb. 4, 2026 — The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned top honors at the Southern Forensics Championship Tournament, held Jan. 30–Feb. 1 and hosted virtually by Arkansas State University.

Competing against 18 institutions from across the South including Mississippi State University, the University of Arkansas, Louisiana State University, Middle Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, Newberry continued its strong season with nine total awards, including a tournament championship and an overall sweepstakes honor.

The Newberry team placed fifth in Overall Comprehensive Sweepstakes, which combines points earned across both speech and debate events.

Team members included Riley Lobash, Denim Morrison, Ashley Peterson, Paul Fisher and Nia Quimby.

Individual awards were as follows:

• Paul C. Fisher: Octafinalist, Varsity IPDA Debate
• Ashley Peterson: Top Novice in Radio Speaking; sixth place in Radio Speaking; sixth place in After-Dinner Speaking
• Denim Morrison: Tournament Champion (first place) in Persuasive Speaking; second place in After-Dinner Speaking; third place in Communication Analysis; fourth place in Informative Speaking

With these results, the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team has now earned 108 awards since the start of the competition season in late September.

The team will conclude its preseason competition at Murray State University in Kentucky before representing Newberry College on the national stage at the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Tournament and Convention in March in Springfield, Missouri.

Learn more about the Newberry College Speech and Debate team by visiting https://www.newberry.edu/campus-life/get-involved/speech-debate-team

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Feb. 2, 2026 — The Newberry College Board of Trustees voted unanimously Jan. 30 to extend Dr. David Harpool’s appointment as president through Dec. 31, 2028, and to formally change his title from transitional president to president.

Dr. Harpool first joined Newberry College as acting president in February 2025 and was named transitional president in April 2025.

Since assuming leadership, Dr. Harpool has worked closely with the executive team and Board of Trustees to strengthen the College’s financial standing while achieving record enrollment growth. During this period, Newberry College has continued to compete on a national level in athletics, speech and debate, marching band, and multiple academic areas.

“Dr. Harpool’s steady leadership has helped position Newberry College for long-term success,” said Dr. Lenna Young, chair of the board of trustees. “We are confident in his vision and grateful for his commitment to our students and college community.”

Dr. Harpool brings 35 years of experience in higher education, having served as a faculty member, department chair, dean, vice president, provost, president and trustee. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Missouri State University, a juris doctorate from the University of Missouri–Columbia School of Law and a Ph.D. with distinction in higher education leadership from Saint Louis University. Prior to joining Newberry College, he served for a decade as provost and then president of Northcentral University and previously as chief operating officer of academics for Kaplan Education.

For more information, visit https://www.newberry.edu/about-us/our-leadership

UPDATE as of 2/1/2026

Newberry College will be in REMOTE STATUS on Monday, February 2, 2026 .  The College will return to NORMAL OPERATIONS starting on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, which means that all classes and College operations will return to in-person.  Please take note of the following items:

• Traveling Back to Campus: If you are traveling to campus from a location where the roads are not safe and the snow and ice have not yet melted (as it is currently doing in the City of Newberry), please communicate with your professors or supervisor if traveling back to campus continues to be a challenge for you.

  • All professors and supervisors are asked to give consideration that not all areas in South Carolina were impacted the same. 

  • If a faculty member is unable to return to campus due to road conditions, please communicate directly with your students and your Dean.

• Safety On Campus: There are a number of areas on campus where a great deal of standing water has collected due to the melting that is taking place today. These areas may freeze overnight and again on Monday night due to the low temperatures, so please take great care when walking around campus to avoid areas that are frozen.

   

• Dining Hall: Kaufmann Dining Hall and retail dining facilities will return to full and normal operating hours on Tuesday.

   

The Emergency Management Team continues to review all weather-related updates, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation with the dynamic weather conditions we are experiencing. 

Please travel safely as you return to campus

UPDATE as of 1/30/2026 8:30AM ET

An updated Winter Weather Warning has been issued for South Carolina for the upcoming weekend, primarily Saturday into Monday morning, and in an abundance of caution, the College will be taking the following actions in response:

• Classes will be held on Friday per normal operating conditions. 

  • Students concerned about the impending winter storm predicted for Saturday, January 31 - Sunday, February 1, and all of its potential impacts, are encouraged to travel home on Friday, January 30 if possible.  Completing travel before Saturday at 6am is advised.

  • Please be advised that the College does not control power outage issues in the City, and the campus remains one of the priorities should issues arise.

• The College will move into LIMITED OPERATIONS STATUS for Saturday, January 31 and Sunday, February 1.

  • Students and employees should check and monitor your email for updates regarding events and activities that are planned for this weekend, including: Black History Month Chapel Service, Student Affairs Group Process Hiring Day, Home Wrestling Meet, etc. regarding cancellations and rescheduling.

• The College will move into REMOTE STATUS for Monday, February 2, 2026

  • College employees are asked to work from home on Monday, February 2 and do not need to report to campus for work.

  • Students are to complete their classes in a remove manner, and look for emails from professors as to the instructions for class on Monday.

NOTE: The College will send an update about the status of classes for Tuesday once we have reviewed the updated weather and travel conditions

Dining Facilities:

• Kaufmann Dining Hall will be open for Brunch: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm and Dinner: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm over the weekend and Monday.

• Retail operations will be closed on Saturday and Sunday as usual, and are closed on Monday, February 2.

Games Room:

• The Games Room will be open and available for students over the weekend from Noon - 10:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday

UPDATE as of 1/26/2026 12:30 PM ET

Newberry College will return to normal operations on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, which means that all classes and College operations will return to in-person.  Please take note of the following items:

• Traveling Back to Campus: If you are traveling to campus from a location where the roads are not safe and the ice has not melted (as it has in the City of Newberry), please communicate with your professors or supervisor if traveling back to campus continues to be a challenge for you.

  • All professors and supervisors are asked to give consideration that not all areas in South Carolina were impacted the same. 

  • If a faculty member is unable to return to campus due to road conditions, please communicate directly with your students and your Dean.

• Safety On Campus: There are a number of areas on campus where a great deal of standing water has collected due to the melting that is taking place today. These areas may freeze overnight due to the low temperatures, so please take great care when walking around campus to avoid areas that are frozen.

• Dining Hall: Kaufmann Dining Hall and retail dining facilities will return to full and normal operating hours on Tuesday.

• Athletic Event Update: Tuesday night's Men's Volleyball Match against Erskine has been postponed until Thursday, February 5, therefore the first ever home Men's Volleyball match will be Friday night against Emmanuel at 6:00 p.m. at Eleazer Arena.

The Emergency Management Team continues to review all weather-related updates, and we appreciate everyone's cooperation with the dynamic weather conditions of this storm. 

Please travel safely as you return to campus.

As we monitor the Winter Storm Warning for South Carolina, it is important that everyone at Newberry College stays informed and prepared for any inclement weather events that may impact our campus.

A campus emergency management team is monitoring official sources and will be meeting regularly this weekend to make decisions regarding campus safety. 

The following is the current status update for Newberry College:

1. College Operations Update as of Thursday, January 22, 2026

Course Instruction:

• Classes will be held on Friday per normal operating conditions
• The College will move into REMOTE STATUS for Monday, January 26, 2026
• College employees are to work from home on Monday, January 26 and do not need to report to campus for work
• Students are to complete their classes in a remote manner, and look for emails from your professors as to the instructions for class on Monday NOTE: The College will send an update about the status of classes for Monday once we have reviewed the updated weather conditions

Staying On Campus This Weekend:

Students who are staying on campus this weekend are encouraged to complete the following tasks:

• Please have your phones and other devices fully charged by 3:00 pm on Saturday as the storm approaches our area
• Please have blankets and other items to stay warm in case there is a short term power outage
• Please do not open windows or prop doors to ensure that all heat stays in the buildings
• Please do not overload any of the power outlets in your room - be cautious of how many items are plugged into one outlet as that may overload the system and cause power issues in your room
• Please do not drive anywhere in Newberry if the roads are icy If you are planning to leave campus for the weekend, you are advised to leave no later than 9:00 am on Saturday morning

Dining Facilities:

• Kaufmann Dining Hall will remain open for normal business operations over the weekend and next week
• Students walking to the Dining Hall should proceed with caution as sidewalks may be icy and slick
• Retail Dining will be closed on Monday

Games Room:

• The Games Room will be open and available for students over the weekend from Noon - 10:00 pm on both Saturday and Sunday

Student Athlete Update:

• Saturday practices are permitted to take place up until 3:00 p.m.
• There are to be no athletic practices on Sunday, January 25, 2026
• Practice on Monday will be at the discretion of the Coach, and student athletes should check in with their coaches as to the plan for Monday, January 26, 2026

2. Weather Monitoring

Official Sources:

• The college will monitor weather updates from reliable sources.
• Alerts: In the event of severe weather warnings or advisories, updates will be communicated through our emergency notification system, which includes email alerts, text messages, and announcements on the college website and social media channels.

3. Campus Notifications

Emergency Notifications: If a weather-related emergency affects campus operations, an official notification will be sent to all students, faculty, and staff. This may include information about office closures or any other changes to normal operations.

Website and Social Media: Regular updates will be posted on the college’s website and social media platforms. Please check these sources frequently during severe weather events.

4. Safety Precautions

Travel: Avoid traveling to campus during severe weather if conditions are unsafe. Stay tuned to official notifications for guidance on whether campus is open or closed.

Campus Facilities: If you are on campus during inclement weather, familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency shelters and safe areas. Follow any instructions given by campus security or emergency response teams.

5. Reporting Issues

Facility Concerns: If you notice any safety hazards or issues related to weather conditions on campus (flooding), report them immediately to the Senior Resident Assistant (SRA) on duty who will then inform the Director of Facilities Management.

Personal Safety: If you have concerns about your personal safety or need assistance, contact Campus Security at 803.940.0672.

6. Additional Resources

Local Resources: Stay informed about local weather conditions through local news stations and weather apps.

Your safety is our priority. We appreciate your cooperation and attention to these guidelines.

Should you have any questions or require further information, please contact Student Affairs, the Human Resources office, or the Security Office.

Stay safe and prepared!

NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned 13 awards, including two tournament championships, at the Webster University Gorlok Gala Invitational held Jan. 23–25, 2026.

Although the tournament shifted to a virtual format, the Wolves delivered strong performances while competing against 31 colleges and universities nationwide, including the University of Missouri, Florida State University, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Illinois State University.

Team members included Riley Lobash, Denim Morrison, Ashley Peterson, Paul Fisher and Wilfredo Lopez-Perez.

“We are incredibly proud of how our students rose to the challenge this weekend,” said John M. Wallis, M.A., interim director of Speech and Debate. “Competing against nationally recognized programs in a virtual format requires focus, adaptability and confidence, and our team demonstrated all three. These results reflect their hard work, commitment and growing excellence throughout the season.”

Individual results were as follows:

• Paul C. Fisher — Semifinalist, Open IPDA Debate; first place, Open IPDA Speaker; first place, Interviewing

• Riley Lobash — 10th place, Novice IPDA Speaker; eighth place, Interviewing; second place, Podcasting

• Ashley Peterson — 11th place, Novice IPDA Speaker; fourth place, Interviewing; second place, Podcasting

• Denim Morrison — second place, JV IPDA Speaker; third place, Persuasive Speaking

• Wilfredo Lopez-Perez — Octafinalist, Novice IPDA Debate; sixth place, Novice IPDA Speaker

With these results, the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team has now earned 99 awards since the start of the competitive season in late September.

The team opened its spring semester at Webster and will continue traveling to Arkansas, Kentucky and other locations as it prepares for the Pi Kappa Delta Biennial Tournament and Convention in March in Springfield, Missouri.

Learn more about the Newberry College Speech and Debate team by visiting https://www.newberry.edu/campus-life/get-involved/speech-debate-team

Columbia College, Newberry College and the University of South Carolina Aiken have been awarded a $178,688 grant from the South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) to establish a collaborative Center of Excellence in math education.

The project, titled The Center of Excellence for Promoting Research, Innovation, and Mastery in Elementary Math (PRIME), received the highest overall score in a competitive review process based on evaluations from external reviewers. The CHE approved the desired topic and funding for the center on Sept. 4, 2025.

The award will support a multi-institutional collaboration focused on strengthening elementary math education through research-based practices, innovation and educator preparation. Funding for the project will be distributed among the partner institutions.

“This collaborative investment reflects the Commission’s commitment to advancing excellence in educator preparation and improving student outcomes in mathematics across South Carolina,” CHE President and Executive Director L. Jeffrey Perez said in the award notification.

“PRIME represents what is possible when educators come together around a shared commitment,” said Dr. Rebecca Raab, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Elementary Education Program at Columbia College. “By uniting teacher educators, mathematics faculty, and district teachers and math coaches across multiple institutions and school districts, this Center of Excellence allows us to collectively strengthen preservice teacher preparation and expand the impact of high-quality math teaching across South Carolina.”

“Through the PRIME Center of Excellence, Newberry College is proud to partner with local school districts to strengthen elementary math instruction across our region,” said Dr. Jonathan Hall, Assistant Dean of the Division of Arts, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Newberry College. “By providing research-based training grounded in the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract approach, we’re helping both pre-service and in-service teachers build students’ understanding, confidence, and long-term success in mathematics.”

“This grant allows us to expand the reach of research‑based mathematics instruction and provide educators with the tools they need for long‑term success. Working alongside Columbia College and Newberry College enhances the strength of this initiative and ensures that PRIME will make a lasting difference for both teachers and the students they serve.” said Dr. Judy Beck, Professor, USC Aiken. I’m proud of the collaborative vision behind this project and excited for the meaningful impact it will have on classrooms throughout our state,” added Dr. Bridget Coleman, Professor of Math Education, USC Aiken.

PRIME brings together faculty expertise and institutional strengths from all three colleges to address persistent challenges in elementary math instruction and to support future educators with evidence-based tools and strategies.

Additional details about the Center of Excellence and project activities will be announced as implementation begins during the 2025–26 fiscal year.

About Columbia College
Columbia College is a private, liberal arts institution located in Columbia, South Carolina, committed to preparing students for lives of leadership, service and success.

About Newberry College
Founded in 1856, Newberry College is a private, liberal arts college in Newberry, South Carolina, offering undergraduate and graduate and online programs rooted in academic excellence and personalized learning.

About the University of South Carolina Aiken
The University of South Carolina Aiken is a public comprehensive university offering a strong liberal arts foundation with professional and applied learning opportunities.

LAKE MARY, FL — Honoring the highest level of accomplishment in collegiate field hockey, Division I National Champions Northwestern University, Division II National Runner-Up Newberry College, and Division III National Champions Tufts University have been named their respective division’s National Coaching Staff of the Year for their performances in the 2025 season.

The NFHCA National Coaching Staff of the Year awards were announced Thursday evening at the Hall of Fame Awards Dinner sponsored by AstroTurf at the NFHCA Annual Convention.

Division II

Newberry College

Hannah Dave, Khotsofalo Pheko, Tasmin Bangert

• Captured both the SAC regular-season and championship titles, earned the No. 1 national seed, and advanced to the program’s first ever NCAA Tournament final appearance.
• Powered through the season at 20-1, dominating conference play with a flawless 10-0 record.
• Earned the NCAA Division II national runner-up finish after an overtime battle in the championship game.
• Posted 11 shutouts and led the nation in winning percentage (0.952), scoring margin (4.20), and goals per game (5.00), while ranking No. 2 nationally in goals-against average (0.76) and shutouts.

Congratulations to the 2025 NFHCA National Coaching Staffs of the Year. While the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) officially recognizes each institution’s field hockey coaches, the association acknowledges the important work of all staff members who contribute to a program’s success.

Newberry, S.C. — Newberry College is pleased to welcome Dr. Chelsea Young to a new role as vice president for innovation and college-wide initiatives. Dr. Young has been teaching in the College’s online programs and will continue to do so as she joins Newberry College full time as a member of the executive leadership team.

Dr. Young brings a strong background in organizational leadership, training and project management, along with a deep understanding of higher education operations. In her new role, she will lead initiatives that support innovation and collaboration across the institution, including the transition to a new learning management system (LMS), contract management and the rollout of new academic programs. Her work will focus on strengthening systems and processes that support students, faculty and staff across multiple functional areas.

Prior to joining Newberry College in this expanded capacity, Dr. Young served as vice president for academic engagement and director of the Center for Teaching and Learning at Northcentral University. In these roles, she provided leadership for academic engagement, faculty support and program development within an online higher education environment.

Dr. Young earned her Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northcentral University/National University in 2023. She also holds a Master of Business Administration in Management (2017) and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (2016). Her academic achievements include membership in the Kappa Delta Pi, Alpha Delta Epsilon and Golden Key honor societies.

“Dr. Young’s experience, leadership and collaborative approach will be a tremendous asset to Newberry College,” said Dr. David Harpool. “We are excited to welcome her into this role and look forward to the impact she will have as we advance college-wide initiatives.”

Newberry College is proud to welcome Dr. Young to its leadership team and looks forward to her contributions as the institution continues to evolve in support of its mission and students.

Todd Knight was named the 2025 D2football.com National Coach of the Year.

He won the South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year for the fourth time in his career, leading the Wolves to a school record 12 victories and engineered the greatest postseason run in school history, guiding the Wolves to three NCAA Division 2 playoff victories and a spot in the national semifinals.

Knight won his 100th career game in memorable fashion as the Wolves rallied from down 21-0, 35-28 and 42-35 to defeat Wingate 43-42 in overtime on a successful two point conversion October 4.

The Wolves finished #4 (AFCA) and #5 (D2football.com) in the final national polls, the best ever for a Newberry College team.

He is the winningest coach in Newberry College history, the leader amongst active South Atlantic Conference coaches and the fourth winningest in league history with a career record of 108-77.

Knight also ranks fourth in SAC history with 74 league victories and owns a 74-49 mark in conference games for a winning percentage of .602.

He has been a consistent contender in the SAC finishing in the top four in the league standings 11 times in 17 seasons.

Knight has also been on the staff for every Newberry College NCAA playoff team, leading the Wolves to the NCAA postseason five times as head coach and once as defensive coordinator.

This season quarterback Reed Charpia was named the SAC Offensive Player of the Year, earned honorable mention All-America honors and finished sixth in the Harlon Hill voting, the best ever finish for a Newberry College player.

The Wolves tied a school record with a 10-game winning streak which wasn't broken until the national semifinals.  They were also unbeaten on the road until the semifinals stringing together six consecutive victories including a win at top region seed Albany State in the national quarterfinals, #2 region seed West Florida in the NCAA second round, UVA Wise, Lenoir-Rhyne, Tusculum and Anderson.

The 12 wins are the most in school history, eclipsing the previous record of 11-2 set by the 2006 team and became the fourth team in Newberry College history to register double digit victories in a season (2025, 2021, 2016, 2006).

The Wolves were 9-0 in one score games and in eight of those nine games the Wolves scored the decisive points in the fourth quarter or overtime.

Newberry also rallied to win three games after trailing by at least 18 points; the national quarterfinal win at Albany State (21-3), Wingate (21-0) and Emory & Henry (21-3).  The Wolves came from behind eight times to earn a victory in 2025.

Newberry also posted a perfect 6-0 record against teams ranked in the final Super Region 2 poll defeating #1 Albany State, #2 West Florida, #4 Wingate, #6 Kentucky State, #9 Emory & Henry and #10 Carson-Newman.

Linebacker Mikey Blandin (AP second team, Don Hansen/D2football.com honorable mention), wide receiver Keith Desaussure (AP second team, Don Haensen/D2football.com honorable mention) and center Davion Pyles (Don Hansen second team) also earned All-America honors.

Knight established himself as the school's all-time win leader back on September 25, 2021 by notching his 73^rd win in a 24-19 contest over Tusculum in front of the home crowd.

The 2016, 2021, 2022 and 2025 South Atlantic Conference Coach of the Year has a .584 winning percentage, good for second in school history among coaches with 10 or more games at the helm.

Career Highlights: Overview

• 5 playoff appearances (2013, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2025)
• 2025 D2football.com National Coach of the Year
• 2016, 2021, 2022 and 2025 South Atlantic Conference championship
• 2016, 2021, 2022 and 2025  SAC Coach of the Year
• 4th in SAC history in career and league wins
• 4 former players have played in the NFL since 2014
• In his head coaching career at Newberry, has coached:
  • 3 Harlon Hill Trophy finalist
  • 5 SAC Players of the Year
  • 24 All-American selections
  • 44 All-Region selections
  • 116 All-SAC selections
  • 5 National Players of the Week
  • 50 SAC Players of the Week
  • 3 CoSIDA Academic All-America selections
  • 27 CoSIDA Academic All-District selections

Why Do We Celebrate Kwanzaa?

Kwanzaa is a weeklong celebration from December 26-January 1. Celebrated in many African American homes, Kwanzaa honors African heritage and African American culture. Celebrations often include singing, and dancing, storytelling, poetry reading, African drumming, and of course traditional meals that have been passed down through generations in the African American culture. Many African Americans who celebrate Kwanzaa do so in addition to celebrating Christmas such as my family!

During the weeklong celebration, there are seven guiding principles to be discussed during the observance of Kwanzaa.

Day One: Umoja (Unity) To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

Day Two: Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) To define and name ourselves, as well as to create and speak for ourselves.

Day Three: Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) To build and maintain our community together and make our brothers' and sisters' problems our problems and to solve them together.

Day Four: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) To build and maintain our own stores, shops, and other businesses and to profit from them together.

Day Five: Nia (Purpose) To make our collective vocation the building and developing of our community to restore our people to their traditional greatness.

Day Six: Kuumba (Creativity) To do always as much as we can, in the way we can, to leave our community more beautiful and beneficial than we inherited it.

Day Seven: Imani (Faith) To believe with all our hearts in our people, our parents, our teachers, our leaders, and the righteousness and victory of our struggle.

I want to highlight the first principle today! Umoja (Unity) To strive for and to maintain unity in the family, community, nation, and race.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.”

– Psalm 133:1

Umoja calls us to strive for togetherness within our families, our communities, and among all our people. It is a principle that reminds us that we are stronger, wiser, and more resilient when we move as one.

Unity is not just an idea; it is a divine calling. Scripture teaches us that God designed us to live, work, and grow in harmony with one another. In Romans Chapter 12, verses 4–5 reminds us, “For as we have many members in one body… so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individual members of one another.” God never intended for us to walk alone. From Genesis to the Gospels, unity is presented as a gift, a responsibility, and a reflection of God’s own love.

When I think about unity, I think about where I come from. I come from a big, close-knit family. One that doesn’t just talk about unity but lives it. In my family, unity looks like gathering around the table, lifting each other up in hard times, celebrating victories, and standing as one whenever life demands strength. It is in the laughter we share, the lessons passed down through generations, and the unspoken commitment that no one stands alone. Growing up in this environment taught me early that unity is a form of love. A love that sustains, restores, and builds.

This year, unity took on an even deeper meaning for me as I accomplished one of the greatest milestones of my life: marrying the love of my life, Kristen Michelle 13 days ago! In stepping into this covenant, I learned firsthand what Scripture means when it says, “and the two shall become one flesh.” Marriage is a sacred unity! Two souls choosing every day to walk together, support each other, and build a life that honors God. Kristen and I come from different paths; but through love, faith, and purpose, God has merged our journeys into one! In our marriage, I have seen unity not just as a principle, but as a living, breathing promise.

Umoja calls us to extend that same unity beyond our homes. To our schools, our workplaces, our community, and our churches. It calls the younger generation to honor the wisdom of the elders and invites our elders to pour their blessings and wisdom into the youth rising behind them. Unity bridges the gaps between us and transforms our community into a powerful force for good.

As we continue this season of reflection, may we recommit ourselves to Umoja. May we practice unity in our relationships, our service, and our daily walk. And may we remember the timeless African proverb:

“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

This Kwanzaa, may we choose to go far! Together in UNITY, in LOVE, and in PEACE!

You are welcome to join me in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father,

I pray for unity and understanding among our community’s, different cultures, and nationalities. Help us to recognize each culture’s unique gifts and strengths. Allow us to celebrate and appreciate our diversity. May we learn to listen and respect one another and work together towards a common goal of harmony and peace. Open our eyes to those who are struggling and need help. Let us be your hands to show all the love of God’s generosity. Grant us the courage and compassion to stand up for justice and equality and work towards a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. May you continue to make our Newberry community one of peace where everyone may flourish. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

As we reflect on this past year, we are filled with gratitude for each of you who make Newberry such a special place.
 

This Christmas season, we invite you to take a moment to enjoy this Christmas message. From the classroom to the field, from residence halls to offices, your commitment to our students and to one another continues to shape the Newberry experience in meaningful ways.

May this season bring you rest, joy, and time with those you love. As we look ahead to the new year, we do so with excitement and confidence, knowing the strength of our community lies in the people who call Newberry home.

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — On Saturday morning, Newberry College conferred degrees upon its largest fall graduating class, honoring 154 graduates and 12 new inductees into the Bachman Honor Society. The ceremonies were held in Wiles Chapel.

View the commencement program and recording.

Commencement Address

Dr. David Harpool, president of Newberry College, delivered the commencement address, encouraging the graduates to embrace empathy and authenticity in their careers and lives.

“We resist authenticity and empathy because they require us to be vulnerable. Unfortunately, our society colors vulnerability as weakness when nothing could be further from the truth,” he said.

“I am encouraged by the potential of our graduates, who are teachers, nurses, business creators and leaders, coaches, scientists, writers, musicians, and soon-to-be veterinarians, lawyers, doctors, and counselors to become authentic and empathetic leaders in their communities.”
 

Bachman Honor Society

Founded in 1962 by Phi Beta Kappa-affiliated professors, the Bachman Honor Society recognizes seniors in the top 8% of their class, as well as distinguished members of the faculty and staff. The society is named for the Rev. John Bachman, Newberry College’s principal founder and first chair of its Board of Trustees. Induction is the highest academic honor the College bestows. The following 10 graduates were inducted:

Joseph Christian Edenfield, a dual health care management and business administration major from Kinards, S.C.
Mary Ada Elizabeth Heithold, a psychology major from Clinton, S.C.
Logan Jaymes Knapp, an accounting major from York, S.C.
Brayden Cruz Martinez, a business administration major from Owatonna, Mich.
Giovanna Eduarda Amancia Ravanhani, a business administration major from São Paolo, Brazil
Sydney Blake Reich, a psychology major from Whitmire, S.C.
Samantha Lee Shaffer, an early childhood education major from Winnsboro, S.C.
Madison Noel Watson, a dual accounting and business administration major from Chesapeake, Va.
Camryn Grey Wiley, a psychology major from Cayce, S.C.
Annaclaire Yearick, an art major from Lilburn, Ga.

Among the faculty and staff inductees were:

Dr. Gregory Cole, professor of Spanish
Marshall Maddy, A/V engineer for Newberry College

The awards were presented by Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs.

Class of 2025 Quick Facts 

The spring and summer graduates represented 15 states, one United States territory (Puerto Rico) and 6 other countries — Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Panama, Portugal, and South Africa. The most popular majors were business administration (38), respiratory therapy (27), nursing (18), psychology (10), and sport management (11).

2025 Annual Giving Report - Gifts Received July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Presidential Scholarship Competition, the institution’s most prestigious academic award for incoming students. After a highly competitive day of interviews, writing activities, and engagement with faculty and staff, three exceptional high school seniors have been selected as recipients of this year’s top award:

• Calvert Franklin, of Chapin, South Carolina, Chapin High School
• Megan Griffin, of Lexington, South Carolina, White Knoll High School
• Destiny Wright, of Pacolet, South Carolina, Broome High School

Each of the three winners will receive a full tuition scholarship for four years, reflecting the college’s strong commitment to recognizing academic excellence, leadership, and outstanding potential.

In addition to celebrating the winners, Newberry College extends heartfelt congratulations to every student who participated in this year’s competition. Their achievements and engagement throughout the day were remarkable. In recognition of their hard work, all participants will receive a Participation Scholarship of $500 per year for four years, totaling $2,000 per student.

“We are thrilled to welcome Calvert, Megan, and Destiny into the Newberry College family,” said Dr. David Harpool, transitional president. “Their achievements, character, and academic promise truly embody what it means to be a Newberry scholar. We look forward to the contributions they will make to our campus and community.”

The Presidential Scholarship Competition represents one of Newberry College’s strongest traditions, underscoring the institution’s dedication to supporting high-achieving students from across South Carolina and beyond.

Newberry College congratulates Calvert, Megan, and Destiny on this extraordinary accomplishment and celebrates the bright futures ahead for every student who participated in this year’s competition.

Dr. Kim Neal, assistant professor of mathematics, has been selected as a South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics (SCCTM) fellow and ambassador. The announcement came during the Council’s conference last week in Greenville. 

Neal is one of 12 new ambassadors from across South Carolina. During her two-year term, Neal will work to advance and promote math education at Newberry College by supporting initiatives that strengthen student interest, teacher preparation, and community engagement in mathematics. In addition, she will act as a mentor to new and applying members to SCCTM, help recruit potential new math teachers, and provide ongoing support to at least one new teacher.  
 

“It’s an honor to be selected as an ambassador for the South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics,” said Neal. “I am committed to promoting math education at Newberry College by inspiring students to explore the beauty and importance of mathematics in their academic and professional journeys. This role will give me some direct contact with future education majors, math education majors, and hopefully grow our program.” 

Neal has more than 30 years of experience as a math educator, including serving as a middle and high school math teacher, department chair for the math department at Piedmont Technical College, including as a middle and high school math teacher, department chair for the math department at Piedmont Technical College, and the mathematics department chair for the SC Virtual School Program. Neal spent four years as a math teacher at Newberry High School before retiring after the 2023 school year.   

She wasn’t done mentoring and educating, though, and joined the Newberry College education faculty full-time in August of that same year. One of her goals since joining the faculty has been to increase the number of math education majors every year. When she started, there were two math education majors; currently, there are nine. 

“I’ve been working steadily, trying every time I can whenever coaches bring somebody through the hallways for a tour, ‘oh, what’s your major? Don’t you want to do math?’ If you don’t ask, you don’t know. I’m always out there trying to push for math majors.” 

 
Neal is excited about stepping into this new leadership and mentorship role with SCCTM and supporting the next generation of math educators. 

“My son said, ‘Mom, didn’t you retire? Why are you doing more stuff?’ I said, ‘Well, you know what? I’m not dead yet. As long as I can do something and make a difference, that’s what I want to do,’” she said. “My whole goal in life is to help students become the best that they can be in math education. Well, any student, for that matter, but I'm particularly fond of math education students. 

I want to help them achieve what they want to achieve for their life, and to help them learn the things that they need to be successful.” 

Learn more about math majors at Newberry College: https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/sciences-and-mathematics  

About the South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics 

The South Carolina Council of Teachers of Mathematics was formed in the spring of 1978 and is an affiliate of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. The organization supports mathematics educators at all levels – from kindergarten through college - by advocating at the state level for South Carolina educators and students; providing opportunities for leadership, professional development, and networking; and encourages the creation of research-based curriculum, instruction, and assessment.  

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College announced that Cayden Hansen, one of the top students in the college’s new Strategic Management (BUA 472) course, has been selected for a spring internship with Long Story Farms, an agricultural business serving Newberry County and the surrounding region.

This internship is the first outcome of a new experiential learning initiative within Newberry College’s Business Programs. The course, conceptualized by Dr. Steven McClung, chair of the Department of Business Administration, and taught by Dr. Carl R. Wells, is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world business challenges. Through the initiative, local companies partner with student teams who act as junior consultants, analyzing operations, identifying growth opportunities and developing strategic recommendations.

A New Kind of Classroom Experience

The Strategic Management course includes:

• Hands-on consulting projects with local businesses
• Data-driven strategic analysis, market research and competitive assessment
• Professional communication training, including client meetings, presentations and executive summaries
• Real-world problem-solving, with students working directly with business owners and leaders
• Career-building experiences, including internships, networking opportunities and resume-ready project work

This semester, students collaborated with Long Story Farms to evaluate marketing and brand exposure opportunities. Through this client partnership, students applied strategic frameworks, communication tactics and leadership skills to real business scenarios.

A Standout Student: Cayden Hansen

Among the cohort, Hansen emerged as one of the course’s most engaged and high-performing students. His strong performance, along with his interest in digital marketing and communications, led him to propose an internship supporting Long Story Farms’ need for a stronger social media presence.

His proposal outlined goals to:

• Create and manage engaging content highlighting farm operations
• Develop a consistent social media posting schedule
• Strengthen audience engagement and community connection
• Shape a digital strategy that reflects the values and mission of Long Story Farms

In his message to Long Story Farms, Hansen shared: “I believe Long Story Farms has a great story to share, and through a strong online presence, we can highlight your daily work, values and products to a broader audience… This internship would allow me to gain valuable experience in digital communication while providing Long Story Farms with dedicated support in building an active, professional and authentic online presence.”

A New Win-Win Partnership

Although not a long-standing partnership, the collaboration between Newberry College and Long Story Farms represents the future direction of the Business Programs: intentional, community-connected learning experiences.

“This course represents the new vision for business education at Newberry College — one that prioritizes applied learning, professional growth and meaningful community engagement,” said Wells. “Cayden’s internship shows how much our students can accomplish when given real responsibilities and real clients.”

About the Strategic Management Initiative

The course is part of a broader redesign of Newberry College’s Business Programs under McClung’s leadership, creating a curriculum focused on:

• Experiential learning
• Community-based partnerships
• Workforce readiness
• Innovation and entrepreneurship

Students graduate with stronger portfolios, greater confidence and practical experience suited for competitive internships and careers.

About Long Story Farms

Long Story Farms is a local agricultural business known for its fresh produce, sustainable farming practices and community involvement. Its collaboration with Newberry College reflects a shared commitment to supporting local talent and strengthening the region’s business ecosystem.

About Newberry College

Founded in 1856, Newberry College is dedicated to academic excellence, experiential learning and preparing students to lead and serve in a dynamic global environment. The Business Programs blend theory with practical application, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for professional success.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned top placements during a multi-tournament competition weekend, Nov. 14–16, 2025. The team traveled to Huntington, West Virginia, for the Marshall University Memorial Tournament and to Athens, Ohio, for the Ohio University Back to Green Tournament. A total of 20 colleges and universities from nine states participated.

Newberry students competed against programs from institutions including Ohio University, Butler University, Belmont University, the University of Tennessee Knoxville, Murray State University and other regional contenders.

The team earned a combined 20 awards over the weekend. Newberry placed fifth in Division I overall sweepstakes at the Marshall University Memorial Tournament and fourth in overall sweepstakes at the Ohio University Back to Green Tournament.

The Newberry College competitors were:
Denim Morrison, Zy'Tavien Abrams, Juliana Hernandez, Jada Felder, Tamiya Mike, Riley Lobash, Ashley Peterson and Heather Ray.

Individual Awards

Marshall University Memorial Tournament

• Heather Ray — fourth place, poetry interpretation
• Riley Lobash — sixth place, duo interpretation; sixth place, poetry interpretation
• Ashley Peterson — sixth place, duo interpretation
• Denim Morrison — second place, informative speaking; second place, persuasive speaking; second place, communication analysis; fifth place, individual sweepstakes

Ohio University Back to Green Tournament

• Heather Ray — third place, poetry interpretation
• Riley Lobash — top novice and third place, duo interpretation; fifth place, poetry interpretation
• Ashley Peterson — top novice and third place, duo interpretation
• Denim Morrison — fourth place, impromptu speaking; fourth place, informative speaking; fourth place, persuasive speaking; fourth place, communication analysis

With these results, the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team has earned a total of 75 awards since the start of its 2025 competition season in late September.

The team will conclude its fall semester with a final tournament at Hofstra University in early December.

Learn more about Newberry College's Speech & Debate Team here. 

Belonging at Newberry College
 

At Newberry College, belonging is more than just being here — it’s about being seen, heard, and valued as part of a vibrant, caring community. Each student brings unique experiences, perspectives, and gifts that help shape the spirit of Newberry. Together, we build a campus culture where everyone has a place and a purpose.
 

In this video series, students share what belonging means to them and how they’ve found, created, and nurtured that sense of connection at Newberry College. Their stories reflect the diversity of our student body and the many ways our campus community lives out its commitment to inclusion and helping every student thrive.
 

In typical heart pounding fashion, the Newberry College Wolves thwarted Carson-Newman on the last play of the game to win the 2025 South Atlantic Conference Championship and secure a bid to the 2025 NCAA Division 2 playoffs 28-21 before a sold-out crowd at Setzler Field.

Carson-Newman had the ball on fourth down from the Newberry 12-yard line with four seconds left, but Santory Jones intercepted a pass in the corner of the end zone to seal Newberry's seventh consecutive victory and third South Atlantic Conference title in the last five seasons.

The Wolves also won their fifth game on their final offensive possession when true freshman, back-up H-back Keshon Washington made a finger-tip catch of a Reed Charpia pass caught and rumbled 70 yards for a touchdown to give the Wolves a 28-21 lead with 1:48 remaining in the game.

It was Washington's third catch in just his third game all season.  His previous two catches had gone for a total of two yards against Point back on September 13.

Carson-Newman then drove 63 yards on 13 plays to get the ball to the Newberry 13-yard line, but the Jones stopped a pass play for just one yard, followed by two incomplete passes, one that fell short on a quarterback pressure by Jonathan Sexton that set up the final play.

Charpia had another standout game, completing 21 of 29 passes with three touchdowns and no interceptions for 267 yards.

He now has 2,682 yards passing on the season with 23 touchdowns, just one interception and has completed 70 percent of his passes.  His 227 completions are the second-best, his 2,682 yards passing are the third best and his 23 touchdowns are tied for the fourth best single season total in Newberry history, while accomplishing it in just 10 games. 

De'Andre Coleman caught four passes for 57 yards, Keith Desaussure had four receptions for 54 yards and completed one pass to Charpia for 15 yards and Rico Dorsey, Jr., had three catches for 52 yards and a key block on the game winning score.

Desaussure  now has 76 receptions for 864 yards and nine touchdowns this season.  His 76 receptions are second best, his 864 yards are fifth best and his nine touchdowns are tied for sixth best in single season history, again with just 10 games played.

The Wolves averaged six yards per rush, actually a half yard better than Carson-Newman's rushing attack which came into the game 11^th in the nation.

Kenmane Brunson had 47 yards on seven carries, Jonah Norris had 37 yards on eight carries and Charpia had 32 yards on four carries.

Newberry outscored Carson-Newman 21-7 in the fourth quarter after trailing 14-7 heading into the final stanza.

The Wolves opened the fourth quarter with a bang as Charpia completed a 43-yard pass to Dorsey down to the Eagle eight-yard line, the longest play of the day to that point for the Newberry offense.

Three plays later Charpia, while being hit by two Eagle defenders, completed a three-yard touchdown pass to Dorsey on third and goal to tie the game at 14.

After the Wolves defense stopped Carson-Newman, Charpia drove the Wolves 75 yards in nine plays to grab their first lead of the game.

Charpia completed four consecutive passes for 44 yards and caught a 15-yard pass from Desaussure on an improvised play to get the Wolves to the Carson-Newman 16-yard line.

The running game took over from there as Norris ran three times to cover the final 16 yards, capping the effort with a three-yard score to give the Wolves a 21-14 lead with 6:50 remaining in the game.

But the Eagles punched right back, driving 75 yards in eight plays to tie the game at 21 with just 2:41 left in the game, setting up Newberry's game winning touchdown drive.

The Wolves had a balanced offensive attack with 145 yards on the ground and 282 through the air for 427 while Carson-Newman had 285 yards rushing, 92 yards passing for 377 total yards.

The first half was a slugfest between the top two teams in the SAC with the score tied at 7-7 at the break.

The Wolves had 153 total yards to 142 for Carson-Newman with the Wolves rushing for 73 yards and passing for 80.  The Eagles ran for 91 yards and passed for 51.

Neither team scored in the second quarter, but both had opportunities.

Newberry drove to the Carson-Newman two-yard line but could not punch it in on four attempts and turned it over on downs.  The drive took 13 plays and covered 63 yards and took just over seven minutes, but the Eagle defense stopped Newberry on three runs and one pass at their own two-yard line.

On the last drive of the first half, the Eagles drove to the Wolves 41-yard line, but Mikey Blandin made tackles on back-to-back plays for a total of just four yards and Carson-Newman's pass on third down was incomplete.  They attempted a 53-yard field goal on the last play of the half which fell short.

Each team scored on their first possession of the game and punted on their second in the first quarter.

The Wolves took the opening kickoff of the game and drove 75 yards on eight plays, culminating with Charpia connecting with Desaussure on a pass down the far sideline and running into the corner of the end zone for a 13-yard score with 9:49 left in the first quarter.

Big plays included a 13-yard pass from Charpia to Coleman, runs of 13 and 10 yards by Brunson and a 17-yard run by Norris.

Carson-Newman responded immediately by driving 65 yards on 11 plays to tie the game at 7-7 with 4:33 left in the first quarter.

The Wolves had 96 yards of total offense to 56 for the Eagles.  Charpia completed 5-of-6 passes for 38 yards and Newberry ran for 58 yards averaging 7.3 yards per rush.

Newberry completed the regular season with a 9-1 record, 8-1 in the South Atlantic Conference and has a bye-week before the NCAA Division 2 playoff bracket is announced on Sunday, November 23^rd. 

The Wolves were ranked fourth in the Super 2 Region last week and have a good chance to host their first playoff home game since 2016.

In just 13 years the Newberry College field hockey has gone from not winning a game in its inaugural season in 2013, to finishing the 2025 season undefeated at 18-0 and earning the #1 seed in the upcoming NCAA Division 2 Field Hockey Tournament.

The Wolves, champions of the South Atlantic Conference, host Bentley out of Waltham, Massachusetts and a member of the Northeast 10 Conference Saturday at Setzler Field.

Newberry clinched the automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament by defeating #7 ranked Lander 3-0 in Sunday's SAC championship game.

Junior Payton Keeler was named the MVP of the SAC Tournament after scoring her 19^th goal and dishing out her 20^th assist of the season in Sunday's victory.

Joining her on the all-tournament team were Wibien Dahmen, Emma Hulsmeyer and Lieke Varenkamp.

The #8 seeded Falcons advanced to the finals of the NE10 postseason tournament with wins over Southern New Hampshire and Assumption before losing to defending national champion Saint Anselm in double overtime on Sunday.

The Wolves are making their first ever NCAA Tournament appearance while Bentley is making their 15^th. 

It was quite a day for Newberry head coach Hannah Dave as she led her team to the program's first ever conference tournament title, first ever bid to the NCAA Tournament, the #1 seed and won her 100^th career game.

Dave became the Wolves head coach in 2017 after Newberry had posted a combined record of 13-55 overall and 1-19 in league play and has led the program to seven consecutive winning seasons, back-to-back SAC regular season titles, the 2025 SAC Tournament title and a combined record of 37-8 over the last three seasons.

Saturday's game will be played at Setzler Field at 1:00 p.m.

2025 NCAA DII field hockey tournament schedule

• First round: Saturday, Nov. 15
  • 1 p.m. | No. 1 Newberry vs. No. 8 Bentley
  • 1 p.m. | No. 3 Shippensburg vs. No. 6 Saint Anselm
  • 1 p.m. | No. 4 East Stroudsburg vs. No. 5 West Chester
  • 6 p.m. | No. 2 Kutztown vs. No. 7 Assumption
• Semifinals: Friday, Nov. 21
• National Championship: Sunday, Nov. 23

NEWBERRY, S.C. — November 1–30, the nation celebrates Native American Heritage Month, honoring the histories, diverse cultures, and contributions of Native American people. It serves as an opportunity to recognize the resilience, traditions, and achievements of Indigenous communities while also reflecting on the challenges they have faced throughout history and continue to work to overcome. By observing Native American Heritage Month, we deepen our understanding of the diverse cultures that form the foundation of our nation, we encourage education, awareness, and appreciation to reaffirm our commitment to preserving and respecting the voices and stories of our Native American people.

At Newberry College, the month of November aligns deeply with our mission as a Lutheran liberal arts institution—rooted in the call to love and serve our neighbors, to celebrate the God-given dignity of every person, and to build understanding across cultures, by learning from and with our Native American neighbors.

We are especially excited to launch the Dufford Series with a performance by the Cypress Society Singers and Dancers on November 17.

Native American Heritage Month Events at Newberry College 2025

• November 1-November 30 – Weekly information on Notable Native Americans who have made significant contributions to our country and Décor representing Native American cultures in Kaufmann Hall.
• November 3 – Dr. Steve Lambert, Associate Professor of Chemistry & Forensic Science, and member of the Cherokee Eastern Band will provide a presentation on “Native Americans in South Carolina”. 7pm in the Alumni Music Center
• November 4 – Native American Food Day in Kaufmann Hall
  Metz will be serving foods indicative of Native American cultures.
• November 6 – Movie Night featuring “Smoke Signals.” 7:00 pm- 9:00 pm in Kaufmann Hall. Brief discussion afterwards facilitated by Melissa Sheppard, Adjunct Professor of English.
• November 17 – The Dufford Series presents Cypress Society Singers and Dancers: Join us for singing, dancing, storytelling, flute playing, and audience interaction.  Center for Teacher Education (Gnann) 7-8:30 pm.
• November 19 – Mr. Vance Blackfox, Cherokee and Director of Indigenous Ministries & Tribal Relations for the ELCA. 
  • 9:00 am – 9:50 am - Special Presentation in Chapel (All are welcome)
  • 10:00 am – 10:50 am -Chapel Service
  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – Lunch and Learn Table Talk in Kaufmann Hall
    Moderator Dr. Steven Lambert
• November 20 – 4^th Meal Stress Reliever – Arts and Crafts (Pinch Pots, Coloring, Corn Bead Bracelets) 8:00 pm – until.  Kaufmann Hall

This monthlong series is made possible through the collaboration of:
Sponsors: Office of Community and Belonging, Muller Center for Campus & Community Engagement and the Dufford Series.

Campus Partners: Campus Ministry, Metz Culinary Management, Student Affairs, and Wessels Library.
Native American Heritage Month Planning Committee Members: Deidra Clark, Carlton Kinard, Steve Lambert, Altheia Richardson, Melissa Sheppard, and Peggy Winder.

For full event details, visit newberry.edu or follow along on social media:
@mullercenter @newberry_college

For more information, please email the Office of Community and Belonging at CommunityandBelonging@Newberry.edu or the Muller Center for Campus and Community Engagement at Muller.Center@Newberry.edu.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team has started the 2025–2026 season with an outstanding series of performances, earning a total of 51 awards in just four weeks of competition at tournaments across the country.

Throughout the week of October 13, 2025, the team competed virtually in two tournaments—the Chicago Swing Tournament and the Northeast Alliance Tournament #2—hosted by the University of Illinois–Chicago and Queens College/Baruch College, respectively.

Newberry students competed against teams from institutions such as Cornell University, University of Florida, University of Illinois, and Eastern Michigan University. The team consisted of Denim Morrison, Jorgia Weaver, Heather Ray, Riley Lobash, Ashley Peterson, and Wilfredo Lopez-Hernandez.

Chicago Swing Tournament

• Denim Morrison – 4th Place in Communication Analysis and 4th Place in Persuasive Speaking
• Heather Ray – 7th Place in Poetry Interpretation
• Jorgia Weaver – 6th Place in Poetry Interpretation
• Riley Lobash – 5th Place in Poetry Interpretation

Northeast Alliance Tournament #2

• Denim Morrison – 3rd Place in Communication Analysis and 2nd Place in Persuasive Speaking
• Jorgia Weaver – 7th Place in Poetry Interpretation
• Riley Lobash – 6th Place in Poetry Interpretation
• Heather Ray – 4th Place in Poetry Interpretation

During the weekend of October 24–26, 2025, the Newberry Speech and Debate Team competed at the Point Loma Nazarene University Sunset Cliffs Classic and the Berry College Autumn in the Mountains Invitational Tournament, competing in two separate tournaments on both the East and West coasts.

At Berry College, Newberry students competed against students from institutions like University of Alabama, University of North Carolina–Charlotte, and University of Florida. At Point Loma, the team competed against University of California–San Diego, San Diego State University, and Concordia University–Irvine, among other regional institutions in the San Diego area.

The Berry College team consisted of Zy’Tavien Abrams, Jose Ferrer, Heaven Mack, Jorgia Weaver, Desiray Montgomery, and Tanaejah Odom.
The Point Loma team consisted of Paul Fisher, Denim Morrison, Nia Quimby, Riley Lobash, Wilfredo Lopez-Perez, and Juliana Hernandez.

Autumn in the Mountains Invitational

• Zy’Tavien Abrams – 7th Place in Dramatic Interpretation and 6th Place in Public Narrative
• Desiray Montgomery – 4th Place in Slam Poetry

Sunset Cliffs Classic

• Team Awards – 4th Place Overall Sweepstakes
• Denim Morrison – Tournament Champion in Informative Speaking, Tournament Champion in Communication Analysis, 2nd Place in Persuasive Speaking, Tournament Champion in Individual Sweepstakes, 2nd Place Novice IPDA Speaker, and Octafinalist in Novice IPDA Debate
• Paul Fisher – Tournament Champion Senior IPDA Speaker Award, Semi-Finalist in Extemporaneous Speaking, Octafinalist in Senior IPDA Debate, and 5th Place Junior NPDA Speaker Award
• Riley Lobash – 6th Place in Poetry Interpretation
• Juliana Hernandez – 5th Place in After Dinner Speaking
• Nia Quimby – 6th Place in After Dinner Speaking

In total, the Newberry Speech and Debate Team won 17 awards this past weekend. Since the start of their season in late September, the team has now won 51 awards, competing against national championship teams from some of the best programs in the nation.

“The dedication, creativity, and resilience these students have shown so early in the season is incredible,” said John Wallis, interim director of Speech and Debate at Newberry College. “They are consistently proving that the size of a college doesn’t determine its strength — Newberry can compete and win at the highest levels. I couldn’t be prouder of their effort, teamwork, and growth.”

The team looks forward to continuing its success throughout the remainder of the semester as it gears up for the national tournament season in Spring 2026.

Newberry, S.C. - Newberry College welcomed a record-breaking crowd of alumni, family members, students, and friends to campus October 17-19 for Homecoming 2025. The weekend was marked by beloved traditions, spirited competition, and renewed connections across generations of alumni. 

“This year’s Homecoming embodied everything that makes Newberry special — community, tradition, and lifelong pride,” said transitional president Dr. David Harpool. “Seeing alumni return home and our students carry that legacy forward was truly inspiring.” 

Alumni Awards & Recognitions 

During Saturday’s Alumni Awards, the Newberry College Alumni Association honored several distinguished graduates for their professional achievements and service. 

• Newberry College Alumni Award of Valor: Ron Redd ‘71 
• Alumni Distinguished Service Award: Ozzie Exume ‘16 
• Phillip T. Kelly, Jr Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Jessica Beam Shealy ‘12 
• Noah and Patsy Derrick Outstanding Friend of the College Award: Bruce Brumfield 
• Thomas A. Epting Outstanding Alumni Award: Jimmie Coggins ‘74 
• Thomas A. Epting Outstanding Alumni Award: Pamela Roberson ‘85 

Each honoree was recognized for exemplifying the values of leadership, integrity, and service that define the Newberry experience. 

Homecoming Royalty 

At halftime of Saturday’s football game, seniors Gracie Graham, Phillip Wade, Hannah Ghaly, and Hope Green were crowned the 2025 Homecoming Royalty.  Members of the Homecoming Court also included: 

• Kaidence Williams, Sophomore 
• Jada Stanley, Senior 
• Maria Fernanda Medrano-Reyes, Sophomore 
• Dreshaun Brown, Junior 
• Abby Griffin, Junior 
• Miguel Hernandez, Senior 
• Joshua Steele, Senior 
• Jenna Lincomfelt, Junior. 

Football  

The Wolves took the field before a packed Homecoming crowd to face Mars Hill University. Newberry was victorious in an exciting 38 – 24 hard-fought game. Newberry remains in a strong position with a current record of 6-1 overall and first place in the South Atlantic Conference with a 5-1 mark. 

Athletic director Sean Johnson praised the team’s determination and the energy of the fans: “Our players fed off the incredible Homecoming atmosphere — the stands were electric from start to finish.” 

Community Spirit & Legacy 

Homecoming 2025 once again showcased Newberry’s strong sense of belonging and tenacity. From record alumni turnout to spirited student involvement, the weekend reflected the College’s enduring mission of education, faith, and service. 

“We are so grateful to every alum, student, and community member who made this weekend unforgettable,” said Bill Nash, vice president of institutional advancement. “Homecoming reminds us that Newberry College isn’t just where we study — it’s where we find lifelong family.” 

Newberry, S.C. - The Newberry College Speech and Debate Team earned top honors Oct. 3–5 at the Hub City Swing Tournament, a three-day event hosted by the University of Southern Mississippi. The competition featured two separate tournaments and drew students from universities across the South, including the University of Alabama, Mississippi State University, Texas Christian University, Union University, Middle Tennessee University, and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.
 

Newberry’s team – comprised of Denim Morrison, Juliana Hernandez, Paul Fisher, Taylor Jones, Wilfredo Lopez-Perez, and Tanaejah Odom – placed third in Team Individual Events Sweepstakes in both portions of the tournament.
 

Individual student achievements included:

Hub City Swing Part 1

• Denim Morrison: 4th Place, Communication Analysis; 4th Place, Radio Broadcasting; 6th Place, Informative Speaking; 4th Place, Golden Eagle Award (for competing in both speech and debate events)
• Paul Fisher: 2nd Place, Radio Broadcasting; 6th Place, Impromptu Speaking
• Juliana Hernandez: 3rd Place, Persuasive Speaking
• Taylor Jones: 4th Place, Persuasive Speaking; Top Novice, Persuasive Speaking

Hub City Swing Part 2

• Denim Morrison: 4th Place, Communication Analysis; 4th Place, Informative Speaking
• Taylor Jones: 4th Place, Persuasive Speaking; Top Novice, Persuasive Speaking; 6th Place, Radio Broadcasting
• Juliana Hernandez: 3rd Place, Persuasive Speaking; 4th Place, After Dinner Speaking
• Tanaejah Odom: 3rd Place, Radio Broadcasting

With these wins, the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team has earned more than 25 awards in just two weeks of competition. The team will continue its season later this month with tournaments across the region, competing against some of the nation’s top programs.

Learn more about the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team: https://www.newberry.edu/campus-life/get-involved/speech-debate-team

In this edition:

• Meet some of the people who help plan events for students
• Financial tips for students from Founders Federal Credit Union
• Professor of Spanish Dr. Gregory Cole teaches how to tell time in Spanish
• Some of Newberry College's newer hires share their experiences here

NEWBERRY, S.C. — October 1, 2025 On Saturday, September 27th, Newberry College hosted the 2nd Annual Food Insecurity Summit, where 110 participants from different schools, food banks, nonprofits, and other agencies across the Carolinas united to tackle the issues faced by countless students while reducing the stigma surrounding food insecurity. The summit’s focus was on teambuilding, educating, coming up with solutions, and promoting awareness of food insecurity. According to the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) findings back in June of 2024, approximately 4 million people were faced with food insecurity as of 2020, and various barriers and challenges prevented students from accessing the assistance they needed. Conferences like these, where communities come together to discuss practical solutions and raise awareness of the obstacles students face, are critical to help remove the obstacles that prevent students from getting the help they need. 
 

Following the welcome ceremony, the summit’s keynote, Paige Swanstein from the Student Basic Needs Coalition, proposed one very important question. Given everyone in attendance, “Who is currently not in the room?” In Mrs. Swanstein’s speech, she highlights how change can truly start to occur once those who are absent from the conversation become aware of the food insecurity situation faced by their communities. She also points out that it is our call to action to bring those stories to everyone's attention, inform others how it affects themselves as well as those around them, and show someone what they can do to take the initiative. 
 

Other notable guests include the panelists during the Student and Community Best Practices Panel moderated by Pat Gagliano, the Chair of the Department of Art & Theatre, Professor of Speech & Theatre, and Coordinator of the First-Year Experience academic & career preparation course at Newberry College, and Omme-Salma Rahemtullah, the Executive Director of FoodShare SC. The speakers, Jessie McNevin and Sharon Shanchez-Franco from the University of South Carolina, Sofia Norris from Western Carolina University, Megan Prosser from Appalachian State University, Adrian Gonzales from FoodShare SC, and James Lewis from Trident Technical College, shed more light on the true scale of food insecurity while speaking on their own struggles with food insecurity, sharing how they initiated change in their schools, and discussing the unique challenges faced by international students relating to transportation, cultural differences, and other barriers. 

One of the summit’s most important takeaways is a call to action to be the change you want to see in the community and increase your awareness of the issue of food insecurity itself, as well as helpful resources like SNAP or any assistance offered by your campus.  

To support the Newberry Wolves Pantry, you can make a monetary donation here or check out the Amazon wishlist link here to donate food. You can also volunteer via the HelperHelper App to assist Pastor David Coffman at the Wolves Pantry. 

In this edition:

• The Newberry Arts Center looks to the future
• Interview with Dr. Altheia Richardson, VP for Community and Belonging
• Prof. Mark Hennion discusses the concept of representation
• A look at the Newberry College Speech and Debate Team

A newsmagazine produced and reported by the students of the Newberry College Communications Program.

Catawba's football team comes to Setzler Field and the "Wolves Weekly" crew is there for the action. Kate Gross of the volleyball team stops by the studio. And the old NCTV favorite "Two Guys Talking NFL Football" comes back to life for the digital age. "Wolves Weekly" is produced and reported by the students of the Newberry College Communications Program.

For a decade, Newberry College Athletics and Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics have joined hands to bring joy, connection, and inclusion through sport. The Screaming Eagles, founded in 2017, provide unique athletic experiences through partnering with local elementary, middle, and high schools, and with colleges and universities.

Their vision is to make a facility open to all but beholden to none, serving this and future generations to come. This commitment to community lives in every event they host, and the Newberry relationship is a shining example.

From Newberry’s side, the collaboration is equally valued. “Newberry College's involvement in our community is invaluable. The support that the community shows towards our college is one of the many things that makes this place so special. The City of Newberry and the College work well together and it's our opportunity to give back to a community that gives us so many things. The partnership that we have with the Screaming Eagles is a tremendous opportunity to not only give back but also to show our athletes why we play our sport, for the fun, love, and passion of that sport. During the time we're together with the Screaming Eagles, it brings us back to a simpler time when we were kids playing in our backyards for all of those reasons. There's not another game that we circle on our calendar that is more important than this game,” said Jay Snyder, Head Baseball Coach.

For Newberry’s softball program, the annual game carries just as much weight. “It’s big for us! It is the biggest game on the schedule every year for us! The girls look forward to it, and they love giving back to the community,” said Mitch Smith, Head Softball Coach. His words reflect the spirit that underscores the partnership: athletics as service.

The Screaming Eagles’ leadership sees the impact firsthand. “This is our 10th annual year with Newberry. I would say the biggest thing is that you guys (Newberry Athletics) come out in full force, bringing all the softball, all the baseball teams, and announcing. The kids have a blast!” said Jenny Bowers, owner of the Screaming Eagles. The energy and involvement of Newberry’s teams make the day extra special for participants.

“Out of all the teams that we've been engaged with, Newberry is by far, you know, one of the best ones as far as providing the opportunity for us to come out and the facilities and bringing the whole baseball team, softball team out. It goes to show you the kind of culture you have at Newberry. Extremely grateful to be able to partner with Newberry College,” said Patrick Bowers, owner of the Screaming Eagles.

As Newberry College and the Screaming Eagles enter this milestone year together, their decade-long partnership stands as a testament to what can happen when athletics, community, and service converge. The shared goal is clear: to give back, to include, and to celebrate sport’s power to unite.

Learn more about Screaming Eagles Special Needs Athletics https://screamingeaglesspecialneeds.org/

Newberry, S.C. — September 23, 2025 — Newberry College has been named among the best colleges in the South by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026 Best Colleges rankings, once again highlighting the College’s tradition of academic excellence, affordability, student success, and a great return on a family’s educational investment.

In the newly released rankings, Newberry College was recognized as the highest-ranked private college in South Carolina in its category. Among public and private colleges in South Carolina Newberry College was recognized across multiple competitive categories, including:

• Best Regional Private College in the South
• Best Value Regional Private College in the South

• Top Performer on Social Mobility (Regional Private Colleges – South)

• Best College for Veterans (Regional Private Colleges – South)

“Recognition in four categories is a testament to the extraordinary dedication of our faculty, staff, and students,” said Dr. David Harpool, president of Newberry College. “Being recognized as the top-ranked private college in South Carolina in these categories underscores our commitment to ensuring every student — no matter their background, identity, or financial circumstances — feels welcomed, supported, and equipped to succeed.”

U.S. News & World Report evaluates nearly 1,500 colleges and universities nationwide each year using metrics such as graduation and retention rates, social mobility, faculty resources, and peer assessments. These recognitions affirm Newberry College’s mission to make a transformative education accessible to all students, especially those who are first-generation or from historically underrepresented backgrounds.

For more information about Newberry College, visit www.newberry.edu.

For more information from U.S. News & World Report, visit https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/best-3440/overall-rankings

A newsmagazine produced and reported by the students of the Newberry College Communications Program.

In this edition:

• A look at the Wolves Pantry program
• Interview with Tracy Powers, Director of the Center For Student Success
• Dr. Romy Rojin discusses the works of Zadie Smith
• The Muller Center marks its tenth anniversary.

Learn more about the communications program at Newberry College: https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/arts-communication/communications  

Newberry College announced the launch of the Newberry Crime Writing Workshop (NCWW), an intensive four-week program for developing crime and mystery authors, taught by leading voices in the genre. The inaugural workshop will be held July 6–31, 2026, on the historic Newberry College campus.

“Newberry College has always been about helping people grow and develop their vocations, whether that has meant a traditional career or some other gift,” said Dr. Warren Moore, professor of English and NCWW co-director. “This workshop is another way of doing that — we’re working to grow the community of crime and mystery writers, and to keep a popular and powerful genre of fiction vital for today and tomorrow.”

Participants will take part in daily sessions where they will develop and share their work with peers. Each week will be led by a different instructor active in the crime writing field. The 2026 faculty includes Joe R. Lansdale, Cheryl Head, Michael Bracken, and Moore.

Attendees will live and work on campus, with meals provided. Part class and part writers’ colony, NCWW adapts the model of other successful workshops — most notably the Clarion Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers’ Workshop — and applies it to crime and mystery, a genre with broad popularity and deep literary traditions.

Fifteen applicants will be selected based on writing samples and statements of purpose. Writers at any stage of publishing experience are encouraged to apply. Tuition is $4,000, which covers room, board, and instruction. Limited financial aid may be available.

Additional information available at www.newberry.edu/ncww.

For questions, contact:
Prof. Warren Moore
Email: crimefictionworkshop@newberry.edu 

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Aug. 19, 2025 — Newberry College began its 169th academic year this week with a record enrollment of nearly 1,700 students.

The student body includes about 1,480 students enrolled in traditional undergraduate programs and another 210 pursuing graduate and online degrees.

The fall semester kicked off Aug. 16 with a campus-wide welcome-back carnival. The first week, known as Wolves Welcome Week, features a full slate of events to help students engage with their Newberry community. Highlights include the first day of classes, fraternity and sorority introductions, the annual Berry-Okie karaoke night, a free movie at the Newberry Opera House, a student involvement fair showcasing clubs and organizations, chapel, and opportunities to explore the City of Newberry.

“This historic class represents the strength and spirit of Newberry College,” said Dr. David Harpool, transitional president. “Our students don’t just attend college here — they belong here. When a student chooses Newberry College, we have a moral obligation to help that student be successful in completing a degree, achieving their specific goals, and ensuring a good return on their educational investment.”

With small classes, strong mentoring relationships, and an emphasis on community, Newberry College continues to affirm its commitment to providing an education where every student can thrive.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Dr. Sarah Masterson, associate professor of piano and music theory at Newberry College, has been chosen as a finalist for the 2025 Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of Music. The award, which recognizes the best performances of American music by ensembles and individual artists worldwide, was for her recording of Philippa Schuyler’s “White Nile Suite” from her 2024 album, Travelogue: Philippa Schuyler’s Music for Piano.  Winners will be announced in the fall.

A classically trained pianist praised for her technical mastery, Masterson was inspired by Philippa Schuyler’s neglected life story to embark on a multi-year project to research and reconstruct Schuyler’s unique piano music. Thus far, that journey has produced two albums –Seven Pillars of Wisdom and Travelogue - and a book, Snapshots of Forgotten Adventures: Rediscovering the Piano Music of Philippa Schuyler, exploring Schuyler’s music in more depth.

“It’s an honor to be a finalist for this award, and I’m excited that Schuyler’s music is finally gaining the recognition it deserves,” said Masterson. “For the College’s Department of Music, I think it’s beneficial to our students’ education to have professors who are actively performing and researching.” 

Masterson joined the Newberry College faculty in 2014 and serves as coordinator of music theory, director of the music department’s social media, and founding artistic director of the W. Darr Wise Piano Competition. Her research focuses on the work of 20th-century American women composers. Masterson earned her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Connecticut, with a major concentration in piano performance and a minor area of emphasis in music theory. 
 
“Dr. Sarah Masterson excels as both a scholar and musician. Her groundbreaking research on composer and pianist Philippa Schuyler, which includes a book and album recordings of Schuyler’s piano works, has brought renewed attention to this historically overlooked figure,” said Dr. Jonathan Hall, chair of the Department of Music and assistant dean of the Division of Arts, Education, Humanities, & Social Sciences. “Through her work, Masterson has introduced Schuyler’s music and legacy to a new generation.”
 

To learn more about Newberry College’s music program, visit newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/music. 

About the Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music

The American Prize: Ernst Bacon Memorial Award for the Performance of American Music recognizes and rewards the best performances of American music by ensembles and soloists worldwide, based on submitted recordings. Categories encompass performances of American music in instrumentation or genre. 

NEWBERRY, S.C. – As part of its continuing growth plans, Newberry College has announced the launch of four fully online Bachelor of Science degree programs: cybersecurity, computer science, digital marketing and healthcare administration. The new programs mark the next phase in the college’s partnership with Rize Education, a leader in consortium-based online learning. 

“Our partnership with Rize Education has allowed us to expand our online offerings in high-demand, career-relevant fields,” said Dr. John LaNear, associate vice president for graduate and online programs. “These new degree programs respond directly to the needs of our students and the regional workforce, and they exemplify Newberry College’s commitment to innovation, career readiness, and personalized academic support.” 

Program highlights 

Computer Science 
Building on the early success of Newberry’s hybrid computer science program, first piloted in fall 2020, this major delivers a cutting-edge curriculum and expert instruction to provide students with a highly relevant program. 

Cybersecurity 
With cyber threats growing in scale and complexity, the cybersecurity degree prepares students for careers in information security, risk management and cyber defense. The program includes hands-on experience with cutting edge industry tools, teaching students how to protect digital infrastructure across sectors. 

Digital Marketing 
The digital marketing program blends strategic business principles with technical skills in e-commerce, SEO, analytics and social media, preparing students for careers in a fast-evolving digital economy. 

Healthcare Administration 
A timely addition as the healthcare sector continues to grow, this program equips students with the operational and leadership skills necessary for careers in healthcare systems, including hospitals, clinics and nonprofit organizations. 

Designed for today’s learners 

All four programs are offered fully online in an asynchronous format, allowing students to balance academics with work or family responsibilities. Through Newberry’s partnership with Rize, students benefit from: 

• Expert-designed curriculum aligned with workforce needs
• Built-in student support and academic coaching
• Small class sizes and personalized faculty engagement
• Integration with Newberry College’s academic advising and career services 

To learn more, visit newberry.edu/academics/online-programs. 

NEWBERRY, S.C. – On the verge of his 100th career victory, Newberry College has announced that head football coach Todd Knight has signed a contract extension through the 2031 season. 

Knight, entering his 17th season as head coach and 23rd on the Newberry staff, is the winningest coach in school history with 96 victories. 

“Coach Knight is the ultimate ambassador for Newberry College,” said vice president for athletics Sean Johnson. “His accomplishments on the field are well documented, but what’s most important is the impact he has—and continues to have—on hundreds of young men in our community, our state and across the region. He is not only the leader of the football program, but an important leader for our department and college.” 

Knight was elevated to head coach in 2009 after six seasons as the program’s defensive coordinator. Since then, he has led the Wolves to four of the program’s five NCAA playoff appearances (2013, 2015, 2016, 2021) and three South Atlantic Conference titles (2016, 2021, 2022). He is a three-time SAC Coach of the Year (2016, 2021, 2022). 

In 2022, Knight led the Wolves to a 9-2 overall record, the SAC Piedmont Division title, and the overall SAC championship, capped by a 27-24 home victory over Mars Hill. 

“I am extremely grateful and excited about the future of the institution and our football program,” said Knight.  “I want to thank transitional president Dr. David Harpool and vice president for athletics Sean Johnson for giving me the opportunity to stay at home and continue the tradition of excellence we’ve established.” 

Three times, Newberry College football has posted at least 10 wins in a season, and Knight has been part of all three teams, including two as head coach. His 2021 team (10-3) defeated defending national champion and No. 2-ranked West Florida to earn the program’s first postseason win since 2006. His 2016 squad also posted double-digit victories (10-2). 

During Knight’s tenure as head coach, two student-athletes have been named Harlon Hill Trophy finalists (Raleigh Yeldell and Mario Anderson), and three have earned SAC Player of the Year honors (Ron Parker, Yeldell and Anderson). His players have also garnered 20 All-America selections, 44 all-region picks and 69 first-team All-South Atlantic Conference honors, with a total of 120 all-conference selections. 

Off the field, Knight’s players have earned College Sports Communicators Academic All-America honors three times (Brandon Gantt and Sam Hall, twice). Two have received SAC Elite 23 Awards for academic excellence (Ryan Heriot and Carson Smith), and 36 others have earned academic all-district recognition. 

Knight’s teams have recorded 11 victories over nationally ranked opponents, including his first win as head coach—a 31-24 road victory over No. 12 Valdosta State. The Wolves have finished in the top half of the conference standings in 10 of his 17 seasons at the helm. 

Knight is married to the former Tina Martin. He is the proud father of his daughter, Anna, a Newberry College graduate, and sons, Devin, a recent Florida State University graduate and Michael Cash, a sophomore at Mid-Carolina high school. 

Belonging by Design is a blog series that explores how Newberry College nurtures a culture of inclusion, purpose, and faith.

How we’re created for community and called to purpose.

Newberry College is an imperfect, yet beautifully diverse community where faculty, staff, and students from many races, faiths, economic backgrounds, orientations, and life paths come together in an ongoing effort to build a campus that can serve as an example for the world. We celebrate our differences.

The world often condemns us—because we are too heavy or too thin, poor or rich, white, Black, or Hispanic, short or tall, straight, gay, or transgender, believers or non-believers, Republicans or Democrats. Society too often models behavior that suggests in order to advance, we must push others back. Some religious communities and churches condemn us for anything that doesn’t fit within their worldview—or worse, place us on a spiritual treadmill, trying to earn our way to God, which is impossible.

At Newberry College, we strive to follow the teachings of Jesus: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” According to the Bible, the two greatest commandments are to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and to love your neighbor as yourself.

Yes, we offer degrees that provide a strong return on your educational investment. Yes, we have exceptional faculty and a deeply personal college experience. But more importantly, many students come to Newberry College because they find something rare: a place where they truly belong.

NEWBERRY, S.C. – Newberry College is proud to announce it has received formal approval from the South Carolina Board of Nursing to accept and enroll a cohort of nursing students previously enrolled at Limestone University. This strategic and compassionate step ensures that affected students can continue their path toward becoming registered nurses without interruption. 

The decision comes after Limestone University announced the closure of its undergraduate nursing program. Newberry College acted swiftly to provide a seamless transition for these students, preserving their progress and honoring their commitment to the nursing profession. 

“We are honored to welcome this cohort of nursing students from Limestone and provide them with the resources, mentorship, and clinical experience they need to complete their degrees and enter the healthcare workforce with confidence. This is what it means to succeed boldly.” said Dr. David Harpool, transitional president of Newberry College. 

With the approval of the South Carolina Board of Nursing, the transition plan includes credit evaluation, academic advising, and clinical placement support. Students will be enrolled in Newberry’s accredited Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program, which is recognized for its rigorous curriculum, high NCLEX pass rates, and strong partnerships with regional healthcare providers. 

“The nursing shortage in South Carolina and across the nation makes this kind of collaboration not just helpful—it’s necessary,” said Dr. Jenny Lindler, director of nursing at Newberry College. “These students have worked hard and deserve every opportunity to finish what they started. We are ready to support them academically and professionally.” 

The BSN program at Newberry College is fully accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) and continues to expand to meet growing healthcare demands. With this newly accepted cohort, Newberry strengthens its commitment to producing compassionate, highly skilled nurses who will make an immediate impact in their communities. 

Learn more about the BSN program at Newberry College at https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/nursing/nursing

NEWBERRY, S.C. – This spring semester, upper-level business students gained real-world experience through a consulting partnership with Voodoo Brewing Company. The brewery, which is currently renovating its future Newberry location, tasked students with addressing a series of business challenges critical to its local launch. 

Working in teams of four to five, students acted as consultants, applying research, strategic thinking, and problem-solving skills to develop actionable recommendations. The project culminated in formal presentations and final reports delivered to Voodoo Brewing representatives at the end of the semester. 

“This was an incredible opportunity for our students to bridge classroom theory with practical application,” said Dr. Carl Wells, professor of business at Newberry College. “They gained firsthand experience working with a growing business while also contributing to the success of an exciting new venture in our community.” 

Voodoo Brewing Company outlined five key focus areas for the student teams to explore: 

• Consumer Behavior and Trends – Analyzing consumer demographics, psychographics, and purchasing behaviors. 
• Customer Acquisition and Loyalty – Developing strategies to attract and retain customers, including loyalty programs and inclusive experiences. 
• Employee Retention – Exploring workplace culture, compensation, and professional development. 
• Financial Analysis and Side Benefits – Examining cost structures, forecasting methods, and the financial impact of adaptive reuse of the historic facility. 
• Marketing Strategies – Recommending tactics for social media, local partnerships, and event-based marketing. 

The project, structured in five stages, began with an initiation phase in late January and concluded in mid-May with final presentations: 

• Initiation Phase (Jan. 27–Feb. 3): Students met with Voodoo representatives and prepared an initiation paper. 
• Problem Framing Phase (Feb. 10–17): Teams drafted and submitted problem statements and objectives. 
• Research and Analysis Phase (Feb. 17–Mar. 30): Students conducted and summarized research on assigned topics. 
• Testing and Ideation Phase (Apr. 7–14): Proposed solutions were tested and developed into detailed proposals. 
• Presentation and Final Submission Phase (Apr. 28–May 13): Final recommendations were presented to Voodoo Brewing. 

The initiative underscored Newberry College’s commitment to experiential learning by immersing students in meaningful, hands-on projects with community impact. 

“We were genuinely impressed by the students’ professionalism, depth of analysis, and thoughtful recommendations,” said Kevin Rekiel, owner of Voodoo Brewing Company. “It was clear they dedicated significant time and effort, and we’re already looking at ways to incorporate their insights into our business. Collaborating with Newberry College has been both refreshing and inspiring—we’re excited to support more partnerships like this in the future.” 
 

Throughout the semester, Voodoo Brewing Company engaged closely with the student teams, providing real-world context and feedback as they refined their consulting proposals. The collaboration not only enriched student learning but also yielded actionable strategies for the company as it prepares to open its Newberry location. 

NEWBERRY, S.C. — On Saturday morning, Newberry College conferred degrees upon the graduating class of 2025. The commencement ceremony was held on the campus’s Setzler Field. 
 

The spring and summer class represents the largest graduating class in the College’s history, with 183 undergraduate students and 16 graduate students, for a total of 199 graduates. The class also included the inaugural cohort for the online Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, the College’s third online master’s degree program, which launched in  2024. View the commencement program  and  event recording. 
 

COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS 
Since 2014, the honor of the spring commencement address has been awarded to members of the graduating class, selected by fellow seniors, faculty, and staff. This year’s address was delivered by Elizabeth Gray from Port Royal, S.C. Gray earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with an emphasis in instrumental music and a Bachelor of Arts degree with an emphasis in music theory. 

“I hope that you all take the idea that our Newberry College journey has taught us to prosper in our lives. Our Newberry College journey has taught us that everything happens for a reason, that resilience is crucial in our daily lives, and that we have the skills to succeed,” said Gray. 
 

SPECIAL AWARDS 
The College also bestowed professor emeritus status on two retiring faculty members. Dr. Peggy Barnes Winder ’86 served as a faculty member at Newberry College for 35 years, joining in 1990 as an instructor in physical education. She received tenure in 1996 and was promoted to full professor in 2002. She has earned many accolades not only for her academic service to Newberry College, but also as a scholar-athlete. Starting in the fall 2025 semester, she will transition from the classroom into a full-time administrative role as the director of the Muller Center for Campus and Community Engagement.   

Dr. Jerry Gatch served 11 years as the Newberry College director of bands. Gatch joined the music faculty in 2013 as an assistant professor and was promoted to associate professor in 2020. During his tenure, Dr. Gatch taught a variety of courses, conducted the Wind Ensemble, and directed the Jazz Big Band, among others, demonstrating the breadth of his experience. He is the recipient of numerous awards and was inducted into the South Carolina Band Directors Association Hall of Fame as well as the Phi Beta Mu Theta Chapter Hall of Fame for Band Directors.  

The graduating class presents the Dr. L. Grady Cooper Awards to a faculty member and a senior who exemplify the loyalty and devotion to Newberry College that Cooper demonstrated during his tenure as a professor of religion and Greek. This year’s recipients were Rebekah Dixon, assistant professor of sport management, and Alexa Anderson, an exercise science & human performance major from Conyers, Ga. 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan and Mary Mildred Sullivan Awards were established to honor deserving individuals of the graduating class who demonstrate outstanding character and service to others, traits valued by Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan. This year’s awards were presented respectively to Wade Baker, an exercise science & human performance major from Newberry, and Stembile Chikoore, a biology major from Harare, Zimbabwe. 

 
The Dr. George B. Cromer Award, named for Newberry College’s fifth president, is presented by the faculty to the graduating senior who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership ability, and personal integrity. This year, the honor was presented to Rebecca Hartrick, a dual psychology and English major from Auburn Hills, Mich. 

Class of 2025 Quick Facts 

The spring and summer graduates represented 19 states, one United States territory (Puerto Rico) and 12 other countries — Canada, Australia, Mexico, France, Spain, Zimbabwe, Poland, Germany, South Africa, the United Kingdom, Argentina, and Turkey. The most popular majors were business administration (47), sport management (20), exercise science & human performance (18), nursing (13), and psychology (11).  

Corey Bedenbaugh ’12 has been named the 2026 South Carolina Teacher of the Year. The announcement came during an event at the Governor’s Mansion on Thursday, April 23. Known for his dedication and unwavering commitment to his students, Bedenbaugh is making a lasting impact as an eighth-grade social studies teacher at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School. 
 

“Corey is a dedicated educator who believes great teachers don’t just teach – they inspire,” said State Superintendent Ellen Weaver. “Shaped by his own former teachers, he carries forward their legacy by preparing students for both academic success and life.”

Bedenbaugh credits former Newberry College professor Dr. Cindy Van Buren for setting him on his career path. "She had the biggest impact on me—she was amazing for all of us education majors,” he said. “I’ll never forget the legendary Dr. Jesse Scott, Mrs. Cathy Mitchell, Dr. Glenna Zeak, and Dr. Chris Burkett. I’m so grateful for each of them and the role they played in my journey."

Bedenbaugh earned a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Phoenix and is in his 11^th year of teaching. Before his tenure at Batesburg-Leesville Middle School, he taught for several years at Pelion Middle School. He is committed to helping students succeed both in and out of the classroom, serving as a JV girls basketball coach, sponsoring the school’s student council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and creating the program “Bow Ties with Bedenbaugh,” a mentorship program that teaches life skills to young men.   

As the state’s Teacher of the Year, Bedenbaugh will receive $25,000 and be provided with a new BMW for one year as a roving ambassador providing mentoring, attending speaking engagements, working with Teacher Cadets and Teaching Fellows, leading the State Teacher Forum, and serving as the state spokesperson for over 64,000 educators.

Through his work, Corey continues to shape the next generation with integrity, compassion, and purpose, making his alma mater proud every step of the way.

“When our students become doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, mechanics, and community leaders, they will remember what we have done as teachers to prepare them for the paths they have taken,” Bedenbaugh said. “The teaching profession matters each and every day.”

To learn more about Newberry College’s Teacher Education program, visit www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/teacher-education/teacher-education. 

About South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year Program:
South Carolina’s Teacher of the Year program—among the strongest in the nation—recognizes outstanding educators and strengthens the teaching profession through celebration, recruitment, and retention.

Newberry, S.C. – Recognizing the challenges facing the Limestone University community, Newberry College is stepping forward with compassion and commitment to ensure students, faculty, and staff have access to continuity, care, and opportunity during this difficult time. 
 

“At Newberry College, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and continuity,” said Dr. David Harpool, transitional president of Newberry College. “To the students, faculty, staff, and families of Limestone University—we see you, we support you, and we stand with you. As you navigate this season of change, we hope you find strength, opportunity, and renewed purpose in the days ahead.” 

 

Support for Limestone Students 

To help students continue their academic journeys without disruption, Newberry College is offering the following benefits: 

• Guaranteed transfer credit for all completed coursework from Limestone, provided the student has met the minimum GPA requirements and passed their classes. 

• Waived enrollment fees, reducing financial stress during the transfer process. 

• An accelerated and simplified admissions process, helping students secure their future quickly and efficiently. 

• A full match of general institutional aid awarded to Limestone students, ensuring continued affordability. 

• Automatic commuter status, if desired, for students who wish to remain off-campus. 

Support for Limestone Faculty and Staff 

As an expression of radical hospitality, Newberry College is also extending support to Limestone faculty, staff, and their eligible dependents who are currently utilizing tuition remission benefits at Limestone. Newberry’s employee tuition remission policy closely mirrors Limestone’s, offering a familiar and supportive transition process. 

For employees currently using—or those with entering freshmen who intended to use—Limestone’s tuition remission benefit in the traditional program for the 2025–2026 academic year, Newberry College will honor that expectation by providing comparable access through its own remission program. 

A Message of Solidarity 

“At Newberry, we are not just opening our doors—we are opening our hearts,” Dr. Harpool added. “This is about more than preserving academic progress. It’s about extending dignity, hope, and belonging to those who need it most.” 
 

For more information or to begin the transfer process, visit https://www.newberry.edu/admission/transfer-students/limestone-university-transfer-students or contact the Myasia Byrd transfer counselor at myasia.byrd@newberry.edu or 803-947-2063. 

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College announces the appointment of Angela Sease Reid ’02 as the alumni relations manager for Newberry College. Reid assumed the role on April 1. 
 

“We are happy to have Angela join us at Newberry College,” said Bill Nash, chief development officer. “She will take the alumni relations office to new levels as she works with alumni to support the mission of Newberry College.”
 

Reid has strong ties to Newberry College. Her father, The Rev. Milas "Mike" Sease, graduated in 1972, and her husband, Zeb Reid, graduated in 2002. Her brothers, Russel Sease and The Rev. Kevin Strickland, graduated in 2004.
 

Following graduation from Newberry College, Reid began her career in the Office of Admission, specializing in recruitment across South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. She also served as director of Lutheran recruitment and as recruitment special events coordinator.
 

For more than a decade, she has been a successful REALTOR® in the community, earning the title of “Best Realtor in Newberry County” for seven consecutive years, as voted by the readers of The Newberry Observer. Angela and Zeb Reid live in Newberry with their children, Zoe and Zarek.
 

“I’m incredibly excited to be back at my alma mater! I’m deeply grateful to Bill Nash, Dr. Harpool, and the late Dr. Scherrens for their belief in me and the opportunity to help lead Newberry College toward a prosperous future,” said Reid.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Dr. Lindsy Boateng, associate professor of biology, is the College’s 2024 SCICU Excellence in Teaching award winner. Boateng was honored April 22 at an award banquet given by South Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities.

"I am truly grateful to SCICU, their sponsors, and the selection committee for this excellent award. I thank God, family, and colleagues for all the support along the way,” said Boateng. “I look forward to continuing this journey together and trust that we will continue to make a positive impact!”

Boateng joined the Newberry faculty in 2018 with teaching experience as a graduate student instructor of introductory Biology courses and labs, and an adjunct professor of Biology and Earth Science courses. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental science, a master’s degree in cell and molecular biology, and a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology, all from the University of Wisconsin, La-Crosse. While earning her Ph.D., she focused her research on cancer cell invasion. 

In addition to receiving the SCICU Excellence in Teaching Award, Boateng has also been named interim dean of the College’s new Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Nursing, starting July 1.

“Dr. Boateng is a talented educator and was the perfect choice this year for the Excellence in Teaching award.  I also look forward to working with her as she takes on the dean role,” said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs.

In this new leadership role, she plans to focus on maintaining and obtaining accreditation for the nursing and exercise science programs and work on funding proposals to support STEM programs. Other goals include forming more interdisciplinary connections across campus and partnerships with industries. 

“South Carolina is growing rapidly right now, and there are a lot of industries in the sciences that are really growing and kind of exploding around Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston,” said Boateng. “So I would love to connect with them and see how we can support the industries by preparing our students to be ready for the work world.”

To learn more about Newberry College’s sciences, mathematics, and nursing programs visit https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study.


About the South Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities.

Chartered by the State of South Carolina as a non-profit, tax-exempt corporation in 1953, the South Carolina Independent College and Universities, Inc. (SCICU) is a charitable organization that is directed by a Board of Trustees composed of leading citizens representing a cross-section of the higher education, business, and civic leadership in South Carolina. SCICU represents 21 independent colleges and universities each with a unique historical, cultural, and in many instances, faith background. Included in the membership are five historically black colleges and universities.

Newberry, S.C. — It is with deep sadness that the Newberry College Board of Trustees announces the passing of President Maurice W. "Morrie" Scherrens. He died peacefully at his home this morning, surrounded by his wife and family, after a battle with illness.

President Scherrens served Newberry College since 2012 with passion, vision, and unwavering commitment. His leadership left a lasting mark on our institution, and his loss will be felt across our campus and beyond.

Dr. Scherrens led Newberry College for over a decade to unparalleled growth, expansion, and recognition. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude for President Scherrens’ devoted service to the Newberry College family and community. We extend our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and their family during this difficult time.

To ensure the College's continued stability and forward momentum, the Board has appointed Dr. David Harpool as Interim President, effective immediately. Dr. Harpool, who has served the college since 2022 as special advisor to the president and was serving as Acting President due to Dr. Scherrens’ illness, brings a deep understanding of Newberry’s mission and operations. We are confident in his ability to lead the College with care, clarity, and continuity during this transition period.

Further information regarding services and opportunities for the Newberry College family and community to honor President Scherrens will be shared in the coming days.

Newberry College remains steadfast in its mission as we grieve this tremendous loss together.

Sincerely,
Lenna C. Young, Ph.D.
Chair, Newberry College Board of Trustees

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College has appointed John LaNear, J.D., Ph.D., as associate vice president for graduate and online programs. 

LaNear joins Newberry after serving as vice president of academic affairs at Capitol Technology University and provost and chief academic officer at Northcentral University for many years. He has also held faculty, department chair, and dean positions, along with various administrative roles at private and public colleges and universities in California, Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Before transitioning to higher education, LaNear practiced law and served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Missouri. His academic research has focused on two key areas: academic freedom and special education law. 

"I am honored to join the administration at Newberry College and contribute to its longstanding history of academic excellence in the liberal arts tradition," LaNear said. "The expansion of undergraduate and graduate online programs presents tremendous opportunities to enhance accessibility, enrich student learning experiences, and further the institution’s mission of preparing future leaders." 

LaNear holds a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy analysis from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Juris Doctor from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law. 

His appointment marks a significant step in Newberry College’s ongoing investment in the expansion and enhancement of its graduate and online programs. With extensive experience in academic leadership, LaNear is well-positioned to lead the continued growth and success of these initiatives while maintaining Newberry’s commitment to quality. 

Learn more about online and graduate program offerings: https://www.newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/online-programs.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Dr. Charles Horn, professor of biology at Newberry College, was presented with the Meritorious Teaching Award by the Association of Southeastern Biologists during its annual conference in Myrtle Beach. The award is one of the highest honors for excellence in teaching at the undergraduate and/or graduate level in biology in the southeastern United States.

Since joining Newberry College in 1986, Horn has taught a wide variety of biology courses, including Botany, Economic Botany, Field Biology, Ecology, and Environmental Science. He served as department chair from 1994 to 2011 and has held various leadership roles, including  faculty advisor for the Biology Club, Chi Beta Phi Science Honorary Society, and Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Society, among others. Additionally, he is the former director of the Newberry College Summerland Honors Program.

“Students at Newberry College find Charlie friendly, engaging, always available to help or lend an ear to listen.  His courses are frequently at capacity, and he receives positive student evaluations for both his teaching and advising,” says Dr. Bret Clark, dean of the Division of Sciences, Mathematics, and Pre-Professional Studies. “He always finds time to integrate real world scenarios and the scientific method into the lab experiences he designs for his students.  He is the ultimate mentor and role model for the Newberry College population of budding scientists.”
 

Dr. Horn’s passion for botanical and ecological research has made a lasting impact on the field.  His extensive studies on aquatic plants of North and South America have led to more than a   dozen publications in prestigious journals and books. His dedication to documenting South Carolina’s diverse flora – including several rare and remarkable species – has enriched our understanding of the region’s plan lift through a service of groundbreaking publications.   As the founder and curator of the Newberry College Herbarium, since 1986 Dr. Horn has nurtured its growth into the third-largest herbarium in South Carolina, behind only University of South Carolina and Clemson University. His work continues to inspire and advance the study of botany for future generations.

Horn has received numerous awards during his tenure at Newberry College. He is a past recipient of the I.Y. and Agnes Caughman Professor of the Sciences, Student Government Association Professor of the Year, Billy Carter Professor, the Grady Cooper Award for outstanding service to the College, the Governor’s Distinguished Professor Award, the Elizabeth Ann Bartholomew Award for outstanding service to botany as awarded by the Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, and the South Carolina Independent Colleges Excellence in Teaching Award.

“I joined the Association when I started my Ph.D. at the University of Alabama in 1981, and I have been to all their meetings except for two since then. I am deeply honored to receive their Meritorious Teaching Award, especially coming from a small school like Newberry when there are members from large state universities represented as well,” said Horn.

To learn more about Newberry College’s Biology program visit: newberry.edu/academics/areas-of-study/sciences-and-mathematics/biology.

About the Association of Southeastern Biologists

The Association of Southeastern Biologists promotes the advancement of biology as a science by supporting research and education, using knowledge to solve biological problems, and preserving biological resources. Since 1937, their Annual Meeting has served as a crucial step in the STEM-Student Pipeline, giving seasoned researchers a venue to share their knowledge and a place for upcoming biologists, who will proceed to advanced degrees and careers in academia and industry, their first experience presenting science. The Association provides a friendly space to receive feedback, learn about job and graduate school opportunities, and meet experts in the field.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — Newberry College is offering a series of events in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month, calling attention to the prevalence and prevention of sexual assault and human trafficking. The programming is presented by the Department of Social & Behavioral Sciences in collaboration with campus organizations and area nonprofits and businesses.

“College provides a unique time for education, engagement and transformation,” said Dr. Carrie Caudill, associate professor of psychology and event organizer. “When college students learn about the prevalent nature of sexual violence, their insight provokes action. Newberry College is committed to educating and fundraising for the prevention and treatment of sexual assault.”

Sexual assault makes up the greatest portion of on-campus crimes in the U.S., at 43%. That equates to approximately eight forcible sex offenses per 10,000 students, according to 2022 data compiled by the National Center for Education Statistics.

The college events scheduled during Sexual Assault Awareness Month will provide support and advocacy for students, spread awareness of available resources, and spark conversations to educate and facilitate change.

Schedule of Events:

April 4 | Shedding Light on Human Trafficking & Exploitation Conference

The conference will cover every aspect of human trafficking and provide resources on how to recognize and deal with exploitation in a variety of circumstances, including law, business, social services, nonprofits and more. The event is open to the public and geared toward businesses, professionals and community leaders engaged in helping survivors and bringing offenders to justice. 

The conference has been approved for six Continuing Legal Education credits, South Carolina Law Enforcement Continuing Education credits, and Victim Service Provider credits for attendees working in those areas. The conference is sponsored by the Division of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences and the Muller Center for Multicultural and Civic Engagement. Registration closes on Tuesday, April 1; to register, visit newberry.edu/sheddinglight.

April 16 at 5 p.m. | Walk Like a Wolf – Take Back the Night

Participants will walk a mile in support of survivors of sexual assault, and proceeds raised from this event will benefit the nonprofit organization, Pathways to Healing. The walk will begin at the Wolf Statue at the main campus entrance on College Street and end on the Campus Quad. Dr. Matthew Hammet, executive director of the South Carolina Institute on the Prevention of Sexual Violence on College Campuses, will deliver the keynote. To register, visit

https://bit.ly/wolfwalk25. This event is sponsored by the Division of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences, the Newberry College Title IX Office, and Psi Chi.

April 30 | Denim Day

Denim Day encourages everyone to wear jeans to support survivors of sexual assault and spread awareness about all forms of sexual violence.

For more information about Sexual Assault Awareness Month or resources on the Newberry College campus, please reach out to Dr. Caudill at Carrie.Caudill@newberry.edu.

NEWBERRY, S.C. — The Newberry College Speech & Debate Team had a strong outing at the Pi Kappa Delta National Speech and Debate Tournament, held March 13-17 at Ohio University. It marked the first appearance for the team at this competition, one of the largest tournaments in the country. Pi Delta Kappa is a national forensic honorary society that is dedicated to promoting excellence in speech and debate. For more than 100 years, its 80,000 members have pursued “The Art of Persuasion, Beautiful, and Just.”
 

The team of 13 Wolves demonstrated exceptional talent across a variety of categories, including extemporaneous speaking, impromptu speaking, parliamentary debate, and mock Congress. This event provided a platform for students to refine their abilities, engage in friendly competition and foster camaraderie with peers from other institutions.
 

Newberry College finished sixth in Debate Sweepstakes-Division. In addition, the following Wolves received distinctions in the following categories:

• Wil Lopez-Perez was the mock Congress Speaker of the House and placed 4th as the mock Congress best speaker
• Denim Morrison placed 3rd in the novice debate, tied for 6th in the International Parliamentary Debate Association (IDPA) novice debate, and placed in the top 30% in impromptu speaking
• Paul Fisher placed 8^th in the JV debate, tied for 6^th in the JV IDPA debate, and was in the top 30% in extemporaneous speaking

 
The team showcased its skills and passion for the art of communication, competing against institutions such as Cornell University, Boise State University, Seton Hall University, and Belmont University, among others.

Newberry College's streak continues in placing in every tournament entered during its first two years of existence. The team will close out the season by participating in the American Forensic Association’s National Speech Tournament. Paul Fisher and Denim Morrison both qualified for the tournament, which will be held April 4-7 in Charlotte, N.C. For more information about the Newberry College Speech & Debate program, please contact head coach David Harpool at David.Harpool@newberry.edu.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Devin Blackwell '18 as assistant dean of student affairs for community, conduct & standards.

Blackwell returns to his undergraduate alma mater after having served as coordinator of student integrity at the Georgia Institute of Technology since 2023. He has also served in similar student affairs and student success roles at Georgia State University, Clayton State University, and the University of West Georgia.

“We are so excited to welcome Devin home to Newberry College,” said Steve Janowiak, vice president for student affairs. “His experience, his education, and his love and dedication to the College will be an invaluable asset for a student-centered, inclusive, and supportive student experience at Newberry.”

Blackwell holds a master’s in strategic leadership & development from Clayton State University, a Master of Education in professional counseling from the University of West Virginia, and a bachelor’s in psychology from Newberry College. He is completing work toward a doctorate in student affairs leadership from the University of Georgia.

“I am excited to be back on campus, giving my talents back to an institution that poured so much into my development as an aspiring student affairs professional, and I look forward to serving the Newberry student community,” said Blackwell.

During his time as a student at Newberry, he was involved with the Student Government Association as senator-at-large and student body vice president, the President’s Student Advisory Board, the Office of Residence Life as a resident advisor, the Office of Enrollment Management as a student ambassador, and the National Society of Leadership & Success. He is also a former president of the Newberry College African American Alumni Chapter and a former member of the Alumni Association Board of Managers.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Chris Dunham as director of graduate & online admission and partnerships.

Throughout his career, Dunham has served as a dean of undergraduate studies and a vice president for strategic alliances at several colleges including National University, Ellis University and Webster University. In addition to his roles in recruitment and partnerships, he will serve as assistant professor of business in the online division.

Dunham has completed advanced certificates in artificial intelligence from Vanderbilt University, as well as six courses toward a doctorate in eLearning from Northcentral University. He holds an MBA from Webster University and a bachelor's degree in accounting and computer information systems from Missouri State University.

Newberry’s graduate and online division includes seven fully online undergraduate programs and four master’s-level programs. The undergraduate programs include business administration, criminal justice, health care management, pharmaceutical manufacturing, psychology, respiratory therapy, and RN-to-BSN.

The graduate programs include criminal justice (M.A.), organizational development & leadership (M.S.), sport management & leadership (M.S.), and teaching, learning & curriculum (M.Ed.).

NEWBERRY — Newberry College will host its second annual Shedding Light on Human Trafficking & Exploitation Conference. The event will be held Friday, April 4, at the College’s Center for Teacher Education, 1121 Speers St.

The conference will feature sessions covering every aspect of human trafficking and providing resources on how to recognize and deal with exploitation in a variety of circumstances, including law, business, social services, nonprofits and more.

“We are excited to offer our second human trafficking conference,” said Cynthia Haynes Eshleman, associate professor of criminal justice and the event organizer. “This year’s conference will have a wealth of information on juveniles and young adults and how they find themselves in trafficking situations, what can be done to prevent them, reporting, and what is being done to combat this serious crime here in South Carolina. In fact, sadly, Newberry County has even had a recent case of human trafficking. This conference will be invaluable for practitioners in a vast range of industries and lines of work.”

Presenters will include professionals from the South Carolina Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Task Force, Newberry Police Department, Newberry College, and the Greenville-based nonprofit SWITCH, among others.

Preston Shipp (pictured above), a former prosecutor turned speaker and advocate, will deliver the event’s keynote. As a Tennessee attorney, he argued for the sentence of Cyntoia Brown, who at age 16 was convicted of robbing and murdering the person who bought her through sex trafficking. Later, he advocated for her clemency, leading to her release from prison in 2019.

The conference is open to the public and geared toward businesses, professionals and community leaders engaged in helping survivors and bringing offenders to justice. The event has been approved for Continuing Legal Education credits, South Carolina Law Enforcement Continuing Education credits, and Victim Service Provider credits for attendees working in those areas.

Spaces are limited, with a $50 individual registration fee. The registration deadline is Tuesday, April 1. Individual and corporate sponsorships are available.

For more information, visit newberry.edu/sheddinglight.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College speech, debate and theatre students set new school records across numerous categories at the South Carolina Speech & Theatre Association’s annual State College Festival Competition. The event was held Feb. 8 on the College campus.

Thirteen students from the Newberry College Speech & Debate Team and speech and theatre programs competed, coached by Dr. Jodie Peeler, professor of communications, Elyssa Mersdorf, instructor of speech communications, Pat Gagliano, professor of speech & theatre, Mandy Butler, associate professor of theatre, and Dr. David Harpool, speech & debate coach.

Newberry competed against teams from the University of South Carolina’s Columbia and Lancaster campuses, Denmark Technical College, Claflin University, and Lander University.

Newberry’s five first-place finishes set a new school record.

The individual winners included:

Lincoln-Douglas Debate
First Place: Paul Fisher
Second Place: Denim Morrison

Persuasive Speaking
First Place: Denim Morrison

Oral Interpretation
First Place: Christian Vega

Duet Podcast
Second Place: Jada Felder and Nia Quimby

Television Broadcasting
First Place: Nia Quimby
Second Place: Kyndal Cathcart
Third Place: Jada Felder

Original Spoken Word
Third Place: Zy'Tavien Abrams

Animated Voiceover
First Place: Christian Vega

NEWBERRY — Newberry College invites you to enjoy world-class artists and music at its 67th Newberry College Jazz Festival, to be held March 1 on campus.

The event will include performances by middle and high school jazz bands from across the Palmetto State throughout the day, along with midday concerts by the two elite all-state jazz ensembles. The Newberry College Jazz Big Band will cap the main event with this year’s guest artist, retired Chief Master Sgt. Tim Leahey of the United States Air Force.

The College’s event is held in partnership with the South Carolina Band Directors Association’s 27th Jazz Performance Assessment.

“Jazz Festival is a beloved Newberry College tradition, a great opportunity for students and educators, and it gets bigger and better every year,” said Dr. Jerry Gatch, director of bands. “This year we are so excited to welcome retired Chief Master Sgt. Tim Leahey, a phenomenal, world-class musician who has been a major player in some of America’s top armed forces ensembles.”

Leahey (right) served as the lead trumpet for the Airmen of Note, the premier jazz ensemble of the Air Force, as well as chief of operations for the United States Air Force Band prior to his retirement. Leahey will perform with the College band at 1 p.m. in Wiles Chapel.

 
Throughout the weekend, the middle and high school jazz ensembles will each perform three selections for adjudicators and receive a rating. These performances will take place in the Alumni Music Center and Wiles Chapel on Friday afternoon and all-day Saturday.

 
High school students from across South Carolina were selected through competitive auditions to participate in two all-state jazz ensembles, which meet for intensive, multi-day clinics ahead of their back-to-back performances beginning at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Leading the bands this year will be composer, arranger and retired educator Michele Fernández, as well as Jen Krupa of The Juilliard School.

The festival and all concerts are free and open to the public.

 
The Newberry College Jazz Festival has been the longest-running of its kind in the nation, having begun in 1958.

NEWBERRY — Income tax season has begun, and for the second consecutive season, accounting and business students at Newberry College are offering free tax preparation assistance for members of the Newberry community.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is available starting Monday, Feb. 3, until the income tax return due date of Tuesday, April 15.

The free program is offered to families and individuals with household incomes of less than $64,000, persons with disabilities, and limited-English-speaking taxpayers. Services will be available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3-5 p.m. at Hal Kohn Memorial Library, 1100 Friend St.

New this year, volunteers will also be available at the Newberry Housing Authority, 3589 Grant Ave., on Mondays from 3-5 p.m.

The service will include federal and state income tax returns. Walk-ins are encouraged.

“This is a great opportunity for members of the community, for the tax prep assistance, and for Newberry College students, who get to learn through doing meaningful work,” said Dr. Joe Edenfield, professor of accounting.

Edenfield said the students have completed training with the Internal Revenue Service, and all returns will be approved by him before being filed on behalf of the taxpayer. Filers can expect a turnaround time of approximately one week.

With questions, please reach out to Edenfield at Joe.Edenfield@newberry.edu.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has planned a series of events to celebrate, illuminate and inspire throughout Black History Month.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Black History Month Celebration at Wolves Basketball

Newberry Athletics will recognize African American former student-athletes. The Wolves will face Limestone University, with the women tipping off at 2 p.m. and the men at 4 p.m. at Eleazer Arena. Tickets can be purchased at newberrywolves.com.

Monday, Feb. 3 — Friday, Feb. 7

Black History Month Food Celebration

Noon in Kaufmann Dining Hall

A variety of Black cultural dishes will be served throughout the week by the College’s partners at Metz Culinary Management. Participants may enjoy a buffet lunch in the dining hall for $9.19.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Wednesday Chapel Panel Discussion: “So That All May Flourish: Lutheran Higher Education During Challenging Times”

10 a.m. in Wiles Chapel

The panel will include the Rev. Lamont Wells, executive director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities, and the Rev. Susan Crowell, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Greenville. The panel will be moderated by Campus Pastor David Coffman ’97. Campus will operate on convocation schedule, with more time between classes to allow all individuals the opportunity to attend. This event is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 20

Black History Month Table Talks, sponsored by the Muller Center for Multicultural & Civic Engagement

Noon in Kaufmann Dining Hall

Table hosts will include Wells, Barbara Davis ’79 (first Black president of the Athletic and Lettermen’s clubs), Nancy Lou Anderson-Glasgow ’70 (first Black graduate), Marshall Prince ’81 (first Black member of the Board of Trustees), Dr. Altheia Richardson (vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging), and Dr. Peggy Winder ’86 (first Black full-time professor and first Black woman to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame). Participants may enjoy a buffet lunch in the dining hall for $9.19, or simply attend the talk for free.

Thursday, Feb. 6

Keynote: “This is How We Do It: Defining Your Own Vocation” by the Rev. Lamont Wells

7 p.m. in the Alumni Music Center’s West Recital Hall

A reception will immediately follow the event. This event is free.

Wednesday, Feb. 12, and Thursday, Feb. 13

Movie Nights: “Black Panther” (Feb. 12) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” (Feb. 13)

8 p.m. in Kaufmann Hall

Refreshments will be provided. Bring a blanket to make a comfortable spot. This event is free.

Sunday, Feb. 23

Inaugural Newberry College Black Business Expo

2-5 p.m. at the Center for Teacher Education, 1121 Speers St.

Various Black-owned businesses will showcase their products and services, and food trucks will offer on-site dining options. This event is free.

Please contact diversity@newberry.edu with questions.

NEWBERRY — The Dean's List for fall 2024 has been released, and it's a huge testament to the academic achievement of Newberry College students.

The list honors undergraduate students who have achieved semester GPAs of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale. Last semester's list features 615 students, who represent 32 U.S. states and 23 foreign countries. Among those named on the list, a whopping 235 earned 4.0 GPAs.

"We couldn't be prouder of these students whose hard work and dedication, even in the midst of a hurricane and myriad other challenges last semester, have earned them a place on the Dean's List," said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs. "Congratulations to each of our Dean's List designees."

To view the fall 2024 Dean's List, click here.

Due to the winter weather and hazardous road conditions forecasted through Wednesday morning, Newberry College will remain open and operate as follows:

Wednesday, Jan. 22

• All offices will operate remotely, with the exception of essential workers, who have already been notified.

• Kaufmann Dining Hall will operate under normal hours for current term – Brunch: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and Dinner 4:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.

• The Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving for the late Bobbie Sides '80 has been postponed to Friday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m. in Wiles Chapel.

• Residential students may contact the residence life duty phone at 803.944.0880 with concerns.

• Campus Security is available by phone for cross-campus transport, lock-outs, and other non-life threatening situations at 803.940.0672.

The College plans to return to normal operations on Thursday, Jan. 23.

1. Weather Monitoring

• Official Sources: The College will monitor weather updates from reliable sources.

• Alerts: In the event of severe weather warnings or advisories, updates will be communicated through our emergency notification system, which includes email alerts, text messages, and announcements on the College website and social media channels. Sign up for emergency alerts.

2. Campus Notifications

• Emergency Notifications: If a weather-related emergency affects campus operations, an official notification will be sent to all students, faculty, and staff. This may include information about office closures or any other changes to normal operations.

• Website and Social Media: Regular updates will be posted on the College’s website and social media platforms. Please check these sources frequently during severe weather events.

3. Safety Precautions

• Travel: Avoid traveling to campus during severe weather if conditions are unsafe. Stay tuned to official notifications for guidance on whether campus is open or closed.

• Campus Facilities: If you are on campus during inclement weather, familiarize yourself with the nearest emergency shelters and safe areas. Follow any instructions given by campus security or emergency response teams.

4. Reporting Issues

• Facility Concerns: If you notice any safety hazards or issues related to weather conditions on campus, report them immediately to Physical Plant at 803.321.5238.

• Personal Safety: If you have concerns about your personal safety or need assistance, contact Campus Security at 803.940.0672.

Your safety is our priority. Our facilities department has begun to treat walkways to prevent the accumulation and slipperiness of ice. Use an abundance of caution when moving about campus. We appreciate your cooperation and attention to these guidelines. Should you have any questions, please contact Human Resources or Campus Security.

COLUMBIA, S.C. — In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals in South Carolina's life sciences sector, Newberry College has partnered with the Ritedose Corporation to launch a new pharmaceutical manufacturing program, set to begin in the summer of 2025. This collaboration combines the strengths of both institutions to prepare students for careers in one of the state’s most dynamic industries.

South Carolina's life sciences sector, including biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, is experiencing rapid growth, creating a need for a highly trained workforce. Dr. Jerry Alewine, dean of nursing & health sciences at Newberry College, identified the opportunity to develop an academic program aligned with the needs of the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry. The partnership with Ritedose, a leader in the industry, was a natural fit.

“Our partnership with Newberry College represents a forward-thinking approach to education and workforce development,” said Bob Sikora, senior director of product development at Ritedose. “By combining our industry expertise with Newberry College’s academic framework, we are able to offer a program that prepares students for the challenges of the pharmaceutical manufacturing world. This collaboration is an investment in the future of the industry, ensuring that students graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive.”

The 30-hour bachelor’s program, open to students with associate degrees, will consist of 10 asynchronous courses, focused on quality, compliance and process optimization. Ritedose’s team of industry experts has shaped the curriculum, ensuring that students are exposed to real-world knowledge. Courses such as Sterile Procedures and FDA Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers will give students a deep understanding of industry standards and regulations.

“The collaboration with Ritedose has been instrumental in the development of this program,” said Tracy Cook, director of health sciences at Newberry College. “By working together, we are able to offer a truly unique educational experience. Ritedose’s expertise ensures that our students are not only learning the fundamentals, but are also gaining an understanding of the key issues that professionals face in the field. This partnership allows Newberry College to enter a new market and become the first institution in South Carolina to offer this specialized program.”

“The partnership with Newberry College is a perfect example of how businesses and academic institutions can collaborate to meet industry needs,” added Sikora. “Together, we are not only helping to develop a skilled workforce but also ensuring that South Carolina remains at the forefront of pharmaceutical manufacturing innovation.”

NEWBERRY — Newberry College is home to students from 37 states and 35 countries across six continents. This community has a global impact, despite, and even because of, its rurality. One story of Newberry’s impression on the world stage is that of Newberry College graduate Marina Ziehe '14. The native Brazilian trained and studied for years to earn a tennis scholarship to attend college in the United States. A decade later, she’s back in Brazil, producing videos for her homeland’s Olympic committee.

At age eight, Marina leapt headfirst into gymnastics. She dreamed of one day taking her talents to the world stage, representing her native Brazil in the Olympic Games. She was off to a great start, until four years later, when her coach, the only one in her hometown of Macaé, retired. “It broke my heart,” she says. Over the next two years, she discovered tennis, and it was love at first serve. 

For Marina, tennis wasn’t just a hobby. Through the possibility of scholarships, tennis was her ticket to the United States, where she could receive a high-quality education in the land of opportunity. At age 15, she left Macaé, on Brazil’s east coast, to live with her grandmother in Petrópolis, three hours away. She believed the Imperial City offered greater chances to hone her skills. 

“My family couldn't afford my coming here. It's just too expensive to go to school here. I would have to get a scholarship,” she says. “I spent two years preparing myself to come here. It was such a rough path to be a 15-year-old going away from home and practicing tennis eight hours a day to get a scholarship. Everybody in town was like, ‘what are you doing? You don’t even know if you’re gonna get it.’”

Outside of completing her high school requirements via distance learning, she practiced tennis and studied English.

“My coach back home said that I would be prepared for a college scholarship. There was this agency that helps athletes get scholarships. I would just have to send a video of myself playing, hitting forehands, hitting backhands, playing points, and then take the tests. They would compile all this and send it to schools in the U.S.

“I got some offers from other colleges, but Newberry offered me a really good scholarship. Almost a full ride. I looked at the Newberry website and social media at the time, and I liked it. Newberry just sounded like a cool place,” she says.

Marina arrived at Newberry in January 2011, and shortly after witnessed something she had never seen in-person, and which South Carolinians rarely see: snow. “When I got here, it was snowing. There were inches of snow on the tennis court. When I got here, the town was silent. There was nobody on the streets. I come from a tropical place where people are always on the streets, so it was weird. But we had a snowball fight and really played in it.”

She was also introduced to Southern smoked, mustard-based barbecue — not quite the grilled, skewered style of Brazilian churrasco fame, but still enjoyable.

For her areas of study, Marina had long decided on communications and graphic design. As long as she could remember, she had a penchant for storytelling. She especially enjoyed stories that highlighted people and parts you don’t often see. “I was very interested in daily stories, of everyday life, hidden in plain sight. Not-so-common stories. Stories off the beaten path,” she says.

Marina committed intensely to her studies and her sport. In the 2012 season, she was named to the South Atlantic Conference Honor Roll, designated a Intercollegiate Tennis Association Scholar-Athlete, and enjoyed success on the court, particularly in doubles play. In the Newberry record book, she stands tied at No. 9 for doubles win percentages in a season, taking 77% of matches in her senior season. She ranks third in career fourth singles wins with 18, and sixth for career second doubles wins with 25.

In 2014, during her last semester at Newberry, she started an internship with South Carolina ETV. The role would later turn full-time as she completed her master’s in organizational leadership. Her work at ETV revolved around the Carolina Money initiative — sharing stories of the Midlands business community — and ETV’s partnership with the South Carolina Telehealth Alliance.

“For this telehealth program, we would go out — usually just me with my camera equipment — to where a patient had a great experience with telehealth. I'll tell the story of the patients, instead of just what telehealth is. Telehealth can be a hard subject to talk about. It can be very technical. So, my job was to chase the human aspect of the story.”

After stints with South Florida PBS and Quora in Portuguese, Marina created her own video series called “Let Me Tell You a Story.” She went through her community in Brazil and made short-form videos of stories she found interesting and insightful. “The guy who sells flowers in a flower shop. The lady who works at the bakery. I would find interesting people in our daily lives, who sometimes you don’t give much attention to. I even told the story of a caretaker for a graveyard and how he deals with death.”

Eventually, one of her videos caught the eye of the Brazilian Olympic Committee. “They saw one of my stories, actually one about a disabled man who played tennis in a wheelchair. They were like, ‘we love your work and we need someone like you doing what you do for sports.’”

She started working with the committee in 2021 and came aboard full-time in 2022. “It doesn't stop. There's not a day that we go to the office and there's nothing to do. There are always things to do. We're not waiting around for work every two years.”

Her work has taken her all over the world, covering various sports and games, including the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea, the Pan-American Games in Chile, and of course, the summer games in Paris this past summer. She went to Paris 20 days before the start of the games to cover the preparations, and as fate would have it, she traveled with the Brazilian gymnastics team.

Her specialty has been the unseen behind-the-scenes work done by countless individuals that makes the games possible. “We have this gala event at the end of every year where we give out awards to athletes and coaches who had great performances. I was interested in the people who were creating the trophies and how they are made. There’s a whole process to it. I went to their studios and I filmed them, and they were so thankful for it, because nobody ever told their stories before.”

One of her favorite projects has been her video on the 27-year-old Brazilian architect who won the medal design competition for the youth winter games in Gangwon. “All the medalists got something from Brazil, and I told the story of how he created the medal. As it turned out, Brazil won our first-ever medal at a Winter Youth Olympic Games, and I got to see the encounter between our first Brazilian winter games medalist and the Brazilian who designed the medals. It was a mix of arts and sports.”

In the fall of 2024, Marina returned to Newberry for the first time since graduation to thank her professors and others who made her success possible. “When I got here, it made me value what I had here, because I had to work really hard for it. It was not easy, no. That’s this idea of taking advantage of the opportunities you have. Even coming to South Carolina was like a calling, and I felt I had to come back and walk through the streets and talk to the people who helped me get to where I am today.

“I am very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in my life to do something I’m passionate about, that has purpose and is of service to others. I’m grateful to these people, to this place.”

This article appeared in print in Newberry, the lifestyle magazine of Newberry County, and in Newberry College's 2024 Annual Report. Header image taken by Kornelia Rudkowska.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College and the city and county of Newberry have planned a weekend on, not a weekend off, to celebrate the legacy of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

POSTPONED
Sunday, Jan. 19 | Community Service Project

Werts Cemetery, Morgan Street, Newberry

Werts Cemetery is a historically African American burial site in Newberry County. Due to segregation, this cemetery was the only available burial site for many African Americans outside of church graveyards. Over the years, the cemetery has fallen into disrepair. The Muller Center for Multicultural & Civic Engagement is partnering with Newberry College Athletics to host a cleanup event.
 

ON SCHEDULE
Monday, Jan. 20 | MLK March & Church Service

March begins: 9:15 a.m. at Miller Chapel AME Church, 500 Caldwell Street
Service: 10 a.m. at Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1501 College Street

NEWBERRY — The family of alumna and longtime Newberry College chief of staff Bobbie Sides ’80 will remember her life and honor her legacy with a service for the campus and community.

UPDATE: The Service of Remembrance & Thanksgiving, originally scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 22, has been postponed to Friday, Jan. 31, at 10 a.m., due to winter weather. The service will be held in Wiles Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are encouraged for a Newberry College scholarship fund in Bobbie Sides’ memory. Give online at newberry.edu/give or by check with “Bobbie Sides scholarship” in the memo line, made payable to Newberry College, 2100 College St. Newberry, SC 29108. Gifts can also be made over the phone at 803.321.5363.

Sides passed away Dec. 20 at the age of 82. She served Newberry College from 1974 until her passing, taking on numerous roles and touching the lives of generations of students, faculty and staff. Read her full obituary here.

Students, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to share memories and reflections on Sides’ life with Dr. Michael Smith, chair of Staff Council, at Michael.Smith@newberry.edu, or Campus Pastor David Coffman ’97 at David.Coffman@newberry.edu.

Sympathy cards for the family are being collected in the campus mail center in Wright Hall.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has earned renewed membership and accreditation with the National Association of Schools of Music, following successful completion of its comprehensive evaluation process.

“The Department of Music at Newberry College continues to shine as we prepare students for 21st-century careers in music,” said Dr. Jonathan Hall, chair of music and choral director. “This milestone speaks to the quality and commitment of our faculty, staff and administration to high-quality, student-centered education.”

According to the association, “accreditation, in practical terms, is a stamp of approval; a sign that an institution ascribes to, believes in, and has met an external set of basic criteria for the programs it offers. In some cases, accreditation assists in the transfer of credits from one institution to another. In all cases, it indicates that threshold standards are adhered to in a fashion that provides a base of academic strength and operational integrity.”

Accreditation was renewed for Newberry’s three music degree programs: Bachelor of Arts in music, with general and music theory focuses; Bachelor of Music Education, with choral and instrumental focuses; and Bachelor of Music in performance, with instrumental and vocal focuses.

Newberry College has been a proud member of the National Association of Schools of Music since 1979.

Founded in 1924, the National Association of Schools of Music is an organization of schools, conservatories, colleges, and universities with approximately 628 accredited institutional members. It establishes national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees and other credentials for music and music-related disciplines, and provides assistance to institutions and individuals engaged in artistic, scholarly, educational, and other music-related endeavors.

The association is recognized by the United States Department of Education as the agency responsible for the accreditation of all music curricula.

With hearts full of love and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Barbara Sides, known affectionately as "Bobbie" to most. She touched countless lives with her kindness, generosity, infectious spirit, and subtle yet delightful sense of humor. Her unwavering devotion to her family and work family leaves an indelible mark- a legacy to be honored and cherished.

Bobbie's connection to Newberry College was a cornerstone of her life. She fell in love with its character and charm, earning her secondary education there. Recognizing its potential, she dedicated 50 years to strengthening its foundation, ensuring its legacy would thrive for generations to come. In doing so, she unknowingly created a legacy of her own- a legacy built on love, service, and unwavering commitment to a place she held dear.

Bobbie was a loving and steadfast partner to her husband, the Rev. Floyd Sides. She supported him with the same passion, faith, and dedication she poured into every aspect of her life. Together, they built a partnership rooted in faith, love, and shared purpose that continues to inspire.

As a mother, Bobbie set the standard for love and devotion. She balanced compassion with strength, always guiding her children and grandchildren with wisdom, patience, and selflessness. Her nurturing spirit shaped the people they are today, instilling values that will endure for generations.

Bobbie found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved reading, cooking, and exploring hobbies that allowed her to share creative tokens of herself with family, friends, and even strangers—who often became fast friends. She also had a gift for finding laughter in life’s challenges, bringing light to even the darkest moments.

On December 20, 2024, surrounded by love, Bobbie walked gracefully into the arms of her Lord. She was welcomed by those who preceded her, including her mother, Louise Honeycutt; her father, Bernard J. Holshouser; her grandmother, Sallie Mae Holshouser; her grandfather, Arch Holshouser, her stepmother, Naomi Holshouser; her father-in-law, George Henry Sides; and her mother-in-law, Esther Morgan Sides.

Bobbie's legacy continues through those who loved her most. She is survived by her devoted husband, the Rev. Floyd Sides; her daughter, Kim Havird (Benny); her son, Gene Sides (Carol); her sister, Lynne Flood; her brother, David Holshouser (Melanie); her grandson, Tyler Havird; her granddaughter, Kelsey Havird; her nephews, Matthew (Heath) and Timothy Flood (Catherine); her nieces, Emily Hill (Chris) and Laura Holshouser, grand-nephews, Connor Hill and Jack Flood; grand-niece Molly Parker Flood; a step-granddaughter, Devon Ruscito (Joe); and a step-grandson, Dylan Keim.

A private service will be held for the family, honoring Bobbie’s wishes. A celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date, allowing all who knew and loved her to gather in remembrance and gratitude for the profound impact she made.

Bobbie’s life was a testament to faith, love, and service. Her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift, a reminder of the beauty she brought to this world and the joy she leaves in our hearts.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has conferred degrees upon its largest fall graduating class, honoring 125 graduates, a beloved professor, and new inductees into the Bachman Honor Society. The commencement exercises were held Dec. 13 in Wiles Chapel.

Commencement Address

Each spring, the Student Government Association selects a Professor of the Year, whose honors include the keynote address at fall commencement. This honor was presented to the Rev. Dr. Lerone Wilder, assistant professor of religion, who joined the faculty in 2021.

“The impact of Hurricane Helene taught us that whatever the circumstances, the situation or the condition, the Wolves are built to handle the expected, the unexpected, the planned, the unplanned, the wanted and the unwanted, the seen and the unseen. The Wolves say, ‘bring it on!’” said Wilder.

“Let us now take this time of celebration and contemplation into a charge to which we must commit — the commitment to keep learning, build bridges, become a blessing … become helpful, courageous, creative and collaborative … to think critically, and to be the change we want to see,” said Wilder.

Special Awards

Newberry College took the opportunity to pay tribute to the late Rev. Dr. Mike Beggs, beloved professor of religion who passed away in October 2023. With his family in attendance, the college presented Beggs with emeritus status and the Luceo Mea Luce award, the faculty’s highest honor. The award is given to individuals whose lives of devotion, learning and service exemplify the motto, “by my light, I enlighten.” Beggs’ sons, Zach and Nathan, accepted the awards, respectively.

“Dr. Mike Beggs dedicated 21 years of service to Newberry College, enriching the lives of countless students, faculty, staff and community members,” said President Maurice Scherrens.

“Dr. Beggs was known for his open-door policy. Students could often be found in his office discussing everything from the quality of the cafeteria food to the theological complexities of the Bible and the early church fathers,” said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs. “In his deliberateness and thoughtfulness, in his ability to listen, in his laughter, he enlightened us.”

Bachman Honor Society

Founded in 1962 by Phi Beta Kappa-affiliated professors, the Bachman Honor Society recognizes seniors in the top 8% of their class, as well as distinguished members of the faculty and staff. The society is named for the Rev. John Bachman, Newberry College’s principal founder and first chair of its Board of Trustees. Induction is the highest academic honor the College bestows. The following seven graduates were inducted:

Joe Castles IV, a biology major from West Columbia.
Victor Deji, a pre-engineering student from Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
Benedikt Fischer, a political science major from Regensburg, Germany.
Lea Hamilton, an elementary education major from Pomaria.
Cecil Lilly, a biology major from Edgefield.
Rachael Slayman, a psychology major from Leesville.
Taylor Spires, an early childhood education major from Winnsboro.

Among the faculty inductees were:

Matthew Fuller, professor of theatre and director of technical theatre.
Dr. Jodie Peeler, professor and chair of communications.
Dr. J. Tracy Power, associate professor of history and college archivist.

The awards were presented by Dr. Lenna Young '77, chair of the Newberry College Board of Trustees.

Class of 2024 Quick Facts

The fall class comprised 114 undergraduates and 11 master’s graduates, who represented 16 states and 10 other countries — Belarus, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Kenya, Nigeria, Sweden, the United Kingdom and Zimbabwe. The most popular majors were respiratory therapy (18), nursing (18), business administration (10), biology (nine) and exercise science & human performance (seven).

Photo Gallery

Note: A link to the full photo gallery will be made available to graduates via email. All individual portraits are available for purchase from Grad Images.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College held its Presidential Scholarship Competition for fall 2024, welcoming its largest group of participants in the six years since the competition was established.

For each participant the competition included an essay reviewed by English faculty, an honors program form and a one-on-one interview with a professor.

The grand prize went to Benjamin Weaver, a senior at Eastside High School in Covington, Georgia. After enrolling at Newberry for fall 2025, Weaver plans to major in communications. The award was presented by Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs.

The next competition will be held Feb. 1 on the college campus. Participation is by invitation based on GPA. If you are an admitted student, check your admission portal to see if you are eligible to participate. If you have any questions, contact Kenley Longshore '19, assistant director of admission, at Kenley.Longshore@newberry.edu or 803.321.5132.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College has appointed Steven Janowiak as vice president for student affairs.

Janowiak comes to Newberry from Valparaiso University in Indiana, where he has worked in student life for over a decade. Most recently, he served as vice president for student life, beginning on an interim basis in 2020 before being promoted in 2021. There he spearheaded the university’s response to COVID-19, oversaw a change of the university’s nickname and mascot, and integrated multiple campus departments into the Division of Student Life.

Before Valaparaiso, he served as vice president for student development and dean of students at Briar Cliff University in Iowa; and as assistant dean of student affairs at the University of Idaho.

“Steve Janowiak brings decades of experience as a leader in student affairs who puts students first,” said Dr. Maurice Scherrens, president of Newberry College. “Steve will be an invaluable asset as Newberry continues to reimagine the student experience, and find new ways of meeting the needs of our students inside and outside the classroom.”

Janowiak holds a master’s degree in educational leadership from the University of Idaho, and a bachelor's degree in business administration and human resource management from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point.

“I am humbled and honored to have the opportunity to serve as the next vice president for student affairs and dean of students at Newberry College,” said Janowiak. "I am excited to join our Student Affairs team, help lead our student development efforts, and work together to build a student experience with the opportunities and resources students need to succeed on campus and in life."

NEWBERRY — The Newberry College Alumni Association presented its annual outstanding alumni awards Nov. 2, as part of the college’s 102nd Homecoming celebration.

The association honors graduates who have distinguished themselves in service to their communities, professions, churches and alma mater. The awards were presented by the Rev. David W. Coffman ’97, campus pastor, and Jessica Beam Shealy ’12, president of the association.

The Alumni Distinguished Service Award was presented to Dr. James Ann Lynch Sheley ’76. Sheley is an accomplished retired educator and school administrator who has played numerous active roles in service to Newberry College. She has been a member of the Alumni Board of Managers, Women’s League, and chaired the Speers Street School Campaign Committee, which helped create what is now the Center for Teacher Education. Among her many honors, she was inducted into the Newberry College Hall of Master Teachers in 2014.

She is a member of St. Andrews Lutheran Church in Columbia. She is married to Michael Brooks Sheley and they have two sons, Kyle Lynch ’12 and Chad Lynch, and three grandchildren.

The Thomas A. Epting Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Dr. Laura Neath Black ’71. Black has celebrated her 55th year in education, with 45 of those as an educator of future teachers. At Newberry, she has served on the college’s Board of Trustees, the Alumni Board of Managers, and advisory committees for the Division of Teacher Education, the Newberry College Women’s League, and the Scarlet & Gray Athletic Club. She was inducted into the Newberry College Hall of Master Teachers in 2016, and received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 1984.

She is a member of University Lutheran Church in Clemson. She has a son, John Vinson, a stepdaughter, Leanne Broome, and two grandsons.

The Philip T. Kelly Jr. Outstanding Young Alumni Award was presented to Samantha Dorsey Mullis ’12. Mullis celebrates a decade of work in the legal field. She currently serves as assistant general counsel for a university and performs pro bono work, most recently in service to Hurricane Helene disaster relief cases in Georgia, among other community service efforts. She has served on the Alumni Board of Managers since 2018.

Mullis resides in Augusta, Georgia, with her husband, Justin, and their two sons, Conner and Asher.

The association also recognized the reunion classes of 1964, 1974, 1984, 1999, and 2014 for their respective anniversary milestones.

Pictured (left to right): Dr. James Ann Sheley '76, Samantha Mullis '12, and Dr. Laura Black '71. Photographer: Marshall Maddy.

ROME, Ga. — The Newberry College Speech & Debate Team made an outstanding impression at the Autumn in the Mountains Forensic Tournament, held Oct. 26 at Berry College.

The team demonstrated exceptional talent across a variety of categories, including after-dinner speaking, dramatic interpretation, extemporaneous speaking, impromptu sales, impromptu speaking, informative speaking, persuasive speaking, program oral interpretation, public narrative, and slam poetry. This event provided a platform for students to refine their abilities, engage in friendly competition and foster camaraderie with peers from other institutions.

The following Newberry students placed in their respective competitions:

• Jada Felder placed 4th in public narrative

• Zy'Tavien Abrams placed as the top novice in program oral interpretation

• Paul Fisher secured 6th in impromptu sales

• Denim Morrison placed 6th in informative speaking

The team showcased its skills and passion for the art of communication, competing against institutions such as the University of Alabama, the University of Florida, UNC Charlotte and the University of Georgia, among others.

The Newberry College Speech Team fosters a love for public speaking and debate among its members, providing them with opportunities to grow as communicators and leaders. The team looks forward to continuing its season with competitions next semester.

For more information about the Newberry College Speech & Debate program, please contact head coach David Harpool at David.Harpool@newberry.edu.

NEWBERRY — Two Newberry College online programs have been named among the best in the country, according to rankings released by higher education research engine Intelligent.com.

Newberry’s accelerated online bachelor’s in psychology was honored at No. 6 in the nation. It was the only program based from the southeastern United States to make the list. Newberry even placed ahead of more well-known names in online education, such as Maryville (No. 14) and Southern New Hampshire University (No. 16).

Newberry’s Bachelor of Science in respiratory therapy was named No. 21. The program is the only baccalaureate degree in respiratory therapy offered by a South Carolina-based school.

To prepare its rankings, Intelligent.com undertook a comprehensive analysis of over 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide. Each program was evaluated based on academic quality, faculty, graduation rate, cost, return on investment, and available student resources.

“Newberry College continues to prepare students to be successful and effective as industry and society’s demands continue to evolve,” said Dr. Beth Hinga, vice president for academic affairs. “What students find at Newberry, whether they attend online or in-person, is personal attention, innovation, affordability and flexibility, and these rankings are a reflection of that.”

Newberry offers six fully online undergraduate programs — business administration, criminal justice, health care management, psychology, RN-to-BSN, and respiratory therapy.

The College also offers four fully online master’s programs — criminal justice, organizational development & leadership, and sport management & leadership. Classes in the newest addition, a Master of Education in teaching, learning & curriculum, begin April 29, 2025.

Each online program offers multiple starts per year to fit students’ individual needs. To learn more or apply, please contact OnlineAdmissions@newberry.edu.

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. — A new book vividly chronicles the fierce historical rivalry between Newberry College and Presbyterian College, known as the Bronze Derby.

“The Li’l Bronze Derby That Was!” by Presbyterian graduate Chip Porter, explores the origin and history of the rivalry, as well as its legendary symbol. The book is published by Tybee Island-based Maudlin Pond Press.

Dr. J. Tracy Power, associate professor of history and archivist at Newberry College, wrote the book’s foreword.

“I’ve known about the Bronze Derby for many years, having heard stories about it from my wife, Carol, a P.C. graduate, back when we were dating. So, I was quite familiar with the Bronze Derby tradition when I came to Newberry in 2014,” said Power. “Chip is a born storyteller, and his book should appeal to alumni and friends of both schools, from those who remember the Thanksgiving Day clashes between the Blue Hose and the Indians, to those learning about them for the first time.”

The Newberry-Presbyterian rivalry began almost as soon as the two schools began competing athletically. The competition took on new life in 1947, when the Bronze Derby was born out of controversy. Beginning later that year, the trophy was passed to the victor of each meeting in baseball, basketball and football from 1947 until 1956. The trophy was limited to football for the next 50 years until Presbyterian left NCAA Division II.

In 2006, the rivalry was the second-oldest collegiate series in South Carolina, behind that of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

Porter is also the author of “The Southern Massacre: The Story of the 1979 Presbyterian College Blue Hose Football Team” (Maudlin Pond Press, 2023).

The 650-page work is available online for pre-order at maudlinpond.com.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College will celebrate its 12th annual Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week with a series of events from Oct. 21-27. The series is designed to inspire appreciation for the multiplicities of humanity and bring people together on common ground. This year’s theme is “Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something.”

This year’s program will include the following events, which are free and open to the public, unless otherwise noted.

Monday, Oct. 21
Keynote and Q&A with Members and Mentors of DAYLO
7 p.m. | Gnann Conference Room, Center for Teacher Education

Join us as we kick off Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week with a keynote from DAYLO student leaders Patrick Good and Kate Selvitelli, with mentors Claire Bennett and Jonathan Haupt. Nationally recognized for its pro-literacy advocacy in response to censorship, the Diversity Awareness Youth Literacy Organization is a student-led diversity-themed book club and community service group with chapters across South Carolina. The organization was recognized in 2023 by the American Association of School Librarians for its defense of intellectual freedom and First Amendment rights. Haupt (right) is the executive director of the nonprofit Pat Conroy Literacy Center in Beaufort. A ‘meet, greet & eat’ with the keynote speakers will be held at 6 p.m., just before the start of the presentation.

Tuesday, Oct. 22
Literature for Life: Seeing our World through Mirrors and Windows
6 p.m. | Cathy Mitchell Children’s Library, Center for Teacher Education

This event is a discussion on diversity in children’s literature and a celebration of local and Newberry College authors. The celebration will include a presentation by Newberry-born educator and motivational speaker Dr. Timothy B. Hunter.

Wednesday, Oct. 23
Wednesday Chapel
10 a.m. | Wiles Chapel

The Rev. Ken Nelson '90, superintendent for the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, will deliver the homily at the weekly Wednesday Chapel service.

Wednesday, Oct. 23
Makin’ Cake with Dasha Kelly Hamilton
7 p.m. | Newberry Opera House

In her show, Hamilton slices into American history exploring race, culture and class in a refreshing and fun way. It is storytelling in layers and filled with aha moments and poignant vignettes, digital media and a supporting cast of two on-stage bakers. A cake reception immediately follows the performance. This event is a collaboration with the Newberry Opera House, free for Newberry College students with ID and $15 for general admission.

Thursday, Oct. 24
Banned Books on Fire
3:30 p.m. | Gnann Conference Room, Center for Teacher Education

Join us for a discussion panel around books that have been banned, presently and historically, in libraries, bookstores, and schools.

Friday, Oct. 25
Table Talk
Noon | Kaufmann Dining Hall

The Muller Center for Multicultural & Civic Engagement invites you for a lively lunchtime discussion around the theme, “Don’t Just Sit There, Do Something.”

Friday, Oct. 25
A Cookout Connecting Diversity
4-8 p.m. | Patio at Kaufmann Hall

Newberry students, faculty and staff are encouraged to enjoy food, fellowship and discussion.

Sunday, Oct. 27
Beyond the Score: Celebrating Diversity in Music
6 p.m. | West Memorial Recital Hall, Alumni Music Center

Presented by the Newberry College Music Society, this inaugural event features talented performers showcasing works from underrepresented backgrounds.

About Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week

Dufford Diversity & Inclusion Week began in 2013 with the vision and generosity of Dr. William “Bill” Dufford '49, who continues to sponsor the program. Dufford made history in 1969 as the school administrator responsible for integrating the Sumter County school system. As an educator, he has been a lifelong advocate for civil rights and quality education for all.

This year’s series is also made possible in part by a grant from South Carolina Humanities, a state program of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Established in 1973, the council enriches the cultural and intellectual lives of South Carolinians through literary initiatives, lectures, exhibits, festivals, publications, oral history projects, videos and other humanities-based experiences.

Presented in collaboration with campus and community partners, the series is curated by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging, and the Dufford Diversity Committee.

Please check back to this page for updates on campus operations.

Classes are back on regular schedules as of Thursday, Oct. 3.

Home athletic events scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, and beyond are set to proceed as scheduled.

Power & Campus Safety

Power crews, both local and from Alabama and other states, have made significant progress restoring power to the city. Main campus, the Center for Teacher Education, and Oakland Mill have power restored. Residential students in College-owned, off-campus housing still without power are asked to call 803.944.1344 to be moved onto campus or for other assistance.

As facilities staff continue to inspect trees in the aftermath of Helene, all are urged to continue to use caution when moving about campus. Trees are still vulnerable due to saturated ground and loosened limbs.

To buildings, the most major damage reported on campus has been in the Summerland Honors House, and the third and fourth floors of the Science & Mathematics building. As a result, the Summerland Honors House, and the fourth floor and half of the third floor of the Science & Mathematics building are closed. Damage will be assessed further next week.

Charging stations are available for students, faculty & staff at the Center for Teacher Education. Check local municipal authorities' social media for more information on charging stations, showers, and other resources for those without utilities.

Students, if you are unable to return to campus for class, or if you have other needs for the College to know, please notify StudentSuccess@newberry.edu, and your professors directly if able. Faculty can use the same email address regarding individual student returns or concerns.

Faculty & staff, if you are unable to return to campus, please notify your supervisor or Human.Resources@newberry.edu.

Meals & Provisions

Kaufmann Dining Hall, Freshens, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and the Pod (Science & Math building) have resumed normal operating hours.

For those without power or the ability to purchase food, there are several opportunities for free meals and water in the community:

• Bottled water and ready-to-eat meals at the Newberry County Sheriff's Office, 550 Wilson Rd. All day as long as supplies last.

• Spaghetti plates (with corn, salad, rolls, dessert & beverage) free with College ID, courtesy of Linda Wise Floyd and Kameka Wilson Griffin, 3584 Grant Ave., apartment 23A. Thursday from 3:30 p.m. as long as supplies last.

• Hotdogs, courtesy of the Newberry YMCA, 8220 Jollystreet Rd, Newberry. Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11:30 a.m. as long as supplies last.

Serving Our Neighbors

In the wake of Helene, many in our community have sustained damage to homes, vehicles and yards, and cleanup will continue for some time. Many are still without power. The College is coordinating volunteer efforts in our community.

We're looking for students, faculty, staff, or contracted staff members living in Newberry County who need support with small clean-up efforts; or those who are willing to volunteer to help those who do.

If you need clean-up assistance, click here.

If you'd like to volunteer, click here.

Assistance for Hurricane Recovery

Federal assistance is available to eligible individuals and families affected by Helene in 13 designated South Carolina counties, including Newberry. To apply for FEMA aid, click here.

Also, if your food spoils because of the power outage, your homeowner's insurance may be able to help pay to replace your food. Most standard homeowners' insurance policies cover up to $500 in food loss after a power outage, but only if the cause of the outage is covered by your policy. Please reach out to your insurance provider for details.

Newberry Medical Center of Newberry College

The clinic at Darby Nursing & Health Science Center, operated by Newberry Hospital, reopened Tuesday. Regular hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mental Health

The Office of Mental Health Counseling is offering virtual counseling sessions for students Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Click here to schedule an appointment.

Activities

OL Casey Fitness Center is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through the back door only.

The Wright Hall mail center is operating on normal hours, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The pool is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The game room is open from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Coming Events

On Thursday, Oct. 3, students can look forward to an ultimate frisbee tournament, beginning at 6 p.m. on Walker Field. Register for the tournament with k.powell@newberry.edu. That evening at 9 p.m. in Kohn Lecture Hall, join the Office of Student Life for Spongebob trivia.

Kickoff for Saturday's football game has been moved to 1 p.m. to allow our friends from Mars Hill (north of Asheville, North Carolina) enough time to navigate home safely with the help of daylight. In addition to recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month, the College will offer free tickets and recognition to employees of the City of Newberry, Newberry Electric Cooperative, Aramark, Metz Culinary Management, Allied Security, and local law enforcement. These personnel will also be able to enjoy the hospitality suites in Founders Field House during the game, with snacks and drinks. All this is a small token of gratitude for their ongoing hard work in the wake of Helene.

The Mars Hill Lions and their surrounding communities have been devastated by Hurricane Helene. Newberry College invites supporters to help one of our South Atlantic Conference schools in need. Some local students having lost everything, and their ability to attend college is in jeopardy, compounded by the grief that comes with the destruction. A gift to the Mars Hill Scholarship Fund will ensure that not only immediate needs are met, but also the long-term needs these students face as they finish their degrees in the face of financial ruin for their families. Click here to donate to help the students of Mars Hill.

In the community, Newberry Oktoberfest, originally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 5, has been rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 19.

Family Weekend, originally planned for Oct. 4-5, has been rescheduled for Oct. 25-26.

Fall Break, scheduled for Oct. 10-11, will proceed as planned.

For More Information

Parents are asked to call Campus Security at 803.940.0672 if communication with students is urgently needed. Students: call Campus Security if you need assistance or transportation across campus.

Send general questions to Michael.Smith@newberry.edu.

Faculty & staff are encouraged to email human.resources@newberry.edu for questions and support.

Stay tuned to this page, campus email, and Newberry College social media for continued updates.

WASHINGTON — Newberry College stands consistently among the South’s best colleges, as reaffirmed by rankings released today by U.S. News & World Report.

Newberry has been ranked in the following categories:

• Best Regional Colleges — South: No. 15

• Best Value — Regional South: No. 4

• Social Mobility — Regional South: No. 8

• Best Colleges for Veterans — Regional South: No. 4

The College celebrates its ninth consecutive year in the region’s overall top 20, maintaining its rapid rise as a leader among southern institutions. Newberry stood at No. 41 in 2016 before joining the top 20 the following year.

“We are so pleased to see our commitment to excellence, shared by our students, alumni, faculty and staff, reflected in these regional rankings,” said President Maurice Scherrens. “Newberry continues not only to buck trends that we’re seeing across higher education, but to deliver life-changing outcomes for our students, no matter who they are or where they come from.”

In addition to the overall ranking, the College stayed among the top 10 for best value for its ninth consecutive year. This is due in large part to the Newberry’s Tuition Promise, which freezes tuition for incoming students for their four years, along with its generous scholarship packages. Most recently, Newberry was certified as a South Carolina Teaching Fellows institution, providing financial and professional support for high-achieving education majors.

Newberry has been acclaimed as a top-10 Southern college for social mobility since the category was created in 2020. Social mobility measures the six-year graduation rates of students who receive federal Pell Grants, available to students from households earning under $50,000 per year. Most of these funds benefit students with family incomes below $20,000.

Finally, Newberry was recognized for the second consecutive year as a top-10 best college for veterans. This comes as the College entered a historic partnership with the South Carolina Army National Guard in May. The agreement includes a $1,000 scholarship, acceptance of all tuition assistance from the South Carolina Army National Guard, and an on-campus liaison for students who are members of the guard.

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Newberry College Speech & Debate Team enjoyed an outstanding performance at the seventh annual Tennessee Valley Invitational Forensics Tournament, held last weekend at Pellissippi Community College.

The team demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, competing against talented participants from Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and South Carolina.

The team included Zy’Tavien Abrams, Jada Felder, Paul Fisher, Gamahl Keels-Bobo, Wil Lopez, Denim Morrison, Nia Quimby and Jordan Seay. The team excelled across many forensic disciplines, including extemporaneous speaking, public narrative, poetry interpretation, after-dinner speaking, impromptu speaking, broadcast journalism, impromptu sales, slam poetry, and debate.

Notable results from the tournament include:

Zy’Tavien Abrams

• Third place in Poetry Interpretation

• Fifth place in Slam Poetry

Paul Fisher

• Third place in the Pentathlon (competing in five or more events)

Denim Morrison

• Second place in Informative Speaking

• Sixth place in Persuasive Speaking

Nia Quimby

• Sixth place in After-Dinner Speaking

Jordan Seay

• Fourth place in Public Narrative

Established in spring 2023, the Newberry College Speech & Debate Team fosters effective communication and critical thinking skills through competitive events and rigorous training.

The team will compete Sept. 27-28 in the 2024 Sunshine State Series, hosted by the University of Central Florida and the University of West Florida. Newberry will join colleges from 10 states in 11 speaking, oral interpretation and debate events.

To learn more about the team, click here.

NEWBERRY — Newberry College is partnering with a host of organizations in the community to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. The commemoration is marked annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise stated.

“Newberry College is proud to be celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month to highlight the richness of the Hispanic cultures and their contributions to our campus and community,” said Dr. Altheia Richardson, vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion & belonging. “We have a wonderful team of students, staff, faculty and community members who have played a role in planning the lineup of activities and we look forward to welcoming our neighbors to campus for the community events.”

The events will include:

• On Sept. 16, a variety of Hispanic dishes will be served in Kaufmann Dining Hall. The buffet-style lunch is served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., and guests eat for $8.75.

• On Sept. 18 and Oct. 16, Hispanic Heritage Month Table Talks will feature members of the local Hispanic community. The lunchtime talks will be held in Kaufmann Dining Hall, noon to 1 p.m. Guests eat for $8.75.

• On Sept. 23, the College will host an inaugural Hispanic Heritage Community Festival, including salsa dancing, a mariachi band, arts and crafts, food trucks, and Aztec dancers. The festival will be on the campus quad from 6-9 p.m.

• Sept. 28 will be Hispanic Heritage Day at Newberry College’s home football game against the University of Virginia at Wise. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Setzler Field. Tickets can be purchased in advance at newberrywolves.com.

• On Oct. 14, there will be a moonlight movie night featuring Disney’s “Coco,” beginning at 8 p.m. on the campus quad.

Throughout the month, Wessels Library will host a Hispanic Heritage Month display, along with a special display for the Day of the Dead from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

Click here to view the campus map.

The monthlong celebration’s sponsors include Newberry College’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging; Muller Center for Multicultural & Civic Engagement; Office of Student Life; Newberry College Athletics; Wessels Library; Division of Teacher Education; and Office of First-Year Experience.

Community partners include Metz Culinary Management; the City of Newberry; the Newberry Arts Center; the Clinton Newberry Natural Gas Authority; Keep Newberry County Beautiful; Clark Enoree Sand; Liz Rivera; Rubi Flores; Waldo Tapia; The Palms; The Gallery; Martin Street Parlor; and Robert Matheson.

National Hispanic Heritage Month has celebrated the contributions of Hispanic Americans, including people whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, according to HispanicHeritageMonth.gov. The observation began in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson, and it was expanded in 1988 by President Ronald Reagan to cover a 30-day period. Spanning the months of September and October, the observation includes the independence days of seven Latin American countries.

For more information about the College’s festivities, please contact Richardson or Carlton Kinard '16, associate director for multicultural & civic engagement.

COLUMBIA and NEWBERRY, S.C. — Columbia College and Newberry College have been selected as co-hosts for the South Carolina Teaching Fellows program, with the first cohort opening in fall 2025.

The fellowship, administered by the Center for Educator Recruitment, Retention & Advancement, recruits talented high school seniors to become teachers in South Carolina. The highly selective program is hosted by 14 higher education institutions across the state, four of which are private. The Columbia-Newberry collaboration is the first in the Teaching Fellows program's 25-year history.

Dr. Tracy West, dean of the Division of Education at Columbia College, shared, “Teaching Fellows has been an important piece of educator preparation in the Division of Education at Columbia College, and we are excited to bring this opportunity to our students once again! Partnering with Newberry College, where students can either choose to become a Columbia Koala or a Newberry Wolf, is a recipe for success that can propel the program’s evolution forward.”

“We are thrilled that Teaching Fellows is back at Newberry College!” said Dr. Susan Fernandez, dean of education at Newberry. “The pinnacle piece of this program is our partnership with Columbia College. Both colleges are positioned to fully support Fellows through experiential learning, specialized advisement and instruction, financial support, advocacy, and more.”

Across the state, up to 230 fellowships are awarded yearly to prospective college students who exhibit academic achievement, service to school and community, and a desire to teach in South Carolina. Once enrolled at the college of their choice, Teaching Fellows participate in advanced enrichment programs with unique professional and leadership development opportunities. Each fellow receives up to $24,000, or up to $6,000 per year for four years, toward completion of their degree.

In return, fellows agree to teach in a South Carolina public school for one year for every year they receive the fellowship. According to CERRA, 93.3% of graduates, or 2,465 fellows, have either satisfied their loan or are currently teaching for loan forgiveness in a South Carolina public school.

Applications for the fall 2025 Teaching Fellows cohort open in September. Interested students must apply for Teaching Fellows fellowships during their final year of high school. To apply for Teaching Fellows, visit cerra.org.