Mr. Mark Wright, sports journalist, and documentarian to give commencement address at Allen University

Columbia, SC – 5/01/2022 - Mark Wright, sports journalist, documentarian, and avid HBCU supporter, will address the members of the class of 2022 at Allen University’s commencement ceremony on May 7 at 10:00 a.m.

A proud alumnus of Howard University, Mark Wright’s career has diversified as the industry he loves has evolved. He has since dominated newspaper, magazine, digital, and video platforms and has served as a prominent voice during a time of intense racial wakening. As a journalist and filmmaker, he spent most of his career at ESPN. He began with ESPN Magazine and migrated to ESPN Events and The Undefeated, where he wrote about soccer, culture, race, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs.)

“Along with Mark Wright’s work as a journalist and filmmaker, his effort to capture the HBCU culture is commendable,” said Dr. Ernest McNealey, president of Allen University.

“Throughout his career, he has amplified the voices of generations, empowering them to make lifelong impacts on their communities. As our graduates prepare to launch into the next phase of their lives, I am confident they will be inspired by his story and immolate similar acts to uphold the standards of HBCUs everywhere.”

ESPN fueled Wright’s passion for documentary filmmaking. He wrote and produced Redemption Song, a 30 for 30 film on Howard University’s national soccer championship, executive produced by Spike Lee.

Wright honed his skills as a producer on other critically acclaimed films, including SEC Storied documentaries, The Walk off, and No Experience Required. 

While at ESPN, Wright and his wife, fellow journalist Heather Wright established Wright Creative. Their company seamlessly blends journalism and storytelling while implementing layers of authentic and diverse aspects in content marketing.

This firm serves fortune 100-500 companies and assists them with discovering and articulating their untold stories. Industries such as TIAA Cref, Kellogg, Trane Sunbelt Rentals, Parkdale, and the NAACP are a few of their noteworthy clients.

Though his career has been significant, Mr. Wright’s most rewarding accomplishment is becoming a doting father of three. He continues to be a sought-after speaker and filmmaker of monumental accounts through words and moving pictures.

For more information about Allen University, visit www.allenuniveristy.edu.

Contact

Tiana Scarlett

Allen University, Director of Marketing and Communications

803-376-5717 | Tscarlett@allenuniversity.edu

Spring 2022 Virtual Career, Graduate and Professional School Fair

Allen University announces the Sam Davis Memorial Athletics Scholarship Fund

(Columbia, SC) – Please join Allen University as we commemorate the life of four-time champion Pittsburgh Steeler and former Allenite, Mr. Sam Davis, on March 14, 2022, at 11:00am in Adams Gymnasium on the campus of Allen University. This event is open to the public.

The development of a four-million-dollar endowment scholarship for Sam Davis is an alumni campaign initiated by the Columbia chapter with the full support of the General Alumni Association of Allen University, Inc. Sam Davis was a passionate student athlete at Allen from 1963-1967. As a senior at Allen, Mr. Davis helped his team achieve 983 rushing yards, 913 passing yards, and 181 points on the board. As a free agent, he was drafted to the Pittsburgh Steelers and started as their left offensive guard from 1970-1979. To honor his professional accomplishments, Allen retired his jersey in 2005.

The Columbia Chapter of the General Alumni Association of Allen University, Inc., aims to provide 57 athletics scholarships. The 57 scholarships represent the number Mr. Davis wore during an exemplary career as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Allen’s Alumni President, Mr. Lamar Brown said, “The Sam Davis Memorial Athletics Scholarship Fund is a terrific opportunity for student athletes attending Allen University, and a reminder that it’s not about where you come from, it’s about where you’re going. When preparation meets opportunity, it means achieving all that can be imagined.”

The scholarships are intended to enhance competitive recruitment for student athletes. Strengthening recruitment will significantly increase enrollment and student retention. It will also aid the University in attracting quality faculty and staff and expanding academic offerings.

The Sam Davis Memorial Athletics Scholarship Fund by the General Alumni Association of Allen University, Inc. is an excellent example of the organization’s willingness to independently establish programs and initiatives that support AU students. The Association plans to renew an equal number of scholarships every four years.

About Allen University

Allen University is a private Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and a leading liberal arts institution dedicated to shaping scholars into innovative thinkers, impactful workers, and community change agents. Located in Columbia, SC, Allen University is the only HBCU in the state with seminary program and is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

www.allenuniversity.edu

Allen mourns the loss of esteemed alumni, Judge Mildred Weathers McDuffie

(Columbia, S.C. February 3, 2022) – Allen University is saddened by the loss of long-time educator and Allen alumni, Judge Mildred Weathers McDuffie. Judge McDuffie dedicated her life to serving her community and church. She was also a trailblazer in the fight for human rights and social justice.

Judge McDuffie taught students of Richland District One for almost thirty-five years and was appointed as a Summary Court Judge soon after retiring from the school district.

“As the Allen family mourns the loss of Judged Mildred McDuffie, we extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and colleagues. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time,” Allen’s President, Dr. Ernest McNealey, said.

 Because of her impactful leadership and positive influence on the community, in 2018, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Columbia approved the honorary naming of the 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1000 blocks of King Street between Millwood Avenue and Blossom Street, “Judge Mildred McDuffie Way.”

McDuffie was inducted into the Richland One Hall of Fame in February 2020.

Allen University announces honorees for 16th annual UNCF Scholarship Gala

(Columbia, SC - 01/21/2022) - Allen University will host the 16th annual UNCF Scholarship Gala and Richard Allen Awards on Friday, February 11, 2022. The formal event will begin at 7:00 pm at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

The 2022 Richard Allen Award honorees are Mr. Ray Tanner, Dr. Gregory B. Levett, Sr., and Mr. James A. Muhammad. The award recognizes trailblazers who have made exceptional contributions to education and their communities.

Mr. Ray Tanner, the University of South Carolina Athletics Director, oversees a program where student-athletes achieve tremendous success in competitions, classrooms, and the community. His athletes have also posted a cumulative 3.0 GPA or better in 29-consecutive semesters. Under his watch, the Gamecocks have won two national championships, 16 S.E.C. regular season and tournament championships, and posted three of the top six finishers in the Learfield I.M.G. College Directors' Cup All-Sports Standings in school history. Mr. Tanner also spearheaded the development of "The Gamecock Student- Athlete Promise," which guarantees four-year scholarships for all qualifying sports.

Dr. Gregory B. Levett, Sr., founded Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory in 1980. To date, Dr. Levett has donated over $2 million to institutions of higher learning, churches, hospitals, charities, and community organizations. Dr. Levett currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors for Emory University Hospital and on the budget and finance committee for Emory DeKalb Hospital. He continues to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather and father, who understood success is rooted in helping and serving others.

Mr. James A. Muhammad is the first African American President & C.E.O. of Lakeshore Public Media. His transformative leadership style has converted Lakeshore Public Media into a nationally recognized public media operation. He is also one of the few African Americans responsible for the monumental joint venture between PBS and NPR. Upon his arrival, Lakeshore won its first Emmy Award and has been recognized for four Emmy Award nominations.

For more information on the gala, visit www. Gala@allenuniversity.edu or contact Mr. Ti Barnes, Director of Development/Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (803) 376-5724 or Tbarnes@allenuniversity.edu.

Furthering STEM Education: Allen University partners with Colonial Life

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 14, 2022

(Columbia, S.C.) – Allen University’s Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital’s capital campaign recently received a boost from Colonial Life with a $100,000 pledge.The gift is payable over a three-year period (2022-2024) and the funds will be used to:

• Support a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) summer camp for highschool students ($7,500 annually)

• Support programming within the Boeing Institute on Civility – a national hub for advancing civil discourse in America ($12,500 annually)

• Name a classroom within the Boeing Institute on Civility ($40,000) “Colonial Life’s support of Allen University through The Boeing Institute on Civility and the summer STEM camp for students is an investment in our future.” said Tim Arnold, President of Colonial Life. “This partnership aligns with our commitments to inclusion and diversity and providing students with equitable access to quality education.”

For Allen University, corporate partners have been instrumental in the tremendous growth and success the university has experienced in recent years. The technology infrastructure has grown exponentially with the deployment of a virtual server (cloud), universal tools for students, and 5g capacity across the campus. Grants and pledges from companies like Colonial Life are important to this continued growth.

“Colonial Life has been an extraordinary corporate citizen in South Carolina via its leadership and community-based programming, as well as its support of higher education. We are pleased to have the company as a contributor to the Waverly Hospital Restoration and Expansion Project, and a partner in other ventures that serve the greater good, “says Dr. Ernest McNealey, President of Allen University.

About Allen University

Allen University is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Allen University.

For more information about Allen University, visit: www.allenuniversity.edu.

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company

Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Unum Group, provides financial protection benefits to America’s workers and their families when the unexpected happens. The company offers workplace benefits, including disability, life, accident, dental, cancer, critical illness and hospital confinement indemnity insurance. Colonial Life’s benefit services, education and innovative enrollment technology supports over 87,000 businesses and 4 million workers. In 2020, Colonial Life paid more than $700 million in benefits to policyholders.

Chairman of the Board at Allen University Receives DNC At- Large Member Nomination.

Columbia, SC – 10/05/2021 - Allen University's Chairman, Rev. Dr. Samuel L. Green, Sr., has been nominated for a Democratic National Committee At-Large Member position by Chairman of the DNC, Jaime Harrison. With support from both President Joseph Biden and Chairman Harrison, Bishop Green is likely to secure the position this Saturday, October 9, 2021.

As a DNC At-Large Member, Bishop Green will accept a four-year appointment to ensure the Democratic Party reflects those it intends to serve. The DNC has nearly 450 members with voting power, and Bishop Green will become one of them.

"I am honored to receive this nomination and look forward to working with President Biden, Chairman Harrison, and the DNC to ensure we continue to redeem the soul of this nation. As a faith leader, I look forward to working with the Democratic Party to shape an agenda that prioritizes the voices of marginalized communities. As we approach the 2022 and 2024 elections, it is imperative that we work collaboratively

to protect our democracy by expanding civic participation." Bishop Green is the Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and serves as Chairman of Allen University. Bishop Green was elected and consecrated the 125th Bishop in the line of succession in the history of AME Church, dating back to Bishop Richard Allen.

Along with tremendous experience, he understands higher education governance that sparked a resurgence at Allen. The University reaffirmed its accreditation, regained stability to its finances, returned to football, launched a marching band, moved from Level II to Level III to offer master's degrees, and launched the fully accredited Dickerson-Green (Graduate) Theological Seminary.

Bishop Green holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies from the University of South Florida, Tampa; a Master of Divinity from the Turner Theological Seminary, Atlanta; and a Doctor of Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary, Atlanta. He is the father of three adult sons.

In addition to a host of religious affiliations, he is also a 33rd-degree Mason, a member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, a member of Epsilon Nu Delta Mortuary Fraternity, and a member of the NAACP. Bishop Green was also a speaker for the Interfaith Welcome Service of the 2020 Democratic National Convention.

YELLOW JACKETS LAST SECOND HEROICS EDGE LIVINGSTONE, 34-32

BLYTHEWOOD, S.C. -- For a consecutive week, Allen University orchestrated a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter, this time edging Livingstone, 34-32, on Saturday night at Westwood HS Football Stadium.

ALLEN UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES ADDITIONS TO LEADERSHIP TEAM

Columbia, SC – 9/09/2021. Allen University is pleased to welcome new additions to its leadership team as it continues to experience steady growth. Dr. Eric Gamble, Vice President for Planning, and Information Technology; Dr. Gee Lockhart Sigman, Associate Vice President for Planning, Assessment, and Research; and Mr. Jasher Cox, Director of Athletics joined Allen University in September of 2021.

_____________________________________________________________________________

Dr. Eric Gamble, the new VP for Planning and Research & Information Technology, worked in the hi-tech industry for more than 15 years with Fortune 100 companies such as IBM and Oracle, and with venture capitalist funded startups in Silicon Valley. In addition, Dr. Gamble has held a variety of senior sales, application engineering, and systems engineering positions with Fortune 500 companies over the course of his career. He has managed technical relationships, implemented multi-million-dollar contracts, and served as a liaison between business and technical groups. Dr. Gamble specializes in managing projects to build-out last-mile connections for fiber-optic, and he’s highly skilled in process engineering/redesign, network design and implementation, and rapid database application development. Prior to joining the AU family, Dr. Gamble was employed as an Assistant Professor and Instructor of Management at Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. Gamble’s academic credentials include a Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte; an MBA in International Trade from Johnson & Wales University; and a B.S. in Computer Systems Management from Johnson & Wales.

Dr. Gee Lockhart Sigman is Allen’s new Associate VP for Planning, Assessment, and Research. Her career spans over 20 years in higher education at 2-year, 4-year, public and private colleges, and universities. In her most recent role as Associate Provost for Institutional Research and Registrar at Converse College, Dr. Sigman automated processes in the Office of the Registrar, moved the college to an online catalog system, worked with faculty and staff to implement a new learning management system, and served as the Institutional Accreditation Liaison for the SACSCOC Fifth-Year Interim Report.  Prior to her position at Converse, Dr. Sigman served as Director of Student Outcomes Assessment at Spartanburg Community College. Dr. Sigman’s academic credentials include a B. S. in Criminal Justice, a M. S. in Criminal Justice, and an Ed.D. from the University of South Carolina. She has earned additional graduate degrees from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (Columbia, SC) and Emory University Candler School of Theology (Atlanta, GA).

Mr. Jasher Cox is the University’s new Director of Athletics. Prior to Allen, Mr. Cox served as Athletics Director at Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) in Harrogate, Tennessee. In his first year at LMU, Cox oversaw an athletics department that witnessed four teams ranked in the top-15 nationally in their respective sport (men's basketball, men's golf, softball, and men's bowling) for the entirety of 2019-20, as well as a department growing in the number of sports being sponsored. Mr. Cox was a vital component in the process of adding field hockey and men's and women's wrestling to LMU's athletics portfolio. Prior to LMU, Cox was an assistant athletics director at Tuskegee University where he managed all internal operations of the department, including coordinating game management, game operations, facility maintenance, home event scheduling, fiscal and personnel management, as well as special projects. Before arriving at Tuskegee, Mr. Cox was the assistant commissioner of the Horizon League in Indianapolis, Indiana. He also previously served as assistant commissioner of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) in Birmingham, Alabama. Mr. Cox received his B.A. in Communication and Media Studies from Auburn University, and a Master’s in Public Administration from Strayer University.

In commenting on the new hires, President Ernest McNealey said “We are fortunate and pleased to continue widening and deepening the talent in the leadership pool at the University.  Not only are Dr. Gamble, Dr. Sigman, and Mr. Cox highly credentialed and experienced to assume the positions they now hold, they embrace the philosophy all that can be imagined can be achieved.”

For more information about Allen University visit, www.allenuniversity.edu.

Contact:

Dub Taylor

Allen University

Vice President for Institutional Advancement                                                       

(803)376-5725| dtaylor@allenuniversity.edu