Elite Broadway Actress to Headline Allen University’s Annual UNCF Gala

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 10, 2024 Columbia, SC – Broadway actress and singer Bonita Hamilton-Caesar will headline Allen University’s 18th Annual UNCF “A Mind Is…” Scholarship Gala & Richard Allen Awards on Friday, February 9, 2024, at the Cantey Building on the State Fairgrounds. The evening will begin with a reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by a formal program at 7:00 p.m.

Hamilton is a highly decorated actress, singer, voice-over artist, and speaker. Her 18-year tenure on Broadway includes her role as Shenzi, the hyena in the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical The Lion King, as well as pre-Broadway workshops for The Color Purple, The Legend of Stagecoach Mary, and Mandela the Musical. Recognized as a leader among her peers, she has also been commissioned to speak at the Annual Women’s Day on Broadway, has served as a mentor for Vanguard Theaters Broadway Buddies, and has taught Masterclasses in voice and theater at Duke University, University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, and Alabama State University.

A master storyteller, Hamilton brings words to life in her voice-over performances. Recent roles include ESPN’s NBA Countdown & Heisman Trophy ceremony; Marvel’s Wolverine Podcast; commercials for Walmart, Marzetti, and Novartis; the Academy Award-nominated film, Can You Ever Forgive Me, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Judas and the Black Messiah, Respect: The Aretha Franklin Movie, Till, Beauty, Rustin, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, FX’s Archer, and the animated series Through the Woods.

No stranger to success, Hamilton has performed solo as a vocalist on Good Morning America and at NBA games. Her body of work also includes a recurring role in HBO’s The Knick, NBC’s Manifest, the award-winning short film The Announcement, a commercial for Trelegy, and high-profile speaking roles for Disney Musicals in Schools and Alabama State University's Founders Day Convocation.

Hamilton obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Alabama State University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in Theater from Brandeis University. She was selected as one of Alabama State University’s 50 Under 50 distinguished alumni. She is a certified teacher and practitioner of the Being Acting Technique and serves as a mentor to theater students at her alma mater, Alabama State, and high school students in her community.

Contact:

DR. Dub Taylor

Vice President for Institutional Advancement Allen University

P: 803-376-5725 | E: dtaylor@allenuniversity.edu

Allen Hires Pearl as New Football Coach

Allen University Director of Athletics Jasher Cox has announced the appointment of Cedric Pearl as the new Allen Football Head Coach

I am delighted to announce the arrival of Cedric Pearl as our new head football coach...We eagerly anticipate an exciting era under Coach Pearl's leadership”

— AD Cox

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA, UNITED STATES, December 15, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Allen University Director of Athletics Jasher Cox has announced the appointment of Cedric Pearl as the new Head Coach of the Yellow Jacket Football program on Friday.

"I am delighted to announce the arrival of Cedric Pearl as our new head football coach," said AD Cox. "His ability to connect with recruits, his passion and love for his players and his alignment with our vision and values are among the many reasons he has been selected to lead our program. We eagerly anticipate an exciting era under Coach Pearl's leadership."

"I commend AD Cox for his tireless effort to identify the best fit for the football team and the university," commented President Ernest McNealey on the coaching selection. "Coach Pearl was one of only a few prospects presented to me for consideration and prior to the conclusion of the interview, it was abundantly clear that the AD had found the right coach.  We welcome Coach Pearl and his wife to the AU Family and look forward to a successful tenure."

"It is with great honor that I accept the Head Football Coach position here at Allen University," said Coach Pearl. "I would like to thank the Board of Trustees, President McNealey, and AD Jasher Cox for this opportunity. Yellow Jacket Nation, Lets Swarm!"

Before coming to Allen, Pearl served as the Defensive Line coach at Alabama A&M University, an FCS Div. I program, where he helped lead the team to 7 SWAC wins and 9 overall wins over the past two seasons.

Troy Baranik
Allen University
+1 803-376-5890

Read full article here!

Allen University Landed in the Top 10 of HBCU Ranking for 2023

Allen University Ranked in the Top 15 of HBCU Hidden Gem Colleges

COLUMBIA, SC, UNITED STATES, March 17, 2023 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Online Schools Guide has ranked Allen University #8 in the 15 Top HBCU Hidden Gem Colleges for 2023. OSG defines Hidden Gem Colleges as smaller colleges and universities that offer high-quality education and also have on-line degree programs.

"We are proud of this recognition as it aligns with the vision of the University to be a leading institution of higher education with an established precedence of excellence for both undergraduate and graduate students." - Dr. Ernest C. McNealey, President, Allen University.

About Allen University
Allen University is a Liberal Arts institution located in the heart of South Carolina. The vision of AU is rooted in its commitment to preparing leaders who are skilled in communication, critical thinking, business acumen and possess high moral character. Allen University ranked #2 among HBCUs in South Carolina and #22 of the top HBCUs across the United States, (2020 College Census). Learn more at www.allenuniversity.edu.

Tacara L. Carpenter
Allen University-Department of Institutional Advancement
+1 803-376-5717

Allen University partners with Richland Two School District in support of their reading initiative.

Dr. J. Michael Harpe's tenure as Vice President for Student Affairs concluded.

Dr. J. Michael Harpe's tenure as Vice President for Student Affairs concluded today with his return to Delaware to attend personal and professional matters.  The University thanks Dr. Harpe for his service to the institution and to students and wish him well in future endeavors.

Join us for Youth Day!

Allen University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lisa E. Long, receives the 2022 CIC Chief Academic Officer Award.

(Columbia, SC) - Allen University’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Lisa E. Long, was the recipient of the 2022 CIC Chief Academic Officer Award. The award recognizes the significant support she extends to colleagues at independent colleges and universities.

She has been active in many CIC-sponsored programs since 2015, including the annual Institute for Chief Academic Officers, the Executive Leadership Academy, and the Diversity, Civility, and the Liberal Arts Institute. As a member of CIC’s Chief Academic Officer Task Force, she has helped to focus attention on important topics such as leadership development for faculty and staff members, the role of HCBUs in the contemporary higher education landscape, civic engagement, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

CIC now serves 690 independent colleges and universities, including liberal arts, comprehensive, four-year, two-year, and international institutions. In addition, more than 40 national, state, and regional organizations are Affiliate Members, and 26 state associations are State Council Members.

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ABOUT ALLEN UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1870. What sets the University apart is that from the very outset, it has provided a quality education for students who may not have had the traditional preparation and means to afford one.

The University enrolls a population with varying levels of academic preparation that is primarily first generation, and Pell Grant eligible. The largest areas of study are Business, Social Sciences, and Biology. Graduate programs are also offered in Religion. Traditionally, 90% of the student body originates from the southeastern United States, South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida, and Georgia. All South Carolina counties, and thirty-four states are represented in the student body, as well as international students from eight countries.

The core of the campus is comprised of buildings listed on the register of historic places. They add to the high aesthetic quotient of the campus along with other facilities that are more than fifty years old. The Carver Theater and the Good Samaritan-Waverly Hospital are also a part of the University’s historic facilities. A mainstay over the history of the institution has been educational programs for persons pursuing careers of service to the greater good. Today, it continues to produce graduates who regularly achieve “All That Can Be Imagined.”

Allen University Open House!

Allen Night at Segra Park

Join Us for Allen Night!

AU Assistant Director of Bands, Mr. Jovon Milford, will service as the Interim Director

Allen University announces Lisa Long, J.D. as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

For Immediate Release

(Columbia, SC) - Allen University welcomes Dr. Lisa Long, as the new Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Most recently, she served as acting president at Talladega College in Alabama, as well as its chief academic officer. Dr. Long is a proven leader with a distinguished educational career and background.

In addition to her academic leadership, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in human resources, strategic planning, marketing, and budget development. Her involvement and expertise in accreditation led to her election to the Commission/Board of Trustees of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges.

Dr. Long’s accomplishments at Talladega included the launch of its first graduate program an M.A. in History, recruiting and maintaining a strong faculty, and cultivation of the largest single donation ever received of $2.5 million. Her rise at the institution was progressive, having successful posts as department chair, dean, provost, and ultimately acting president.

“Dr. Long’s experience, talent, collaborative style of engaging, active listening, and abiding respect for shared governance made her the perfect addition to the leadership team at Allen,” said President Ernest McNealey.

Contact:

Tiana Scarlett

Director of Marketing and Communications

Tscarlett@allenuniversity.edu

(803) 605-7524 (c)

(803) 376-5717 (w)

2022 STEM Camp Recap

Season Tickets are HERE! →

Allen University hosts its second annual summer STEMP CAMP program sponsored by Home Depot

Columbia, SC - Allen University present the second annual Stem Enrichment Camp 2022. The program is completely free for Students from Richland School District Two, and Florence Schools One and Three. This unique opportunity introduces rising high school juniors and seniors to live demonstrations, laboratory, and field experiences. It will be held at Allen University from 9:00am-1:30pm on June 13 – 18.

All materials and supplies will be provided for each student who registers before June 1, 2022.

This in depth summer STEM Camp gives students the opportunity to enjoy hands on learning with experienced university faculty members. All activities are designed to increase their knowledge pertinent to STEM. This program is also sponsored by Coca-Cola and Colonial Life.

Program Objectives:

• Students will tackle the disciplines of Chemistry and Biology

• Become equipped with biotechnological skills such as DNA isolation and agarose gel electrophoresis

• Establish a foundational knowledge of fundamental laboratory techniques necessary to conduct an analytical investigation

For more information or to register, please use the QR Code or visit allenuniversity.edu TODAY! Registration ends June 1, 2022.

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Contact: Tiana Scarlett * Director of Marketing and Communications * 803 376-5717

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