Claflin University

Claflin University is a Methodist affiliated and historically black university situated in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The institution was founded in 1869 by missionaries from northern states, in order to educate recently freed slaves and their children. In the modern era Claflin offers both undergraduate and graduate courses, and is regarded as one of the premier liberal arts colleges in the state. The university is named for Massachusetts Governor William Claflin and his philanthropist father Lee.

Thirty-six majors and twenty-four minors comprise the undergraduate study programme, in the Schools of Business Administration, Education, Humanities & Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences & Mathematics. Claflin also offers a Masters of business administration degree as an online programme.

The James S. Thomas Science Centre host mathematics classrooms, biology and chemistry based laboratories, as well as a greenhouse on the building’s roof. Since 1999 the Centre for Excellence in Teaching has been functioning at Claflin, ensuring the continuing proficiency and strong reputation of all teaching and resources at the university.

Four men’s and six women’s teams compete in varsity sports for Claflin under the ‘Panthers’ team name. Teams play as part of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, and in 2015 the women's volleyball side was first in Claflin’s in history to win a Championship in the division.

Civil rights activist Gloria Blackwell, and actor E. Roger Mitchell are both alumni of Claflin. Hip-hop artist Danny! was expelled after being accused of grade fixing, and his experiences would influence his debut album College Kid.

The official colours of Claflin are orange and maroon, and its motto is ‘the world needs visionaries’. There are ten residence halls on campus, which are divided by gender.