Williamsburg County has quietly become one of South Carolina’s most remarkable contributors to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). While many communities celebrate distinguished graduates, Williamsburg County proudly claims an extraordinary legacy — producing multiple HBCU presidents and maintaining strong connections to several others who have shaped higher education across America.
To honor this exceptional achievement, the C. Williams Rush Museum of African American Arts & Culture hosted the Williamsburg County HBCU Presidential Gala at the Williamsburg County Recreation Center on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The facility was transformed into an elegant presidential ballroom befitting the distinguished educational leaders whose lives and accomplishments have inspired generations of students.
The evening celebrated four HBCU presidents who were born, raised and educated in Williamsburg County, along with additional HBCU presidents who have significant family ties to the county. Together, these visionary leaders have guided institutions that have educated thousands of students and strengthened the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Presidents Born, Raised and Educated in Williamsburg County
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale
President Emeritus, Claflin University
Dr. Henry N. Tisdale
Photos provided
Born and raised in Williamsburg County, Dr. Henry N. Tisdale became one of South Carolina’s most respected higher education leaders. As the eighth president of Claflin University, he led the institution through unprecedented academic growth, expanded research opportunities, increased enrollment and major campus improvements. Under his leadership, Claflin achieved national recognition for academic excellence and student success.
Today, Dr. Tisdale continues to mentor educational leaders nationwide and serves as a respected advocate for HBCUs. Dr. Tisdale attended Tomlinson High School and graduated from St. Mark Elementary and High School.
Dr. JoAnn Wright-Haysbert
Former president, Langston University
Raised in Kingstree, Dr. JoAnn Wright-Haysbert made history when she became the first African American woman to serve as president of an institution of higher education in Oklahoma as president of Langston University. She later returned to Hampton University as chancellor and executive vice president.
Williamsburg County honored her achievements with a historical roadside sign recognizing her groundbreaking accomplishments. Dr. Wright-Haysbert is a 1965 graduate of Tomlinson High School.
Dr. Leroy Staggers
President, Morris College
A native of Salters, Dr. Leroy Staggers devoted more than 25 years to Morris College before becoming its president. His leadership has focused on strengthening academic programs, student success and institutional stability while continuing Morris College’s historic mission of educating future leaders.
Dr. Staggers is a graduate of Williamsburg County Training School, later renamed C.E. Murray High School.
Dr. Marcus Burgess
HBCU President
Dr. Marcus Burgess represents another outstanding example of Williamsburg County’s educational excellence. He served as interim president of Saint Augustine’s University in Raleigh, North Carolina. His career reflects a lifelong commitment to higher education, student achievement and leadership within Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Through his presidency, he continues Williamsburg County’s tradition of producing visionary educational leaders. Dr. Burgess is a graduate of Kingstree High School.
HBCU Presidents with Strong Williamsburg County Connections
Dr. W. Franklin Evans
Former president of Voorhees University and later the first African American president of West Liberty University, Dr. Evans maintains deep family roots in Williamsburg County through his mother, Othella Wilson Evans, and the Wilson, Wheeler, Owens and Nesmith families. His longstanding connection to Williamsburg County remains an important part of his personal story. He recalls picking cotton in Williamsburg County.
Dr. Charles E. Young
Dr. Charles E. Young served as president of Allen University and shares longstanding personal ties with Williamsburg County through family relationships and years of interaction with the local community. His connection further illustrates Williamsburg County’s influence within the HBCU community.
He recalls picking cotton and harvesting tobacco in Nesmith with relatives. Dr. Young was president when Rush served as HBCU-UP project director. They also were neighbors in the WildeWood subdivision in Columbia.
Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier
Former president of Savannah State University, Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier has maintained professional relationships with Williamsburg County leaders through her work advancing HBCU excellence and educational leadership. She remains a nationally respected advocate for Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Her husband, Arthur “Mickey” Dozier, is from Kingstree.
Dr. George E. Cooper
Former president of South Carolina State University, Dr. George E. Cooper later served as executive director of the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. His connection to Williamsburg County comes through his wife, Diane Shaw Cooper, a Williamsburg County native, making him an honored member of the county’s extended educational family.
Dr. Leroy Davis Sr.
Former South Carolina State University President Dr. Leroy Davis Sr. served as the university’s eighth president from 1996 to 2002. An accomplished scientist, educator and administrator, his leadership strengthened academic programs, expanded research opportunities and advanced one of South Carolina’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
His legacy continues through Leroy Davis Sr. Hall and the countless students whose lives were transformed by his commitment to educational excellence.
His wife, Christine Davis, is from Kingstree.
Brother Lynwood Givens, most worshipful grand master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of South Carolina, served as keynote speaker for the Williamsburg County HBCU Presidential Gala.
A Celebration of Educational Excellence
The Williamsburg County HBCU Presidential Gala recognized more than individual achievement — it celebrated a community that has consistently produced educational leaders whose influence reaches across the nation.
The elegant evening featured presidential décor, distinguished guests, reflections on the importance of HBCUs and recognition of the extraordinary impact these presidents have had on higher education. Their collective accomplishments demonstrate that Williamsburg County has made an enduring contribution to American education through visionary leadership, academic excellence and an unwavering commitment to preparing future generations.
As guests departed the beautifully transformed Williamsburg County Recreation Center, they celebrated not only remarkable careers but also a powerful truth: Williamsburg County’s legacy extends far beyond its borders through the lives and leadership of these exceptional HBCU presidents.
The C. Williams Rush Museum of African American Arts & Culture is proud to preserve and share this remarkable chapter in Williamsburg County’s history, ensuring future generations will know the extraordinary educational legacy that began in this small South Carolina community.
The museum also continues to celebrate the county’s unique history, noting that few communities can commemorate both the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s visit to Kingstree and honor HBCU presidents through a presidential gala.
A special thanks goes to Charity Muhammad for her continued support of this project and the 60th anniversary celebration of Dr. King’s visit to Kingstree.
