Claflin University News June 5, 2017 Claflin Eyes Greater Prosperity We have just completed another academic year and it was yet another historic period in Claflin's illustrious history. We are extremely pleased with the accomplishments made in this current climate of uncertainty regarding national support for historically black colleges and universities. It is unfortunate that HBCUs must constantly defend reasons for their existence. Research reveals that HBCUs represent 3 percent of two and four-year colleges and universities and enroll 10 percent of African-Americans attending them. Significantly, HBCUs graduate 25 percent of all African-Americans earning a bachelor's degree and at an affordable cost. Claflin's academic year focused on a number of priorities that were achieved. Our strategically defined recruitment effort resulted in the largest freshman class in university history and enrollment reached 2,000 for an all-time high. With the board of trustees, alumni, faculty and staff giving their strongest support, the university was able to begin the year with a dynamic strategic plan, "Claflin LEADS: A Shared Vision for the 21st Century." The plan provides our path and navigational tools to greater prosperity. The plan also places much emphasis on student success beyond the walls of Claflin, an essential element of the university's mission. When viewed in its entirety, the plan enhances the university's prominence in higher education and sustains its relevance as a leading 21st century institution of higher education. We are most pleased with the launch of the RN to Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. This was significant as Claflin has become a key player in credentialing nurses for upward mobility in the health care profession. In partnership with the Regional Medical Center and Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College, this is another evidence of the university's commitment to collaboration in addressing community and regional needs. Claflin's commitment to partnering in preparing and developing teachers continued with the launching of a new Master of Education degree in curriculum and instruction. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/