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Claflin University President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale has been recognized with two honors, the 2008 CASE III Chief Executive Leadership Award and the Milliken Medal of Quality Award.

The CASE (Council for Advancement and Support of Education) District III Chief Executive Leadership Award recognizes Tisdale for his ability to create vision and inspire others through his leadership.

"The selection committee was extremely impressed with the many achievements Claflin University has attained during the years of your presidency," the award letter states.

"The descriptions by those who nominated you of the changes that have taken place at Claflin since your arrival there are truly remarkable. We are privileged to recognize you and Claflin as shining examples of what can be achieved through the promotion of a positive image, encouragement of risk taking and innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence," it said.

CASE District III, covering the southeastern United States, is the second largest district in the CASE family with more than 4,000 members. Tisdale joins a distinguished list of past recipients including Dr. Scott Cowen, Tulane University; Dr. James Barker, Clemson University; Dr. Thomas Hearn, Wake Forest University; and Dr. William Harvey, Hampton University.

Tisdale will receive the award at the CASE District III conference in Atlanta, Ga., on Feb. 19.

"These significant recognitions are testaments to Dr. Tisdale's exemplary leadership at Claflin University and in the arena of higher education," said Dr. Zia Hasan, Claflin's vice president for planning, assessment and information services. Hasan announced the awards Thursday.

"The confluence of his charismatic ability to inspire others and his relentless pursuit of excellence are the primary reasons for the dramatic transformation of the institution. Under his stewardship, the university will continue to 'make history' and impact the state and the nation in a substantive way," Hasan said.

The Milliken Medal of Honor recognizes current and former residents of South Carolina for demonstrated leadership, innovation and outstanding achievement in the implementation of quality systems in their organizations.

In selecting Tisdale, it was noted that the university's president is, "an inspiration for others to follow in South Carolina."

The award is given to, "individuals who demonstrate leadership and vision to move teams and the organizational culture toward world-class standards, that are consumer-focused and supported by quality systems that empower and equip teams and individuals." Tisdale is the first university president to receive the award.

Milliken and Company is a privately held textile and chemical company with more than 50 plant locations in the United States and extending to 10 countries worldwide. The first medal went to its namesake, Roger Milliken.

Tisdale will be awarded the Milliken Medal of Honor on Oct. 24.

Claflin University was recently ranked seventh among Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the first-ever listing of U.S. News and World Report's America's Best Black Colleges. Claflin was also included in U.S. News & World Report's 2008 edition of America's Best Colleges, ranked tenth in the top tier among baccalaureate colleges in the South and also ranked third for highest graduation rate in the South.

Under Tisdale's leadership, the student body of 1,800 students continues to evolve academically. The typical freshman now has graduated in the top half of his or her class with a GPA of 3.0 or better. The enrollment includes students from 26 states and 15 countries. Last year, the university received 3,000 applications for the 400 spaces in class of 2010.

The campus has been transformed with more than $50 million in renovations, classroom and office improvements, including the addition of new buildings.

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