THE ISSUE: 15 years as Claflin president

OUR OPINION: Dr. and Mrs. Tisdale have made a difference for university, Orangeburg

The accolades for Dr. Henry N. Tisdale are deserved. In 15 years at the helm of his alma mater, Claflin University, the institution has reached milestone after milestone.

The president is not a man unaccustomed to success, but he is a leader who knows the importance of the team. Tisdale has surrounded himself with quality leaders and they have performed at a high level.

At the top of the list of those who have helped the president put Claflin on the map of top liberal arts universities is first lady Alice Carson Tisdale, who directs the Honors College. The president has always maintained the family partnership is a key to success.

Orangeburg is fortunate to have the Tisdales. They could be using their considerable talents at so many institutions and in so many locales anxious to have their services.

It was in 1994 that Tisdale took the helm of Claflin when the school was a very different institution. A new Claflin emerged over 10 years, and progress did not cease with celebration of the decade milestone.

Since 2004, Claflin has:

n Emerged as a leading undergraduate research-oriented institution.

n Launched its second graduate program – the master of science in biotechnology.

n Received full membership in NCAA Division II’s Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

n Been ranked as one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News and World Report for 11 consecutive years.

n Been ranked by Forbes.com as the top HBCU in the nation and in the top 4 percent of the nation’s colleges and universities in its inaugural list of America’s Best Colleges.

And this past week, Claflin was named by Forbes.com in the top one-third percent of colleges and universities nationwide for affordability.

As important as the Tisdales’ accomplishments are, it is the attitude they have instilled at Claflin that continues to stand out. Indeed, a culture of pride and character permeates the campus.

For their part, the Tisdales, during an event honoring their 15 years of service, credited the university, its supporters and the community for fostering their success.

“Alice (Carson Tisdale) and I accept this honor on behalf of the board, on behalf of the alumni, and the community,” Tisdale said. “We thank you, we thank God, and we thank the community for the support you’ve shown us.”

Claflin and Orangeburg are thankful the Tisdales have decided to invest so much of themselves in this community. We look forward to their continued service and success.

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