COLUMBIA, S.C. – The Benedict Athletic Hall of Fame inducted 10 new members on Thursday, October 19, adding to an already impressive group of Hall of Famers.
This year's class includes members of the 2004 men's golf team, which won the HBCU Minority Golf Championship, as well as a pair of men's basketball standouts, a softball player and two people who have contributed their time and talent to the athletic department, including President Dr. Roslyn C. Artis.
The event was held at the Doubletree by Hilton ballroom, and a large number of previous Hall of Famers attended to welcome in the new class.
The 10 new inductees brings the total number of members in the Benedict College Athletic Hall of Fame to 231.
Dr. Roslyn C. Artis, JD, EdD
Contributor
Dr. Artis was unanimously appointed by the Board of Trustees as the 14th and first woman President of Benedict College on June 30, 2017. Previously, Dr. Artis served as the 13th and first woman President of Florida Memorial University in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Intentional, professional, and thoroughly committed to the proliferation and transformation of colleges and universities that serve underrepresented men and women of color, Dr. Artis' leadership has been recognized locally and nationally. In 2018, she was named "Female HBCU President of the Year" by HBCU Digest. In 2019, Dr. Artis was named to Diverse Issues in Higher Education's "Top 35 Leading Women in Higher Education." That same year, Benedict College was awarded the American Council on Education (ACE) Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation and recognized as the HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest. In 2020, Dr. Artis was named "President of the Year" by Higher Ed Dive for her leadership in navigating the unprecedented challenges of 2020. In 2021, President Artis was appointed to the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity (NACIQI). NACIQI advises the U.S. Secretary of Education on matters concerning accreditation, the Secretary's recognition process for accrediting agencies, and institutional eligibility for federal student aid, through the Committee's public meetings. Most recently, in 2022, President Artis was named one of Columbia Business Monthly's 50 Most Influential.
Dr. Artis is the Chair of the Presidents' Advisory Board for Title III Administrators, is a member of the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Presidents' Advisory Council, and is a Member of the Board of Directors for the American Council on Education (ACE). She also serves as an Advisory Board Member for the University of South Carolina's National Resource Center for The First-Year Experience and Students in Transition and is a Board Member for the Forum on Education Abroad. She is Vice-Chair for the "Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) HBCU/MSI Collaboration" and has been named an "Equity in Energy Ambassador" for the United States Department of Energy. She previously served on the Education Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Jeh Johnson, during the Obama Administration.
Artis has been a trailblazer for much of her life. A prolific speaker, critical thinker and fierce advocate for educational access. Dr. Artis is frequently engaged as a mentor, lecturer, and catalyst for strategic transformation. She is a widely respected innovator and thought leader on issues of higher education, specifically as it relates to underserved and vulnerable populations, having published countless articles and editorials on topics related to higher education equity and inclusion as well as the complexities associated with leading minority serving institutions. Artis is the founding Co-Chair for the Historically Black College and University Annual Sustainability Summit, which is in its 5th year. She has received more than 300 awards and recognitions locally and nationally for her work.
Dr. Artis is a graduate of Vanderbilt University, where she earned a Doctorate in Higher Education Leadership and Policy. She also holds a Juris Doctorate from West Virginia University College of Law, and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Political science from sister HBCU, West Virginia State University. The consummate professional, Dr. Artis also holds a Certificate of fundraising Management from Indiana University and a Certificate of Mastery in Prior Learning Assessment from DePaul University.
Herman Belton, '01
Golf Coach
Herman D. Belton is an avid golfer who fell in love with the sport when he was twenty-two years old. He is a native of Camden, S.C., born to Herman Belton, Sr. and the late Lelia D. Belton. Coach Belton is a proud Combat veteran of the United States Navy, where he served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After his military career, Coach Belton enrolled at Benedict College as a non-traditional student. He was instrumental in helping to start the golf program as a player at Benedict college under the leadership of Coach Lucius Clark. During this inaugural season, Coach Clark fell ill. Little did Herman know, this was the beginning of something very special. He was approached and asked by Dr. David H. Swinton and Coach Willie Washington to remain a player and also serve as the golf coach for the college. Coach Belton's coaching career began with this unconventional opportunity and after his graduation from Benedict College, he was offered the position as the Head Golf Coach and began to make a name for Benedict's Golf program.
Herman's head coaching career was off to a great start as he was able to lead his team to a first time, third-place finish in the National Minority Golf Division II Championship. During his second year, the golf team improved and finished in second place in the National Minority Golf Championship. Coach Belton and his team were not done yet with making history for in his third year, Benedict College Golf team won the National Minority Golf Division II Championship for the school. Demond Hale was named the Best Player in the Division and medalist honors for the tournament. Coach Belton was grateful for the opportunities afforded him at Benedict College and carried many lessons learned there with him as his coaching career journey continued.
Coach Belton's coaching career led him to South Carolina State University, where he was able to lead their Women's Golf Team to their first win ever. After being there a year, he took over the South Carolina State University Men's Golf Team and led them to their first ever Coca-Cola Black School Golf Championship. They were able to beat out a field of 12 other Division I teams. Again, he had the MVP of the tournament on his team. Coach Belton kept the lights shining on the golf program at SCSU as he coached the best player in the 2008 National Minority Championship Golf Division I Championship. The player finished one stroke from breaking a course record. Player growth and development seems to be common theme as Coach Belton is the only coach in the National Minority Golf Championship to have coached the best player in two different divisions. Coach Belton moved on to another opportunity at Paine College in Augusta, Ga. During his career at Paine, he was able to lead them to the winning circle in 2012 and 2013 as they won the SIAC Conference. He had yet another MVP, SIAC Players of the Year, and SIAC Freshman of the Year.
Coach Belton had the opportunity to return back to his alma mater again and in 2014 and 2015 had SIAC All-Conference Players named from Benedict. In 2015, as SIAC Champions, the Golf
Team was invited to the NCAA Golf Tournament for the first time ever. Even though Coach Belton has retired from coaching at the college level, he finds himself forever a teacher and a coach, as many come to him for lessons in golf and life. His expertise has led him to serve as one of the members on the South Carolina Golf course rating panel. The distinctions continue to come and have made room for many of his dreams around golf to become a reality.
As a player and a coach, Coach Belton has much love for the game of golf as it has taught him many life lessons that he utilizes during his motivational speaker opportunities and as a guiding light in his life. He never misses an opportunity to mention his late mentor Tex Gulliory for his foundation in golf and life. His late Grandmother Leah Dixon will always live with him for her saying, "May the work I've done speak for me". To his family that provided the unwavering support when needed and to friends who always showed up, "thank you". Coach Belton has created an organization entitled, Golf 4 U, Golf N U and he believes, "all can play a round of golf even if you don't go to the course". Coach Belton would like to thank Benedict College, South Carolina State University and Paine College. Also Coach Belton want to say a special thank you to Dr. David H. Swinton, Dr. Andrew Hugine Jr, and Dr. George C. Bradley for the opportunity to lead their teams. Lastly he is humbled and forever indebted to the young men and ladies that simply believed in themselves to deliver all the recognition his programs received.
Jeffrey Allen Brown, '86
Men's Basketball
1981-85
Jeffrey Allen Brown was born on December 5, 1961, to the proud parents of Mary Quattlebaum Brown and James Brown, Jr. He attended the schools in Richland County School District One, graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in 1981. He is currently married to Mrs. Jackie Wilson Brown of 36 years who is also a Benedict College Alumnus and employed with the College as the Controller in the Division of Business and Finance. They have three lovely daughters, Jewel Brown and twins Jenai Brown and Jada Brown.
While at C.A. Johnson High School, Jeffrey was a standout basketball player under Coach Timrod Gates. He was an All-Conference player, MVP of his team, and Best All Around Award recipient for basketball while at C.A. Johnson. He also ran Track and Field as well as Cross Country receiving many awards over the years such as Class 3A Long-Jump Upper State Champion. Jeffrey's high school athletics well prepared him to become a Benedict College Tiger!
Jeffrey entered Benedict College in 1981 on full Athletic Scholarships for Basketball, Track and Field, and Cross Country. While at Benedict College, Jeffrey was an outstanding athlete. He played basketball for four years as a point guard for the team under Coach Michael Holmes. He was chosen by the team to serve as Captain his Junior and Senior years. Over the years playing basketball, Jeffrey received many awards. The award that he cherishes to this day is the John E. Brown Award that he received in 1985. He was the first Benedict athlete chosen to receive this most prestigious award which is given to athletes who are outstanding in sports, academics, and community service. He demonstrated these qualities as an athlete his full four years with the Benedict Athletics Department. As a Track and Field and Cross-Country runner, he also received many awards for these sports including Rookie of the Year his freshmen year in these sports. Jeffrey was a dedicated athlete and represents the Benedict College Tigers with pride to this day.
As a graduate of Benedict College, Jeffrey earned the Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Education. He completed all of the requirements for graduation in the Summer of 1986 and received his degree during the graduation ceremony in May of 1987 because the College only did one graduation ceremony per year during this time. Jeffrey was a member of the ROTC program while at Benedict. In 1986, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant for active duty in the United States Army. He completed Officer training at Fort Benning, Georgia where he also completed Airborne School. He was then stationed at Fort Ord, California in the 7th Infantry Division 2nd Brigade where he was promoted to First Lieutenant. Unfortunately, Jeffrey was injured while doing his last night jump during Ranger School. Jeffrey is now an Honorable Disabled Veteran of the U.S. Army but he also continues to support the Benedict College ROTC program through consultations with Mr. Anthony
Robertson, the Benedict ROTC Program Coordinator, who currently oversees the program.
Nevertheless, his degree in Physical Education from Benedict along with his experience with the U.S. Army, well-prepared Jeffrey for the next chapter in his career. When he returned to South Carolina, he became the Physical Education and Health Teacher for V. V. Reid Elementary School. This is where he received the beloved name of "Coach Brown". Youth, parents, and teachers all over the Columbia and surrounding areas call him "Coach Brown" to this day. He taught at V. V. Reid for seventeen years, impacting the lives of many young people. One of the pride and joys of his time with V. V. Reid was the creation of the Ruth C. Simons Youth Basketball and Cheerleading League for youth ages 4 through 12 years old. Jeffrey created this league in 1999 so that the youth from the school as well as the community would have an extra-curricular activity that would teach them teamwork and sportsmanship. "Coach Brown" believed that these qualities would not only help prepare the youth for future participation in sports but also for reaching their goals in life. He also created a youth baseball team while at V. V. Reid that played in the Richland County Recreation Commission's Youth Baseball League at Meadow Lake Park. As a Coach with the V. V. Reid basketball league, he won two State Basketball Championships for boys ages 9-10 years old (2004) and girls ages 10&Under (2008). The leagues were highly successful and supported by the school, Reid Chapel AME Church, and the community. Jeffrey coached teams with the league and was Director of this league for 10 years while at V. V. Reid Elementary School.
Upon leaving V. V. Reid, Jeffrey went on to teach at Conder Elementary School in Richland County School District Two where he became the leader of the Black Achievers Determined To Be Different Program (BADO). He always wanted to make sure that our youth were involved in programs that would mentor and teach them life-long skills.
Once his chapter in teaching was complete, Jeffrey began work with the Richland County Recreation Commission. He worked as the Manager for Blythewood Park, where he continued his work with youth in the community through the park's after-school programs and extra curricular activities. While manager, he created a Blythewood Park Youth Basketball League, a Girls Softball League, and Senior Citizens programs. He later went on to become the Director for the Richland County Recreation Commission Parklane Adult Activity Center where his focus was on programs for Senior Citizens. He developed and facilitated programs for the Seniors that included healthy eating and exercise, travel, social interaction as well as emotional support at the Parklane Center.
As of today, Jeffrey is fully retired. "Coach Brown" is well respected for his contributions to the youth under his tutelage and the community over the years. In 2011, he was the recipient of the City of Columbia Housing Authority's Wall of Fame Award. His picture is displayed on the wall located on Read Street in Columbia. Jeffrey continues to support his beloved Benedict College Tigers. He supports the football program by purchasing season passes for the games and he recently purchased and presented to the College the Championship Banner for the outstanding 2022 winning season. He travels with the Alumni Booster Club for out-of-town games as well. He also supports the men's and women's basketball games. He also contributes to the Alumni Association and supports their activities. Jeffrey now spends most of his time with his lovely wife and three daughters. He also spends a lot of time caring for his elderly mother and cared for his elderly father who recently went home to be with the Lord. Jeffrey is grateful and thankful to God for all that He has allowed him to achieve thus far in life. His life's motto continues to be, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
Kevin Burrows, '14
Men's Basketball
1991-95
Kevin T. Burrows graduated from Williamsburg Blakley High School in Kingstree, S.C. in 1991. Kevin was one of the most highly recruited basketball players in 1991 to join the Benedict Tigers basketball team. Kevin was a four-year point guard starter during his tenure at Benedict College. Kevin's ability to break presses with his ball handling skills excelled over all other point guard players in the Conference. His superb ball handling skills impressed many professional NBA scouts during his playing time at Benedict College. Kevin helped to lead the BC Tigers to four consecutive EIAC Conference Championships. He was also the starting guard for each trip to the National Championship games. Kevin's ability to fend off the opposing team with his one-on-one play, made the difference in helping the Tigers to win numerous basketball games. Kevin was an all-around unselfish team player. His leadership style helped to motivate his teammates to give their 100 percent effort in every game. During his stay at Benedict College, Kevin was honored by being selected for four consecutive years as an EIAC All-Conference Player. Kevin Burrows is to be considered as one of the greatest point guard basketball players to play at Bendict College.
Demond HB Hale '06
2004 D2 National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team
Demond Hale, a native of South Bend, Indiana, was a member of Benedict's National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team.
He attended Riley High School is the son of Rosie and Eugene Hale.
After Benedict College, he worked at Augusta National Golf Club before turning professional. After five years as a professional golfer, he retired in 2011.
Demond currently owns a transportation company in Minneapolis, Minn., where he lives with his wife, Katrina.
Justan Johnson '05
2004 Division II National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team
Justan Johnson, a native of Washington, D.C., attended the Science and Technology School within Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill, Md., where he was the Captain and Letterman on the Golf Team, and guided his team to county the championship and ultimately into the State Championships his Senior year. Coach Herman Belton was the sole reason Justan accepted the Benedict College golf scholarship over his other golf scholarship offers. Once at Benedict, he captained the golf team to several wins, culminating in the school's first NCAA National Championship his junior year.
Mr. Johnson graduated from Benedict College ('05) Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Since graduating he founded Blue Golf Performance LLC (Be Legitimately U Everyday) to fulfill his mission to serve God's people through the game of golf. He's a PGA Associate at East Potomac Golf Course (Washington, D.C.), where he enjoys assisting newer golfers along their golf journey.
Mr. Johnson resides in Washington D.C. with his wife of 10 years, Michele, and their two beautiful kids Zeau Bell and Titus Eli. If he's not spending time with his family traveling, creating memories and attending worship service on Sunday mornings, he's at the golf course (or on a live webinar) transferring his decades of golf wisdom to the next generation of golfers.
His favorite golf quote is, "The most important shot is the next one." - Ben Hogan
Lalique M. Gumbs Prince '07
Softball 2004-2007
Lalique Gumbs-Prince hails from the island of Saint Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands. Coming from a place where sports is heavily influenced as well as coming from an athletic family, sports came natural to her. She also came from an athletic family. Her grandmother, Karen Petersen, is a Hall of Fame Softball Player in the Virgin Islands as well as her mother Ruth Gumbs being a High School track star. Speed and the knowledge of the game led her to being a top softball athlete in the Virgin Islands, and was heavily recruited by Furman University and South Carolina State University. One call with her friend/teammate Shackia Liburd made her make a move to attend Benedict College, which is one of the best decisions she ever made.
While attending Benedict College, Lalique was heavily involved in different organizations such as Caribbean Students Association, National Black Society of Engineers, and School of Honors. She also made the Dean's and President's List four years in a row and graduated with the Top GPA in Computer Science.
As an athlete, she won numerous awards including being named to the SIAC All-Tournament Team three times; Hustle Player Award two times; SIAC First Team All-Conference three times; SIAC All-Academic Team three times; and helped lead the team to the 2004 SIAC Softball Championship and 2006 East Division Championship.
Since graduation, Lalique has assisted the Benedict softball team as an Assistant Coach for eight years while living in S.C. She also volunteered time using her IT knowledge with assisting people at Goodwill's Job Connection sites. Since then, Lalique has traded her cleats for her creative juices and participated in numerous arts shows at the Spartanburg Museum as a painter/photographer. While currently living in Atlanta, she is volunteering her time with HRC organization with growing the organization with registering members assisting BET Production for Revolt Summit and a charter member of BC Atl Metro Alumni Chapter here in Atlanta, Georgia.
Jason A. Richardson '05
2004 Division II National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team
Jason is the son of James W. Richardson, Jr. and Malqueen Richardson, who recently celebrated her 50th year of service to Benedict College. Jason was born and raised in Columbia, S.C., is a 2001 graduate of Irmo High School, and 2005 magna cum laude graduate of the Benedict College School of Business and Economics with a degree in Economics. While at Benedict, Jason was a member of the golf team from 2001-04.
After graduating from Benedict, Jason worked in the community banking industry for several years. During that time, he would come back to Benedict as a guest speaker for various summer programs and career day events, served on the boards of two local non-profits, and was a member of the South Carolina Bankers Association Credit Committee. Jason was also a graduate of the South Carolina Bankers Association Bankers School and Leadership Lexington County.
In 2016, after working in the banking industry for over a decade, he applied and was accepted to the University of South Carolina School of Law, where he graduated with honors in 2019. While there, he was the recipient of the Honorable Matthew J. Perry Scholarship; the Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP Diversity Scholarship; and the Bronze Compleat Lawyer Award. This award is presented at Commencement to three graduating law students who, through their performance in law school and their relationships with students and professors, have demonstrated their potential to be outstanding attorneys. In addition, he served on the American Bar Association Real Property, Trust, and Estate Law Journal; was a graduate of the Konduros Leadership Development Program; and served as a student member of the School of Law Strategic Planning Committee.
Since graduating law school, Jason has worked in the legal industry on various corporate matters and was recently named to the Best Lawyers Ones to Watch list, which recognizes attorneys that exemplify outstanding professional excellence early in their careers. Jason and his brother, James,
are parishioners of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Currently, Jason is an Associate Attorney at McGuireWoods LLP in Columbia, SC, and lives in Chapin, S.C. with his wife, Erica, and three children, Harrison (7), Isla Grace (4), and Eli (2).
George Shears III '06
2004 Division II National Minority Collegiate Championship Golf Team
Rev. Dr. George Shears III is a passionate preacher, author and entrepreneur. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Benedict College, a Master of Divinity degree from Gardner-Webb University, a Master of Sacred Theology from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry from Charlotte Christian College and Theological Seminary.
Dr. Shears is the senior pastor of Greater Fellowship Church in Charlotte, N.C. He is also the founder and chief editor of PreachingGuru.com, an upbeat weekly newsletter, reaching more than 3,000 preachers and church leaders each week, and RepinJesus, a Christian clothing brand.
An accomplished author, Dr. Shears most recently published Rules of the Rural Church: A Mentoring Guide for Young Pasters, available on Amaon.
He is the loving husband of Kiya Ward Shears and the proud father of two sons. Dr. Shears enjoys reacding, writing, and playing golf. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Incorporated, and works with many other organizations to raise awareness about social issues.
Curtis W. Wilson '07
Contributor
Curtis Wilson joined the ABC Columbia team on April 30, 2018.
Curtis is the station's co-anchor of Good Morning Columbia airing Monday – Friday from 5-7 a.m. and Noon News Program.
Wilson is no stranger to the Midlands having served as a long-time media personality in Columbia. He's the long time midday radio personality for over 30 years with The Big DM. Also he's the weekend radio personality with WJMZ (JAMZ) in Greenville SC.
Curtis is a Deputy Sheriff with the Richland County Sheriff's Department and works with Benedict College, the University of South Carolina, and Ridge View High School Athletics Departments. In addition, Curtis is one of the voices for the Southeastern Conference Championship Tournaments. He served for many years as the Public Address announcer for Benedict football and basketball games, and still supports the Tigers as the show host of the Chennis Berry Show.
Curtis was a major contributor to the A&E Network's top rated show, Live PD, which featured the Richland County Sheriff's Department, and is now one of the co-hosts for the national television series "On Patrol Live," airing on the Reelz network every Friday and Saturday night at 9 p.m.
