Three Benedict College students chosen for prestigious professional networking opportunity; College is the only South Carolina HBCU represented in inaugural cohort
COLUMBIA, S.C. September 17, 2026, Benedict College is proud to announce that three of its students have been selected for the inaugural HBCU Fellowship Cohort of the National Black Empowerment Council (NBEC), making Benedict College the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) in South Carolina with students selected for this inaugural professional networking opportunity.
The national fellowship recognizes promising HBCU scholars and emerging leaders while providing opportunities for professional networking, leadership development, education, and cross-sector engagement. The inaugural cohort reflects a commitment to preparing the next generation of Black professionals to expand their influence and contribute to the economic and social advancement of their communities.
Representing Benedict College in the inaugural cohort are:
- Jacob Holmes, a junior Finance major from Columbia, South Carolina;
- TyDarrius White, a sophomore Neuroscience major from Columbus, Georgia
- Nala Uter, a senior Marketing major from Fort Mill, South Carolina.
“Being selected to be a part of NBEC has been an incredible experience,” said Jacob Holmes. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds, engage in profound conversations, and learn about perspectives outside my own. I’m grateful for the relationships I’ve built, and I’m excited to continue growing as a leader through this experience.
Their selection underscores the breadth of academic excellence and leadership potential among Benedict College students, whose areas of study span finance, neuroscience, and marketing, disciplines that play critical roles in shaping the future of business, science, health, and innovation.
“Opportunities such as the NBEC HBCU Fellowship affirm the extraordinary talent and potential within our HBCU community,” said Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “We are especially proud that three Benedict College scholars have been selected for this inaugural cohort and that Benedict is the only HBCU in South Carolina represented. These students exemplify the intellectual curiosity, ambition, and leadership potential that we seek to cultivate. We look forward to seeing how they leverage this experience to expand their impact and become transformational leaders in their professions and communities.”
Founded in 2021, the National Black Empowerment Council is a U.S.-based nonprofit leadership organization focused on addressing systemic gaps in wealth, influence, and opportunity for African Americans. Through education, leadership development, and cross-sector partnerships, NBEC seeks to cultivate a network of leaders equipped to drive transformation and advance self-determination for generations to come.
“Being selected for this inaugural cohort places these three students among a promising group of emerging leaders from across the HBCU community,” said Mya Schofield, Programs and Engagement Director, NBEC. “Their accomplishments demonstrate that Benedict College students are prepared not only to enter the workforce, but to help shape the conversations, industries, and communities they will lead.”
Through their participation in the NBEC fellowship, Holmes, White, and Uter will have opportunities to expand their professional networks, engage with accomplished leaders, strengthen their leadership capabilities, and gain exposure to interdisciplinary perspectives on issues affecting Black communities and the broader global economy.
Benedict College congratulates Jacob Holmes, TyDarrius White, and Nala Uter on this historic achievement and looks forward to their continued success as they represent #TheBESTofBC on a national stage.
- Photos of the three Benedict Students are attached.
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Benedict College
Founded in 1870 by a woman, Bathsheba A. Benedict, Benedict College is a private co-educational liberal arts institution offering 29 competitive baccalaureate degree programs and two master’s degree programs. The Midlands HBCU welcomes students from several counties in South Carolina, states across America, and countries around the world. The College also has a diverse faculty deeply engaged in teaching, research, and service.
Benedict College has been highly regarded and ranked exceptionally by several academic and traditional publications for its programs. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program. in Benedict was also named HBCU of the Year by HBCU Digest and voted the number one Gold Winner in The States’ BEST College or University in 2025. The College was also recognized as one of the Best Colleges in South Carolina in Research.com’s 2026 rankings.
Benedict College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate and master’s degrees. Five of the College’s degree programs hold national accreditation: Social Work Program, Environmental Health Science Program, Environmental Engineering, Studio Art, and the Tyrone Adam Burroughs School of Business and Entrepreneurship.