Veteran leader in international development, law, and education to guide The Benedict-Allen CDC next phase of impact.
Columbia, SC, March 30, 2026, The Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation (BACDC) is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Michelle L. K. Raven as its new Executive Director. As a distinguished attorney, retired United States Air Force lieutenant colonel, former professor of international community development, and former university assistant dean, Dr. Raven brings more than thirty years of leadership and service across the military, nonprofit, and higher education sectors.
In her new role, she will lead the organization’s strategic initiatives focused on neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, workforce training, and economic mobility across South Carolina. Her appointment marks an important step in advancing the organization’s mission to foster thriving, sustainable communities through collaborative development and opportunity creation.
Raven’s career reflects a deep commitment to service and transformational leadership. As a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, she led diverse teams and complex initiatives worldwide. Her work in higher education as a professor of international community development and assistant dean further expanded her focus on leadership development, community engagement, and global perspectives on social and economic progress.
“Strong communities are built not only through infrastructure and investment, but through people, relationships, and shared vision,” said Dr. Raven. “I am honored to join the Benedict Allen Community Development Corporation and look forward to working alongside community leaders, residents, and partners to expand opportunity, strengthen neighborhoods, and support sustainable growth throughout Columbia and across South Carolina.”
“Dr. Raven brings an extraordinary combination of strategic vision, leadership experience, and a deep commitment to community empowerment,” said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “Her leadership will help position our organization for its next chapter of growth and impact as we work to create stronger, more inclusive communities.”
Under Raven’s leadership, BACDC will continue to expand programs that address critical community needs while building long-term pathways for economic mobility. Her multidisciplinary background uniquely positions her to guide initiatives that connect housing, workforce development, education, and economic opportunity.
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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 exceptionally ranked for its programs by several academic and traditional publications. Benedict College is the recipient of the 2024 UNCF Institutional Excellence Award given by UNCF’s Institute for Capacity Building Program in celebration of an HBCU that achieved next-level performance. 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.
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.