Students Heaven Branch and Madison Watts report from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University on the Spring College Tour

Heaven Branch, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Madison Watts, 10th grader at Norwalk High School

North Carolina A&T University

By Heaven Branch, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Madison Watts, 10th grader at Norwalk High School

Our visit to North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT) was terrific. Our tour guide Colbea emphasized the welcoming nature of the university. This was our final college; our positive experience meant we ended on a high note.

NCAT is a public, Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Greensboro, North Carolina, home to the Aggies.

The school opened in 1891 and currently has approximately eleven thousand students enrolled. There is a wide selection of majors available to students, and its nurturing environment offers a place for everyone. NCAT offers incoming students, sophomores, and juniors the chance to receive many scholarships. Honors students have selective access to more desirable housing. To become eligible for the honors program, you need a 3.75 GPA. Some housing buildings are co-ed, while others are gender specific. 

The school has excellent benefits and an upgraded sports facility for its students. Throughout the tour, we experienced a welcoming feel. We were very impressed with the gymnasium and student center.  NCAT is ahead of other schools we visited with their integrated robots into student life. The many food options available to students are supported by robots delivering food to dorms. Study abroad programs are available to students, which interests us. We want to experience different cultures and learn through experience during our collegiate journey. Students currently attending NCAT make the college feel a lot like home. Greek life is huge at NCAT, and the Divine Nine fraternities and sororities are alive here.

The experience that we had touring this university was terrific. We never thought we would be so enthusiastic about attending a school so far from home.  We are eager to enroll at an HBCU and fully experience the pride and passion. Our hope is to be committed to this University this time next year. GO AGGIES!!

Students John Akbar and Alan Flores report from the last stop on Carver's 51st Spring College Tour, Shaw University!

John Akbar and Alan Flores, 9th graders at Brian McMahon High School

Shaw University

By John Akbar and Alan Flores, 9th graders at Brian McMahon High School

After visiting eight colleges to date, we are on the final day of our tour. We now hold a different perspective.

Shaw University is a private, small, Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in Raleigh, North Carolina. 

Ja'Quze Booker enthusiastically provided the relevant information, even on a rainy day. We learned that Shaw University was founded in 1865 by Henry Martian Tupper, a Baptist Missionary. The land where Shaw is located used to be a slave plantation, and after the civil war, the land was sold to Elijah Shaw. The university has a rich history of providing high-quality education to students from diverse backgrounds.

Shaw University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in various fields, including liberal arts, business, education, and social sciences. Shaw University only requires a 2.0 GPA to gain admission, and they have resources to support the average student. Like with many schools visited before, standardized test scores are optional, but you are encouraged to submit SAT or ACT to compete for scholarships. Tuition amounts to $25,000 annually.

One of the strengths of Shaw University is its commitment to student success. The university provides a supportive and inclusive learning environment encourages students to achieve their full potential. Shaw offers twenty-four academic programs. Fun Fact, Shaw University was the first 4-year medical school institution in North Carolina. Small class sizes (16:1 student-to-staff ratio) and personalized attention from faculty members contribute to a strong academic experience. Additionally, the university offers various academic support services, including tutoring, academic counseling, and career services.

Another key feature of Shaw University is its robust campus life. The university hosts nearly thirty clubs and organizations, as well as intramural sports and other activities. This creates a vibrant, engaging campus community fostering personal growth and social connection. Shaw University is also notable for its commitment to social justice and community engagement. The university's commitment to providing a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and community service initiatives. This allows students to develop their leadership skills, make meaningful connections with their peers, and gain experience that will serve them well professionally. The university also has a strong tradition of promoting civil rights and social justice; its programs and initiatives reflect this commitment. For example, Shaw University has partnerships with local organizations, such as the Baptist Church, that address social issues such as poverty and homelessness.

Overall, Shaw University is a highly respected institution that offers quality education in a supportive and inclusive environment. With its commitment to student success, campus life, and community engagement, Shaw University is an excellent choice for students seeking a well-rounded college experience, a higher acceptance rate, and an affordable option. 

Carver students Elijah Vigo and Ryan Russell share their observations about what they experienced at Duke University

Elijah Vigo, a 10th grader at Norwalk High School, and Ryan Russell, a 10th grader at P-TECH Norwalk

Duke University

By Elijah Vigo, a 10th grader at Norwalk High School, and Ryan Russell, a 10th grader at P-TECH Norwalk

Today we visited one of the most well-known universities in the country, Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina. 

The Blue Devils are well known for Coach K and their dominance in NCAA basketball.

We had the privilege to see and learn about the traditions, history, resources, and accommodations described by our guide, Liza Rebold. Liza is an alumna of Duke and currently lives in Brooklyn, and works in non-profit philanthropy in New York City. While she studied at Duke, she majored in public policy and history. Liza’s dad Matt is a volunteer and advocate for Carver students. He works closely with Mr. Benson Casimir, our Future Readiness Coordinator at Norwalk High School.

Liza Rebold, an alumna of Duke, currently living in Brooklyn and working in New York City, returned to Duke to give our students a tour of the campus

Our tour began at the Susan P. Duke Gardens, 55 acres of landscaped gardens and wooded land on the hottest day of the tour. There are walking pathways throughout the gardens, and the views are breathtaking. The gardens are a memorial to Sarah Pearson Angier Duke, wife of Benjamin N. Duke who is a benefactor at Duke University. The garden is one of the best parts of the campus and is famous to the community and visited often by the residents. It’s divided into four different garden events hosted there throughout the year. The garden was voted the best place to visit on the campus by visitors. 

Under the guidance of Liza, we navigated our way to the East campus. The campus is divided into East and West campuses, and the West campus is the home of all freshman students. 

Duke was founded in 1838 and is a private research university that sits on 8,600 acres. We were surprised to learn that the West campus was designed mainly by Julian Abele, an African American architect who graduated at the top of his class at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. Most of the buildings at Duke University are based on Gothic architecture and the academic buildings are more French and Italian styles.  One of their most famous buildings is the Duke Memorial Chapel, which is in the center of the West Campus. It was constructed from 1930 to 1935 and had 1,600 seats. It is one of the tallest buildings in Durham County, North Carolina.

Carver students in the famed campus gardens

At the chapel, we were greeted by Doug Peoples, well-known in Norwalk for basketball and Karate. He recently moved to Durham-Raleigh and stopped by to cheer us on. We appreciated his visit, and he joined us for the remainder of the tour.

Admission to Duke is very competitive, with a 6% acceptance rate. In order to gain admission to Duke, you need a GPA of 3.8 or higher.  The Duke University application fee is $85. The graduation rate is 95.6%.  Duke offers 53 majors and 52 minors.  You can easily get involved in activities outside of academics by participating in one of their 600 student clubs. 

Let’s face it. Duke is known for basketball, and most players that go on to play in the NBA were players at Duke University.  One of the most well-known players to attend Duke University is Kyrie Irving.  He became an NBA all-star in 2016, became the first NBA player in history to score 50 or more points in a team debut, and has been selected to the all-star team seven times in his entire career.  In addition to Kyrie, Jayson Tatum, Zion Williamson, and Seth Curry went to Duke and became the player they are right now because of Coach K.  He coached the Blue Devils team from 1980-2022. The Blue Devils earned five national titles, thirteen final fours, fifteen ACC tournament championships, and thirteen ACC regular season titles.  They named K Village after him, being one of the best coaches for men’s basketball.  IN COLLEGE BASKETBALL HISTORY, Coach K retired in 2022 after winning more games than any other men’s basketball coach.

Duke University is an excellent school with solid academics and impressive sports programs.  If you want to play sports professionally, we strongly recommend considering Duke University.  This school’s tuition is $60,244, but there is access to scholarships and financial aid. 

We thank Liza Rebold for generously giving her time as our special tour guide.

Students Arianna Kegler and Jaylah Reiph share what they experienced at Johnson C Smith University

Arianna Kegler, an 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Jaylah Reiph, an 11th grader at Norwalk High School

Johnson C Smith University 

By Arianna Kegler, an 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, and Jaylah Reiph, an 11th grader at Norwalk High School

Johnson C Smith University (JCSU), located in Charlotte, North Carolina, was the sixth college we visited during Carver’s 51st Spring College Tour.

As we arrived on campus, we were greeted by Daniel Watson. He was very enthusiastic, energetic, and engaging. The vibrant campus spirit, the pride of the gold bulls, and the gold and blue colors appealed to us. Even a Black Lives Matter tribute was painted in the school’s colors. 

As we toured the campus, the beautiful weather offered the backdrop for students lounging on the lawn, listening to music, and having fun with each other. “The JCSU community believes the brightest comes to be brilliant” at JCSU, and their strong traditions and student-led environment will produce the next generation of “bold innovators and leaders.” Sixty student organizations are making a better experience for freshman and transfer students. There is a family feel to JCSU.

JCSU is a private Historically Black College or University (HBCU) and an NCAA Division II school with fifteen teams available to students. It is the #1 small college in North Carolina for graduate job replacement.  JCSU is a smaller institution with 1,093 students, 55% female and 45% male.

This college is the birth of black college football and the #17 best college for sports management in America. The school's requirements make it very reachable for students. It requires no SAT scores and at least a GPA of 2.0.

As a freshman on campus, you can bring your car, which, unlike many other colleges, is a plus. We became more knowledgeable about JCSU due to this informative tour, and we will keep this college in mind when making our application decisions. 

Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew report from Wake Forest University

Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew, 11th graders at King School

Wake Forest University

By Davion Pinn and Nasir Pettigrew, 11th graders at King School

We arrived at the beautiful campus of Wake Forest University, and our driver Josh navigated his way to The Porter B. Byrum Welcome Center. We received a warm welcome as we prepared for a formal presentation.

Wake Forest University is a private research university in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Founded in 1834, it is one of the region's oldest and most prestigious universities. The university sits on 340 acres of land, and its motto is "Pro Humanitate," which means "For Humanity," reflecting its commitment to service and community engagement.

Wake Forest is divided into six undergraduate schools and graduate programs in arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, law, and medicine. Wake Forest offers 45 majors and 60 minors. The undergraduate schools include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the School of Divinity, the School of Education, the School of Law, and the School of Medicine.

Carver’s 51st Annual Sprint College Tour group of students

Tuition, which stands at $87,554 (tuition and fees $64,756, $11,210 housing, meals $6,638, books and supplies $1,630, and other expenses of $3,320), is high. Admission staff, Mr. Martin explained that these figures are estimated average total cost and are used to determine need-based financial aid. The price should not deter the student. Once you gain admission to Wake Forest, all efforts will be made to ensure the institution's affordability.

Sitting on 340 acres, Wake Forest University is home to six colleges, a research-innovation quarter, and the personalized attention you need with a faculty-student ratio of 11:1. Those are some numbers, but below discover infinite possibilities.

In addition to their academic journey, Wake Forest students also build essential skills and relationships by participating in the many student organizations and campus programs. The school has a team dedicated to student engagement, and they will match student interests and passions with opportunities for Involvement.   

When touring the campus, you quickly sense the vibrant Greek life. Since the Alpha Kappa Order was established, fraternity and sorority have been a tradition at Wake Forrest since the 1800s. There are Greek letters on corner towers around campus and buildings dedicated to fraternities and sororities. Almost half of the student body participates in Greek life. Wake Forest is now home to twelve social fraternities and eight sororities, including Omega Psi Phi and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. 

The College of Arts and Sciences is the largest undergraduate school at Wake Forest University, offering a broad range of humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences majors. The School of Business is highly ranked and offers undergraduate and graduate programs in business administration. The School of Divinity offers graduate programs in theological education and ministry. It is one of the few divinity schools in the United States unaffiliated with a particular religious denomination.

Wake Forest competes in the NCAA Division I Atlantic Coast Conference. The Demon Deacon’s colors are Black and Gold. The teams are national leaders both athletically and academically, and Wake Forest student-athletes graduate at a 96% rate, according to the most recent NCAA-measured data released in December 2021.

As athletes, we are both impressed with Wake Forest’s State-of-the-Art Athletics Facilities, which include the Sutton Sports Performance Center, Shah Basketball Complex, and McCreary Football Field. Wake Forest is a top school for consideration.

Jermel Bynum and Chase Mobley, students at Brien McMahon High School, report from Wingate University on our 51st Annual Spring College Tour

Wingate University

By Jermel Bynum (10th grader) and Chase Mobley (11th grader) at Brien McMahon High School

Wingate University was added to the itinerary for the first time in the 51 years of the Carver Spring College Tour. Staff and students alike were eager to tour Wingate. If we were to choose two words to describe Wingate, it would be “high-end.”

We arrive at a spectacular view of fountains, manicured lawns, beautiful trees, flowers, and plants. The buildings were both older in architecture and modern. Our group was ushered into the admission/welcome center. We were all impressed with the look, feel, and newness. After a short presentation, we were joined by our tour guide, Lydia Connelly.

Wingate University is in Wingate, North Carolina, near Charlotte. The school’s current enrollment is 3,436 students, of which 2,484 are undergraduates. There is a 16-to-1 student-to-teacher ratio. Teaching assistants teach no courses. Wingate is ranked the #1 Independent University in North Carolina. Students are offered thirty-eight majors, forty minors, ten pre-professional programs, and seventeen career concentrations. Seventy-five percent of the students live on campus, and there are 75 student organizations, including fraternities, non-organized sports, general clubs, and organizations.

Wingate has a reputation for winning in the NCAA Division II. Students represent over forty-eight countries and thirty-eight states. We were surprised to learn that 46% of the students are students of color. 

There is no application fee for admission to Wingate. When you apply to Wingate, they have a quick two-week decision period and a 78% acceptance rate. 

Fun fact: their health center is open from 7 AM-5 PM on weekdays, and everyone on campus has free healthcare access. In addition to the tuition cost, food is a deciding factor in our decision. This school offers various foods at different stations like home style, global eats (fry chicken, mac-n cheese, etc.), fresh fruits and vegetables, and a salad bar. Vegan and gluten-sensitive students have access to vegetarian and gluten-free. 

Campus life seems to have a balance of entertainment and education. Students have access to many resources, including multiple places to study and multiple access to computers, cafes, and places to relax and enjoy a nice day. Wingate has an auditorium and a state-of-the-art performing center and has hosted Opera, plays, art shows, and orchestra performances hosted by the performing arts students. Senior art students often perform or perform a show as a final class project. 

One thing we truly liked about this school is the 16:1 student-teacher ratio. Coming from a high school that has 25 students in a class, having 16 in a class makes a difference. Each classroom is set up differently based on the professor's teaching style and preferences. This is a great way to keep students engaged. Lydia also stressed the academic support available to students. 

Again, we have two words to describe Wingate, “high-end,” and the gym complex is a perfect example. In addition to the amazing basketball arena are a practice court and total gym with top-of-the-line equipment. Several racquetball courts double as volleyball courts. Upstairs in the complex is a circular indoor track available year-round. Students have access to it all.

Our overall experience at this school was great. They pay attention to every detail required to give students a comfortable and engaging experience. There are many job opportunities available to students on campus. We noticed the groundskeeper blowing and fluffing all areas with pine straws from one end of the campus to another. The campus was designed with attention to detail, and the many fountains inspire pride in the student body. We will consider applying for admission to Wingate. 

High School students Aaliyah James and Ashanti James report from South Carolina State University on our annual Spring College Tour

Aaliyah James, Norwalk High School 10th grader, and Ashanti James, Brien McMahon High School 11th grader 

South Carolina State University 

By Aaliyah James, Norwalk High School 10th grader, and Ashanti James, Brien McMahon High School 11th grader 

South Carolina State University, located in Orangeburg, South Carolina, was the first of two schools on today’s itinerary. We woke up to beautiful weather and excellent made-to-order breakfast and eagerly boarded our chartered bus at 8:30 am and headed off. We arrived at a vibrant campus, and we were greeted by our tour guide Mr. Thomson. We immediately noticed the monuments symbolizing events in history. 

South Carolina State University (SCSU) is South Carolina’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU). SCSU is known for the Orangeburg Massacre in 1968, the first shooting on any college campus in the US. During desegregation efforts, a South Carolina patrolman fired on a crowd of unarmed protestors at the head of the campus, killing three students and injuring twenty-seven others. This event is one of the least remembered in civil rights history.

Dr. Sandra Glover, Professor and Director of Leadership and Professional Development

South Carolina State University provides tutoring, coaching, mentoring, and University 101, a helpful guide to students. It was clear that SCCSU provides a supportive environment, especially throughout your freshman year, to ensure academic and life success. Knowing that people around the school are committed to you and supporting you is excellent and will give our families peace of mind. SCSU will accept students with a 2.0 GPA or above, plus other demonstrated strengths like community service and leadership. Tuition for in-state students is $5,530 per semester and $10,876 per semester for out-of-state students. An overall graduation rate of 37% within six years was concerning to us since we learned from our Carver staff that every extra semester it takes to graduate would increase the cost of your degree. SCSU has a retention rate of 77% which is higher than the national average.  

The school currently has 2,300+ students enrolled. Classrooms are significantly bigger than expected, knowing that class sizes range from 15-35 students depending on the class. The student-to-faculty ratio falls at 16:1. Around-the-clock security is on campus. We were surprised to learn that in addition to buildings dedicated to college students (Betchal Hall – School of Business, Leroy Davis Hall – STEM education), there is the Felton Laboratory, a K-8 charter school. Like other schools we visited, SCSU has a study abroad program, but it was the only school with a nuclear engineering program. 

SCSU is a Division 1 school for athletics. Many athletic opportunities include football, basketball, tennis, soccer, track and field, and more. Fine arts opportunities such as majorette, music industry, color guard, band, and currently, forty-five clubs and organizations are available to keep students engaged.

One of the many great traditions at SCSU is how it honors people and events in its history. In remembrance of the three young men of the Orangeburg Massacre, Samuel Hammond, Henry Smith, and Delano Middleton, statues were erected on campus along with memorials for the twenty-seven others injured. 

After touring the beautiful campus of SCSU and learning about all the opportunities, we believe that SCSU has a lot to offer a disciplined and focused student who will take advantage of the rich resources. SCSU is determined to create a center of excellence that transforms lives and inspires greatness. 

We want to thank all who made this 51st annual college tour possible for us and our fantastic tour guide, Mr. Thomson, for inspiring us.

Students on our Spring College Tour report from Claflin University

Dionte Green Younger, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High, and Jeremiah Jordan, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School, standing next to the cheerful Claflin University tour guide

Claflin University

By Jordan Vann, 10th grader at Norwalk High School; Dionte Green Younger, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School; and Jeremiah Jordan, 11th grader at Brien McMahon High School

Claflin University is a Historically Black College or University (HBCU) located in Orangeburg, SC, less than a mile from South Carolina State University (known for the Orangeburg massacre). Claflin University feels like an unknown gem of the South. We were pleasantly surprised at the depth of what Claflin offers to its students. There are study-abroad opportunities. Claflin is the top HBCU in Alumni giving (both in money and mentoring of current students), a Top 10 HBCU in the nation, and the #1 HBCU in South Carolina. We were convinced that Claflin would be a perfect place to launch our higher education journey, which will lead to career and life successes.

Claflin is the oldest HBCU in the state. This College was founded in 1869 and named in honor of Lee Claflin, a prominent Methodist layman from Boston, Massachusetts. Yearly tuition of $27,000 per year is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. Books are free, and Honors Scholarship with monthly stipends are awarded to students earning a 3.7 GPA, 1,200 on the SAT, and 27 on the ACT. A full-ride Honors Scholarship is awarded to students with a 3.5 GPA, 1,100 on the SAT, and 24 on the ACT. Honors scholars receive preferred suite-style living and much more. Student to staff ratio is 13 to 1.

Jordan Vann, 10h grader at Norwalk High School

Students at Claflin compete in Division II in football, basketball, track and field, volleyball, softball, baseball, cross country plus e-Gaming, and over eighty clubs. Claflin students can participate with the South Carolina State University (SCSU) band. Claflin considers SCSU their daughter institution since they gifted the land to SCSU.

Claflin University expands on its arts and commits to excellence. It is the first university to open its institution to all races, gender, religion, and ethnic groups. Claflin’s acceptance rate is 57%, and the graduation rate is 55%. Claflin is a small private college with a population of slightly over 2,000 graduate and undergraduate students and has about 37-40 majors, such as business, music, sociology, and more.

This college embodies its mascot, the panther; it’s more commonly seen alongside its athletics. Claflin’s mission is “dedicated to providing a student-centered, liberal arts education grounded in cutting-edge research, experiential learning, state-of-the-art technology, community service, and life-long personal and professional fulfillment.” This allows Claflin to develop and grow its rich community and fuel success.

Eighty percent of our college tour participants plan to apply to Claflin University and share in the Panther Pride.

Carver 10th grade students Nazaiah Grant and Jayden Diaz report from Allen University while on the Spring College Tour

Allen University 

By Nazaiah Grant and Jayden Diaz, 10th graders at Norwalk High School  

Allen University is located directly across from Benedict College in Columbia, SC. We strolled across immediately after we toured Benedict College. This was the perfect opportunity to compare and contrast both schools.  Jacquline Godly, a petite, feisty, and super-energetic advocate of the admissions department, greeted us. She captured our attention from her first hello to the last goodbye. 

The campus felt like a tiny city that was aesthetically pleasing and something we had never seen before. The School is named after the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Richard Allen. The institution was first named Payne Institute by African Methodist Episcopal Church ministers, including John M. Brown. The more information we received, the more we began to see Allen as a possibility for many of us. Students at Allen University receive free healthcare, a free Apple MacBook, e-textbooks, and scholarships starting with a GPA of 2.5.

We had the privilege of meeting football coach Stork and Dr. Joseph Ray, Director of the Counseling Department. Both had inspiring messages for us. They spoke about the values,  mission, and culture of Allen University. Dr. Ray addressed food challenges for college students, especially on weekends when the cafeteria has limited access. With a grant and partners from the community, his staff operates a food pantry that students and staff can access for groceries every Friday. Allen athletes compete in Division II, and the following sports are available to students: Football, Volleyball, Men's Cross Country, Women's Cross Country, Women's Soccer, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball, and Men's Wrestling. 

We could see a freshman dorm that hosts two students in a room and two rooms per suite. Each room has access to its bathroom. I appreciate hearing from the Carver staff about the noticeable improvements to the facilities on campus. They pointed out several upgrades which have taken place over the last four years.

A wonderful treat for us was the step demonstration by the Omega Psi Phi and Phi Beta Sigma fraternities. This is a common occurrence among the “divine nine,” giving us a glimpse into Greek life on campus. In addition to the fraternities and sororities, there are clubs based on student interest, student government, and other opportunities for participation.  The University also sponsors a symphonic band, a concert choir, a marching band, a jazz band, and other music ensembles. 

Allen University emphasizes its distinguishing attribute of providing extraordinary care to its students.

Carver students Ryan Jackson and Allen Fountain report from Benedict College during our annual College Tour

Benedict College 

By Ryan Jackson – Junior at Norwalk High School, and Allen Fountain, Sophomore at Norwalk High School

Benedict College, located in Columbia, SC, was the first stop on our annual college tour. Our driver Josh provided a smooth ride to the campus. The temperature was 51 degrees, sunny and windy with a chill, so a light jacket was necessary. The Benedict campus feels very small, with intentional efforts to include nature. We felt a vibrant spirit as we noticed the many restoration projects as buildings were being restored to their glory. The lively and peaceful feeling inspired us to sit and enjoy the Southern charm. 

Our peers were as eager as we were to begin this historic journey. This tour is the 51st Annual College Tour with thirty-five students and seven chaperones. Our petite tour guide Vicky Jones is an education major preparing to graduate next month. She was very sweet and knowledgeable and provided a detailed and persuasive account of all Benedict College offers. Benedict College was the second HBCU established in the nation on December 12, 1870. In addition to academics (a 3.0 GPA can qualify for a scholarship), events are held that solidify their school pride. Their school colors are Purple and Gold, and their mascot is a Tiger.

One of the most noticeable buildings on campus is the Chapel, where services are held under the Baptist faith.  Areas of study fall under the School of Business and Entrepreneurship; the School of Education, Health, and Human Services; the School of Arts and Science; and the School of Science and Engineering. Notable alumni include Bennie Lewis, a professional basketball player; Leroy T. Walker, former US Olympic Committee Chair; and James Maxie Ponder, the First African American Physician in Petersburg, FL.

Greek life is evident at Benedict College with the prideful display of its Greek Yard, which boasts plots representing the divine nine – African American fraternities and sororities. The plots are a sign of brotherhood and sisterhood. The divine nine are Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Psi, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, and Iota Psi Theta Fraternity.

Benedict College is known for its many sports teams, such as Volleyball, Basketball, Track and Field, Football, and Tennis. Band, Dance, and Majorette are integral to their organized activities. Benedict teams and individuals have always won championships and embrace being known as a headstrong school. Sports are a great way to meet new people and get to know the experience of being in collegiate life. 

We think Benedict is a great College because of its nurturing culture, especially of African American minds, its inclusivity of different religions and backgrounds, strong academics, and general acceptance into their community.