Voorhees Voorhees University University mourns the passing of Dr. mourns the passing of Dr. Leonard E. Dawson, the insti- Leonard E.Dawson,the institution’s seventh president, tution’sseventhpresident, who transitioned on October who transitioned on October 28, 2025, at the age of 91 in 28,2025,at the age of 91 in his home in Midlothian, Vir- his home in Midlothian,Virginia. ginia.
Dr. Dawson served with Dr.Dawson served with distinction as president of distinction as president of Voorhees from 1985 to 2001, Voorhees from 1985 to 2001, leading the institution through leading the institution through a period of growth, strength- a period of growth,strengthened academic programming, ened academic programming, and expansion of student sup- and expansion of student support services. His commit- port services．His commitment to student achievement, ment to student achievement, community partnership, and community partnership，and institutional excellence helped institutional excellence helped guide Voorhees into a new era guide Voorhees into a new era of development and national of development and national recognition. recognition.
During his tenure, Dr. During his tenure,Dr. Dawson championed innova- Dawson championed innovation and strategic advance- tion and strategic advancement, fostering an environment ment,fostering an environment where students could thrive where students could thrive academically, socially, and academically，socially,and spiritually. His steady leader- spiritually.His steady leadership and visionary approach ship and visionary approach left an indelible mark on the left an indelible mark on the
Campaign is the university’s first comprehensive fundraising effort in its 129-year history. The campaign seeks to raise resources that transform the student experience through investments in student scholarships, faculty and academic innovation, modern facilities, and athletic excellence, including enhancements to the Oliver C. Dawson Stadium, Endzone Facility, and the Champions Club.
The $ 50,000 gift to support WSSB 90.3 FM and ESPN Orangeburg will strengthen SC State’s broadcast operations, providing hands-on training opportunities for students, expanding community programming, and amplifying the university’s voice across the state. Together, WSSB and WPJK serve as vital platforms for education, public engagement, and Bulldog pride, reaching tens of thousands of listeners throughout the region.
The contributions arrive as SC State prepares to celebrate its 130th anniversary in 2026, marking more than a century of impact as South Carolina’s only public Historically Black College or University (HBCU).
About The Power of SC State Capital Campaign
The Power of SC State is the university’s first-ever comprehensive capital campaign — mobilizing alumni, partners, and friends to raise transformative resources to advance scholarships, academic and athletic excellence, facilities, and innovation.
