Claflin University and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions Establish Partnership
Dec 02, 2015
Claflin University announces a partnership with Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) that will fund up to ten $2,500 scholarships annually. The Memorandum of Understanding also includes employment opportunities, career development seminars, research collaborations with Claflin’s environmental science program in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics and tours of SRNS facilities.
"We are extremely pleased and excited with our relationship with SRNS,” Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale said. “SRNS is widely-respected and has earned national recognition for its in-depth nuclear knowledge and for working to make the future of our country secure, energy independent and environmentally responsible. This partnership is important because it supports scholarships and provides internships that will prepare students for the workforce after graduation.”
The ten students awarded a $2,500 scholarship for the 2015-16 academic year include: Jibril Burleigh (junior/Indian Land, S.C.), Amari Battiste (junior/Kingstree, S.C.), Steilan Sumpter (sophomore/Atlanta, Ga.), Essie Campbell (sophomore/Cahokia, IL), Austin Moss (junior/Spartanburg, S.C.), Simone Allen (sophomore/Wadmalaw, Island, S.C.), Jabreia Dirton (sophomore/Greenville, S.C.), Courtney Jefferson (freshman/North Charleston, S.C.), Ludy Martinez (junior/Orlando, Fla.) and Danierian Williams (mathematics/Kingstree, S.C.). The students were selected for their academic excellence in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) disciplines.
"We’ve taken a holistic approach to this effort to show our support for Claflin University students and faculty,” said Carol Johnson, SRNS President & CEO. “Our economy is growing increasingly more dependent upon college educated professionals in STEM specific areas. SRNS is dedicated to creating a diverse, innovative and integrated workforce that fosters mission success, company and industry growth. We are proud to support Claflin University and welcome its graduates into our industry.”
SRNS is a Fluor-led company whose members are Fluor Federal Services, Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell. SRNS is responsible for management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site, including the Savannah River National Laboratory, located near Aiken, S.C.
“This agreement is also an example of a university-private sector research partnership that will enhance and expand research opportunities for Claflin students and faculty in our environmental science program," Tisdale said.
Group Photo Caption: Claflin University hosted a reception recently for SRNS executives and students who received SRNS scholarships. Pictured are (back row, from left) Claflin President Dr. Henry Tisdale; Teresa Haas, SRNS Director of Government and Community Relations; Carol Johnson, SRNS President and CEO; Claflin students Jibril Burleigh, Amari Battiste, Steilan Sumpter, Essie Campbell, and Austin Moss; and Carol Barry, SRNS Senior Vice President, Workforce Services. Also pictured are (front row, from left) Sharon Marra, SRNS Senior Vice President and SRNL Deputy Director; Claflin students Simone Allen, Jabreia Dirton and Courtney Jefferson; and Natalie Ferguson, SRNL Program Manager for University Relations/Postdoctoral Research. (Not pictured are Claflin students Ludy Martinez and Danierian Williams).