Claflin University President Henry N. Tisdale Honored By Higher Education Leadership Foundation

Tisdale was presented the Vanguard Award for demonstrating a consistent level of excellence and serving as an exemplar for higher education administrators.  Dorothy Yancy, who served as president at Johnson C. Smith University and Shaw University and  Johnny C. Taylor Jr., president and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, were the other honorees. 

The awards ceremony was held recently at the Harvey B. Gantt Center in Charlotte, N.C.

HELF is a non- profit organization founded earlier this year to advocate on behalf of the nation’s HBCUs.

"I am extremely honored by my selection for the Vanguard Award from the Higher Education Leadership Foundation," said Tisdale.  "I believe the award is a testimony to the spirit of collaboration and the combined accomplishments of the students, faculty, staff, alumni and other supporters of Claflin University."

Tisdale is in his 22nd year as president at Claflin, South Carolina's first historically black college or university.  Under Tisdale's visionary leadership, Claflin has achieved unparalleled national and global recognition. Claflin was selected the 2015 AARP/HBCU Digest HBCU of the Year and U.S. News and World Report ranked the University a top tier national liberal arts college and one of “America’s Best Colleges.” Washington Monthly ranked Claflin the number-one liberal arts college in South Carolina and the top HBCU in the nation in its 2015 annual College Guide. 

 “In a time during which there is extremely problematic discourse surrounding our HBCUs, we find it imperative to affirm and celebrate individuals for their dedication to advancing the missions of our institutions,”  said HELF President and CEO Herman Felton Jr.  “Advocacy and leadership take hard work and are often thankless.  These individuals have particularly demonstrated a passion and commitment that commands our acknowledgement of their excellent work.”