Reverend Whittaker V. Middleton, Claflin's Vice President of Institutional Advancement, Named Winner of 2018 UNCF Cecelia Washington Award

Rev. Whittaker V. Middleton, '73, vice president for institutional advancement at Claflin University, will receive the Cecelia E. Washington Award during the 2018 UNCF Leadership Conference on Friday, Feb. 9 in Atlanta, Ga.  The presentation will be made during the conference’s Legacy Award Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.  The Cecelia E. Washington Award is presented to an outstanding UNCF alumnus who has made noteworthy contributions to UNCF in one or more of the following areas: fundraising, giving, facilitation of corporate or government contributions to UNCF or extensive work with UNCF-member groups. The UNCF Leadership Conference, which begins Feb. 9-11 in Atlanta, is held in conjunction with the 72nd National Alumni Council and the 60th National Pre-Alumni Council meetings.               

Middleton has worked in several capacities during his 45 years as a distinguished administrator at Claflin. In his present position, Middleton supervises the University’s fundraising and communications efforts. He has orchestrated four capital campaigns which raised more than $145 million and his innovative fundraising strategies helped Claflin increase its annual alumni giving from 11 percent to 53 percent.  The U.S. News and World Reports ranks Claflin No. 1 in annual alumni giving percentage at HBCUs (historically black colleges and universities) and among the national leaders at all colleges and universities. 

Middleton has also coordinated numerous events that support UNCF scholarships at Claflin, including the Annual UNCF Community Prayer Breakfast, the UNCF Kick-Off Luncheon and the Miss UNCF Pageant. 

“Reverend Middleton has provided exemplary visionary leadership in the areas of fundraising, marketing and communications and alumni relations,” said Claflin President Henry N. Tisdale.  “He has played an integral role in the University’s ability to increase funding to support scholarships for the next generation of diverse and engaged visionary leaders with global perspectives.” 

Middleton, a native of Pineville, S.C., is also pastor of Silas United Methodist Church in Eutawville, S.C.  He earned a bachelor’s degree in English at Claflin and his master’s degree in education at South Carolina State University.  He received his master’s in divinity from Erskine Theology Seminary and a doctorate in divinity at Carolina Bible College.