Claflin Alumnus The Reverend Otis Scott Jr. to Serve as Guest Speaker for Claflin 2018 Baccalaureate Service

Claflin University will hold its 2018 Baccalaureate Service at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 11, in Tullis Arena at the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center. The Reverend Otis Scott Jr.’69, will be the guest speaker.

Baccalaureate is an interfaith worship service offering farewell to Claflin’s graduating students. The service is open to all graduating students and their families and music will be performed by the Claflin University Concert Choir.  Claflin’s 148^th Commencement Convocation will take place on Saturday, May 12, 11 a.m. at the South Atlantic Conference Seventh-day Adventist Convention Center in Orangeburg.  Visit www.claflin.edu for a complete listing of commencement activities.

Scott has been a pastor for 40 years while serving numerous parishes across South Carolina to include Anderson, Easley, Columbia, Charleston, Camden, Johns Island, and St. George.  Scott also works with MORE Justice, a growing network of diverse faith-based congregations that promote social justice and equality for residents of the Central Midlands.  MORE Justice works collaboratively to empower marginalized people and acts powerfully to address serious community-wide problems through direct action.

Scott is a native of Sumter, S.C. He attended school in Kershaw County before earning a bachelor’s degree in music education at Claflin College – now Claflin University.  Scott taught one year prior to being drafted into the military, where he served during the Vietnam War. After his honorable discharge, Scott returned to teaching and cultivating the interest and music skills of talented students throughout Sumter County. In 1977, Scott answered the call to the ministry and enrolled at Gammon Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Ga., where he earned the Master of Divinity degree.

Scott has received numerous awards and recognition for community service. During his appointment in Camden, he was presented the keys to the City of Camden for his work with the Camden First Community Development Corporation. He helped to rehabilitate more than 50 homes in Kershaw and Sumter counties. The program provided affordable housing and improved living conditions for numerous families. 

In 2008, Scott helped to organize a county-wide Youth Explosion on Johns Island which led to 45 youth accepting Jesus Christ as their Savior.

-0-