Miss Claflin betters herself – and others

Miss Claflin Arteria Gibson

As her alarm rings every weekday at 6:15 a.m., Arteria Gibson gets ready for a day full of class, meetings and activities.

She starts with daily affirmations, as well as a refresher from the student center. She knows that just like yesterday, today will be busy.

Arteria Gibson, also known as Miss Claflin, is a young woman from Columbia. She is a graduating senior at Claflin University. On May 6, Arteria will be receiving a degree in mass communications, focusing on public relations.

Throughout her four years at Claflin, Arteria has made a huge impact on the university as well as students and faculty.

While completing her higher education at Claflin, Arteria has been a member of the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors College. She has also been a member of the Student Government Association and the Deltas.

Arteria worked hard to become Miss Claflin and has been putting in the work since she first came to campus in August 2019.

In 2020, she was one of five students selected for the Mayor's Fellows Program with the City of Columbia. It wasn’t the first time Arteria was recognized for her outstanding work. She is known as a leader and often is seen around campus helping out.

“I have always enjoyed lending a helping hand, and I will do anything to help improve my community,” she said. Arteria has dedicated her four years to not only bettering herself but those around her as well. Whether it's in the dorm, in the classroom or in the cafe, Arteria is there.

“I’ve always known I would attend an HBCU, I love being surrounded by so many talented and educated Black men and women,” she said.

“When I graduate, I plan to continue my quest for higher education and earn my master’s degree in supply-chain management.”

Even after earning her bachelor's degree, Arteria is still making ways to better herself.