Warmack challenges Class of 2027, cites rankings

Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack at the Matriculation Day Convocation. (Special to The Panther)

Claflin University held its 155th Matriculation Day Convocation Sept. 12 to welcome the freshman class to a fresh and successful academic year.

The annual occasion has turned into a tradition for entering students, or in Dr. Claflin President Dwaun J. Warmack's words, "The official beginning as a student."  

Warmack announced that sophomores, the class of 2026, had the highest retention rate, over 80%, at Claflin in the past 20 years.

The president then acknowledged the class of 2027 and offered counsel.

"Whatever you do from this point forward will determine what it means to be elevated and transformed here at Claflin University," Warmack said.   

He issued a challenge to the class of 2027 to surpass this retention percentage and achieve 95%. “Class of 2027, you all will be back in the fall of next year.”  

Claflin University has ranked among the top 10 HBCUs in South Carolina for the past 12 years running, and Warmack teases that it will do so for the next 13 years.

"And just a spoiler, for the 13th consecutive year, it will come out that we’re top 10 very soon.” 

Warmack also gave a shout out to alumni for donating over $1 million for student scholarships. 

“Our alumni giving percentage was over 40% and leads the nation among HBCUs.”

----

13 years in the top 10

A week after Matriculation Day, it was official: For the 13th consecutive year, Claflin is ranked among the U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 Best HBCUs.

In the 2024 poll, the university retained its No. 9 ranking from 2023.

“To be a U.S. News and World Report’s Top 10 HBCU for 13 consecutive years secures Claflin’s place as a North Star in the constellation of the nation’s leading HBCUs,” Claflin President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack said via Claflin press release.

“Our rankings are a testament to the collective commitment of our world-class faculty, talented administrators and staff, and leal and loyal alumni. These rankings also reaffirm that Claflin provides an exemplary academic experience that elevates and transforms our high-achieving scholars into globally engaged visionary leaders.”

Claflin made a noticeable improvement in the Top Performers on Social Mobility category as it moved up to No. 9 after being ranked at No. 20 in 2023, according to the Claflin release.

The Social Mobility category is a measurement for colleges and universities that enroll and graduate a significant number of students who receive Pell Grants.

At Claflin, these students earn degrees that prepare them for professional careers or to continue their education in graduate school.

The press release stated that Claflin was recently named 2023 Best College by Money.com. The rating offers a practical analysis of more than 700 four-year colleges using data in three main categories: quality, affordability and student outcomes. Claflin's annual alumni giving percentage of more than 40% is the highest for all HBCUs.

The university has a retention rate of 80%.