Bulldogs Built to Lead: The Legacy of South Carolina State University

What do you know about what makes South Carolina State University’s “Bulldog Nation”? South Carolina State University stands proud as an example of excellence in education, leadership, and innovation in Orangeburg, South Carolina. For nearly 130 years, this historic institution has shaped the lives of students, strengthened communities, and advanced the fields of education, engineering, business, and the sciences. From groundbreaking research to cultural preservation, SC State continues to lead with purpose and pride. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Bulldog Nation so exceptional. 

Rooted in Progress

Founded in 1896 as the Colored Normal, Industrial, Agricultural, and Mechanical College of South Carolina, the university began with a strong mission: to educate and empower African Americans through access to practical and professional training. Today, that same mission drives every program, every partnership, and every graduate who leaves its gates.

One of the country’s 106 Land Grant Universities and South Carolina’s only public historically Black college or university (HBCU), SC State serves as a bridge between heritage and progress. Its influence reaches far beyond its campus through agricultural research, community partnerships, and workforce development programs that strengthen the entire state. SC State continues to prove that education is not only a path to opportunity—it is a cornerstone of community transformation.

Via SC State University Page

Engineering the Future

Few institutions in the nation can match SC State’s record in engineering education. The university holds the distinction of being the only school in South Carolina offering a B.S. in Nuclear Engineering—and it has produced more African Americans with that degree than any other university in the country. It is also the first HBCU in the state to offer a B.S. in Industrial Engineering and the only public HBCU with a Civil Engineering program.

These programs serve as gateways for students to enter industries shaping the modern world. SC State graduates work in national laboratories, major corporations, and government agencies, contributing to advancements in energy, infrastructure, and technology. Through rigorous coursework and hands-on research, students gain the tools and confidence to innovate, lead, and redefine the future of engineering.

Samuel E. Wright, voice of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid, 1989

Firsts That Define a Legacy

SC State’s history is filled with firsts that reflect its forward-thinking spirit. The university’s Speech Pathology and Audiology program was the first of its kind in South Carolina, setting the bar for excellence in communication sciences. Alumni like Matthew James Perry Jr., the first African American U.S. District Judge in South Carolina, and David M. Jenkins (’89), the first African American general officer for the South Carolina Army National Guard, showcase the university’s deep roots in leadership and service.

Creativity also thrives here. SC State remains the only HBCU in South Carolina to offer a degree in Theater, cultivating artists, educators, and storytellers who bring Black narratives to the stage and screen. The school counts Samuel E. Wright, the voice of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and Broadway’s original Mufasa in The Lion King, and Jovon Johnson, playwright and actor from Tyler Perry’s The Oval, among its distinguished alumni.

Leaders Who Shape the Nation

Few names embody SC State’s impact like The Honorable James E. Clyburn, U.S. Congressman for South Carolina’s 6th District and a proud Bulldog. His lifelong commitment to public service reflects the spirit of leadership that defines SC State graduates—leaders who rise to meet the needs of their communities and the challenges of the times.

This same spirit fuels SC State’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan: “Garnet and Blueprint 2030: Elevating Excellence.” The plan outlines a clear vision for the future: to transform lives through academic innovation, student success, and community engagement. It focuses on strengthening institutional sustainability, expanding research, and building new pathways for students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan represents not only SC State’s vision but also its promise—to lead with integrity, excellence and have a lasting impact.

SC State’s history is filled with firsts that reflect its forward-thinking spirit. The university’s Speech Pathology and Audiology program was the first of its kind in South Carolina, setting the bar for excellence in communication sciences. Alumni like Matthew James Perry Jr., the first African American U.S. District Judge in South Carolina, and David M. Jenkins (’89), the first African American general officer for the South Carolina Army National Guard, showcase the university’s deep roots in leadership and service.

Creativity also thrives here. SC State remains the only HBCU in South Carolina to offer a degree in Theatre, cultivating artists, educators, and storytellers who bring Black narratives to the stage and screen. The school counts Samuel E. Wright, the voice of Sebastian in The Little Mermaid and Broadway’s original Mufasa in The Lion King, and Jovon Johnson, playwright and actor from Tyler Perry’s The Oval, among its distinguished alumni.

Leaders Who Shape the Nation

Few names embody SC State’s impact like The Honorable James E. Clyburn, U.S. Congressman for South Carolina’s 6th District and a proud Bulldog. His lifelong commitment to public service reflects the spirit of leadership that defines SC State graduates—leaders who rise to meet the needs of their communities and the challenges of the times.

This same spirit fuels SC State’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan: “Garnet and Blueprint 2030: Elevating Excellence.” The plan outlines a clear vision for the future: to transform lives through academic innovation, student success, and community engagement. It focuses on strengthening institutional sustainability, expanding research, and building new pathways for students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. The plan represents not only SC State’s vision but also its promise—to lead with integrity, excellence, and impact.

Economic Impact and Community Reach

SC State’s influence is felt across every corner of South Carolina. The university generates an annual economic impact of $145 million, the largest among all HBCUs in the state, and creates more jobs than any other South Carolina HBCU. Its role as a land-grant university ensures that its reach extends beyond academics to address the state’s agricultural, economic, and social needs.

Through partnerships with local industries and government agencies, SC State fosters innovation and opportunity that uplift both students and citizens. The university’s work in agriculture, business, and engineering creates sustainable solutions that drive growth, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

 

via @scstate1896 on Instagram

Pride and The Bulldog Spirit

Pride at SC State runs deep. The Bulldog spirit is one of resilience, ambition, and excellence. It is present in every student marching with the world-famous Marching 101 Band, every professor pushing the boundaries of research, and every alum returning to campus to give back. This shared sense of purpose unites the SC State community and keeps its legacy alive.

To see this pride in action, SC State invites everyone to explore its “101 Points of Pride” and 2025–2030 Strategic Plan, both publicly available online. These documents offer an inside look at the university’s achievements, priorities, and ongoing commitment to transforming education for generations to come. (Links below.)

Bulldogs Built to Lead

For generations, SC State has been a place where potential meets purpose, where learning leads to leadership, and where legacy fuels the future. And now, more than a century later, it’s only growing stronger.

Since the beginning, SC State has been making its mark in academic history, and it continues to do so to this day. From its strong engineering legacy to its thriving arts and humanities programs, this university is built to lead, built to serve, and built to last.

Ready to show your Bulldog pride? Shop SC State University gear and apparel at HBCULeggings.com

Love and Leggings,

Bibi