Building a Community of Scholars
(Above image: Pinning of sophomore Corasia Mitchum from Andrews, S.C. by Assistant Professor Chasidy Graham.)
W.E.B. Dubois, noted educator and scholar once said, “Education and work are the levers to uplift a people. Education must not simply teach work; it must teach life.” This is what the Morris Honors College exhibits as it teaches life to students who exemplify the grit and tenacity to persist and pursue greatness.
Morris Honors College began initially as a program in its rebuilding stage in 2023 by updating what was a previous Honors Program at Morris College. Assistant Professor of Education and native of Lake City, S.C., Ms. Chasidy Graham and Vice President of Academic Affairs, Dr. Lewis P. Graham, Jr., initiated the rebuilding process by planning the program’s direction. Then in 2024, upon the hiring of the new college president, Dr. Said Sewell, a new vision for an Honors College emerged and began to be implemented. It would be a community of scholars who live and learn together, who matriculate in coursework alongside one another, who study abroad, who attend conferences nationally and internationally, and who participate in viable internship opportunities that hone their skills.
“Historically, Morris College has not been known as a college that attracted strong, academically prepared students, and we stepped in to change that narrative two years ago when we launched the Honors College,” says Morris College President, Dr. Said Sewell. “Our expectation was that we would inform and inspire the growth of the academic programs, our faculty, and the overall campus life with students who are strongly prepared to arrive to Morris College. The Honors Program is quite unique in that it is the only one of its kind in the state at a private historically black college. We are excited about the growth and enhancement of this college as it prepares to launch this state’s future workforce,” he continues.
In 2025, Morris Honors College began with the Cohort 1 of 12 students, and in 2026, Cohort 2 grew with 8 more students. Today, the Honors College begins recruiting for its Cohort 3. To be considered for entrance to the program, students must maintain a 3.4 grade point average, pass the Accuplacer test with at least a 250 score in reading, writing, and mathematics, submit three letters of recommendation, write an entrance essay and an updated resume highlighting the students’ skills, abilities, and experiences. Those who are accepted and complete their first year in the cohort are pinned and receive blazers to signify the level of excellence and tenacity exhibited through the honors college.
Dr. Lewis P. Graham says, “Rebuilding the Honors College is about creating a transformative incubator for high-achieving scholars who will lead with distinction. By elevating our academic standards, expanding undergraduate research, and embedding high-impact experiential learning, we are empowering our students to compete, excel, and make a lasting impact on a national stage.”
Honors College scholars have participated in the Honors College Retreat at the Hyatt Place Sumter / Downtown with presentations from various speakers on “Owning the Honor: Fostering Trust, Leadership, and Community”. In two weeks from this article’s printing, Honors College scholars will travel to New Orleans to attend the National Collegiate Honors Council conference. The Honors College President, Ta’Vonna Wilson, a native of Memphis, Tennessee has been selected and accepted to speak on a panel at the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference. The Honors College hosts a Book Club Discussion in which scholars engage in the reading and discussion of selected books. Participants are encouraged to share their insights, develop critical-thinking skills, and join conversations that foster intellectual growth and cultivate a passion for reading.
“Being a part of the Honors College is more than just earning good grades; it’s about building leadership skills, creating meaningful connections, and preparing for a successful future,” said Ms. Wilson. “We receive opportunities to grow academically, serve our community, and become leaders who make a difference. The experiences, support, and opportunities we gain here help shape us into the people we are meant to become.”
Scholars previously attended the Southern Regional Honors Council conference in Montgomery, Alabama, visited the International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, the Mary McLeod Bethune Museum in Mayesville, South Carolina. Additionally, service and helping others makes honors scholars well-rounded. These scholars have performed service-learning projects for the Gardens at Sumter Assisted Living and Memory Care by creating care bags and Christmas Cards for Christmas and conducting “Sip & Paint” for the seniors for Valentine Day and at the Palmetto Goodwill in Sumter, S.C. Honors Scholars explore various departments and gain hands-on experience, learning valuable insights into the organization’s operations, workforce development, and the importance of teamwork, leadership, and community service. Additionally, they have engaged in “Chat & Chews Series” with a variety of speakers and even attended H.B.C.U. Day at the S.C. State House Capitol Building.
A Warrenton, Georgia native who is the reigning Miss Honors College and freshman student athlete, Courtney Bray, says, “My experience in the Honors College has been truly fulfilling. From the day I arrived at Morris College, it felt like home. Being Miss Honors has opened doors to opportunities I never imagined, allowing me to grow through leadership, service, and learning. As a student-athlete on the Lady Hornets Basketball Team, I have learned the importance of discipline, time management, teamwork, and perseverance while balancing academics and athletics. This journey has taught me that with dedication and determination, I can excel in the classroom, on the court, and in my community while continuing to strive for excellence.”
“Empower Scholars, Building Community, Inspire Excellence is our mission for the Honors College,” says Ms. Chasidy Graham. We are recruiting Cohort 3 now, Graham visits high schools and speaks to juniors and seniors who possess a G.P.A. of 3.4 or higher; her visits occur on College Application Days, and she makes the point and effort of traveling to schools per semester. Ms. Graham’s vision for this Honors College surpasses the mission and vision. She says, “I envision a great community of scholars who are critical thinkers, who serve, who are respectful, who are effective leaders and put the work in.” She imparts and emphasizes to the Honors College scholars the “Necessity of leaving a legacy behind, planting seeds, and preparing for generations is paramount.” Ms. Graham reminds Honors Scholars that they have entered a whole new different world, one with greater expectations, responsibility, and accountability. She emphasizes, “Eyes are always on you; you have an image to uphold,” and encourages scholars to carry themselves with excellence, professionalism, and pride in all they do.
Ms. Graham is intentional in recruiting students who are the right fit for the Honors College. She encourages them to embrace personal growth, persevere through academic rigor, and recognize their potential. As she reminds them, “Being a scholar in the Honors College is demanding; if it is not challenging, we are not doing our job. We select you because we are confident in your ability to succeed.” Her message underscores that challenges create growth opportunities and that each scholar can rise to the expectations of excellence. W.E.B. Dubois knew that it was most important to challenge and to teach life. This is what the Morris Honors College does, and educators like Ms. Graham and others like her are the professors who make a difference in the lives of others. These Honors College scholars will, in turn, “teach life” to others. That’s legacy, and that’s Morris College’s motto: “Enter to Learn; Depart to Serve.”
To donate to the Morris College Honors College, visit www.morris.edu and click “Give” and “Give Now,” select your amount and select “Morris Honors College” to make your donation. For those using Cash App, you may send your donation to mhcollege25.
Visit the Honors College Instagram at morrishonorscollege for further information.
Morris Honors College is proud to be a member of the African American Honors Collective (A2HC), the National Collegiate Honors Council and the Southern Regional Honors Council (SRHC)