SC State announces Forty Under 40 Class of 2026

Young alumni recognized for professional achievement, leadership, service and commitment to their alma mater

ORANGEBURG, S.C. - A new generation of Bulldogs is carrying South Carolina State University's influence into professions and communities across the nation as members of the university's Forty Under 40 Class of 2026.

Established in 2019, SC State's Forty Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards recognize graduates under age 40 who exemplify Bulldog excellence through innovation, leadership and service.

"When I look at this year's Forty Under 40 class, I see Bulldogs who are out there doing great things and making us proud," President Alexander Conyers said. "They're building successful careers, leading in their communities and showing people what SC State graduates can do. And they're just getting started."

"I tell our students all the time, 'You can get there from here,' and these alumni are proof of that," Conyers said. "They sat in these same classrooms and walked this same campus, and now look at where their SC State degrees have taken them. I want our students to see these Bulldogs and know those same opportunities are out there for them."

The Class of 2026 will be honored at the Forty Under 40 Achievement Awards Brunch on Friday, Oct. 23, during SC State's 2026 Homecoming Week, Oct. 18-24.

"The SC State Forty Under 40 Class of 2026 represents the very best of Bulldog excellence-innovative leaders, dedicated professionals and committed servants who are making a meaningful impact in their professions and communities," said Dr. John M. Lee Jr., vice president of university advancement. "Their accomplishments demonstrate the transformative power of an SC State education and remind us that our university's legacy continues through each new generation of graduates.

"We are proud to celebrate these remarkable alumni and look forward to the many ways they will continue to elevate South Carolina State University and inspire those who follow in their footsteps," Lee said.

• Joi Gabrielle Artis, Columbia, South Carolina - Class of 2010.
• Nicholas C.H. Artis, Charlotte, North Carolina - Class of 2012.
• Danielle Sorraya Berry, Orangeburg, South Carolina - Class of 2021.
• Dorothy Bethea, Columbia, South Carolina - Class of 2009.
• Adam Brown, Bowie, Maryland - Class of 2008.
• Chanel Brown, Charlotte, North Carolina - Class of 2015.
• Krystal N. Brown, Irmo, South Carolina - Class of 2012.
• Lauren Crawford, Summerville, South Carolina - Class of 2007.
• Dr. Sherree M. Davis, Goose Creek, South Carolina - classes of 2011 and 2013.
• Jazmine Diggs, Augusta, Georgia - Class of 2016.
• Irran J. Duncan, Spartanburg, South Carolina - classes of 2009 and 2012.
• Ebony Dyson, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - Class of 2015.
• Dr. Shayla E. Ferguson, Bamberg, South Carolina - classes of 2014 and 2017.
• John P. Givens III, Walterboro, South Carolina - Class of 2016.
• Daynisha S. Greene-Williams, Elloree, South Carolina - Class of 2011.
• Corey Hagans Jr., Kennesaw, Georgia - Class of 2016.
• LaShae Wallace Hayes, Columbia, South Carolina - Class of 2019.
• Kendrick Heyward, Belmont, North Carolina - Class of 2012.
• Nicholas Hubbard, Hyattsville, Maryland - Class of 2020.
• Maj. Karl Johnson, Manning, South Carolina - Class of 2014.
• Dr. Roberto Kemp, Columbia, South Carolina - classes of 2011 and 2014.
• Whitney King, Virginia Beach, Virginia - Class of 2009.
• Noah Kinsey, Green Pond, South Carolina - Class of 2021.
• Maj. Alexander K. Lee, Richmond, Virginia - Class of 2011.
• Dr. Alfred McIntosh, Gaston, South Carolina - Class of 2008.
• Dr. TaTreka P. Middleton, Ridgeville, South Carolina - Class of 2008.
• Rushawanda J. Olden, Greenville, South Carolina - Class of 2008.
• Shandera Perrin, Lawrenceville, Georgia - Class of 2014.
• Kirsten Maria Pratt, Orangeburg, South Carolina - Class of 2011.
• Marvis J. President, Orangeburg, South Carolina - classes of 2009, 2011 and 2015.
• Dr. Tawanna Sanders, Ridgeville, South Carolina - classes of 2007, 2010, 2014 and 2026.
• Dr. Albert J. Shuler, Orangeburg, South Carolina - Class of 2014.
• Marcus R. Simon, MBA, Elgin, South Carolina - Class of 2011.
• Brittany M. Singleton, Columbia, South Carolina - Class of 2015.
• Terrance S. Smith, Woodbridge, Virginia - Class of 2010.
• Angel Urie-Dobson, Moncks Corner, South Carolina - Class of 2008.
• Dr. Ladovia Hope Washington, Denmark, South Carolina - Class of 2010.
• Chelsea Watkins, Jacksonville, Florida - Class of 2013.
• Ashley Williams, Charlotte, North Carolina - Class of 2013.
• Jasmine Williams, Yemassee, South Carolina - Class of 2019.
• Karyney McMillan, Bamberg, South Carolina - Class of 2014.

The Forty Under 40 Alumni Achievement Awards are part of SC State's effort to recognize rising alumni who reflect the university's values and make an impact through their professions, leadership and service.

To learn more about each honoree, visit

Class of 2026