2026 Shining Stars
The South Carolina State University Foundation proudly presents the 2026 Shining Stars—exceptional students selected by their colleges for excellence in scholarship, leadership, and service.
This year’s honorees are celebrated as part of the 35th annual Scholarship Gala & Tribute, a cornerstone event that has united alumni, partners, and supporters for more than three decades. For over 20 of those years, the Gala & Tribute has directly funded scholarships for deserving SC State University students, helping remove financial barriers, support degree completion, and expand opportunity across campus.
Through the generosity of donors and sponsors, proceeds from the Gala & Tribute have made a measurable difference, supporting hundreds of students and strengthening SC State’s mission of access, excellence, and impact. The Shining Stars program reflects that legacy—spotlighting students whose achievements are made possible through philanthropy and whose futures represent the return on that investment.
Celebrate With Us
These Shining Stars will be honored at the 2026 Scholarship Gala & Tribute in Charleston, South Carolina, a cornerstone fundraising event powered by generous donations and sponsorships. Together, these contributions provide critical scholarship support and expand opportunities for deserving students across campus. Their stories reflect what’s possible when generosity fuels potential—and more stories are still unfolding.
Sierra Curnell
College of Graduate & Professional Studies | Class of 2026
Sierra J. Curnell embodies Bulldog legacy, leadership, and purpose. Born into a proud SC State University family and introduced to the university as a one-month-old at her sister’s graduation, she now carries that legacy forward as a senior, student-athlete, and campus leader.
A double major in Exercise Science and Sports Communications, Sierra serves as Miss Senior for the 2025–2026 academic year, President of the Beta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., President of the Dr. Jade Jihan Robinson Health & Physical Education Society, Recording Secretary for the National Panhellenic Council, and a member of the SC State Women’s Soccer Team. As the daughter of a single mother, this scholarship has been transformative, easing financial burden and allowing her to focus fully on academic achievement, leadership growth, and career preparation.
With aspirations of becoming a sports physical therapist, Sierra’s journey reflects the power of philanthropy to turn legacy into leadership and potential into lasting impact.
Jaydah Felder
Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College | Class of 2026
Jaydah Felder is a first-generation scholar whose academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to service reflect the very heart of South Carolina State University. A junior majoring in Speech Pathology and Audiology, Jaydah serves as President-Elect of the National Student Speech Language & Hearing Association and is deeply engaged across campus through the ASL Club, Student Orientation Leaders, and the Health Professions Society, where she serves as a Medical Brigade Liaison. Her leadership extends beyond campus through mentoring, volunteer service, and preparation for global impact, including an upcoming service trip to Guatemala focused on literacy and health initiatives. This scholarship has been especially meaningful, easing financial strain and allowing Jaydah to focus more fully on her academic growth, leadership roles, and path toward becoming a dual-certified Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist. Her journey reflects the power of philanthropy to uplift not only individual students but also families, communities, and future generations of leaders.
Iyana Hurley
College of STEM & Transportation | Class of 2026
Iyana Hurley is a sophomore Biology major whose academic focus, leadership, and faith-driven purpose reflect the promise of South Carolina State University’s next generation of STEM and healthcare leaders. A native of Pasadena, Maryland, she chose SC State University for its strong sense of community, commitment to Black excellence, and supportive environment that nurtures both academic and personal growth. On campus, Iyana serves as Class Representative for the Student Government Association Sophomore Cabinet, Secretary of the Health Professions Society, and President and Founder of Pilates and Prayer, a wellness and faith-based organization she created to uplift students mentally, spiritually, and physically. For Iyana, this scholarship represents life-changing support—alleviating significant financial strain and allowing her to focus fully on her studies and leadership responsibilities as she prepares for a future career as an Orthopedic Physician Assistant. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, faith, and the transformative impact of philanthropy in helping students not only remain enrolled, but thrive and lead with purpose.
Lucas Jones
College of Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science | Class of 2026
Lucas Jones is a sophomore Agriculture Business major whose character, work ethic, and quiet determination reflect the heart of South Carolina State University. A native of Grayson, Georgia, Lucas believes in leading by example—showing up consistently, working hard, and letting his actions speak for him. In addition to his academic pursuits, he competes on the SC State University Track & Field team, balancing discipline in both the classroom and athletics. This scholarship has been life-changing for Lucas, eliminating financial stress and allowing him to reassure his family that his education is secure. With aspirations of becoming a soil researcher, Lucas is focused on building a strong foundation through hands-on learning, mentorship within the College of Agriculture, and opportunities that will prepare him to leave SC State with both a degree and a name built on integrity, perseverance, and purpose.
Terryn Patterson-Bryan
College of Business & Information Systems | Class of 2026
Terryn Patterson-Bryan is a sophomore in the College of Agriculture, Family & Consumer Science whose selection as a 2026 Shining Star reflects promise, potential, and a commitment to academic growth at South Carolina State University. As a member of SC State University’s next generation of scholars, Terryn embodies the values of perseverance, focus, and opportunity that the Shining Star Scholarship supports. This recognition underscores the importance of investing in students early in their academic journeys, providing encouragement, stability, and the resources needed to continue progressing toward degree completion and future impact. Terryn’s journey highlights the role philanthropy plays in shaping confident, capable Bulldogs prepared to lead and serve in the years ahead.
Justin Smith
College of Education, Humanities & Social Sciences | Class of 2026
Justin Smith is a legacy Bulldog, Honors College scholar, and aspiring educator whose academic excellence and leadership reflect a deep commitment to service and impact. A Math Education major from Orangeburg, South Carolina, Justin carries forward a multigenerational SC State legacy that includes his great-grandfather, Dr. Albert Smith, a former president of the university. On campus, he serves as President of the Call Me MiSTER program, Praxis Coordinator, and Secretary of Mindful Legacy, while maintaining a 3.95 GPA and tutoring peers. As he prepares for his student-teaching semester and plans for graduate and doctoral studies, this scholarship plays a critical role in alleviating financial burden, allowing Justin to focus fully on completing his degree and advancing his goal of becoming a transformational educator. His journey is a powerful example of how philanthropy strengthens legacy, expands opportunity, and supports students committed to shaping the future through education.
South Carolina State University Foundation
Shining Stars Over the Years
| Full Name | Year | Major |
|---|---|---|
| Payton Abney | 2025 | Biology |
| Tierra Nichole Davis | 2025 | English & Communications |
| Jazmin Dias | 2025 | Family & Consumer Sciences |
| Lauryn Harrell | 2025 | Accounting |
| Atalia Lee | 2025 | Biology |
| Joshua Singleton | 2025 | Criminal Justice |
| Janiya Blyther | 2024 | Family and Consumer Science Child Development |
| Kenard Holmes | 2024 | Business Management |
| Bailey Scott | 2024 | Accounting |
| Aaron Smith | 2024 | Exercise Science |
| Maliyah Taylor | 2024 | Cyber Security |
| Lataye Walker | 2024 | History Education |
| Shania Anderson | 2023 | Physical Education/Sports Communication |
| Jordyn Brooks | 2023 | Family and Consumer Sciences |
| Alexis Day | 2023 | Biology |
| Victoria Jordan | 2023 | Biology w/ a minor in Chemistry |
| Quincy Robinson | 2023 | Business Administration |
| Taliyah Taylor | 2023 | Middle-Level Education w/ Social Studies |
| Alexandrea Moore | 2022 | Accounting |
| Gabriel Nkhata | 2022 | Music Education |
| Jessica Outlaw | 2022 | Accounting |
| Faith Polite | 2022 | Mechanical Engineering |
| Shemyia Riley | 2022 | Social Work |
| Morquez Wortham | 2022 | Nutritional and Agricultrural Sciences |
| Selim Ali | 2021 | Accounting |
| Roderick Bishop | 2021 | Computer Science |
| Tuesday Cabang | 2021 | Physics w/ Astronomy |
| Natasha McKnight | 2021 | Speech Pathology and Audiology |
| Shaunta Murphy | 2021 | Early Childhood Education |
| Alexis Douglas | 2020 | Accounting |
| Taylor Guthrie | 2020 | Special Education |
| Niyah Hopkins | 2020 | Criminal Justice |
| Carena Kelly | 2020 | Nuclear Engineering |
| Brandon Sutton | 2020 | Biology |
| Tyhesia Hardin | 2019 | Early Childhood Education |
| Erin Jones | 2019 | Accounting |
| Elijah Medina-Bandy | 2019 | Chemistry, Pre-Health |
| Sadé Sprinkle | 2019 | Speech-Language Pathology |
| Ashlyn Foster | 2018 | Child Development |
| Jessica Glenn | 2018 | Professional English |
| Elijah Medina-Bandy | 2018 | Biology |
| Ariana Ruiz | 2018 | Agribusiness |
| Imani Bell | 2017 | Physical Education |
| Tyree Clyburn Jr. | 2017 | Business Economics |
| Endia Green | 2017 | Math/CS w/ Cyber Security |
| Abrianna Williams | 2017 | Elementary Education |
| Nicholas Austin | 2016 | Fashion Merchandising |
| Hailey Ayers | 2016 | Accounting |
| Saadia Cardwell | 2016 | Middle-Level Education |
| Juwan Neal | 2016 | Computer Science |
| Valerie Daniels | 2015 | Accounting |
| Antonio Hamilton | 2015 | Physical Education |
| Adrian Juilen | 2015 | Psychology |
| Tamekia Nwadeyi | 2015 | Nuclear Engineering |
| Brittany Beatty | 2014 | Speech Pathology |
| Shameka Gailliard | 2014 | Accounting |
| Travis Gladden | 2014 | Mathematics |
| Deondre Glover | 2014 | Civil Engineering Technology |
| Naadirah Brice | 2013 | Computer Science |
| Kendall Dillard | 2013 | Drama Education |
| Khamilah Siddiq | 2013 | Accounting |
| Alaimoana Vaivelata | 2013 | Nuclear Engineering |
| Qiana Arnold | 2012 | Accounting |
| David Johnson | 2012 | English Education |
| Stanley Williams | 2012 | Biology |
| Tiffany Atwater | 2011 | Professional History |
| Ashley Graham | 2011 | Health Physics |
| Mollie Jenkins | 2011 | Professional |
| Gwendolyn Love | 2011 | Accounting |
| Deshena Agurs | 2010 | — |
| Ebonie Fuller | 2010 | — |
| Jeremiah George | 2010 | — |
| Beverly Hawkins | 2010 | — |
| Tracy Jones | 2010 | — |
| Jonathan Parker | 2010 | — |
| Sharneise Simmons | 2010 | — |
| Dashan Axson-Lawrence | 2009 | English Education |
| Anthony Beckett | 2009 | English Education |
| Jamie Dicks | 2009 | Physical Education/Sports Management |
| Brittany Green | 2009 | Management |
| Henry Guion | 2009 | Professional English |
| Ashley Hughes | 2009 | Professional English |
| Sharonda Littlejohn | 2009 | Biology |
| Abdalla Straker | 2009 | Business Economics |
| Data Not Available | 2008 | — |
| William Bright | 2007 | Biology |
| Robert Caldwell Jr. | 2007 | Mechanical Engineering |
| Portia Gifford | 2007 | Chemistry |
| Ahmed Hamidi | 2007 | Chemistry |
| Latisha Jefferson | 2007 | Civil Engineering |
| Candace Payne | 2007 | Chemistry |
| Demar Roberts | 2007 | Political Science |
| Samuel Sojourner | 2007 | Biology |