Morris College’s Spring 2023 President’s Lecture Series

With all the Morris College, students, staff and friends in attendance the Spring 2023 President’s Lecture series was held on March 30, 2023.

Presiding over the event was Dr. Juana L. Davis-Freeman, Dean of Student Affairs.

After an organ prelude by Mr. Shawn Hair, Instructor Division of Religion, Humanities, and Social Sciences, a selection of “Lift Him Up,” by the Morris College Gospel Choir, scripture and prayer by College Minister, Reverend Dr. Charles Pee, Assistant Professor of Religion, Humanities and Social Sciences, it was time for the President’s Lecture to be delivered by The Honorable Dr. Samuel R. Foster, Sr.

Dr. Samuel Rufus Foster, Sr., is a retired public-school administrator, former State Representative, and former South Carolina Employment Security Commissioner. He was born in Chester, SC and attended public schools in the town. He graduated from Finley High school in 1949 and holds a B.S. Degree from Morris college and a Masters in Education from SC State University. He has done additional study at Wayne State University, Winthrop University, and the University of South Carolina.

Prior to school integration, Foster served as an elementary school teacher and principal of two schools, one junior high school, and Emmett Scott High School. After public school integration, he served as principal of Sullivan Junior/Senior High School, principal of Northwestern High School and Assistant Superintendent of Rock Hill Public Schools.

As an educator and former York County State Representative, he achieved leadership positions through hard work and dedication. These positions include:

• President of SC Association of School Administrators, 1975-76

• President of SC Association of High School Principals

• President of York County Education Association

• President of 4A High School Athletic Association

• Served on the House Ways and Means Committee (Budget Developing Committee)

• Served as First Vice Chairman of the House Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (3M Committee)

• Served as Chairman of the House Invitations and Memorial Resolutions Committee

• Floor Leader for the passage of the Education Improvement Acto fo 1984 under Governor Dick Riley

• Appointed to the Task Force on Education Accountability Committee by Governor Carroll Campbell

• 1990 Legislator of the Year by the SC School Boards Association

• 1991 Legislator of the Year by the SC Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers

• Inducted into the Morris College Athlethic Hall of Fame 1994

• Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, Morris College – 2016

• In 1999, regretfully declined an appointment from Governor James Hodges to serve as Director of the Department of Juvenile Justice for the State of South Carolina

• Former member of the Winthrop University Board of Trustees

• Appointed in November 2009 as the interim Executive Director of the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, a 1500 employee state agency

Foster was married to the former Jestine Wright (deceased). Samuel and Jestine have two sons, Samuel Rufus II and Allyn Eugene. Samuel II is married to Chandra Jones, and they have two sons, Samuel Rufus III and Landon Avery.

Allyn Eugene is married to LaSalle McCollough, and they have four daughters, Jestine Allyson, Jaelyn LaSalle, Madison Noelle, and Winter Denise Smith-McKinney (John) and one son, Ezell Allen Smith III (Chrissy). Foster is blessed to have five great granddaughters. He lives in Rock Hill, SC and is a member of New Mount Olivet AME Zion Church. Foster is a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and the NAACP.

During the program, Morris College honored Alumnus who are recipients of the Order of the Palmetto in the State of South Carolina. Morris Alumnus honorees were the Reverend Dr. Ralph W. Canty, Dr. Henry Darby, the Reverend Dr. Marion Newton, Dr. Leo Richardson, the Reverend Dr. Mack T. Hines, Dr. Samuel Rufus Foster, Sr., Dr. Oliver T. Hill, and Dr. William S. Randolph.

The Order of the Palmetto in the State of South Carolina is the highest civilian honor given as a means of recognizing outstanding service and contributions to the state.