ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University

Dean’s List and President’s List

Congratulations to students who earned Dean’s List and President’s List
distinctions for the spring 2026 semester.

Dean’s List recipients have taken at least 12 credit hours and earned between a
3.5 and 3.99 Grade Point Average for the semester.

New this semester is the addition of the President’s List distinction for students
taking at least 12 credit hours and earning a 4.0 for the semester.

Five ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University students will compete at the National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinal competition July 3-5 in San Antonio, Texas, the largest group of CSU singers to make it to semifinals. Luke Baur, a student of Dr. Jill Terhaar Lewis, placed first overall in Commercial Music in last year’s national competition and will compete in Classical and Musical Theatre this year.

These CSU singers have made it to the top 15 or better in their respective categories. In addition to Baur, competitors are:

• Lia Hrenya, Commercial Music, student of Lewis
• Jordan Collins, Commercial Music, student of Dr. Jennifer Luiken
• Kishawn Gary, Commercial Music, student of Lewis
• Amoiré Green, Commercial Music, student of Luiken

Singers moving on to the semifinals were selected from nearly 1,200 qualifying student-singers in the preliminary auditions. Semifinalists represent 13 American regions, the Canadian region, as well as an International Region, spanning nine chapters across four continents.

Tahou Shines at NCAA Championships

ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern’s Maeva Tahou concluded her trip to the NCAA Championships, in
Eugene, Oregon, on June 13 in the triple jump and marked her second First-Team All-
American performance of the week as she accomplished the feat in the long jump June 11
as well. She jumped 13.44m in the triple jump to claim sixth overall nationally.

Tahou started her series with a pair of 13.35m for a new personal best and had the mark
already clear her for the finals. She fouled on her second attempt and then got even better
on the third with a 13.38m. On her fourth she had a 13.03m and then went for a day’s best
of 13.44 on the fifth to move her up the leaderboard one last time before fouling on her
sixth. The mark ranks as a new personal best, school record, and conference record.

E.P.I.C. Employee of the Year for Extra Mile Service

Jan Reed, executive assistant to the dean of the College of Humanities and Social
Sciences, was named E.P.I.C. Employee of the Year for Extra Mile Service at the
annual employee appreciation luncheon. Reed also received her 15-year service
pin.

Reed was nominated for consistently going above and beyond in her work. She is
described as kind, patient, joyfully committed, always stepping in to help students
and faculty and was honored for her compassion, initiative, and willingness to
serve.

In addition, the university’s marketing and communication office will report to Greene, further aligning advancement and the university brand with strategic priorities. 

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Greene to ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University in this new leadership role that ensures we are well-positioned to grow our impact and fulfill the calling God has placed on this university,” CSU President B. Keith Faulkner said. “As we advance the vision of CSU Rise, Shelley’s leadership will play a vital role in inspiring greater philanthropic investment, deepeningrelationships with alumni and friends, and expanding the community of supporters who believe in the transformative power of Christian higher education.” 

Greene previously served as vice president for enrollment and advancement at Chowan University, a role she assumed in April 2024.��She led and supported capital and comprehensive fundraising initiatives aligned with institutional priorities and facilities development. She led institution-wide change management initiatives, integrating data systems, communication workflows, and performance tracking to improve ROI and decision-making and helped lead growth strategies that contributed to a 13% increase in new student enrollment and a 4% increase in retention within her first year.��

Prior to joining Chowan, Greene dedicated 15 years to Randolph Community College, where she served in various leadership capacities, including vice president for institutional advancement and effectiveness and executive director of the foundation. Her major gift and endowment strategy resulted in the doubling of the college foundation from $7M to $14M, positioning the foundation for long-term philanthropic growth and sustainability.  

Known for building strong institutional partnerships and aligning advancement strategies with long-term institutional priorities, Greene brings experience in fundraising, enrollment growth, strategic communications, and organizational leadership. 
 
“I am honored to join ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ Southern University at such a pivotal moment in its history,” Greene said. “CSU’s commitment to academic excellence, Christian mission, and transformational student experiences deeply resonates with me. I’m excited to be part of a university community that is passionate about investing in students and advancing the vision of CSU Rise — creating lasting impact for generations to come.” 

Greene earned a Doctor of Strategic Leadership at Liberty University, a Master of Science in integrated marketing communication at West Virginia University, and a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication/marketing at Campbell University. She is married to Kyle and is the proud mother of two children, Noah and Lily. 

The CSU Singers will perform each day with worship sets led by several student groups. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the musical talents of future music and worship leaders in the local church.

CSU @ the SBC Schedule

CSU Singers Schedule

SC Ministry Buc Award

Ministers Dependent Scholarship

Call to Ministry Scholarship Award

Deeply committed to student-centered, experiential learning, Casas connects communication theory to real-world application with distinctly Christian integration. She teaches courses such as Interpersonal Communication, Intercultural Communication, Public Speaking, and Communication Ethics & Professional Development. In recognition of her dedication to student success, she received CSU’s E.P.I.C. (Passion for Student Success) Award in 2025.

Dr. Michael Wilder, CSU provost, said, “Dr. Casas exemplifies CSU’s commitment to distinctly Christian, academically excellent education as she deeply invests in the next generation of thought leaders. She is a highly valued member of our university community, and we are grateful for her teaching excellence.”

Beyond the classroom, she serves as faculty advisor for Buc News Network mentoring students in storytelling, media strategy, and ethical communication. She also launched the inaugural CSU Public Speaking Invitational, creating a pathway for speakers to advance to the regional Lowcountry Public Speaking Invitational hosted by The Citadel.

Her scholarship examines conflict management and communication ethics through the lens of faith integration. She is the author of Conflict Toolbox: Biblical Communication Skills for Everyday Life (Integratio Press, forthcoming 2027).

Casas holds a PhD in communication from Regent University and a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Roberts Wesleyan University. Her research explores communication adaptability within marital conflict and reflects her broader interest in how communication shapes relationships.

CSU adds this financial award to a menu of scholarship opportunities that support the mission of providing a high-quality, Christ-focused education at an affordable value.  

“The SC Ministry Buc Award is another example of our commitment to provide funding to allow future Bucs to attend CSU without the burden of carrying heavy debt post-graduation,” Dr. Anthony Turner, vice president for enrollment, said. 

President B. Keith Faulkner said that CSU is proud to serve its South Carolina Baptist Convention pastors and missionary partners with an academically excellent education. “The children of those who serve our Lord in church ministry, on mission fields, and leading congregations should be able to afford a high-quality Christian college experience,” he said. “We believe serving our pastors is one way we live out our vision of a Christian university recognized for its integration of faith in learning, leading, and serving. We seek to serve as their trusted higher education resource as they continue to serve locally and abroad.” 

The SC Ministry Buc Award will cover tuition after all other aid is applied. Combined scholarships and grants may not total more than what it costs to attend CSU, including tuition, housing, and food. Students eligible for the SC Ministry Buc Award must: 

• Be a resident of the State of South Carolina 

• Enroll full-time in a bachelor’s degree program  

• Reside on campus at CSU throughout their four-year undergraduate experience 

• Meet all eligibility requirements for the SC Tuition Grant 

To learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities, go to charlestonsouthern.edu/scholarships.��

Capt. Reed Koepp, the commanding officer for Naval Support Activity ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ and deputy commander of Joint Base ߣ�ѿ�Ƭ, spoke at Thursday evening’s event.  

Referencing Tim Keller’s book, Every Good Endeavor, Koepp challenged graduates with a few key ideas. “If I were to distill them down simply, they would be these: Do work that you’re good at. Do work that helps others. And when possible, do work that benefits your field.” 

At Friday’s three ceremonies, Lyndsay Keith, TV host for The News on Merit Street, encouraged CSU’s newest alumni to stay connected. “We are living in a digital age,” she said. “We are the most connected civilization in history. Yet we are lonelier than any group of people who has ever lived. That’s the problem with screens. The connection only runs one way. And we need to be known.”  

Keith added that the recipe for success in this modern world is not a better skill set. “It just so happens to be relationships.” 

CSU’s Student Government Association President Hannah Dawson provided the statement on behalf of the class of 2026 weaving in a reflection on the biblical story of David—a man after God’s own heart. She summarized that statement with three points: live a life that is defined by our relationship with God. Live fearlessly in the face of giants. And, to have patience. In doing these three things, she said that “We will find our purpose in this journey by walking with Christ.” 

A sophomore criminal justice major from Winnsboro, South Carolina, Harrison has worked her whole life at developing her skills in clay target. Now, an impactful part of her college experience has been competing on CSU’s clay target team.

Harrison said her introduction to clay target began with family at a very young age. She has spent much time outdoors fishing, hunting, and shooting with her father. Harrison’s dad, Hank Harrison, has played a major role in her growth in the sport, even coaching her team in the past. “He has been a huge inspiration to me,” she said.

This has been a competitive sport for Harrison since middle school, and she became a state champion in high school. She appreciates all her coaches, and they have helped her strengthen her skills in the sport.

Harrison said that CSU Coach Thomas Cousins is an amazing coach and is always there for Harrison and her teammates when they need him.

Competing at the national level, Harrison explained that the targets are more difficult, and everyone at the competition shoots phenomenally and has rightfully earned their place with hard work. Harrison enjoys being able to be out there and seeing those that she has formed meaningful bonds with through the community of clay target over the years.

Harrison is dedicated at practice and appreciates the competitive aspect of clay targets. Working as a team is also a large part of the sport.

Harrison loves her sport and appreciates the mental resilience it has given her. This resilience overflows into her discipline in classes, and she is always striving to be the best she can be academically as well.

“I’ve always loved being outdoors and appreciate the mental part of it. It teaches you to not only thrive under that pressure, but to push through when things get tough,” she explained.