VOORHEES UNIVERSITY: ADVANCING ELIZABETH EVELYN WRIGHT-MENAFEE’S VISION FOR EDUCATIONAL ACCESS AND OPPORTUNITY
BY DR. EMMANUEL LALANDE
A t a time when educational priorities, the life and work of Elizabeth Evelyn Wright-Menafee, the founder of Voorhees University, remind us of the power of education as a catalyst for change. In 1897, Wright-Menafee, a 23-year-old Black woman, established Voorhees in Denmark, access and opportunities are at the forefront of national
South Carolina, a rural community where access to education was scarce. Her vision, rooted in resilience and innovation, was to create an institution that would empower generations of Black students to succeed despite systemic barriers.
University continues to build on her transformative legacy, ensuring that students from all backgrounds have access to high-quality education, economic mobility, and leadership opportunities. Programs such as the Center of Excellence for Educator Preparation and Innovation (EPI Center) train the next generation of educators and
leaders, expanding pathways for communities in the education workforce. As we reflect on Black History Month and Women’s History Month, Wright-Menafee’s story remains an inspiring example of how one person’s vision can create lasting change. Her legacy reminds us of the ongoing work
Today, led by its 10th President, Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, Voorhees
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