Greater Columbia Chapter SCSU National Alumni Association
​
Mailing Address: PO Box 7831 Columbia, SC 29202
Email: GreaterColumbiaSCSUNAA@gmail.com​
Chapter Officers
2025-2027
Pamela Butler, President
Pamela R. Butler, a proud 1989 graduate of South Carolina State University, holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She later earned a Master of Science in Human Resource Management in 1991. As the President of the Greater Columbia Chapter of the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association, Pamela exemplifies dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the mission of her alma mater.
​
With a distinguished 28-year career in accounting, Pamela has held pivotal positions such as Budget Analyst, Financial Analyst, Accounting Supervisor, Treasury Accountant, and Auditor. Her expertise spans across reputable institutions, including the State of South Carolina and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of South Carolina. Currently, she serves as a Medicare Cost Report Auditor II at Blue Cross and Blue Shield, alongside her role as a Premium Auditor specializing in Workers Compensation for cities and state government agencies.
​
Pamela is the proud mother of two children. Brianna (Aszah) is an Airman in the South Carolina Air National Guard, demonstrating commitment and service to her country. Kenya, a Junior at South Carolina State University, is majoring in AgriBusiness and continuing the family legacy at their beloved university. Pamela’s deep connection to South Carolina State University is evident in her family’s multigenerational ties and shared pride as proud Bulldogs.
Dana Smith, 1st Vice President
Dana, born and raised in Richland County, a 1990 graduate of Eau Claire High School. After high school, Dana matriculated to South Carolina State College, now University, where she earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Computer Science. Employed as a Compliance Coordinator with Aflac, she also volunteers as a Lunch Buddy in Richland One, Ambassador on the Green Committee, and serves on the HBCU Alum Advisory Team.
​
Dana has been an active member in the South Carolina State University National Alumni Association and a member of the STATE Club. As a member of the Greater Columbia Chapter, she chairs the Public Policy Committee and has served on the Membership and Nomination Committees. She is a trained Ambassador who assists with Student Recruitment in the Midlands.
​
Dana has two sons, Chad, Jr (Arika) and Cameron Alexander. Two beautiful granddaughters, Janie and Jourdan.
Terina Gardner, 2nd Vice President
Terina R. Gardner is a three time graduate of South Carolina State University. She is currently the Lead Behavior Intervention Specialist for Richland School District Two. Prior to her current position, she was a school counselor at the middle and elementary school levels. She has worked with students and families in the Midlands area for almost three decades.
​
While Terina has certainly achieved a lot professionally in the field of education, and personally as a mom to her favorite son Karrington, she is without a doubt one of the biggest supporters of South Carolina State University and of the Marching 101 Band. Anyone who knows Terina knows that she is a walking billboard for recruitment and awareness when it comes to Thee South Carolina State University and the Marching 101. At any given moment, on any given day, Terina might be seen offering a plug to college bound students wanting the opportunity to be more, do more and see more. It is her personal mission to make sure that everyone in earshot knows about South Carolina State University. She takes being a Bulldog, an Alumni, a mentor, and an advocate very seriously.
​
Terina is not only a member of but serves on committees and executive boards for several organizations including the SCSU Alumni Band Association (Life Member), American School Counselor Association, Palmetto State School Counselor Association, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority (Life Member), and SC State ITB. She enjoys traveling, attending concerts, and participating in all things South Carolina State. She is the proud mother of one son, Karrington.
Jessica Marie Davis, Recording Secretary
Jessica Marie Davis, born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. She is the only child and daughter of Francina Herne and Norman Davis. Miss Davis attended Bishop England High School on Daniel Island, SC and went on to pursue both her Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences: Fashion Merchandising Business and Master of Art in Rehabilitation Counseling from South Carolina State University, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Her motto was always, “If you looked good, mentally you’d feel good.”
Miss Davis is a huge advocate for her community, as she has her own day in the City of Charleston, known as “Jessica M. Davis,” Day on November 12th. She is a member at large at Brookland Baptist Church, in Columbia, SC where she currently resides. Miss Davis has 11 years collectively of service with the State of South Carolina and Mississippi working with populations such as inpatient and outpatient Mental Health, Public Health and Substance Abuse and Alcohol. She is currently the Director of Adolescent Treatment Services for the SC Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services (DAODAS).
Miss Davis is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she is heavily involved in her local Graduate Chapter, Upsilon Omega Omega, as she serves as a member of the Executive Board, the Chairperson for the GenerationNext Initiative for the 40 and under Sorors, as well as Chairperson for the Cinderella/ Prince Charming Prom Project that helped to serve the underprivileged students in the Midlands. Miss Davis is also actively involved with Alumni relations for her beloved South Carolina State University. She is an active member of the SC State Greater Columbia Alumni Chapter, as she serves as Chairperson for Hospitality Committee and newly appointment Recording Secretary for 2025-2027 election year.
Miss Davis is not only passionate about making sure the world continues to go around, but also making sure that each and every person is accounted for during the process. Her philosophy in life is, “In order to see change, one has to be willing to be the change and make the change.
Bridget Woodbury, Corresponding Secretary
Bridget C. Woodbury is a School Counselor that enjoys working with young people. She has successfully earned a BS in Social Work (1995), MA in Rehabilitation Counseling (1997) and M.Ed. in School Counseling (2015) all from SC State University. Bridget has also earned certificates in American Sign Language from the University of SC and Midlands Technical College.
Bridget has been an active member of the Greater Columbia Chapter since 1997 and a former member of the Charleston Alumni Chapter of SCSUNAA (2004-2009).
During Bridget’s tenure in the Greater Columbia chapter, she has served as Chapter Queen, Membership Chair, Youth Day Chair, member of the Executive Board and Recording Secretary for the past 9 years. Bridget is also a current member of the SCSUNAA Communications Committee.
Bridget is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., School Counseling Association and the National Association of Social Workers.
Melvin L. Cox, Sr., Treasurer
A 1970 graduate of Rosenwald High School, Society Hill, SC, began studies at South Carolina State College in August 1970. Graduated May 10, 1974, with a BS Degree in Mathematics and with commission as a Second Lieutenant in the US Army. Melvin retired from the US Army in December 1993. He also retired from the US Federal Government, Department of Defense, December 30, 2018.
Melvin works as a contract negotiator, negotiating contracts for fighter aircraft engines, purchase of the B-w Bomber, C-17 Cargo aircraft and MRAP vehicles for the war in the desert.
Melvin enjoys attending football and basketball games. He has resided in Columbia since June 2004.
Theodore "Teddy" Kennedy, Financial Secretary
Theodore R. Kennedy is a proud 1990 graduate of South Carolina State University. With a distinguished career in public service as a retired law enforcement officer and a successful transition to entrepreneurship, Mr. Kennedy brings considerable experience to his role as Financial Secretary for the College Alumni Chapter.
He is the owner of a thriving sole proprietorship, where he develops, manages, and secures confidential client accounts. His business acumen is further demonstrated by his expertise in approving annual and bi-annual budgets, not only for his business but also for various boards and foundations he serves.
He is a resolute leader and has held the position of president in several organizations, foundations, and boards. He has served as financial secretary and treasurer, helping manage fundraising projects that boosted group revenue.
His professional strengths include producing high-quality written communications, overseeing complex financial operations, and active participation in strategic planning to set long-term goals and direction for organizations. Mr. Kennedy’s commitment to excellence and leadership continues to benefit his alma mater and the broader community through his service.
Lavet Young-Pilot, Chaplain
Lavet Young-Pilot is a proud native of Greenville, South Carolina, and the youngest of five children born to the late Deacon BobbyJoe Young and late Deaconess BobbieJean Golden-Young. As a first-generation college graduate and in honor of her parents’ legacy, she established a social work scholarship at South Carolina State University (SCSU) through her business, LYP Sunshine Consulting, LLC, where she serves as owner and operator.
​
Mrs. Pilot is married to Dr. Cleve Pilot, and together they have one daughter, Payton Cheyenne, and fur baby Callie.
​
A passionate and experienced social work professional, she has dedicated over 25 years to the medical and healthcare social work field. Her career began as a medical discharge planner/ social worker at a local hospital with the older adult population. She later advanced to become a lead social worker with a medical insurance provider, supporting Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) across the Southeast and Midwest regions. She currently is a supervisor for a global provider in the healthcare industry. Her work has consistently focused on advocating and coordinating care with compassion and professionalism.
​
She is a proud alumna of Thee South Carolina State University, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Social Work. She went on to obtain her Master’s in Social Work from the University of South Carolina, becoming a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) shortly thereafter. She is a life member of both SCSU and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, having been inducted into the Beta Sigma Chapter in 1997.
Deeply committed to service, Mrs. Pilot has contributed her expertise to various committees and professional development initiatives throughout South Carolina. She has led workshops and training sessions for both practicing professionals and social work students, offering mentorship with a focus on ethics and professional standards. She currently serves on the Council of Nephrology Social Workers, South Carolina State Social Work Advisory Board and serves as the Chaplain of the Greater Columbia SC Alumni Chapter.
​
Her guiding philosophy in the profession is:
"All individuals should be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their circumstances."
George Adams, Parliamentarian
George N. Adams Jr., a proud Columbia native, has dedicated over three decades to public safety and community service. A 1992 graduate of South Carolina State University with a B.A. in Political Science and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, he later earned his Master of Arts in Management from Webster University in 2000.
​
Adams began his career with the Columbia Fire Department in 1993 and swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming the youngest Deputy Fire Marshal in department history by 1996. In 2011, he was appointed Chief Fire Marshal becoming the first African American to hold this position. He is responsible for overseeing fire prevention, inspections, investigations, permits, and special events. He is also certified by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety and the American Red Cross. He is currently the second highest ranking Chief Officer in the Columbia Fire Department.
​
Chief Adams actively contributes to several professional organizations and has the distinguish designation of a South Carolina Chief Fire Officer by the State Association of Fire Chiefs. He was named First Responder of the Year in 2016 and Fire fighter of the Year in 2019.
​
He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Omicron Phi Chapter, where he served on the executive board and as the housing chair. In 2007, he was honored as Omega Man of the Year.
​
Deeply committed to youth development, Adams has coached sports for over 35 years and served as a Youth Baseball commissioner and tournament director across Columbia. He and his wife, Dr. Monica Thomas Adams, are proud parents of three sons, and five grandchildren, whom he cherished deeply. They co-owners of Cola City Cleaning Services, LLC, and GMA Fire Safety Consultants. The Adams family are members of First Nazareth Baptist Church.
Wanda Beatty, Historian
Wanda Herrin Beatty is a retired educator for over 45 years. She taught at the Department of Defense Schools at Fort Jackson for over 38 years and Richland one for more than 5 years. She is a 1975 graduate of South Carolina State with a B.S degree, Cambridge College in 1997 with a MA degree and in 2001 an EDS degree from Cambridge. Wanda served as President of the Greater Columbia Alumni Chapter for four years and as 2nd Vice President for 6 years. She is currently Chair of Recruitment for the Greater Columbia Chapter and has and served and is presently serving as volunteer in the Admissions Office since 2015. She is a Life Member of South Carolina State University National Alumni Association and also, serves as Chair for History/Archives Committee. In July of 2022, she received The South Carolina Coaches MVP Community Award. Wanda is member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church where she sings on the choir. She enjoys reading, baking, playing cards, listening to gospel and jazz and good football. Wanda has one son, Brandon and daughter in law, Lyndsey.