�㽶��

Ceremony affirms historic ties and future partnership in faith, learning, and service

�㽶�� and the of the formally renewed their long-standing relationship Dec. 4 with the signing of a new covenant during a worship service in Wyatt Chapel. The ceremony marked the culmination of a yearlong process to update the covenant under new guidelines adopted by the Synod and reaffirmed the college’s historic mission and ongoing partnership with the church.

A worshipful setting for a historic moment

Rather than exchanging signatures through email or conducting a brief administrative meeting, college and church leaders intentionally framed the covenant signing as an act of worship. The Rev. Dr. Buz Wilcoxon ‘05, Lassiter Chaplain and Dean of Spiritual Life, welcomed the congregation and explained that the setting underscored the spiritual significance of the commitment being made.

Scripture readings from Proverbs 8 and Joshua 24 grounded the service in the biblical tradition of covenant-making. In introducing the ceremony, Wilcoxon reflected on the depth of the college’s relationship with the Presbyterian Church, a connection that extends far beyond formal documents.

“When the college was first chartered across the street, it was under the auspices of the session of First Presbyterian Church,” Wilcoxon said. “Over time, that relationship expanded to include the Synod of South Carolina, then the Synod of Georgia. Eventually, ownership and control gave way to a relationship defined by mutual partnership.”

He noted that following denominational reunification in the 1980s, the Synod of the South Atlantic became the college’s formal covenant partner, linking �㽶�� not only to Presbyterians in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, but also to the larger Presbyterian family nationwide.

Reading of the Covenant

The covenant itself was read aloud by a group representing the breadth of the �㽶�� community and its connection to the church:

• Dr. Anita Gustafson, president of �㽶��
• Rev. Dr. Bob Bryant, professor emeritus of religion
• Dr. Holbrook Raynal ’70, member of the �㽶�� Board of Trustees
• Dr. Selena Blair, Rogers-Ingram Vice President for Justice and Community Wellbeing
• Riley Taylor ’26, senior
• Valerie Young, Synod executive and stated clerk

The document reaffirms �㽶��’s founding purpose and deep ties to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It highlights the college’s commitment to transformative liberal arts education, leadership development, service, and the Reformed tradition’s emphasis on inquiry, community and gratitude.

The covenant traces �㽶��’s origins to its founding in 1880 as an outgrowth of the ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, which sought to provide educational opportunities for young people, including orphans. Today, the college remains governed by an independent Board of Trustees, but its intentional relationship with the church “is still celebrated and vibrantly maintained,” according to the covenant.

The Synod’s commitments include praying regularly for �㽶��’s students, faculty and staff; promoting the college throughout the denomination; maintaining open communication with the college chaplain; and embracing �㽶�� as a partner in understanding the culture and needs of contemporary young adults.

An affirmation of identity and mission

Gustafson said the covenant serves as a tangible reminder of the college’s identity and values.

“We identify as a church-related institution, and we are strongly connected with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” she said. “This covenant is a meaningful way of continuing that relationship and being consistent with who we are and how we portray ourselves.”

Gustafson said the Reformed tradition’s emphasis on the life of the mind, the liberal arts, and the community of all believers aligns naturally with �㽶��’s mission. 

“We embrace people of all backgrounds and traditions,” she said. “That is central to who we are.”

Young said the covenant reflects the synod’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with youth and educational institutions.

“These partnerships are invaluable,” she said. “We are already exploring ways to deepen our collaboration for the education of teaching and ruling elders, and to create new opportunities for youth in forms of education that complement what universities classically offer.”

A benediction for the future

The Rev. Dr. Danny Murphy, general presbyter and stated clerk for Trinity Presbytery and a member of the �㽶�� Board of Trustees, concluded the ceremony with a benediction celebrating the shared purpose that binds the college and the Synod.

“As we now turn our faces toward the future, may this blessing remind us that our partnership is not just institutional — it is spiritual,” Murphy said. “May this covenant be more than words. May it be a living promise to serve faithfully, to lead with love, and to bring together head and heart, faith and learning for the good of God’s world.”