Bucs walk stage for fall commencement

Charleston Southern University celebrated the graduation of just over 200 undergraduates Friday, Dec. 19.

Jeff Wilson, president of HCA Healthcare Charleston, and chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare Trident Hospital, was guest speaker, and Roger Nielsen, Class of 1974, received an honorary doctor of business degree.

Hannah Dawson, president of the Student Government Association addressed the Class of 2025 and said, “The same way that the Lord saw you through to this moment, He will see you through whatever challenges that life throws at you. We’ve all had difficult moments over our time here. You’ve had moments where you wanted to give up, or you felt you were not in the right place. But those difficult moments do not outweigh the beautiful moments that you’ve lived here.”

Addressing the graduates, Wilson quoted Psalm 126:3 “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” He commended graduates on their hard work and perseverance.

He shared the lessons that have guided him in his career and said, “Leadership is about showing up for people when it matters most. Your ability to care will define your impact.

“Stay curious, stay humble, and keep growing. The moment you think you know it all is the time you cease moving forward. Commitment to growth is about thriving.” 

Wilson challenged the graduates to “carry adaptability into every challenge, compassion into every interaction, and commitment to growth into every opportunity. If you do you won’t just succeed, you’ll make a difference, and that’s the greatest achievement of all.”

Before joining HCA Healthcare Charleston, Wilson spent 13 years with the HCA San Antonio Division, where he served as CEO of Methodist Hospital | Specialty and Transplant. He started his healthcare career with HCA 20 years ago in Richmond, Virginia, where he initially worked at TriCities Hospital and Henrico Doctor’s Hospital and later served as the vice president for orthopedics and spine for the capital division.

Also, he worked at the federal and state levels, focusing on healthcare policy and developing better coordination of health services between public and private entities. 

Wilson earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Kansas, has a certificate in management from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, and a master’s degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.

In presenting the honorary doctor of business, President B. Keith Faulkner said, “Roger Nielsen’s journey from student-athlete to entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist exemplifies Christian leadership in business and the heart of this university.”

Nielsen came to what was then Baptist College from New Jersey to play baseball. He earned his accounting degree in 1974 and went on to build a remarkable business career as the owner of Abbey Color Incorporated in Philadelphia and Abbey Companies, now the world’s premier dye manufacturer. Today, the company continues under the leadership of his children, Brian Nielsen and Dr. Kristen Nielsen-Donnelly, extending the Nielsen legacy of excellence and purpose.

For many years, Roger and his wife, Joyce, supported CSU quietly, never seeking recognition. But after the Emanuel 9 tragedy, Roger watched with amazement as Buccaneer baseball player Chris Singleton ’25 stood before the world and declared: “Love is stronger than hate.” Inspired by Chris’s courage and faith, Roger felt called to invest more deeply in CSU. In 2018, he committed to support Buccaneer baseball, and Nielsen Field was later named in honor of his family.

Roger’s impact extends far beyond athletics. Recognized for his business insight and passion for mentoring students, he joined the College of Business Executive in Residence program in 2018 and the Board of Advisors in 2019. In 2022, through the generosity of the Nielsen family, the university named the business school the Hans A. Nielsen College of Business in honor of Roger’s father.

The Nielsen family’s support—much of it offered quietly—has strengthened programs such as the Center for Personal Financial Management and launched the Community Research Institute, which gives CSU students real-world opportunities to serve the community through evidence-based solutions.

Faulkner said, “The Nielsen family’s commitment—financial and personal—is helping CSU expand its reach and prepare students to lead with faith and purpose. As Roger has said, ‘We were taught to create wealth, not accumulate it.’”

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Nearly 100 Bucs receive master’s, doctorate this fall

Charleston Southern University celebrated fall 2025 graduate commencement Thursday, Dec. 18 with nearly 100 graduates receiving master’s and doctoral degrees. Additionally, graduates of the Doctor of Physical Therapy and PA programs graduated Saturday, Dec. 13.

Charleston County School District Superintendent Anita Huggins was guest speaker for the Thursday program. 

She told the graduates, “Inside there is always a part of us that feels young, feels hopeful, feels like anything is possible. Hold on to that part. Don’t let the world take it from you. Because that inner spark, that sense of possibility is what carries us through our journeys. And every one of you has a journey that brought you to this moment.”

She said, “Your calling may change shape over time. Mine did. But it never leaves you. 

“First, your job is to listen. Trust your calling. Follow it even when it requires courage. Even when it requires sacrifice. 

“Second, surround yourself with people who support you and that calling. People who challenge you, who believe in you when you are tired or discouraged.

“Third, be that person for someone else. Be the encourager, the lifter, the one who celebrates other people’s success.

“Fourth, never stop learning. Seriously, stay curious. Take risks. Be uncomfortable. 

“And fifth, have fun.”

Huggins has served CCSD for more than 25 years as a teacher, principal, and district leader. As superintendent, she is deeply committed to raising academic achievement, closing opportunity gaps, and strengthening support for teachers and classrooms. Under her leadership, CCSD has achieved its highest-ever South Carolina Ready scores and record College and Career Readiness rates, with meaningful gains across all student groups.

Prior to becoming superintendent, Huggins served as deputy superintendent and as executive director of educator effectiveness, where she championed instructional quality, educator development, and equitable access to high-quality learning opportunities. Her career spans leadership and teaching roles across multiple CCSD school communities, reflecting a lifelong commitment to serving Charleston’s students.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Huggins’ most important role is serving her family. She and her husband are parents to three children.

Faulkner said, “We are deeply grateful for the strong partnership between Charleston Southern University and the Charleston County School District, which supports several of our academic programs, including education. This collaboration plays a critical role in preparing future educators and leaders who will serve our region with excellence and purpose.”