DENMARK, SC — Voorhees University will officially open the 2026-2027 academic year with its 130th Opening Convocation on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center. Dr. Jermaine Johnson, South Carolina state representative, Democratic nominee for Governor of South Carolina, nonprofit founder, former professional basketball player and community advocate, will serve as the keynote speaker.
Opening Convocation is a longstanding Voorhees University tradition that brings together students, faculty, staff, alumni and members of the community to celebrate the beginning of a new academic year and reaffirm the university’s commitment to academic excellence, leadership and service.
Johnson’s personal and professional journey reflects resilience, perseverance and a commitment to creating opportunities for others. Growing up surrounded by poverty and gun violence, he used basketball as a pathway to higher education, earning a full scholarship to the College of Charleston, where he became a team captain. He later played professionally in the NBA D-League and internationally.
After returning home from playing basketball abroad, Johnson earned a doctorate in Organizational Leadership and turned his attention toward strengthening his community. He founded the New Economic Beginnings Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping working-class individuals gain the skills and support needed to succeed.
In 2020, Johnson was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives after defeating a 22-year incumbent. As a state lawmaker, his work has focused on issues including job opportunities, education, safer communities and responsive government.
“Dr. Jermaine Johnson’s story of perseverance, leadership and service embodies many of the values we seek to instill in our students at Voorhees University,” said Dr. Ronnie Hopkins, President and CEO of Voorhees University. “As we begin our 130th academic year, his journey serves as a powerful reminder to our students that challenges do not have to define their future. We look forward to welcoming Dr. Johnson to our campus and hearing the message he will share with the Voorhees family.”
The 130th Opening Convocation will provide an opportunity for the university community to welcome new and returning students while setting the tone for a year focused on achievement, personal growth and service.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, in the Leonard E. Dawson Health and Human Resources Center on the campus of Voorhees University in Denmark, South Carolina.