Voorhees University proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Thelma Ford Sojourner, an esteemed alumna, to the newly established role of Community Relations Liaison. In her capacity, Dr. Sojourner will spearhead efforts to enhance the university’s visibility within rural communities across the local and state landscape. This will involve forging novel rural partnerships, creating recruitment pathways, and serving as the university’s ambassador to external rural entities and stakeholders.
Dr. Sojourner, a dedicated Voorhees alumna, brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as project director for a LIFE-2 federal grant at Voorhees. Reflecting on her new role, Dr. Sojourner shared, “Having been a proud Voorhees alumna and former administrator in the Denmark school system, I am truly honored to contribute to a position where my primary focus is nurturing community relationships within an area that has been my home and commitment for the past five decades.”
Dr. Sojourner’s educational journey began within the Denmark Schools, culminating in her graduation from Voorhees College, now known as Voorhees University. She furthered her academic pursuits at South Carolina State University, earning her doctorate in 2004. Her career in education encompassed roles as a teacher, principal, administrator, and superintendent of the Denmark-Olar School District in Denmark, South Carolina. During her superintendency, she successfully led initiatives to secure a $38 million bond referendum, facilitating the construction of a Pre-K through 5th grade school and the renovation of existing middle and high schools. Her leadership underscored the power of inclusivity and concerted collaboration, motivating the community, faculty, and staff. With a distinguished 50-year tenure in the Denmark-Olar School District, Dr. Sojourner retired in 2021, carrying her unwavering commitment into her new journey with Voorhees University.
