Denmark Technical College holds investiture for 10th president Eric Brown, Ph.D.
February 10, 2026
Denmark Technical College held the investiture of its 10th president, Eric Brown, Ph.D., on Friday, Jan. 30, in the William L. McDuffie Student Life Center. The ceremony brought together state and local leaders, higher education officials, alumni, faculty, staff, students and community members to mark the formal installation.
The program included greetings from South Carolina Technical College System President Tim Hardee, United Negro College Fund Senior Vice President for Strategic Partnerships Ed Smith-Lewis and Denmark Technical College Area Commissioner and National Alumni Association President James W. Bowden Sr., as well as various other education and government leaders.
The Claflin University Dream Gospel Choir provided musical selections, including the Star-Spangled Banner, Total Praise and Lift Every Voice and Sing. The invocation was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Norman Gamble of New Ebenezer Baptist Church in Florence.
Brown was administered the oath of office by Denmark Technical College Area Commission Chair Kevin Whitt, who led the formal conferral of authority on behalf of the commission, which includes Bowden, Dr. Carolyn Swinton and Rev. Dr. Herman Wallace.
“The investiture of Dr. Brown marks an important moment in the history of Denmark Technical College,” Whitt said. “His leadership reflects a commitment to access, opportunity and continued progress for the institution and its students. We are enthusiastic about this next chapter and confident in the direction the college is heading.”
“The support and unity shown throughout this process remind us what Denmark Technical College stands for,” Brown added. “Together, we will continue to create opportunities that empower students and strengthen the communities we serve.”
The celebration continued that evening with the President’s Legacy Scholarship Gala, held to raise funds for the President’s Scholarship Fund. The formal event drew alumni, business leaders and supporters from across the state. Entertainment featured comedian Tim Shropshire and The Terence Young Experience band.
Proceeds from the gala will provide scholarships for students who demonstrate academic promise and financial need.
“Scholarships like these open doors for students who might not otherwise have the chance to attend college. It’s encouraging to see so many people investing in our success and believing in the mission of Denmark Tech,” said Jasmine Mobley, president of the Denmark Technical College Student Government Association.
“Our annual gala highlights how deeply the Denmark Tech community values education and opportunity. Every contribution directly supports students and helps sustain the college’s impact across the region,” added Brown.
Denmark Technical College, founded in 1947, is the state’s only historically Black technical college. The college serves students from Allendale, Bamberg and Barnwell counties and from across South Carolina through academic, technical and workforce development programs.
About Denmark Technical College
Denmark Technical College, a two-year historically Black college founded in 1947 in rural Bamberg County, South Carolina, engages, educates and empowers students through technical career training, associate degree programs and a four-year college transfer pathway. Serving more than 1,000 learners, Denmark Tech provides accessible, high-quality education that prepares graduates for workforce success and continued academic achievement. Learn more at www.denmarktech.edu.
