History and Mission of the STATE CLUB
In early 1989, a small group of loyal supporters of South Carolina State (then College) University athletics met at the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Davis to establish an organization that could "provide educational assistance, provide athletic scholarships, promote and support athletic affairs, accept gifts and contributions of any kind consistent with the College policies and procedures." The founding board members are Mrs. Frazier Davis, Lemeul Stephens, Walter Tobin, and Joseph Wilson, Jr. The Club received its official charter three years later. Other members of the first Board of Directors were George Bright, Lathan Turner, Willie Jefferies, Roosevelt Gilliam, Ray Goodman, Willie McLaughlin, Alphonso Baltimore, John Wilson, Marion Day, Alexander Wilson, Lamar Dawkins, Phillip Brown, W. N. Pough, W.F. Hickson, and William Johnson.
Since its inception, the Club has had four presidents of its Board of Directors. They are Lemeul Stephens (1989-1995), Alan Robinson (1995-1998), Joseph Wilson, Jr. (1998-2004) and Larry Watson (2004-present). During the formative years, President Stephens oversaw development of the Club's infrastructure, specifically the development of a Constitution and By-laws, selection of a Board of Directors, articulation agreements with South Carolina State University, as well as the establishment of a fiscal management system. President Robinson built on Stephens' initiatives as well as raised the visibility of the Club on campus and during athletic events. President Wilson's tenure saw the Club increase its membership to the present level and further developed membership incentives such as parking and season ticket packages. The Club also enjoyed its highest level of visibility with the creation of the popular Meet the Players Day which affords Bulldog supporters of all ages to interact annually with the players and coaches. The Inaugural Meet the Players Day was August 1999. Originally designed for football, the event was expanded to include other varsity sports.
The STATE Club's success has been directly related to the support it received from former University presidents and athletic directors. The Club received strong support from the leadership of former President Leroy Davis, who ushered in a new era of constructive partnership. During his tenure, the STATE Club experienced unprecedented positive growth. This relationship was augmented by the leadership of then Athletic Director Timothy Autry.
Currently, with support from former President Andrew Huggine, Jr., Head Football Coach Buddy Pough, and Athletic Director, Charlene M. Johnson, the Club is embarking on a new and aggressive expansion campaign to increase memberships, annual giving, game day activities, and season ticket sales.
Since 1989, the Club membership has grown from a few dozen local South Carolinians to more than 350 local and national members. It has contributed nearly $500,000.00 to the University to support scholarships, equipment purchases, physical planning and development, and other athletic activities. The Club supports all varsity athletic programs at the University.
The present board is comprised of 23 members representing many states. Regardless of residency, all STATE Club members share the same vision-helping student athletes at South Carolina State University Strive Through Athletics To Excel (STATE)!