Notable Alumni of Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University (CSU) is a private institution located in North Charleston, South Carolina. Established in 1964, CSU has grown from its origins as Baptist College of Charleston to offer a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, CSU provides students with opportunities in business, education, criminal justice, and various other fields. Beyond academics, CSU emphasizes campus activities, intramural sports, and intercollegiate athletics through the NCAA Division I Big South Conference. This article explores the accomplishments and contributions of some of Charleston Southern University's most notable alumni.

Academics and Overview of Charleston Southern University

Charleston Southern University, originally known as Baptist College of Charleston, was founded in 1964 and offered its first instruction at a post-secondary level in 1965, awarding its first degree in 1967. The university holds accreditation from the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, enabling it to confer bachelor's and master's degrees.

Located off Exit 205B on I-26 in North Charleston, South Carolina, Charleston Southern provides a diverse array of programs. CSU students can choose from more than 50 undergraduate majors and graduate programs such as business, education, criminal justice, computer science, cyber security, Christian studies, graphic design, nursing, physical therapy, physician assistant, etc. B. Keith Faulkner currently serves as the fourth president of Charleston Southern University. Previously, John A. Jairy C. Hunter Jr. Dondi E. B.

Beyond the classroom, students can participate in a variety of campus activities including academic clubs, service organizations, intramural athletics and campus ministries. Intramural athletic activities include flag football, basketball, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and more. Single students under 21 years of age are encouraged to live on campus. The university offers intercollegiate athletics for both men and women, competing in the NCAA Division I Big South Conference.

Prominent Alumni

Charleston Southern University has produced alumni who have made significant impacts in various fields, including politics, sports, and business. Here’s a look at some of the university’s most notable graduates:

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Tim Scott

Tim Scott is an American businessman and politician. He graduated with Bachelor of Science from Charleston Southern University In 1988. Serving as the junior United States Senator from South Carolina since 2013. Before his tenure in the Senate, Scott served in the U.S. House of Representatives. He also worked in financial services before entering politics.

Tyler Thornburg

Tyler Michael Thornburg is an American former professional baseball pitcher. Thornburg played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Reds, Atlanta Braves and Minnesota Twins.

Bobby Parnell

Robert Allen Parnell is an American former baseball pitcher. Parnell played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the New York Mets and Detroit Tigers. He was drafted by the Mets in the ninth round of the 2005 Major League Baseball draft after attending Charleston Southern University.

Mathiang Muo

Mathiang Mauot Muo is an Australian-South Sudanese professional basketball player for the South West Slammers of the NBL1 West. He played four seasons of college basketball in the United States between 2009 and 2013 before joining the Perth Wildcats of the National Basketball League (NBL). He was a member of the Wildcats' 2014 championship-winning team but managed just 15 games over two seasons due to injury. Since parting ways with the Wildcats, Muo has had a successful state league career, playing in the SBL, SEABL, NBL1 and Queensland State League (QSL). He won an SBL championship with the East Perth Eagles in 2014 and a SEABL championship with the Hobart Chargers in 2018.

Kelvin Martin

Kelvin Martin is an American basketball player for Iwate Big Bulls of the Japanese B.League. Martin played college basketball for CSU. After turning professional in 2012, Martin played for several clubs in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. In 2019, he won the Basketball Champions League with Virtus Bologna.

Kandie Smith

Kandie Diane Smith is a Democratic member of the North Carolina Senate, representing the 5th district. She was previously a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and interim mayor of Greenville, North Carolina.

R. J. Swindle

Robert Joseph "R. J." Swindle is a Canadian former Major League Baseball (MLB) pitcher who played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers in 2008 and 2009.

Alison Schwagmeyer

Alison Renee Schwagmeyer is an American former professional basketball player. She played college basketball for the Charleston Southern Buccaneers and the Quincy Hawks before playing in Germany, Australia, Romania, Spain, and Serbia. In Australia, she helped the Lakeside Lightning win the SBL championship in 2018 and earned three consecutive SBL Most Valuable Player awards. She also played in the Women's National Basketball League (WNBL) for the Perth Lynx, Sydney Uni Flames and UC Capitals.

Henry E. Brown

Henry Edward Brown Jr. represented South Carolina's 1st congressional district from 2001 to 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party. He did not stand for re-election in 2010.

Charles Alexander Harvin

Charles Alexander Harvin III was an American attorney and politician who was a state legislator from South Carolina. He was a Democrat.

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