Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack Takes Top Honors at 10th Annual Diamond Awards Celebration

Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack Takes Top Honors at 10th Annual Diamond Awards Celebration

Two Claflin University Administrators Also Receive Diamond Awards

Claflin University President Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack continues to be recognized nationally as a transformative visionary leader in higher education by fostering pedagogical innovation in the classroom, interdisciplinary research, and a wholistic student-centered environment that prepares graduates for the global workforce of the 21^st century.

Warmack, who was appointed Claflin's ninth president in August 2019, received The Crown Jewel Diamond Award - Supreme Honor in Visionary Leadership, National Impact & Social Change, and the Diamond Awards Presidential Lifetime Achievement in Transformative Higher Education & Student-Centered Innovation during the Not Alone Foundation's Diamonds Awards celebration on Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta, Ga.

Warmack was selected by The Governing Board of Trustees of The Not Alone Foundation, Inc., and The Academy of the Diamond Awards. The awards represent two of the Foundation's highest honors. The Crown Jewel Diamond Award - Supreme Honor in Visionary Leadership, National Impact & Social Change is reserved for leaders whose vision transcends generations-whose decisions, policies, and presence spark cultural transformation and institutional legacy.

Under the Leadership of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Mark Dodd, The Not Alone Foundation is a non-profit organization based in Atlanta and dedicated to providing transportation assistance, financial assistance, educational and medical resources for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) patients and their families. The foundation educates, inspires and uplifts, working endlessly to assist in the global epidemic.

Warmack's leadership was described as "a rare convergence of vision, grit, and humanity," when announced as the choice for the Diamond Awards Presidential Lifetime Achievement in Transformative Higher Education & Student-Centered Innovation. He was recognized for "transforming under-resourced institutions into centers of possibility, turning silence into action for the voiceless and bringing national distinction to the institutions he served. The award celebrated Warmack's capacity "to build bridges from campus to community, from student to leader, from now to what's next."

His tenure has produced unprecedented fundraising, and historic partnerships with highly reputable universities such as Yale University, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Ohio Wesleyan University, London Metropolitan University and Florence (Italy) University that expand academic and research opportunities for Claflin students and faculty.

"It was truly an honor and a privilege to be recognized for the Diamond Awards with all the other distinguished recipients," Warmack said. "The Not Alone Foundation does amazing work to support individuals with kidney disease. African Americans are disproportionately impacted by kidney disease so the support and services they provide are impactful and significant to these individuals and their families."

U.S. News and World Report ranked Claflin the No. 1 Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in South Carolina and No. 5 from among all South Carolina colleges and universities. U.S. News has ranked Claflin on its list of the Best HBCU for 15 consecutive years.

Two of Warmack's executive leadership team, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Willie Jude II and Director of Athletics Tony O' Neal, were also honored.

Jude received the Executive Crown Jewel of Institutional Advancement, Philanthropic Leadership & Humanitarian Service Award. Serving previously as Executive Director of the MPS Foundation and before that as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement and Alumni Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, He joined Claflin's senior leadership in August 2025.

Jude's immediate impact on the Claflin's fundraising and community engagement initiatives contributed to another record year of alumni giving. This year, the Division of Institutional Advancement raised $1,006,088 for the Claflin Fund and experienced a 13.8% increase in young alumni giving. Underpinning the overall success were numerous stand-alone achievements including record fundraising totals for the following signature events this fall: Ecumenical Day of Prayer Breakfast, Giving Tuesday, Outstanding Leaders Under 40 Gala, and the 2025 Hall of Fame Luncheon.

O'Neal, who joined Dr. Warmack's leadership team in 2022, received a Diamond Award for his wide-reaching impact on Claflin University's successful athletic programs. The Academy described O'Neal's lengthy career in intercollegiate athletics as a "masterclass in transformational leadership, institutional advancement, and the power of purpose-driven service" and for "guided the program to unprecedented heights-building a culture of integrity, performance, and holistic development that reflects the very soul of leadership." Since his arrival, Claflin has won three consecutive CIAA Championships in Men's Indoor Track and Field (2023-2025), its first-ever CIAA Men's Outdoor Track and Field Championship (2025), and a Women's CIAA Softball Championship (2022). O'Neal was named 2023-24 CIAA Athletics Director of the Year.

"To have three administrators from Claflin accepting awards from this outstanding organization speaks volumes about our brand," Warmack said. "To receive awards in different categories all at the same time reflects the value of our historic institution and the transformational work taking place at Claflin University."

For more information about Claflin University and to support Claflin's mission of providing students with access to exemplary educational opportunities visit www.claflin.edu.

From Left: Mrs. Deborah Bradley, Mr. Leon Bradley, Dr. Delvon Benson, President Dwaun J. Warmack, Mr. Tony O'Neal, Mrs. Lavelle Wilborn, Ms. Olympia Jenkins, Mr. Rodney Deal, and Mr. Willie Jude II.
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