Claflin University is taking a major step toward its future growth with plans to acquire the former Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School campus, a move that will provide the university with valuable facilities while saving an estimated $2.5 million in demolition costs.
The acquisition aligns with Claflin’s long-term master plan and gives the university access to additional land, buildings, and athletic facilities that can be repurposed to support future academic, residential, athletic, and community initiatives.
Rather than seeing the property torn down, Claflin will be able to preserve and reimagine the campus as part of its broader vision for institutional growth. The added space offers flexibility for future expansion while strengthening the university’s footprint in Orangeburg.
The move also represents a significant investment in the local community. By utilizing existing infrastructure, Claflin can redirect resources that might otherwise have been spent on demolition and site preparation toward projects that directly benefit students and the university’s mission.
As one of South Carolina’s leading HBCUs, Claflin continues to position itself for long-term success through strategic planning and thoughtful expansion. The acquisition of the former Orangeburg-Wilkinson campus marks another important milestone in that effort, creating new possibilities for the university and the surrounding community for years to come.
