In a heartfelt gathering during Homecoming weekend, several first ladies of South Carolina State University reunited on campus for a special book signing event featuring the newly published “Mr. President, I’ve Got Your Back! First Ladies of South Carolina State University.” This book, co-authored by Abbiegail Hamilton Hugine and former dean Mary Smalls, highlights the pivotal roles these women have played in supporting their husbands and the university over the years.
“Being that I was a part of the legacy of the first ladies, to see the interest of the book signing, the number of alums, and the people in the community really brings back a lot of memories and also give me hope for a better SCSU,” said Mrs. Hugine.
Hugine served as first lady from 2003 to 2007 alongside her husband, former president Dr. Andrew Hugine. Throughout her tenure, she focused on student success, emphasizing the importance of graduatio, organized social events and supported recruitment efforts.
Former dean Mary Smalls expressed her excitement about the project, describing the experience of delving into the histories of each first lady as “refreshing.”
Current SC State President Alexander Conyers remarked, “To say the least, this book is long overdue. I speak from a place of love and admiration because of my dear partner, Agatha Youmans Conyers, has been my anchor throughout my adult life.”
From First to Current
The book honors a lineage of remarkable women who have served as first ladies, dating back to Anna Marie Hume Miller, the wife of founding president Thomas E. Miller, through to the current First Lady, Agatha Youmans Conyers. Their contributions have shaped the fabric of SC State, with initiatives ranging from scholarship luncheons to campus beautification projects.
Among those attending the signing were four first ladies: Mrs. Frances Davenport Finney, Mrs. Abbiegail Hamilton Hugine, Dr. Monedia K. Elzey, and Mrs. Agatha Youmans Conyers.
Dr. Monedia Elzey, the only first lady to earn a Ph.D., reflected on her contributions, particularly in raising funds through the First Lady’s Scholarship Luncheon. “I am very proud to have been here and served and made a contribution over some point of time,” she noted. “First Ladies do often times get overlooked and we do make a huge contribution when we’re here supporting our spouses.”
Proceeds from “Mr. President, I’ve Got Your Back he First Ladies of South Carolina State University!” will benefit the First Lady Scholarship at SC State. The book is available for purchase on Amazon.