The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie Leadership Institute celebrated the graduation of its Leadership Salkehatchie Class of 2026 on May 28, 2026, during a ceremony and alumni luncheon. The event honored 13 graduates who completed a rigorous, multi-month program designed to cultivate regional collaboration, professional growth, and civic responsibility across Allendale, Bamberg, Barnwell, Colleton, Hampton, and Jasper counties. 

The ceremony featured a community service project presentation on "Truth in Nature" by Alex Murray, highlighting the class's hands-on commitment to local service. Shelby Broomfield, Director of the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute, provided opening remarks and introduced the afternoon's keynote speaker. 

A Riveting Call to Uncommon Leadership 

Mr. Denzor Richberg—an alumnus of the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Leadership Program, international bestselling author, entrepreneur, and community leader—delivered a powerful, emotionally charged keynote address. 

Richberg opened with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s iconic “I Have a Dream” quote, transitioning into a dynamic demonstration using flash paper to illustrate how quickly fear, doubt, and adversity can consume human ambition. Speaking directly to the 13 graduates, Richberg emphasized that true leadership is defined by influence, service, and the resilience to emerge sharper from life's challenges. 

In another unforgettable moment, Richberg intentionally shattered a glass into a container to demonstrate that a leader's true value rests not in their external container, but in what they carry within. He used the water from the glass to saturate the remaining flash paper, rendering it impossible to burn—a metaphor for leaders who endure hardship only to emerge indestructible. He concluded with a passionate call to action, urging the graduates to reject mediocrity and boldly use their gifts to impact future generations. 

A Journey Through the Salkehatchie Region 

The graduation marks the culmination of an immersive regional curriculum that explored economic development, local government, education, and institutional impact: 

• Foundations of Leadership: The cohort began with an orientation focused on "Leading with Purpose," utilizing Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI) assessments with Dr. Linda Salane, CEO of Why Not Now Consulting & Executive Coaching, to explore diverse cognitive and leadership styles. 

• State Government & Workplace Culture: The opening session was held on the University of South Carolina’s Columbia campus.  Dr. Kirk Randazzo, Political Science Department Chair at USC, focused on "Leadership in 3D" and the critical importance of creating psychological safety in professional environments. 

• Healthcare, Emergency Response, & Economic Development: In Session Two, participants examined regional infrastructure through site visits to Hampton Regional Medical Center, hands-on emergency simulation at Company Two Fire, and briefings from the SouthernCarolina Alliance. 

• National Innovation & Industry: The class gained rare access to the Savannah River Site to study environmental stewardship and national security. Subsequent sessions focused on rapid industrial growth in Jasper County (including visits to Gretsch Drums, the City of Hardeeville’s upcoming developments, and TS Conductor), small-business entrepreneurship in Barnwell County, and municipal operations and artificial intelligence integration in Bamberg County. 

• The Future of the Region: The final session brought insights from the South Carolina Department of Commerce and regional school superintendents to analyze the long-term economic and educational landscape of the asset-rich Salkehatchie area. 

Introducing the Leadership Salkehatchie Class of 2026 

The 13 business, civic, and education leaders recognized for completing the 2026 program include: 

• Adam Altman, Adam's Nursery and Landscaping, LLC (Barnwell) 

• Leeanna Biery, Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, LLC (Beaufort) 

• Logan Colburn, City of Hardeeville (Jasper) 

• Katrina Douse, Barnwell County Government (Barnwell) 

• Anthony Flowers, Williston-Elko High School (Barnwell ) 

• Stephone Glover, Glover Moving Company, LLC (Bamberg) 

• Thomas Higgs, Colleton County (Colleton) 

• Leslie Johnson, S.C. Dept. of Employment & Workforce (Colleton, Jasper, Hampton) 

• Erin Long, Hampton County School District (Hampton) 

• Sarah Miller, USC Salkehatchie (Allendale/Colleton) 

• Racheal Neece, SRP Federal Credit Union (Barnwell) 

• Brianna Parker, Palmetto Rural Telephone Company (Colleton, Hampton) 

• Kywana Ritter, Southern Palmetto Regional Chamber (Allendale, Barnwell) 

"Graduates, you are now part of something bigger than this program," Broomfield said. "You are part of a network of leaders who care deeply about this region—and who are called to move it forward. Our region needs leaders who understand that progress requires collaboration." 

For more information about the USC Salkehatchie Leadership Institute or to learn about applications for future cohorts, please visit uscsalkehatchie.sc.edu. 

About USC Salkehatchie 

The University of South Carolina Salkehatchie is a regional campus of the University of South Carolina, serving the rural Lowcountry with campuses located in Allendale and Walterboro. Through accessible higher education, economic development partnerships, and community engagement initiatives like the Leadership Institute, USC Salkehatchie empowers individuals and drives regional growth.