Coker University Renames Inclusion Center in Honor of John Foster III
Hartsville, SC (07/01/2025) — Coker University has officially renamed its Center for Diversity, Interfaith and Inclusion Education to the John Foster III Center for Belonging and Community, honoring the legacy of a beloved campus leader who championed inclusion, connection, and care.
The renaming was recommended by the Belonging and Community (BAC) Team. The new name reflects both the mission of the Center and the deep impact Rev. John Foster III had on the Coker community.
Renaming the Center to the John Foster III Center for Belonging and Community honors the legacy of John Foster, whose commitment to making sure every person at Coker felt respected, safe, supported, and truly seen continues to inspire our work," said Darlene Small, M.Ed., Director of the Center. "John wanted the best for everyone and touched the lives of so many. I'm grateful to have called him a colleague and a friend."
Foster was known for his unwavering dedication to students and for helping build a campus environment where everyone could feel at home. The new name preserves the welcoming spirit of the Center while reinforcing its focus on belonging and community.
To learn more, please visit https://blogs.coker.edu/news-stories/coker-university-renames-inclusion-center-in-honor-of-john-foster-iii or contact Holly Poag at hpoag@coker.edu.
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