Multicultural Student Services: Organizations
The Citadel’s color barrier was initially broken in 1905 with the admission of Cuban students, followed by Asian exchange students in the late 1920s. The first African American cadet, Charles D. Foster, was admitted in 1966 and graduated in 1970. Learn how you can do your part to help enhance the college’s efforts to advance inclusion and belonging and build on the legacy of student leadership established by trailblazers who came before you.
African American Society
The African American Society’s mission is grounded in leadership, character development and community service. Founded in 1971 as the Afro-American Student Association, the group has evolved from its initial purpose as a study group into an organization that seeks to create a space for students to form social connections while learning about and confronting issues facing the black community.
Visit the group’s official webpage to learn how you can become a member.




S.A.L.S.A. Club
The Students Association of Latin and Spanish Awareness Club (S.A.L.S.A.) is not just a group for Spanish speaking students (and their comrades) to get together, eat, speak Spanish, listen to music and hang out. It’s also a network of students committed to creating lifelong friendships while exploring the rich cultures across the Hispanic diaspora. The group meets every Friday at noon. To learn more about membership, contact the organization’s advisor – Dr. Jhoanna Méndez at jemendez3@citadel.edu.


The Citadel Gospel Choir
Co-founded in 1988 by cadets Tommy French, ’89, Charles Wallace, ’90, and Kenyatta Jackson, ’90, the Gospel Choir is currently under the direction of Rev. Rodney Ballentine. Dr. Felice Knight – assistant professor of history – is the group’s campus advisor. (credit: Tessa Updike, archivist, Daniel Library, Archives & Museum and director of the Truth Racial Healing & Transformation Center)
The Gospel Choir in the News
The revival of The Citadel Gospel Choir
Live performances may have stopped, but The Citadel Gospel Choir has not





National Society of Black Engineers
The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) supports the academic enrichment and professional growth of current and aspiring African American engineers and scientists. In addition to regular meetings, The Citadel’s chapter hosts community outreach for middle and high school students and engages in professional development activities such as elevator pitches and mock interviews. Learn more about The Citadel’s chapter by attending one of their meetings on Tuesdays at 4:30 p.m. in Grimsley Hall, Room 114.
Visit NSBE’s website to learn more about the organization’s mission to support the academic enrichment and professional growth of future and current African American engineers and scientists.
Contact Information
- Cadet Jacey Cobb, President – jcobb5@citadel.edu
