Dr. Ethel M. Henderson Taylor

Ethel Mae Henderson Taylor’s life story is an extraordinary commitment to excellence and service to others.

Taylor began her career ‘making history’ as the first Black female radio announcer in SC. Her voice was first heard on WOIC – where she served in multiple capacities for 44 years before joining the staff of Glory Communications’ WFMV/95.3 where she hosted ‘Golden Gospel Memories’ for 14 years.

A 1946 Magna Cum Laude graduate of Benedict College, Taylor taught English in the Richland County Public Schools for 30 years. After earning her Masters of Education from the University of SC, she joined the Benedict College faculty.

She has received numerous awards/recognitions, including an Honorary Doctor of Philosophy from Hamilton State University in 1973. She was awarded The Lula J. Hambrell Award, the highest award given to a Benedict College Alumnus. She commissioned a “Palmetto Patriot.” On March 28, 2008 Mayor Robert D. Coble declared it “Dr. Ethel Henderson Taylor Day.” The Honorable James E. Clyburn presented a tribute in her honor to the U.S. House of Representatives. She has given 33 years of service to the St. Mark Baptist Church as their musician. Taylor is named as one of the top 5 female announcers in the U.S. by Billboard Magazine, as well as being recognized as one of Columbia’s 10 Outstanding Career Women by the YWCA. The Ethel Mae Henderson Taylor Laboratory for Computer Science at Benedict College is named in her honor.

Taylor, a “Golden Life” member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority also served as President of both the Richland County Education Association, and the Benedict College National Alumni Association. After 58 years in broadcasting, 51 years in public education, and a lifetime of community service, Dr. Ethel M. Henderson Taylor is poised to write yet another chapter in her phenomenal story.