Janice Wannamaker Marshall, a St. Matthews, S.C. native, is the daughter of Verna Wannamaker Abney. She is married to Dr. Henry Thomas Marshall Jr. and, together, are the proud parents to their only daughter. Marshall was educated in the Calhoun County Public School System before attending Claflin University, earning a bachelor’s degree in Social Studies.
An intrepid leader, Marshall has received numerous awards and recognitions for her community service. At a very early age, she started her first community service effort by registering people to vote in the rural communities of Calhoun County. Through her passionate and targeted support of both public and higher education, thousands of students have received the financial, technical and human resources needed to excel and achieve.
Marshall’s service as a Claflin University Board Trustee and 20-year tenure as Executive Director of the James E. Clyburn Research and Scholarship Foundation cements her active involvement in governance matters pertaining to the state’s colleges and universities. Under her leadership, millions of dollars have been awarded to students, many of whom are first generation college pursuers and completers. Marshall accounts, “It is important that I make a difference in the lives of our young people as they aspire to fulfill dreams and visions.”
Her contributions, however, are not solely based in the education system. Marshall is also actively involved in addressing hunger and food insecurity through her support of the Harvest Hope Food Bank and fresh fruit and vegetable distribution to families in Santee and surrounding communities. In addition, she annually assists in the coordination of a free health fair, offering health care through free screenings and access to information from pharmaceutical representatives, clinicians and health care professionals.
Marshall is the recipient of the Congressional Black Caucus Spouses-Unsung Hero Award, Ethel M. Bolden Community Service Award, and is a member of the Leadership Giving Program. Her board and commission affiliations include The Columbia Urban League, James R. Clark Sickle Cell Foundation, EdVenture Children’s Museum, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, The Columbia Housing Authority, The First Tee of Columbia, and Co-Chair of the Matthew J. Perry Jr. United States Courthouse Committee.