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Gaffney Today
By the People, for the People
USC Union Building Named After Upstate Hall of Famer
The historic Dawkins House will honor Willie and Mary Jeffries' legacy.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:40pm
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The University of South Carolina Union is renaming the historic Dawkins House on its campus to 'The Willie and Mary Jeffries Commons at Dawkins House.' Willie Jeffries is an Upstate native and member of the College Football Hall of Fame, known for his successful coaching career at several schools including South Carolina State University and Wichita State.
Why it matters
The naming of the building honors the significant contributions and pioneering achievements of Willie Jeffries, who was the first African American to coach a predominantly white NCAA Division I football program. This recognition highlights the Jeffries' lasting impact on the state of South Carolina and the broader world of college athletics.
The details
The Dawkins House, built in 1845, is located on the USC Union campus in downtown Union, South Carolina. Jeffries began his coaching career at Barr Street High School in Lancaster and Granard High School in Gaffney, where he won three state championships. He later served 19 seasons as head football coach at South Carolina State University, winning several conference and HBCU national championships.
- The Dawkins House will be formally renamed on April 15, 2026.
- Jeffries was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
The players
Willie Jeffries
An Upstate native and member of the College Football Hall of Fame, known for his successful coaching career at several schools including South Carolina State University and Wichita State, where he became the first African American to coach a predominantly white NCAA Division I football program.
Mary Jeffries
The wife of Willie Jeffries, who is being honored alongside her husband for their leadership and impact within South Carolina and beyond.
University of South Carolina Union
The university that is renaming the historic Dawkins House on its campus to 'The Willie and Mary Jeffries Commons at Dawkins House.'
What they’re saying
“The naming of the building honors the significant contributions and pioneering achievements of Willie Jeffries, who was the first African American to coach a predominantly white NCAA Division I football program.”
— University Official
What’s next
The formal renaming ceremony for the Dawkins House will take place on April 15, 2026.
The takeaway
This recognition of Willie and Mary Jeffries' legacy celebrates the impact of trailblazers in college athletics and the power of honoring those who have made significant contributions to their communities and the state of South Carolina.
