For more information, contact James Jolly, director of marketing and communications, at 843.383.8018

Hartsville, S.C. - More than 190 students will participate in Coker College’s 97th Commencement on Saturday, May 14 at 9 a.m. in the Courtyard at Davidson Hall at the center of campus. Marva A. Smalls, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Chief of Staff for Nickelodeon, Nick at Night, TV Land, Noggin and Spike TV, will deliver the keynote address. She will also be awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters.

Smalls, who joined Nickelodeon in 1993, oversees the pro-social and corporate responsibility initiatives for the networks and their relationships with child advocates, government officials, educators and non-profit organizations. She helped launch Let’s Just Play, a national campaign and grassroots effort that encourages children to have more positive and healthy lifestyles, and she spearheaded The Big Help, another national campaign that empowers children to participate in voluntary community service.

As the chief administrative officer for the networks, Smalls coordinates and directs financial resources, personnel, and facilities for their New York, Los Angeles, Orlando and international offices. She also manages and oversees meetings of the company’s Executive Team.

Smalls is on the board of directors for numerous organizations, including the National Council for Families and Television, the Children Affected by AIDS Foundation, the National Democratic Institute, Big Brothers-Big Sisters of America, and the South Carolina Educational Television Endowment Commission. She is also an active member of the Executive Leadership Council, which represents top African-Americans in corporate America.

A native of Florence, S.C., Smalls formerly served as staff director of South Carolina’s Private Industry Council under Governor Richard Riley and as the chief of staff for Congressman Robin Tallon. She earned a master’s degree in public administration and her bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

During Coker’s 97th Commencement, the college faculty will present the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in recognition of excellence of character and service to humanity to graduating seniors Jennifer Crocker, a communications major from Union, and Lillie Fox, a social work major from Hartsville. The Class of 2005 will also announce the Master Professor and the Staff Person of the Year awards.

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May 3, 2005