Dr. John Hudgens of Columbia, S.C. was a multi-sport standout for Newberry College from 1956-60. He began his collegiate career on the gridiron as an offensive lineman for Newberry College and in his four seasons with the football team, Newberry compiled a 22-13-2 record.
Dr. Hudgens broke out as a reliable receiver during the 1957 season as the sophomore caught his first touchdown on Thanksgiving as Newberry defeated Presbyterian College. The following season as a junior, John – nicknamed Big Momma – continued his strong play on the offensive line and at one point in the season was No. 2 in the state and No. 7 in the NAIA in pass receptions. His receiving prowess was on display in a 16-0 victory over The Citadel in the season opener. The upset victory saw John haul in a 55-yard touchdown pass and later added a 19-yard reception setting up the second touchdown of the night for Newberry College. Hudgens was honored by the Little Three Conference as a Second Team selection.
John wrapped up his senior season on the football field with a 7-3 season and during his football career was twice honored as an All-Conference selection and was an NAIA All-District selection as a senior.
After his junior season as a football player at Newberry, John joined the baseball program and helped Newberry College to back-to-back Little Four Conference titles. Just as his first touchdown reception was recorded in a win over rival Presbyterian, John’s first home run came in a 15-9 victory over Presbyterian College.
Dr. Hudgens lettered three seasons in football and two in baseball, and added a single letter on the basketball court to his collection.
Off the field Dr. Hudgens’ resume is just as impressive. During his time at Newberry he was a member of Kappa Phi and Blue Key and was the Junior Class President.
Dr. Hudgens graduated from Newberry with a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1960 and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Education from Clemson University in 1964. John entered the world of teaching directly out of college at Orangeburg HS and quickly became an elementary school principal. Dr. Hudgens served as secondary principal at four high schools and in that time earned an Advanced Degree in Education Administration and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of South Carolina.
In June 1999, Dr. Hudgens was named President of Newberry College until July of 2000 and would return as Interim President from January to March of 2010.
Dr. Hudgens has served his community as chair of the Education Division and a trustee for the United Way of the Midlands. Hudgens was on the board of directors of the Northeast Area Chamber of Commerce; a board member of Columbia Area Junior Achievement; and a trustee of Cities in Schools – Columbia, Inc. Dr. Hudgens has also spent time as president of the Orangeburg Lions Club, the Dentsville-North Trenholm Lions Club and the Forest Acres Rotary Club. He has also served as an elder at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church.
Dr. John Hudgens is married to Martha Eargle Hudgens, a 1961 graduate of Newberry College. They have two children and five grandchildren.
