Southern University students chosen for White House HBCU initiative

Recently, five Southern University Baton Rouge students were chosen as 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholars through the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Forty-four students from 34 historically black colleges and universities (HBCU), including Dillard University, Howard University, Jackson State University, were selected for this program.

The students representing the university are Nicholas Caldwell, Rachel Gentry, Christian King, Morgan Mallory and Trezell Raga. Comprised of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for successfully preparing to compete for top opportunities that improve long-term outcomes. Each was nominated and endorsed by their institution president, which itself is an honorable mention. 

Scholars were selected from among several highly distinguished HBCU students chosen based on their academic achievement, campus and civic involvement and entrepreneurial or “go-getter” spirit. In the course of their one-year term, the scholars will learn and share proven and promising practices that support individual and institutional achievement, with the goal of strengthening prospects for career and life success.

The students will assemble during the 2019 National HBCU Week Conference, September 8-11 at the Renaissance Washington D.C. Hotel – the theme of which is Enhancing HBCU Competitiveness: Student Achievement. Quality Partnerships. Institutional Performance. They will participate in workshops designed to strengthen their leadership, wealth creation and management and civic engagement and will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development.

Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Throughout this period, the initiative will facilitate engagement activities, as well as provide information and resources that scholars can take advantage of or disseminate to fellow students. Scholars are encouraged to fully take advantage of the opportunities provided, engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talents across the HBCU spectrum.