By Kelly Rusk
“Reagan was selected through a rigorous process and represents the very best of PVAMU students,” said Quincy Moore III, Ph.D., associate professor of biology and Honors Program director. “Her participation in the White House HBCU Scholars program will continue to prepare her for a fantastic future, one where she can serve as a catalyst for change.
“I applaud Reagan for setting an example of excellence in and out of the classroom and continuing to strive for even higher aspirations. She represents that brilliant and creative mind that will impact many from the work she will carry out in her career. She is a scholar in her own right and will make a tremendous impact on the overall program and our great University.”
This year, the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities recognized 102 students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more. The 2023 HBCU Scholars are the largest cohort and represent a record number of institutions.
“Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation ’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “I’m thrilled to see the HBCU Scholars program continue to expand its reach and provide such exciting professional development, networking, and educational opportunities to some of our nation’s brightest and most promising young leaders.”
This upcoming academic school year, HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective HBCUs. The Scholars will be offered professional and personal development, and cross-university networking, with opportunities to explore, discuss, and improve issues specifically related to the HBCU community.
An exciting component of the HBCU Scholar program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. HBCU Scholars will work together to develop ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campus and surrounding communities. HBCU Scholars will present their IP ideas in person at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, during the National HBCU Week Conference in September. Also, at the conference, the scholars will participate in sessions designed to foster innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development. Most importantly, the HBCU Scholars will have opportunities to engage with one another, initiative staff, and partners to showcase their individual and collective talent further.
“I am beyond blessed and thankful to be selected as a 2023 HBCU White House Scholar,” said Hagewood. “Through the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities, I hope to pour back into PVAMU even half of what the University has poured into me.
“I look forward to being a vessel of PVAMU excellence, displaying nationally our University’s ability to produce productive, well-rounded, and successful individuals in all disciplines. I will use each opportunity to engage with policymakers and fellow HBCU scholars to raise awareness of the issues that matter to the students at PVAMU and the broader HBCU community. Although I am one student with one voice, I will elevate the voices of PVAMU’s entire student body to encourage positive changes that benefit all,” she said.