News Room

White House Names FVSU Student to the 2021 Cohort of HBCU Scholars

by Mechell McCrary


Posted on Aug 03, 2021 at 0:00 AM


The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities today announced its eighth cohort of HBCU Scholars. This program recognizes 86 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more. Taylor Dorsey, a Fort Valley State University junior is among the students named to the elite group of scholars.

A political science major from Acworth and one of the 15 students from Georgia named to the cohort, Dorsey said she is honored by the recognition. "It is my privilege to represent Fort Valley State University as a HBCU Scholar. I am excited to learn from being in this role and sharing the knowledge I gain with my fellow Wildcats."

Currently enrolled at 54 of the nation's HBCUs, the scholars were selected from an applicant pool of over 200 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay, and letter of recommendation. Applications also required the signature of their university president, adding a level of prestige to this application process.

"The HBCU Scholars announced today all have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their learning and exemplify the talent that our nation's Historically Black Colleges and Universities have nurtured for generations," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "The students who hold this honor are committed to creating a more just and equitable society through their civic engagement. They are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and I cannot wait to learn from them as they serve as ambassadors both for the White House Initiative and their institutions of higher education."

Over the course of an academic school year, the selected HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the Initiative at their respected institution. The Initiative will provide scholars with information about the value of education as well as networking opportunities. Scholars can also share these resources with their fellow students.

"While Ms. Dorsey stands out in a crowd because of her commitment to success, her humble presence highlights her strength as a servant-leader who inspires fellow students, faculty, staff, and administrators on campus to be better," said FVSU President Paul Jones. "She is the epitome of a FVSU student because she is bold, courageous, and an overall stellar person which is why we are extremely proud that she has received this worthy recognition."

This cohort of HBCU Scholars will also participate in national and regional events and monthly classes with Elyse Jones, HBCU Scholar Program Coordinator, Initiative staff and other professionals from a wide range of disciplines. All HBCU Scholar events are designed to connect HBCU students with non-profit, business, and federal leaders to discuss professional development while identifying challenges and providing equitable solutions to barriers that HBCU students face when preparing and entering the 21st century workforce.

Selected HBCU Scholars will be invited to the 2021 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, which will take place September 7-10, 2021. This year's conference theme is "Exploring Equity." During their time at the conference, they will participate in sessions about entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal and professional development. Most importantly, they will also have opportunities to engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

A complete list of the 2021 HBCU Scholars can be found at the U.S. Department of Education website.

 

Media Contact:

Mechell Clark McCrary | mechell.mccrary@fvsu.edu


  • Categories:
  • News
  • Home