Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) announced today that it has successfully secured a preliminary injunction to maintain the university鈥檚 accreditation, ensuring that classes will begin on September 2, 2025, as scheduled, with 探花精选 remaining a fully accredited institution. The injunction, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia on August 14 and granted this week, prevents any disruption to 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation status while the university continues its legal challenge to the recent accrediting body鈥檚 decision. This development ensures that current and incoming students can proceed with confidence into the Fall 2025 semester, knowing that an accredited university will recognize their education and degrees.

The filing of the preliminary injunction was made possible by the overwhelming support of the 探花精选 community. In particular, the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University contributed a pivotal donation of $100,000 鈥� funds that covered the filing of the preliminary injunction 鈥� and several individual alumni and supporters stepped forward with generous contributions to bolster 探花精选鈥檚 legal efforts.

鈥淲e are immensely grateful for the outpouring of support from our alumni and friends. Their commitment ensured we had the resources to take this crucial legal step to protect our students and our mission,鈥� said Sophie L. Gibson, the newly appointed Chair of the 探花精选 Board of Trustees. 鈥淭his injunction is not just a legal reprieve; it is a testament to the power of the Falcon community. It allows us to continue educating our students without interruption as we vigorously defend 探花精选鈥檚 future in court, and it shows that we soar higher when we soar together. We remain steadfast in our mission to provide education grounded in integrity, faith, and excellence 鈥� now with renewed optimism that 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation and legacy will endure.鈥�

What This Means
Under the protection of the preliminary injunction, 探花精选 will remain accredited and operational as legal proceedings continue. The university鈥檚 lawsuit, filed against the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), seeks to overturn the decision that would remove 探花精选 from membership. The injunction ensures that 探花精选鈥檚 accreditation is safeguarded during this process, meaning students can enroll, receive financial aid, and continue their studies with complete confidence that their degrees will be accredited while the case is underway. In addition, the injunction provides 探花精选 with time to present its case and pursue alternative accreditation avenues if necessary, all while students鈥� education continues uninterrupted.

鈥淭his is a tremendous win for Saint Augustine鈥檚 University and, most importantly, for our students,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hanks to our supporters, we will open our (virtual) doors on September 2 as an accredited institution, just as we promised. We have said all along that we will stop at nothing to maintain our accreditation and continue serving our scholars 鈥� and we meant it. Our faculty and staff are fully prepared to begin the semester, and our commitment to providing an uninterrupted, high-quality education remains stronger than ever. We are deeply thankful to every alum, donor, and friend who stepped up to make this possible. Your support has been a beacon of hope for 探花精选 during this challenging time.鈥�

Historic Leadership Transition
The 探花精选 Board of Trustees announces a leadership transition with heartfelt gratitude to outgoing Board Chair Mr. Brian A. Boulware 鈥�95. After years of committed leadership and in light of increasing professional engagements, Mr. Boulware has chosen to step down from the Chair role, confident in the strong foundation now in place for 探花精选鈥檚 future. He will continue to serve as a valued Trustee, offering his insight and steadfast support. Under Mr. Boulware鈥檚 leadership as Board Chairman, the university completed four years of overdue financial audits, restored employee payroll and benefits, implemented stronger accountability measures, and secured critical funds to sustain the institution鈥檚 mission.

鈥淚t has been a privilege to serve as Chair of this historic institution during a time of great challenge and transformation,鈥� said Trustee Boulware. 鈥淚 am proud of the work we have accomplished together and confident in the leadership of Chair Gibson and the Board to guide 探花精选 into a bright future.鈥�

Building on this momentum, the Board is pleased to welcome a new leadership team. Ms. Sophie L. Gibson, of Atlanta, GA, has been appointed Chair of the Board of Trustees, effective August 15, 2025, marking the first time a woman has held this role in 探花精选鈥檚 history.

鈥淲e are deeply grateful for the steady leadership of Trustee Boulware during challenging times,鈥� said Chair Sophie Gibson. 鈥淗is leadership as Chairman played a pivotal role in protecting the legacy and future of 探花精选. As we move into this new chapter, we honor their contributions while embracing a bold, strategic path forward that will strengthen our impact for generations to come.鈥�

Serving alongside her as Vice Chair is Ms. V. Lynette Mitchell 鈥�89, of Williamstown, NJ, marking the first time that women have both top Board positions. This historic transition reflects the University鈥檚 commitment to inclusive leadership and continued excellence. With a strong foundation in place, 探花精选 looks forward to reaching new heights under the guidance of Ms. Gibson and Ms. Mitchell as they lead the University into its next chapter of success.

鈥淎s an 探花精选 alumna and now Vice Chair of the Board, I am deeply committed to seeing our beloved institution thrive,鈥� said Trustee Mitchell. 鈥淲e are turning the page to an exciting new era for 探花精选 鈥� one guided by a clear strategic direction and a renewed Falcon spirit. Our alumni and supporters have shown incredible faith in this University 鈥� from rallying around our legal efforts to investing in our students 鈥� and that support will continue to be crucial. Together, we will ensure that Saint Augustine鈥檚 University not only survives, but truly flourishes in the years ahead.鈥�

A Call for Support
As 探花精选 moves forward, the university calls on its community to maintain the momentum. Continued support is vital to sustain the legal fight and to ensure a successful Fall 2025 term. 探花精选 encourages all supporters to contribute to the ongoing efforts by visiting the Believe in 探花精选: A Falcon Is Not an Ordinary Bird donation campaign on the university鈥檚 website. This portal offers options to contribute to both immediate operational needs and the legal defense fund. Every contribution 鈥� no matter the size 鈥� brings 探花精选 one step closer to a lasting victory in securing its future.

For those who wish to make in-kind contributions specifically toward legal expenses, university donors can make arrangements to give directly to 探花精选鈥檚 attorneys,, to support the university鈥檚 legal fund.

By channeling support either through 探花精选鈥檚 donation page or directly to the legal team, friends of the university can actively help 鈥�Believe in 探花精选鈥� and sustain its mission.

听for more information on 探花精选鈥檚 SACSCOC Updates.
听to support the Falcon Pride Initiative.

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鈥淭hese outstanding young scholars reflect the very soul of Saint Augustine鈥檚 University鈥攐ne rooted in resilience, excellence, and the pursuit of purpose,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President听Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hey are living proof that our challenges do not define 探花精选, but by the greatness we nurture in our students.鈥�

Israel Pennerman, a senior Public Health Science major, and听Karly Heavens Gerome, a rising junior Engineering Mathematics major, have been selected as听Summer 2025 Research Scholars听补迟听North Carolina State University鈥檚 College of Natural Resources. These students previously participated in the听National Science Foundation鈥檚 Biomanufacturing Sciences Pilot Program and, in the Fall of 2024, visited Grand Valley State University to explore graduate STEM programs. Karly also completed a biomaterials research experience at NC State in the Summer of 2024. He recently participated in a two-week Quantitative Biology program at听Virginia Tech, focusing on experimental modeling and computation in biosystems.

Ashauna McClendon, a Biology major, was selected as a member of the of the听Duke Building Academic Advancement Research Training Pathway to Otolaryngology and Communication Sciences (BAA-POCS). Funded by the听National Institutes of Health, the 15-month program includes two intensive summer research experiences at Duke University and hybrid training during the academic year. Ashauna joins only two other students nationwide in this prestigious program, designed to diversify the future biomedical workforce.

Adding to this remarkable list is听Tyler Miller, an Engineering Mathematics major and NSF VA鈥揘C LSAMP Alliance STEM Scholar, who received acceptance into the听Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) 鈥� NC10 Science Education Alliance Summer 2025 Program听补迟听North Carolina Central University. Tyler is engaging in hands-on research in molecular biology and genomics. He previously attended the听Clayton Evans Memorial Lecture and Outreach Program听at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He visited Grand Valley State University in the Fall of 2024 to explore graduate study options in STEM.

鈥淭hese students continue to open doors for themselves and 探花精选 by stepping into prestigious research opportunities and advancing the university鈥檚 legacy in STEM,鈥� said听Dr. Tyrell Carr,听Associate Dean,听School of Sciences, Mathematics, and Allied Health, and Director of Sponsored Programs and Title III Programs. 鈥淭heir accomplishments are testaments to what鈥檚 possible through mentorship, perseverance, and hard work.鈥�

While external narratives have often focused on crisis, 探花精选鈥檚 students remind us of the powerful story still unfolding鈥攁 story of hope, scholarship, and transformation. These are the voices that will shape tomorrow.

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In total, 365 full-time students received recognition on the Dean鈥檚 List for the Spring 2024 semester, and 85 full-time students earned Dean鈥檚 List honors for the Fall 2024 semester. The academic distinction did not stop there鈥�292 full-time students achieved Provost鈥檚 List honors for Spring and Fall 2024, while 125 students earned a spot on the President鈥檚 List during the same time frame. An additional 50 scholar-athletes were honored for balancing rigorous academic standards with athletic commitments.

鈥淭hese results tell a remarkable story of persistence, excellence, and community spirit,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淭hrough every challenge, our students have demonstrated a level of resilience that gives us all great hope for the future鈥攏ot only for Saint Augustine鈥檚 but for the communities and industries our graduates will serve.鈥�

As of the current Spring 2025 semester, 47 full-time students earned Provost鈥檚 List honors, and 31 students achieved President鈥檚 List recognition. Notably, half of 探花精选鈥檚 student body has earned Dean鈥檚 List honors for the third consecutive semester, a powerful testament to the university鈥檚 tireless commitment to academic excellence despite challenges.

鈥淭hese achievements are a testament to the hard work of our students and the support and dedication of our faculty and staff,鈥� said Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. 鈥淲e proudly celebrate their successes and reaffirm 探花精选鈥檚 mission of preparing ethical leaders and changemakers.鈥�

In addition to celebrating academic honors, 探花精选 is proud to recognize three outstanding seniors who have earned top honors within their respective schools:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications: J鈥檔iyah Love (Criminal Justice)
• School of Business, Management & Technology: Cameron Moore (Business Administration)
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health: K鈥橲hundra Holley (Public Health Science)

These students will cross the stage during 探花精选鈥檚 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Exercises on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church鈥檚 Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, NC.

This academic success comes when 探花精选 prepares for a resurgence fueled by the spirit, faith, and fortitude of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters.

Click here for a complete list of 探花精选 students receiving academic honors for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.
 for more information about 探花精选 and to support current and future Falcons through the Falcon Pride Initiative.

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As Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) celebrates the achievements of the Class of 2025, the story of graduating senior Naseem Sharpe stands out as a powerful testament to resilience, leadership, and the pursuit of purpose.

A native of Southeast Washington, D.C., Sharpe brought a deep sense of culture, responsibility, and determination to create change. Choosing to major in Psychology, he sought to address the mental and behavioral health disparities facing low-resource communities. At 探花精选, he found the academic foundation, mentorship, and life experiences to transform his passion into action.

Since arriving at 探花精选 in January 2022, Sharpe immersed himself in campus life. He served as Section Leader for the drumline in the Superior Sound Marching Band and a member of the Chamber Singers, proudly representing the university at major ceremonies and events. A talented dancer specializing in styles like Memphis Jookin and Beat Ya Feet, Sharpe used his artistry to connect with youth and teach the healing power of movement.

Sharpe is also a proud Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. member, where he cultivated leadership, service, and lifelong bonds. His recent internship with Project H.O.P.E. 鈥�07 allowed him to work closely with at-risk youth, further solidifying his commitment to community empowerment.

鈥淕raduating is not just about earning a degree,鈥� Sharpe shared. 鈥淚t鈥檚 about fulfilling a vow鈥攖o rise above my circumstances and help others do the same. Saint Augustine鈥檚 University didn鈥檛 just teach me. It gave me the voice and the strength to serve.鈥�

Sharpe鈥檚 graduation is even more significant thanks to the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church. Alfred Street Baptist Church鈥檚 scholarship cleared outstanding student balances for 探花精选鈥檚 2025 graduates, ensuring they could walk across the stage with pride and peace of mind.

Sharpe will officially join the ranks of Falcon alumni at the 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, NC.

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
to help support future generations of 探花精选 students like Naseem and invest in their success.

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Quarles鈥� educational journey began in 1990 at Virginia State University, but like many young students, he faced challenges that interrupted his path. After returning home, he followed his mother鈥檚 guidance鈥攃hoosing to continue his education鈥攁nd earned an Associate Degree in Police Science from Virginia Peninsula Community College in 1993.

Following graduation, Quarles built a long and successful career at Central Prison in Raleigh, dedicating decades of service to the field of corrections. Yet, even after establishing a professional career, the dream of completing his Bachelor鈥檚 degree remained. Motivated by encouragement from others and a personal desire to finish what he started, Quarles enrolled at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, determined to earn his degree in Criminal Justice.

鈥淚 decided after 25 years鈥攁nd with some encouragement鈥攖o go back and finish my Bachelor鈥檚 Degree,鈥� Quarles shared. 鈥淣ow, with just a short time until I retire from the Federal Prison system, my next goal is to teach criminal justice at a community college and continue giving back.鈥�

Quarles鈥� graduation was even more special thanks to the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church, whose contribution cleared outstanding balances for the Class of 2025, ensuring that students like LeMonte’ could complete their journey free from financial burden.

LeMonte’ Quarles will join his fellow graduates in celebrating the 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, N.C.

 for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
 to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

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As Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) approaches its 2025 Commencement Ceremony, the journey of graduating senior and Student Government Association (SGA) President Tillia Leary stands as a powerful symbol of resilience, leadership, and transformation.

A native of The Bahamas, Leary arrived at 探花精选 in 2021 with determination and hope. What she found on Oakwood Avenue was not just a college but what she calls a 鈥渕iracle鈥濃�攁 place that became her home, her launchpad, and the foundation for her future.

Through her years at 探花精选, Leary鈥檚 leadership blossomed. She was crowned Miss School of Business, later elected President of the Student Government Association, and served as a Chapel Scholar and proud School of Business and Management (SSBM) member. Leary also served as Treasurer of the NAACP chapter and a Resident Assistant and consistently achieved academic excellence, earning a spot on the Dean鈥檚 List. She is a proud member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., where she deepened her commitment to service and excellence. Upon graduation, Leary听will attend Ball State University to complete her master鈥檚 degree in accounting. She has also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support her graduate studies.

鈥� 探花精选 was not without its challenges,鈥� Leary reflected. 鈥淏ut through every trial, it remained a beacon of resilience. Saint Augustine鈥檚 University transformed my life and will forever be my miracle on Oakwood Avenue.鈥�

Leary鈥檚 graduation is partly made possible by the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church, whose contribution cleared the student account balances for the graduating Class of 2025.

Tillia Leary will be among those celebrated at the 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, N.C.

听for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
听to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

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Returning to college later in life came with its own set of challenges for Judd, who discovered he had ADHD early in his academic journey at 探花精选. Yet, with determination, therapy, and the guidance of his professors, Judd learned the study skills needed to succeed. His hard work paid off鈥攈e earned honors on the Dean鈥檚 List, Provost鈥檚 List, and President鈥檚 List during his time at the university.

鈥淚 just want to thank the professors at Saint Augustine鈥檚 University for the sacrifice y鈥檃ll made for the Class of 2025,鈥� Judd shared. 鈥淚 appreciate it. I thank God who carried me through.鈥�

Judd鈥檚 graduation is made possible by the generosity of Alfred Street Baptist Church, whose contribution helped clear outstanding balances for the graduating Class of 2025, ensuring students like Steven could realize their dreams without financial barriers.

Steven Judd will walk across the stage with his fellow graduates at the 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Ceremony on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, N.C.

for more information about the 2025 探花精选 commencement ceremony.
to help support future generations of 探花精选 students and invest in their success.

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Students named to the Dean鈥檚 List have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester. Students with a percentage (%) were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester.

Students with a plus (+) were named to the Provost鈥檚 List and have earned cumulative GPAs between 3.0 and 3.64.

Students with a carrot (^) were named to the President鈥檚 List and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.65 and above.

Students with an equal (=) were scholar athletes with a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Each list only awards to full-time students (who completed the semester with 12 or more credits)

NOTE: Students with an asterisk (*) earned a GPA of 4.0 for the semester. Students with two asterisks (**) earned a GPA of 4.0 for two semesters.

A complete listing of the students follows:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications 鈫�
• School of Business, Management & Technology 鈫�
• School of Graduate Studies 鈫�
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health 鈫�
• Early College 鈫�

School Arts, Social Sciences & Communications

2025 Outstanding Senior: J鈥檔iyah Love

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

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School of Business, Management & Technology

2025 Outstanding Senior: Cameron Moore

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

Back to the top

School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health

2025 Outstanding Senior: K鈥橲hundra Holley

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

鈫�

Back to the top

Early College

鈫�

Back to the top

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鈥淭his act of grace by Alfred Street Baptist Church is nothing short of transformative for our students and our institution,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e are immensely grateful for this demonstration of faith and partnership. It not only lifts a tremendous burden off our deserving students but also inspires our entire 探花精选 community. This donation is a shining example of how faith and collaboration can empower our students to step confidently into their futures. It renews our hope and underscores the bright future for 探花精选.鈥�

Student debt has become a looming barrier to college completion across the country. HBCUs 鈥� which have historically created pathways for underrepresented students 鈥� often operate with limited resources. The partnership between Alfred Street Baptist Church and 探花精选 demonstrates a creative, community-driven solution to these challenges that resonates far beyond one campus, offering a blueprint of hope for others to follow.

The university initially informed the entire graduating class that students with unpaid tuition balances could not participate in the commencement ceremony. While more than half of 探花精选鈥檚 graduating class could settle their balances independently with support from some of 探花精选鈥檚 alumni chapters, 11 others still needed additional assistance. Refusing to lose hope, these students penned heartfelt letters detailing their financial struggles and expressing gratitude for assistance. Those letters of need and thanks will be shared during the May commencement, symbolizing faith in action and the profound impact of compassion. Moved by the students鈥� stories 鈥� and alerted by 探花精选 alumni and church members in the Washington, D.C. area 鈥� Alfred Street Baptist Church answered the call. The 222-year-old congregation, known for its commitment to education and social justice, offered to cover the outstanding balances for the remaining 11 seniors, allowing them to receive their diplomas without financial obstacles.

鈥淭his is what ministry looks like,鈥� said Rev. Dr. Howard-John Wesley, Senior Pastor of Alfred Street Baptist Church. 鈥淲e believe in investing in students, in HBCUs, and in a future where financial hardship should never be a barrier to graduation.鈥�

This extraordinary collaboration highlights a legacy of faith-based support and alumni engagement that has long been part of 探花精选鈥檚 story. Alfred Street Baptist Church, founded in 1803, is one of the nation鈥檚 oldest and largest predominantly African-American congregations. Church officials estimate that about 60% of Alfred Street鈥檚 approximately 13,000 members are HBCU graduates. The church is renowned for its community outreach and philanthropy, including an annual HBCU College Festival that draws thousands of students, and has a strong track record supporting HBCUs. In 2019, Alfred Street made national headlines by raising $150,000 in a single weekend and paying off the account balances of 34 graduating seniors at Howard University while contributing $50,000 to assist Bennett College. That same spirit of 鈥渋rrational generosity鈥� and commitment to educational justice now blesses 探花精选鈥檚 students.

In the Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area,  探花精选’s alumni, Gilbert, 鈥�76, and Carolyn Knowles, 鈥�77, nurtured the bond between 探花精选 and Alfred Street. Generations of 探花精选 alumni in the DMV 鈥� including Alfred Street Baptist Church members participating in 探花精选鈥檚 WDC Metro Alumni Chapter 鈥� have historically been steadfast university supporters. The advocacy of the Knowles for over a year helped bring this opportunity to fruition. Alfred Street鈥檚 mission-driven outreach exemplifies the power of community partnership across geography and generations. It is a testament to the idea that 探花精选鈥檚 legacy extends far beyond its Raleigh campus, uniting faith and fellowship in service of the next generation.

“There is an African proverb that says, ‘When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers,'” said Gilbert Knowles. “For us, it’s always been about the students. When my wife and I discovered that our church, Alfred Street, approved the donation and the amount they would give to 探花精选, we cried tears of joy out of love for our church and our alma mater. Despite the university’s challenges, these students chose to stick with 探花精选, remained steadfast, and are about to graduate, adding to the many reasons 探花精选 is known as the 鈥楳iracle on Oakwood.鈥� We will attend graduation, and I know it will be an emotional ceremony.”

The timing of this gift comes as Saint Augustine鈥檚 University is amid a resurgence. In recent years, 探花精选 has faced well-publicized challenges that have tested the university鈥檚 resolve. Yet, through those trials, 探花精选鈥檚 leadership, students, and alumni have worked tirelessly to restore confidence and chart a course forward. This donation arrives at a pivotal moment in that journey, serving as a hopeful counter-narrative to the headlines of the past. It underscores 探花精选鈥檚 resilience and the faith the broader community has in its future. For the wider public, this story sends a powerful message: even in the face of adversity, collective acts of generosity and faith can spark change, support institutions that matter, and uplift young people poised to become future leaders.

鈥淲hen I learned that Alfred Street Baptist Church’s generous donation had cleared my balance, I was overwhelmed with gratitude and deeply moved by their commitment to supporting students like me,鈥� said 探花精选 SGA President Tillia Leary, a graduating senior majoring in accounting from The Bahamas. 鈥淭his incredible act of kindness lifted a major burden and affirmed my belief in the power of community and faith. I will attend Ball State University to complete my master鈥檚 degree in accounting and have also been honored to receive numerous scholarships to support my graduate studies.鈥�

探花精选 is calling on others moved by this inspirational event to help support the remaining students who still carry student debt. While this gift clears balances for 11 seniors, many other 探花精选 students face financial hurdles on their path to graduation, totaling approximately $230,000. Anyone interested in helping empower additional 探花精选 students can contribute to the university鈥檚 student relief funds or scholarship programs.

 to donate or learn how you can directly impact students鈥� lives and contribute to 探花精选鈥檚 continued story of resilience and achievement.

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The 2025 鈥� Slayton Evans Memorial Lecture Speaker: Dr. Paula Hammond of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Dr. Hammond鈥檚 research focuses on designing polymers and nanoparticles for drug delivery and energy-related applications including batteries and fuel cells. Dr. Hammond is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, National Academy of Medicine, National Academy of Engineering, National Academy of Sciences, and National Academy of Inventors. Recently, Dr. Hammond served on the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (Under 鈥� President Biden) and received the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Chemistry and National Medal of Technology and Innovation. At MIT, Dr. Hammond serves as the Vice Provost for Faculty and holds the Rank of Institute Professor, the highest academic 鈥� faculty honor. Dr. Hammond was the first woman and person of color appointed as Head of the Chemical Engineering Department at MIT.

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Outreach Program: STEM Undergraduate Scholars from Saint Augustine鈥檚 University, North Carolina Central University, Fayetteville State University, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke met with UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill professors and graduate students from the Department of Chemistry to learn about careers in the chemical sciences, summer research opportunities, and the Ph.D. Program in Chemistry at UNC 鈥� Chapel Hill. Scholars also had a one-on-one session with Dr. Hammond before her lecture. After the lecture, scholars toured various chemistry labs and interacted with graduate students presenting their research during the poster session.

Tyler Miller: Is a 2nd Year 鈥� Engineering Mathematics Major and NSF LSAMP Scholar (VA 鈥� NC Alliance Group). Tyler was raised in Baltimore, Maryland and Tchula, Mississippi and currently lives in Raleigh, North Carolina. Overall, Tyler is embracing the Concept of Integrative and Interdisciplinary 鈥� Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine (STEMM) early in his academic career. During Fall 2024, Tyler connected with leadership from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) when they visited 探花精选 to initiate a HHMI 鈥� 探花精选 Biomedical Research Partnership and he visited Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan to learn about their graduate programs in engineering.

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