探花精选

Amidst a flurry of negative and sometimes misleading narratives, one of North Carolina鈥檚 historically black colleges/universities (HBCUs) tells its own story of resilience. Saint Augustine鈥檚 University ( 探花精选) soared above the challenges at its 2024 Honors Convocation, themed 鈥淪oaring Above the Storm.鈥� The event captivated audiences with a message of resilience and academic excellence.

鈥淥ver 50% of our students made at least a 3.0 GPA last semester,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. 鈥淲e want to make sure that our story is about the triumphs, academic excellence, education, and teaching and learning happening here.鈥�

The virtual event was broadcasted on 探花精选鈥檚 and , and 探花精选 students shined as they received recognition for their outstanding achievements. These achievements included prestigious accolades such as the Dean鈥檚 List, Provost List, and President鈥檚 List. The Honors Convocation, the final event in the university鈥檚 trilogy of annual convocations, highlighted the dedication and academic prowess of 探花精选鈥檚 student body.

鈥淭here are a lot of stories being told about 探花精选 right now. Unfortunately, these are not the stories that capture the magic of this campus or its students,鈥� said 探花精选 Interim Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Janelle Jennings-Alexander. 鈥淭his Honors Convocation is the opportunity for our campus to tell its own story. These are stories of success, triumph, perseverance, achievement, and stories that confirm that despite everything, we are still thriving.鈥�

The following students received recognition within their respective schools:

Academic Excellence in the Wake Men鈥檚 & Women鈥檚 Leadership Academies Early College Program

• Wake Young Women鈥檚 Leadership Academy: Margaret Marathe
• Wake Young Men鈥檚 Leadership Academy: Simeon Davis, who was offered a full-ride presidential scholarship from 探花精选.

Academic Excellence in the School of Education & General Studies

• General Studies: Tangela N. Ormond, a former student who returned to 探花精选 to complete her education at 探花精选.
• Outstanding Senior: Frederica Johnson, Sacramento, CA, Health/Physical Education/Non-Teaching

Academic Excellence in the School of Arts, Social Sciences, and Communications

• Arts & Communications: De鈥機arlos Rowell, Washington, DC, Theatre Major
• Social Sciences: Selia Mather, Nassau, Bahamas, Psychology major
• Criminal Justice: J鈥檔iyah Love, First Generation College Student
• Outstanding Senior: Holly Millsaps, Statesville, NC, Political Science Major, Campaign manager for Arizona candidate Barry McCain for US House of Representatives

Academic Excellence in Extended Studies:

• Criminal Justice: Kendra Dunn
• Religious Studies: Tammy Blue
• Outstanding Senior: Ashley Dunn

Academic Excellence in the School of Business, Management, & Technology, the only ACBSP-accredited business program in the Triangle

• Organizational Management (Extended Studies): Jerlonda Jefferies, Charlotte, NC, started at 探花精选 in 2017 and left in 2018. She returned to 探花精选 and will graduate in 2024.
• Sport Management: Kevin Brewington, Winston-Salem, NC, accepted to MBA program at Elizabeth City State University.
• Computer Information Systems: Noah Wheeler, a Raleigh native, Former Early College student who will intern at SAS this summer in Cary, NC.
• Business Administration: Louis Keenan Lowndes, Winston-Salem, NC, 10th Mister 探花精选 and Mister CIAA, accepted job offer from Deloitte consulting group.
• Accounting: Ashley Weekes, Barbados, 73rd Miss 探花精选, accepted to master鈥檚 in accounting program at NC A&T on a full scholarship and fellowship.
• Outstanding Senior: Emmanuel Bryant, who served on the winning HP Case study team in 2023, accepted job offer in Finance from Wells Fargo Global in Charlotte, NC

Academic Excellence in the School of Science, Mathematics, and Allied Health

• Biological & Physical Science: Joevensky Seme, Statesville, NC, Biology major, accepted to Physician Assistant Program at AT Still University
• Mathematics: Joyce Jepleting, Kapsebet, Kenya, developed a mobile app for micro banking, accepted to the MS Engineering program at Grand Valley State University
• Outstanding Senior: Richara Bain, Nassau, Bahamas, Biology Major and co-author on two published scientific papers, accepted to the MS in Biological Science program at Grand Valley State University.

Academic Excellence in the School of Health Sciences and Public Health

• Exercise Science: Nayara Pereira, San Paolo, Brazil, 2023 All-CIAA Volleyball 2nd Team Libero
• Outstanding Senior: Venisha Robin, Miami, FL, Public Health

Dr. Jasmine Weiss, UNC School of Medicine Assistant Professor served as the keynote speaker. Dr. Weiss, a board-certified pediatrician, esteemed public speaker, and the CEO of Black Med Connect, mesmerized attendees with her journey from FAMU to Duke University School of Medicine, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and community impact. Her leadership as the founder of Black Med Connect exemplifies 探花精选鈥檚 mission of producing visionary change-makers dedicated to serving underserved communities.

鈥淲hen you are thinking about how you move through obstacles and challenges, it鈥檚 essential that you first find your path and ultimately find your purpose,鈥� said Dr. Weiss in her keynote address. 鈥淓very challenge you see, every obstacle you face, I want you to remember that you can be a part of the solution.鈥�

As 探花精选 defies expectations and showcases academic excellence, the 2024 Honors Convocation is a testament to the university鈥檚 unwavering commitment to educating and empowering students for a brighter tomorrow.

to watch the recording of the 2024 Honors Convocation.

Click here to view the 2024 Honors Convocation Program to see a full listing of honors society, scholarship, dean鈥檚 list, provost鈥檚 list and president鈥檚 list honorees.