HAWKINS, TX – Jarvis Christian College student Wendon Blair, of DeSoto, Texas, has been named a 2016 HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative on HBCUs.
Blair was among the 73 students from 63 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) recognized for accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.
“During the course of one academic school year, the 73 All-Stars will distinguish themselves as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and as noble ambassadors of their respective institutions,” U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. said, “The Initiative is looking forward to working with this third class of All-Stars and is confident this opportunity will allow the Initiative to meaningfully connect with HBCU students and advance academic excellence at their schools.”
Over the next year, Blair, along with the other All-Stars, will serve as ambassador by providing outreach opportunities and communicating with other students about the value of both education and the Initiative as a networking source. Using social media, relationships with community-based organizations, and sessions with industry professionals, the students will share proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. They also will participate in the White House HBCU Week Conference, national and regional events, and webinars with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.
“We’re looking forward to working with this new class of HBCU All Stars,” said Kim Hunter Reed, Deputy Under Secretary of Education and Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCUs. “Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for these talented students that exposes them to critical national conversations and thought leaders. No doubt they will make their mark and represent their campuses well.”
The All-Stars were selected from over 300 students from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Virgin Islands. They will work together and as a group and network with one another to achieve their goals.
