The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) named two Voorhees College students as 2021 HBCU Scholar students: Joshua Gayle, a business administration major and president of the Voorhees Student Government Association; and Quatasia Donaldson, a psychology major.
The Voorhees students, along with their peer scholars, have demonstrated a unique combination of academic achievements, campus leadership, civic engagement and entrepreneurial spirit that distinguished their candidacy, according to the White House Initiative on HBCUs.
“These amazing students represent the best of Voorhees College. They are scholars, leaders and students we are preparing for that next level of excellence,” said Ronnie Hopkins, president of Voorhees College. “We are honored to be represented by them.”
Gayle, who plans to graduate in May 2022, has a 3.62 grade point average and is a member of the Army ROTC. He is a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, a housing resident advisor and president of the ENACTUS Club.
“My immediate goal after graduation is to attend law school and ultimately become an attorney,” said Gayle, who is minoring in finance.
Gayle says he will become an ambassador for the Initiative and Voorhees by sharing the significance and benefits of both with fellow students.
Donaldson, who also plans to graduate in May 2022, has a 3.60 grade point average. She is a student in the honors college, a member of the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society and a student ambassador. She is also a tutor.
“As a future mental health counselor, my presence in the Initiative can upgrade my leadership skills, communication skills and work ethics,” said Donaldson.
Donaldson says she has enjoyed sharing her experience at Voorhees with prospective students and even helped some undecided students think about psychology as a major.
The 2021 HBCU Scholar students will: serve as student ambassadors and voices for the initiative and their HBCU; receive public recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Initiative; attend the 2021 Annual National HBCU Week Conference workshops designed to help them learn and adopt promising practices in areas such as leadership, professional development, HBCU excellence and workforce development; participate in monthly virtual events hosted by the Initiative, and various partners; and network with other scholars, federal agencies, and private partners to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.
