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Southern University student chosen as 2014 HBCU All-Star

 

Southern University student Robert Chambers is among 75 students from around the country being recognized as an HBCU All-Star by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs).

Chambers, a doctoral candidate student in Urban Forestry, was among 445 undergraduate, graduate and professional students, to apply for the All-Star designation.

The recipients were chosen for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. Applicants had to submit a transcript, résumé, and essay and provide a recommendation from a professor.

Chambers, a Baton Rouge native, said he found out about the White House initiative through general campus e-mail and decided to apply. "I put my best foot forward and let God take care of the rest."

"This is a real prestigious award and I am honored that I was chosen from a pool of 445 students," he said.

Over the course of the next year -- through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations -- the All-Stars will share practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.

In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. Toldson is a former SU faculty member.

The All-Stars will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCU, said, "Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness...we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama's college completion goal."