N.C. A&T Announces Eighth Cheatham-White Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 10, 2025) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its eighth cohort of Cheatham-White Scholarship recipients. These 20 scholars represent some of the highest-achieving students among the class of 2029.

The fall 2025 class of academically talented incoming freshmen boast an average cumulative GPA of 4.41. On average, these scholars rank in the top 5 to 10 percent of their graduating high school classes.

Fifteen scholars hail from North Carolina, one each from Texas, Virginia and California and two from Maryland. They represent the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and College of Science and Technology.

The Cheatham-White Scholarship, established in 2018, is named for Henry P. Cheatham and George H. White, two African Americans who represented North Carolina in the United States Congress around the turn of the 20th century. From difficult beginnings – Cheatham was born enslaved, and White, the son of a mother whom historians say was also likely enslaved – each worked hard to earn a university education before launching careers in teaching, law and ultimately public service.

“Inspired by the groundbreaking work of Henry Cheatham and George White, whose leadership advanced civil rights and social progress, these scholars stand as the next generation of advocates for justice and equality. What better way to honor their legacy than by empowering students to carry forward their vision of equal opportunity for all,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean.

The scholarship is a fully funded four-year award that covers the costs of tuition, student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop computer, supplies, travel and personal expenses. It also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities that may include international travel and study. It is a truly complete award designed to recognize academic achievement and potential at the highest levels.

Adedeji Adekanle, son of Akin and Gladys Adekanle, of San Jose, California. A graduate of Santa Clara High School, he is studying mechanical engineering. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, he aims to enter the aeronautics field, working with companies like NASA, Boeing, and SpaceX to help design the next generation of aircraft. His long-term goal is to use his skill set to start a foundation for underprivileged youths, allowing them to explore their interests in STEM-related fields in a supportive environment.

Luke Barron, son of Keith and Anissa Barron, of Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of Mallard Creek High School, he is studying marketing with a minor in graphic design. After earning his degree, he wants to build a career in branding and creative marketing. He loves finding new ways to make businesses stand out and connect with people. His goal is to work for a company where he can help design marketing campaigns or even start his own agency one day. He wants to use his creativity to help brands grow and make a real impact.

Samson Boyd, son of Samuel and Sabrina Boyd, of Lorton, Virginia. A graduate of South County High School, he is studying industrial and systems engineering. Post-college he plans to pursue an MBA and a career in private equity. He aims to be an investor in the healthcare sector, particularly toward advancing Type 1 diabetes treatment and research, with the ultimate goal is to assist in the discovery of a cure through investments.

Toria Council, daughter of Artice and Latonja Council, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A graduate of E.E. Smith High School, she is studying biology (premed). Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, she plans to attend medical school to further her education to become a physician. Following medical school, she plans to complete a three- year pediatric residency and become a board-certified pediatric physician. After a few years of experience, she plans to start her own practice. Her dream is to give children and babies affordable healthcare and help them grow into healthy adults.

Sinai Cuffee, daughter of Marcus and Trevonne Cuffee, of Charlotte. A graduate of Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, she is studying kinesiology. She will focus on becoming a pediatric occupational therapist and upon graduation she will further her education to accomplish this goal.

Ajani Davis, son of Brian and Shani Davis of Katy, Texas. A graduate of Jordan High School, he is majoring computer science. He is committed to redefining artificial intelligence and cybersecurity with his computer science degree, developing AI technologies that advance how we protect crucial data and privacy. His experience in AI startups and pursuit of cybersecurity certificates fuel his mission to innovate not just reactively but preemptively, predicting and preventing cyberthreats.

Everette Dwight, son of Everette and Claudja Dwight, of Greensboro, North Carolina. A graduate of the STEM Early College at North Carolina A&T, he is studying computer science. Once he completes his bachelor’s degree, he plans to work in the health tech industry, bridging the gap between digital and software technologies and the mental healthcare field. He aspires to work in applied computational research to develop software used to enhance the distribution of mental healthcare resources to underrepresented communities.

Naki Ellis, daughter of Kevin Ellis and Annice Kim, of Pittsboro, North Carolina. A graduate of Northwood High School, she is studying kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she aspires to work in healthcare with a focus on addressing global health inequities and racial health disparities. She aims to combine her passion for public health with her mentoring skills to help teach the youth to implement healthy habits at an early age. Through advocacy and research, she hopes to dismantle the systemic challenges that inhibit health equity on both a local and global scale.

Sophia Fusi, daughter of Stephen and Lakeisha Fusi, of Holly Springs, North Carolina. A graduate of William G. Enloe Magnet High School, she is studying marketing and minoring in political science. After the completion of her undergraduate degree, she wants to help her father run his small snack food startup. She wants to help him market his products to a large consumer base, and one day take the company national. She also aspires to work in politics because she cares about how laws affect people and communities.

Nia Grant, daughter of Jermaine and Paula Grant, of Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of the Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, she is studying food and nutritional sciences. Her long-term aspiration is to attend medical school, complete her residency and become a surgeon. She plans to complete a general surgery residency and do a fellowship in trauma or go the pediatric surgery route.

Zion Hanchell, son of Tejado Handel, Ph.D., and Victoria Hanchell, Ph.D., of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A graduate of Winston-Salem Christian School, he plans to attend medical school to pursue a career in pediatric medicine after completing his undergraduate degree in biology. His passion for both science and working with children has driven him toward this path. He wants to use his knowledge to improve children’s health and well-being. Through his medical career, he hopes to make a meaningful impact by providing compassionate, research-driven care to young patients and their families.

Kyla Hudson, daughter of Mark and KaTrina Hudson, of Charlotte. The class of 2025 valedictorian of Mallard Creek High School, she is studying chemical engineering and minoring in business and entrepreneurship. Her post-graduate plans are to begin her career working for a company in the cosmetic science industry and continue her research in the chemistry field. After gaining experience, she plans to use her entrepreneurship skills and knowledge in chemical engineering to start her own inclusive and sustainable makeup brand. This brand will unite the cosmetic industry, catering to all skin types and complexions. She also plans to create a nonprofit catering to her community and providing avenues of education to lower-income children within the STEM field.

Kayla Jackson, daughter of Derrick and Treena Jackson, of Greensboro. A graduate of the STEM Early College at A&T, she is studying architectural engineering and plans to minor in construction management. After completing her bachelor’s degree, her future goals are to earn her master's and become a licensed architect, using her skills to develop innovative ways to make construction more sustainable and attractive, revolutionizing the industry for years to come.

Amarie Johnson, son of Norman and Denise Johnson, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. A graduate of Parkland Magnet High School, he is studying agricultural and environmental systems, focusing on agribusiness and food industry management. After completing his undergraduate degree, he aspires to specialize in environmental policy and security. He wants to pursue this study area because understanding and protecting the place we live in is imperative. His passion for this field was ignited during a volunteer project, where he witnessed firsthand the impact of pollution on local communities.

Karma Livingston, daughter of James Livingston and Louisha Barnette, of Durham, North Carolina. A graduate of Hillside High School, she is studying accounting. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she will also pursue a master of accountancy. Her next goals are to pass the CPA exam and attend law school. Ultimately, she aspires to become a certified fraud examiner and work as an international forensic accountant. This dream career will allow her to combine her passion for accounting with her desire to travel the world.

Justice McKeever, son of Anthony and Marsha McKeever, of Charlotte. A graduate of Harper Middle College High School, he is studying chemistry and minoring in biology. After completing his undergraduate degree, he plans to pursue a medical career. After completing medical school, internal medicine residency, and an allergy and immunology fellowship program, he plans to become an allergist. Becoming an allergist will enable him to contribute to his community by addressing the concerns of allergies that many people face today, just as his own concerns were addressed.

Sydney Pollard, daughter of Anthony and Christal Pollard, of Upper Marlboro, Maryland. A graduate of Bishop McNamara High School, she is studying management with an innovation and entrepreneurship concentration and minoring in finance. She will use her background in management, finance and entrepreneurship to drive innovation within the beauty industry, specifically the hair care segment. Building upon the company she started, she desires to create a positive social impact and empower young girls. She will leverage her resources and reach to identify and provide promising startups with funding and mentorship to help them grow and succeed.

Hailah Sessions, daughter of Tywan and Andrea Sessions, of Charlotte. The class of 2025 valedictorian of Merancas Middle College High School, she is studying chemical engineering. After receiving her B.S., she aspires to pursue a career in process design and medicine manufacturing in the pharmaceutical industry. Education will continue to be a pillar in her personal and professional development as she plans to pursue research within chemical engineering, biotechnology, and the public health industry. Using the enriching skills, she will obtain while completing her undergraduate degree, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in public health to research, develop, and innovate healthcare solutions that aid economically disadvantaged communities while continuing to nurture her love for engineering.

Evan Vassar, son of Dominic and Ebony Vassar, of Fayetteville. A graduate of Cumberland Polytechnic High School, he is studying civil engineering. Upon completing his undergraduate degree, he plans to pursue a master’s of civil engineering in transportation to become a licensed civil engineer specializing in the transportation system. Collectively, his gravitation toward roads and bridges, along with his passion for mitigating climate change, has inspired him to focus on designing structures that will benefit human traffic and our environment. With this, he plans to travel the world, beginning his career in more urbanized areas that could use improvement.

Malcolm Wyatt, son of Ernest and Jenel Wyatt, of Silver Spring, Maryland. A graduate of Gonzaga College High School, he is studying electrical engineering and has a passion for developing electrical systems and devices. He plans to pursue a career in the electrical industry and aspires to design innovative technologies that advance the field and improve quality of life.