August 25, 2021
Bowie State Students Selected as 2021 White House Initiative Scholars
Micheal McGee and Paige Blake Among 86 HBCU Students
MEDIA CONTACT: Cassandra Robinson, crobinson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4336
(BOWIE, Md.) – Two Bowie State University students were recently named 2021 HBCU Scholars by The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Micheal McGee, a second year graduate student pursuing a master’s degree in counseling psychology, and Paige Blake, a junior biology major, were among 86 students recognized for their accomplishments in academic achievement, campus leadership, and entrepreneurship. Both are now part of the eighth cohort of scholars who are currently enrolled in 54 of the nation’s HBCUs.
Over the course of an academic school year, the HBCU Scholars selected through this program will serve as ambassadors of the Initiative and their respective institution. The scholars will participate in a number of resources such as networking opportunities, and national and regional events designed to connect HBCU students with non-profit, business, and federal leaders to discuss professional development while identifying challenges and providing equitable solutions to barriers that HBCU students face when preparing and entering the 21st century workforce.
McGee who is president of the Graduate Student Association says that the recognition creates a lifeline to more education, career advancement, and networking opportunities beyond Bowie State University, and a chance to connect with other scholars while learning how to work together to foster social bonding and pluralism.
“Being selected for the HBCU White House Scholars is an honor. It proves to me that when you are working to foster relationships and help others along the way someone is always watching your efforts,” said McGee. “The scholar’s recognition opportunity will connect me with federal partners within my field of study where I can build relationships and get hands-on experience working in my future career.”
McGee’s goal is to work in the field of mental health research with a focus on generational trauma. Additionally, he plans to teach at the university level to inspire future clinicians to get involved with research using the lens of Human Growth and Development.
Biology pre-med student Paige Blake currently serves as the Undergraduate Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the University System of Maryland Student Council (USMSC) where she is responsible for helping to ensure that the voices and concerns of all undergraduate students enrolled in USM institutions are addressed by the student council. The HBCU Scholars program will allow her access to new and exciting experiences where she’ll have an opportunity to collaborate with fellow HBCU student leaders on impacting positive change for their future. She plans to use the experience to continue to promote a platform of diversity, equity, and inclusion for her fellow Bowie State “Bulldogs.”
“Being selected as an HBCU White House Scholar to me means that I have the honor to represent Bowie State University,” said Blake. “I’ll also have the opportunity to make a difference during this time to ensure that students of Bowie State University have an opportunity to have a seat at the table when it comes to federal opportunities.”
After graduation, Blake plans to attend medical school and aspires to become a neurologist.
Selected HBCU Scholars will be invited to the 2021 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, which will take place September 7-10, 2021. This year’s conference theme is “Exploring Equity.” During their time at the conference, they will participate in sessions about entrepreneurship, innovation, and personal and professional development. They will also have opportunities to engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.
###
About Bowie State University
Bowie State University (BSU) is an important higher education access portal for qualified persons from diverse academic and socioeconomic backgrounds, seeking a high-quality and affordable public comprehensive university. The university places special emphasis on the science, technology, cybersecurity, teacher education, business, and nursing disciplines within the context of a liberal arts education. For more information about BSU, visit bowiestate.edu.