Philander Smith College is proud to announce that Ms. Ishmia Black, a senior biology major, has been selected as a 2023 White House HBCU Initiative Scholar.
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Development through HBCUs revealed its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars, recognizing 102 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from 29 states and countries. This year’s cohort represents the largest participation rate since the program’s inception in 2014, highlighting the significant impact of HBCUs in fostering excellence and inclusivity.
As the 59th Miss Philander Smith College, Ishmia Black has demonstrated remarkable leadership and dedication to her studies. A resident of Dallas, Texas, she is a part of the McKinley Newton Honors Academy, as well as an active member of the pre-med society, Platinum by Design, and Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. She has plans to become a pediatric physician assistant. With an impressive 3.8 GPA, Black exemplifies academic excellence and a commitment to personal and professional growth.
“Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “On behalf of the U.S. Department of Education and everyone across the Biden-Harris Administration, I congratulate each of our 2023 HBCU scholars on this prestigious recognition and thank them for their commitment to serving their communities.”
Selected from a competitive pool of over 300 applicants, Ishmia Black and her fellow HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education, and their respective institutions throughout the 2023-2024 academic year.
Dr. Cynthia A. Bond Hopson, Interim President of Philander Smith College, expressed her pride in Black’s achievement, stating, “We congratulate Ms. Black on being named a 2023 White House HBCU Initiative Scholar. Her dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community service truly embodies the spirit of Philander Smith College. We are confident that she will continue to make a positive impact and represent our institution with distinction.”
Black expressed her gratitude and excitement, saying, “Being named an HBCU White House Initiative Scholar is nothing short of a blessing and highlights a much-needed initiative due to the current state of Black college students today. I am thrilled to be presented with the opportunity to serve as a voice for my institution and to utilize speaking opportunities in a way that positively impacts other young adults at their respective HBCUs.”
