Voorhees student is named a 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar

June 19, (2019) College junior Denzel Walls has been named a 2019 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Competitiveness Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities. 

The HBCU Competitiveness Scholars is the initiative’s highest student recognition program. As a scholar, Walker will attend the 2019 National HBCU Week from September 8-11 in Washington, D.C. This year’s theme is “Enhancing HBCU Competiveness: Student Achievement. Quality Partnerships. Institutional Performance.”

“Since I came to Voorhees, my educational journey has really taken off. I am highly involved in various activities and programs that has allowed my leadership skills to flourish. This opportunity proves that hard work and dedication does pay off. I would like to thank Voorhees for continuing to mold my education and career paths,” Walls said.

Walls is a junior majoring in business administration from Springfield, Ga.

President W. Franklin Evans said Walls is a talented scholar with a unique combination of academic excellence and campus leadership. “Mr. Walls will represent Voorhees College well. We are proud he will get to show his distinguished entrepreneurial spirit and academic honors. This accomplishment of becoming a scholar is not easy, and we take pride in having some of the best and brightest students,” Evans said.

During the conference, Walls will participate in workshops designed to strengthen leadership, wealth creation and management, and civic engagement. In addition, participants will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Following the conference, he, along with 43 students from 34 other HBCUs, will prepare to compete for top opportunities that will benefit long-term career and life outcomes.

Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for the 2019-2020 academic school year. Throughout this period, the initiative will facilitate engagement activities, as well as provide information and resources that scholars can take advantage of or disseminate to fellow students. Scholars are encouraged to fully take advantage of the opportunities provided, engage with one another and showcase their individual and collective talents across the HBCU spectrum.

“We’re looking forward to working with and learning from with this new cohort of HBCU Competitiveness Scholars,” said Elyse Jones, White House Initiative on HBCUs coordinator. “We have lots of unique, fun and interactive opportunities planned for this year that will provide new opportunities for these representatives, exposing them to critical national conversations and powerful thought leaders.”

Competitiveness Scholars will receive their recognition at the HBCU week conference during the Initiative’s Excellence in Innovation and Competitiveness Awards luncheon ceremony on Sept. 9.