JSU’s James Griffin joins third class of HBCU All-Stars
The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced today that Jackson State University student James Griffin of Madison is among 73 students from 63 HBCUs who have been named as the 2016 HBCU All-Stars.
The All-Stars, comprised of undergraduate, graduate and professional students, are being recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.
“During the course of one academic school year, the 73 All-Stars will distinguish themselves as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and as noble ambassadors of their respective institutions,” said U.S. Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. “The Initiative is looking forward to working with this third class of All-Stars and is confident this opportunity will allow the Initiative to meaningfully connect with HBCU students and advance academic excellence at their schools.”
“We are all so proud of this young man and this national recognition. A part of our mission at Jackson State is to prepare the leaders of tomorrow. Mr. Griffin certainly fits into that category as an All-Star for the White House Initiative on HBCUs,” said JSU President Carolyn W. Meyers.
Over the next year, Griffin will serve as an ambassador by providing outreach opportunities and communicating with other students about the value of both education and the Initiative as a networking source.
Using social media, relationships with community-based organizations and sessions with industry professionals, Griffin will be among the students sharing proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. He will also participate in the White House HBCU Week Conference, national and regional events, and webinars with Initiative staff and other professionals on a range of disciplines that support a spirit of engagement and personal and professional development.
“We’re looking forward to working with this new class of HBCU All-Stars,” said Kim Hunter Reed, deputy U.S. under-secretary of education and acting executive director of the White House Initiative on HBCU. “Our goal is to provide a unique opportunity for these talented students that exposes them to critical national conversations and thought leaders. No doubt they will make their mark and represent their campuses well.”
The All-Stars were selected from over 300 students from 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria and the Virgin Islands. They will work together and as a group and network with one another to achieve their goals.