WEST LIBERTY — West Liberty University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Strategic Initiatives awarded scholarships to three African-American students at the first home football game on Thursday.
Monique L. Akassi, special assistant to the president for diversity, equity, inclusion and strategic initiatives, assisted in presenting the following awards:
The Brantley Foundation Academic Scholarship, presented to Wisdom Jenkins of Orlando, Fla., by donor Arlene Brantley of Atlanta. Brantley also serves on the WLU Board of Governors;
The Carole Lynn Harris’ Academic Scholarship, presented to Savannah Turner Davis of Wheeling, by Stephanie Shaw, donor and WLU alumni, and her mother Carole Harris, a former WLU professor who resides in Chandler, Ariz. Shaw also serves on the WLU Board of Governors;
The President W. Franklin Evans Academic and Leadership Scholarship, presented to Jay Johnson of Monroeville, Pa., by WLU President and donor W. Franklin Evans of Wheeling.
“These inaugural African American academic scholarships provide a nurturing boost to diversity, equity and inclusion.
As an African American woman who can relate to the need for inclusiveness, identity recognition, and a name for what it is instead of generalizing it — it is a historic moment for the first time to actually call and label it what it is — academic scholarships for African and African American students,” said Akassi.
WLU received monetary gifts to initiate these academic scholarships geared toward African American students during the summer.
The scholarships provide opportunities to underrepresented students, so they can reach their full potential in a higher education environment, according to Akassi.
Students will be selected for the DEI scholarships each fall.
For information on the scholarships or donating to this fund, contact Akassi at officeofDEI@westliberty.edu or call (304) 336-8292.
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