N.C. A&T Announces Fourth February One Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Jan. 31, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its fourth cohort of February One Scholars. These 15 academically talented first-year undergraduates are following the path of leadership and service set by the A&T Four as Aggie freshmen. 

Nine of these scholars are from North Carolina, two from Maryland, one each from Missouri, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. They represent the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Education and College of Science and Technology and John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences. They boast an average GPA of 4.3. 

Eligibility requirements include a cumulative GPA of at least 3.75 or higher on a 4.0 scale, along with demonstration of exceptional leadership and character qualities and a commitment to service. Scholars must also be significantly involved in extracurricular activities. 

“February One Scholars are students who are dedicated to transforming our society. These students possess unique talents and ideas that will empower and revolutionize our world,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. 

The February One Scholars Program is named for the day in 1960 when A&T freshmen Ezell Blair Jr. (Jibreel Khazan), Franklin McCain, Joseph McNeil and David Richmond energized a national sit-in movement by refusing to leave a segregated lunch counter in downtown Greensboro without being served. The A&T Four are celebrated annually at the university’s Feb. 1 celebration and honored in numerous ways across the university. 

This scholarship is a fully funded four-year award that covers the tuition, related fees, housing, meals, and participation in the Honors College activities and enrichment annually for five freshman each from the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the College of Education, the John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and the College of Science and Technology. The three colleges partnered to establish the program using a portion of philanthropist MacKenzie Scott’s historic $45 million contribution to the university. 

This year’s scholars are:  

Krystina Bell, daughter of Woodrow S. Bell and Kimberly Hodge-Bell, of Chesterfield, Missouri. She graduated from Parkway Central High School and plans to major in journalism. Her ultimate goal is to build bridges between mainstream media and younger generations, creating platforms that empower them to use their voices.  

Roderick B-Loftin, son of Aundrey Loftin and Chiquila Chestnut, of Wilson, North Carolina. He graduated from Hunt High School and plans to major in psychology. After earning his degree, his goal is to pursue a Ph.D. in psychology and contribute to the field by giving back to the community that has shaped him. His passion lies in helping others, and he hopes to use his knowledge to make a positive impact.  

Wuraola Egunsola, daughter of Jumoke Onitiju and Oyewole Onitiju, of Essex, Maryland. She graduated from Chesapeake High School and plans to major in nursing. She is passionate about providing health care to underserved communities, volunteering her expertise and advocating for equal health care resources to reduce health disparities.  

 Javiar Grady, son of Donisha Grady, of Kinston, North Carolina. He graduated from Kinston High School and plans to major in elementary education. After completing his degree, he aspires to pursue a master’s degree in administration leadership and become a school principal. His experience in the classroom will greatly inform his future work as an administrator, helping him shape a positive learning environment.  

Ashlyn Hampton, daughter of Shawn and Shamara Hampton, of Herndon, Virginia. She graduated from Westfield High School and plans to major in nursing. After completing her degree, she plans on working as a registered nurse in an Intensive Care Unit before pursuing her doctorate in nursing anesthesia practice. Ultimately, all to further serve her community, and address inequities in the healthcare industry.  

Maliyah Hill, daughter of William Hill and Leticia Collins, of Havelock, North Carolina. She graduated from Havelock High School and plans to major in elementary education. Her ultimate goal is to become a speech pathologist after first gaining experience as an elementary school teacher.  

 Tori Kerr, daughter of Noel Kerr and Katrena Jones-Kerr, of Baltimore. She graduated from Towson High School and plans to major in criminal justice. Her goal is to create a nonprofit organization that provides legal aid to inmates from underserved communities, matching them with attorneys who are passionate about their cases. She aims to address the inequities in the justice system and provide resources to those who need them most. 

Davon Leach, son of Shantika Miller, of Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from Charlotte Mecklenburg Virtual School and plans to major in psychology. After earning his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a doctorate in physical therapy. His ultimate goal is to become a physical therapist and help patients recover and improve their quality of life.  

Chelsea Mathis, daughter of Charles and Vernique Mathis, of Houston. She graduated from Victory Early College High School and plans to major in kinesiology. Her long-term goal is to open her own rehabilitation center for athletes at all levels, from high school to professional, combining her passion for sports and rehabilitation.  

Jair McElveen, son of Ilka and Freedie McElveen, of Elizabethtown, North Carolina. He graduated from East Bladen High School and plans to major in political science. He aims to provide equitable legal guidance to artists, agencies, and companies, ensuring they understand their rights. Jair is driven to make a positive impact in the media and legal industries by advocating for fair solutions.  

 Zenai Randle, daughter of Quantes and SaTanya Randle, of Franklinton, North Carolina. She graduated from Franklinton High School and plans to major in secondary education (biology). Her goal is to become a middle or high school science teacher, inspired by the transformational power of her own educators. She is passionate about supporting students during the critical 12-18 age range, providing both academic and emotional guidance.  

Rachel Rorie, daughter of Checo and Tiarra Rorie, of Greensboro, North Carolina. She graduated from Penn-Griffin School for the Arts and plans to major in secondary history education. Her long-term goal is to work her way into an administrative role, where she can make a broader impact on education and student engagement.  

Josiah Sheppard, son of DeMarcus and Kenyatta Kelly, of Snow Hill, North Carolina. He graduated from Greene Central High School and plans to major in journalism and mass communication. His ultimate goal is to become a sports broadcaster, focusing on reporting lesser-known sports and bringing attention to their communities.  

 Joshua Spinks, son of Burley and Margaret Spinks, of Greensboro, North Carolina. He graduated from Greensboro College Middle College and plans to major in Criminal Justice. His ultimate goal is to work at the state or federal level, with an agency like the State Bureau of Investigation or the FBI. He is dedicated to protecting underserved communities from challenges such as domestic violence, juvenile crimes, and drug-related offenses.  

Catherine Wilson, daughter of Ray and Mary Wilson, of Hemingway, South Carolina. She graduated from Hemingway High School and plans to major in mathematics. Her ultimate career goal is to become a mathematics professor, inspiring the next generation of students to develop a love for math.