N.C. A&T Announces Seventh Cheatham-White Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its seventh cohort of Cheatham-White Scholarship recipients. These 20 scholars represent some of the highest-achieving students among the class of 2028. 

The Fall 2024 class of 20 academically talented incoming freshmen boast an average cumulative GPA of 4.4, while SAT and ACT scores were test optional this cycle. On average, these scholars rank in the top 5 to 10 percent of their graduating high school classes. 

Fifteen scholars hail from North Carolina, three from Florida and one each from Michigan and South Carolina. They represent the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Engineering Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences and College of Science and Technology, and. 

“In recognition of the transformative work of Henry Cheatham and George White, African American leaders who focused on civil rights, these scholars represent individuals who are passionate about advocacy and change for the greater good. What greater honor can we bestow on these historic change agents than to select students who will carry on efforts to create a world of equal opportunity,” said Tonya Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs 

The Cheatham-White Scholarship, established in 2018, is named for Henry P. Cheatham and George H. White, two African Americans who represented North Carolina in the United States Congress around the turn of the 20th century. From difficult beginnings – Cheatham was born enslaved, and White, the son of a mother whom historians say was also likely enslaved – each worked hard to earn a university education before launching careers in teaching, law and ultimately public service. 

The scholarship is a fully funded four-year award that covers the costs of tuition, student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop computer, supplies, travel and personal expenses. It also provides four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities that may include international travel and study. It is a truly complete award designed to recognize academic achievement and potential at the highest levels. 

This year’s scholars are: 

Camden Allen, son of Christopher and Coree Allen, is from Tampa, Florida, and a graduate of Jefferson High School. Camden is studying business management with a minor in supply chain management. He has a passion for aviation and is working towards earning his pilot certifications along with completing school. After college, Camden plans to be an aviator in the Air Force. His main goal is to introduce and attract more minorities to the aviation industry. 

Madison Belin, daughter of Anson and Darnette Belin, is from Raleigh, North Carolina and a graduate of Knightdale High School. She is studying political science with a minor in business management and Spanish. She thoroughly enjoys poetry, public speaking, digital creativity and has a passion for social activism and reform. She plans to pursue a graduate degree, and her ultimate goals are to create a platform or organization that promotes social reform, in addition to creating a personal business.  

Brennan Bradley, son of Cleveland and Rhonda Bradley, is from Graham, North Carolina and a graduate of River Mill Academy. He is studying marketing and supply chain management with a minor in public relations. He has an interest in tourism and hospitality, specifically theme parks and their advertising practices. He plans to pursue a master's in tourism and hospitality soon after graduating. After finishing his education, he plans to work in marketing and advertising for theme park companies. 

Tyree Brown, son of Quinton and Janeigh Goods, is from Greensboro, North Carolina and the Valedictorian graduate of A&T Four Middle College. He is studying mechanical engineering. He has a passion for working on machines and is fascinated by the mechanics that drive both the automotive and aerospace industries. He plans to earn a Master of Engineering to specialize in the automotive or aerospace field. His primary goal is to contribute to innovations in transportation whether on the road, or in the skies. 

Azaan Dinkins, son of Spencer and Tomeca Dinkins, is from Rochester Hills, Michigan and a graduate of International Academy OKMA Campus. He is studying chemical engineering. He has a passion for chemistry and physics and enjoys creating and designing RC vehicles. His primary goals are to utilize his degree in chemical engineering to engage with the energy industry and related sectors, eventually returning to school to become a patent lawyer. 

Madison Foster, daughter of Ronnie and Latisha Staton-Foster is from Havelock, North Carolina, and a graduate of Havelock High School. She is majoring in biology with a pre-dental focus. Madison has a passion for mentoring younger children and dabbles in graphic design. Madison plans to minor in Speech Language pathology, with her end goal of being a Pediatric Dentist. She aims to start a dental clinic in her hometown for families who don’t have the ability to afford proper dental care. 

Lena Gill, daughter of Terrain and Renee Gill, is from Charlotte, North Carolina and a graduate of Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. She is studying industrial and systems engineering. She has a passion for learning new systems and solving complex problems. Her career goal is to be an engineering consultant for corporations, enabling her to improve their efficiency and business practices. She plans to break barriers and establish a non-profit to promote diversity in engineering and technology fields. 

Jaden Gilliam, son of Michael Gilliam Jr. and April Garrett, is from Miami, Florida and a graduate of Coral Reef Senior High School. He is studying chemical engineering. He has a passion for chemistry and visual art, often creating artwork in his downtime. He also plans to earn a master's degree in chemistry. His primary goals are to become a pharmaceutical scientist and create groundbreaking medicines to treat diseases. 

Kyla Guilford, daughter of India Williams, is from Raleigh, North Carolina, and is a graduate of Wake Young Women's Leadership Academy. She is studying Biology with the aspiration of becoming an OB/GYN. Her goal is to open her own practice in an underserved community, providing essential healthcare services to those in need. Additionally, she plans to advocate for women's health issues and collaborate with local organizations to ensure that women, especially in marginalized areas, receive the comprehensive care they deserve. 

Shamiah Hall, daughter of Egbert Hall and Shellemiah Graham, Ph.D., is from Kinston, North Carolina, and a graduate of the Lenoir County Early College High School. She is studying biology. She has a passion for researching and understanding the complexities of physiology and environmental effects on the human body. She plans to earn a medical degree with a concentration in pediatrics. With a passion for pediatric medicine, her primary goals are to become a renowned pediatrician, contribute to advancements in pediatric healthcare, as well as owning one of the first African American female pediatric practices. 

Reggie Harris, son of Reggie Harris and Diasheka Culp, is from Edgemoor, SC, and a graduate of Lewisville High School. He is studying marketing. After obtaining his undergraduate degree, he plans to start his own marketing firm, expand his businesses and pursue a Ph.D. in business. Reggie has a passion for helping others and expressing his creativity. Ultimately, he aims to continue growing as an entrepreneur and be a role model for those back home while leaving a positive impact on those around him. 

Christie (CJ) Knowles IV, son of Christie and Nina Knowles, is from Orlando, Florida and a graduate of Hagerty High School. He is studying bioengineering with a concentration in neuroscience. He has a passion for creating prosthetics and thoroughly enjoys learning about the intersection between the body and technology. His ultimate goal is to earn an MD and MBA to become a neurosurgeon, while also building affordable, effective brain prosthetics aimed towards neurodegenerative diseases. 

Jasmine Lawrence, daughter of Bryon and Vicki Lawrence, is from Cary, NC and a graduate of Seaforth High School. She is studying food science with a minor in dance. She has a passion for choreography and performing dances. Her primary goal is to create healthier food with less harmful preservatives.   

Riley Lloyd, daughter of Shawn Lloyd and Janice Moore, is from Raleigh, North Carolina and a graduate of Wake STEM Early College High School. She is studying industrial and systems engineering with a minor in Spanish. She has a passion for traveling and thoroughly enjoys learning about new cultures. She also plans to earn an MBA or a master’s in machine learning. Her primary goals are to own an engineering firm that focuses on optimizing processes to reduce waste and increase efficiency in lower income communities. 

Zoe Locust, daughter of Roddy and Dedria Locust, is from Concord, North Carolina, and a graduate of Cox Mill High School. She is studying animal science. After finishing her bachelor's degree, she will become a doctor of veterinary medicine and focus on veterinarian dermatology or small animal practices. She intends to use her veterinary practice to cater to animal needs and create diversity in the agricultural field, where African Americans are the minority. 

Avery Patterson, daughter of Brandon and Gerrelyn Patterson, is from Durham, North Carolina and a graduate of Charles E. Jordan High School. She is studying journalism and mass communications with a concentration in multimedia. After completing her bachelor’s degree, her ultimate goal is to be an advocate for social change through a career in investigative journalism. 

Tyler Sandaire, son of Jean and Wallicia Sandaire, is from Clayton, North Carolina and a graduate of Johnston County Early College Academy. He is studying finance. He has a passion for investing and following market trends. After receiving his bachelor’s degree, he plans to obtain his MBA and pursue a career in the financial services industry. His goal is to use his knowledge of financial concepts to help others develop their financial literacy. 

Skyler Woods, daughter of Sjaun and the late Shawn Woods, is from Cary, North Carolina and a graduate of Saint David’s School. She is studying biology. After receiving her bachelor’s, she plans to continue her education at the graduate level and attend medical school. Her ultimate career goal is to become a pediatric or adolescent medicine doctor and potentially own her own practice, allowing her to use her passion for science to improve the lives of others.   

Jadyn Uzzell, daughter of Al and Tammy Uzzell, is from Clemmons, North Carolina and a graduate of West Forsyth High School. She is studying kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science. She has a passion for weightlifting, exercise, playing sports and health education. She plans to earn a graduate degree from Chapel Hill, attend physical therapy school, and receive her doctorate in physical therapy to become a physical therapist. She is also interested in obtaining a business license in order to start a personal training practice. Her primary goals are to educate her community on how to live healthy and balanced lifestyles, in addition to owning her own practice in physical therapy and personal training.   

Akevia Wilkerson, daughter of Avery and Kebe Wilkerson, is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and a graduate of Lake Norman Charter High School. She is studying psychology. She has a passion for understanding and shedding light on mental health disparities in her community. Additionally, she plans to earn her PhD in psychology after graduation. Her primary goals are to engage in neuropsychological research and to create a non-profit catered to the development of children's academic success and mental well-being.