N.C. A&T Announces 2024 Dowdy Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Feb. 7, 2025) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its 2024 cohort of Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars – 20 academically gifted first-year students who have joined the Aggie family as members of the class of 2028. 

This year’s Dowdy Scholars boast an average cumulative GPA of 4.30, with test scores being optional for this selection cycle, and ranked on average in the top 10% of their graduating high school class. 

These scholars come from all over the country, with eight from North Carolina, four from Maryland, three from Georgia, two from Texas and one each from South Carolina, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They represent the Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Engineering and College of Science and Technology. 

“We are delighted to offer resources to these high-achieving and driven students who represent a wide variety of academic disciplines within our university,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. 

The Lewis and Elizabeth Dowdy Scholars Enrichment Program is named in honor of the late Dr. Lewis C. Dowdy, N.C. A&T’s sixth president and first chancellor, and his wife, Elizabeth. They served the university for more than 21 years. The administration building was named for him in 1981, the year after he stepped down as chancellor. 

“These students will transform the world, shift prevailing notions and advance the human condition,” said Tonya L. Smith-Jackson, Ph.D., provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs. “It is truly an accomplishment that we can provide these high-achieving scholars with full support.” 

Dowdy Scholars receive a four-year renewable award that covers tuition and related fees, housing and meals for up to four years. 

This year’s scholars are: 

Logan Anderson, son of Latasha and Derrik Anderson, of Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of Mallard Creek High School, he plans to major in business administration. He aspires to a career with limitless growth opportunities and aims to connect with influential individuals to improve both himself and his community.  

Morgan Best, daughter of Cathy Armstrong and Rick Best, of Cornelius, North Carolina. A graduate of William Amos Hough High School, Best plans to major in business administration. Her ultimate goal is to become an entertainment lawyer, advocating for and representing those who are underserved in the entertainment industry.  

Derrick Bradley, son of Latasha and Derrick Bradley, of Dallas, Texas. A graduate of Royse City High School, he plans to major in landscape architecture. His long-term goal is to establish his own architecture firm and start a nonprofit that provides internships for aspiring minority architects.  

Madison Braswell, daughter of Precious and Michael Braswell, of Mableton, Georgia. A graduate of Pebblebrook High School, she plans to major in psychology. Her career aspiration is to become a sports psychotherapist, traveling with a dance company to support performers, particularly African Americans, who face unique social and emotional challenges. 

Zoe-Marie Brown, daughter of Jason and Felicia Brown, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. A graduate of Stroudsburg High School, Brown plans to major in mechanical engineering. Her ultimate goal is to become a roller coaster engineer and work for major companies like Intamin or Vekoma in the theme park industry.  

Mykenzie Cooper, daughter of Dawne and Michael Cooper, of Randallstown, Maryland. A graduate of St. Paul’s School for Girls, she plans to major in biology and biological sciences. She aims to research neurological diseases and conditions to advance medical knowledge and improve treatments.  

Niara Downing, daughter of Timonious and Billie Downing, of Laurel, Maryland. A graduate of Atholton High School, she plans to major in business administration with a minor in fashion merchandising. Her ultimate goal is to make a lasting impact on the fashion industry, leveraging her degrees to spread her message of inclusivity and innovation through her brand and other collaborations.  

Ivy Hiner, daughter of Arleita Myers, is from Houston. A graduate of Jack Yates High School, she plans to major in industrial and systems engineering. Her long-term goal is to start her own engineering consulting firm, helping clients from diverse backgrounds solve problems and achieve their goals.  

Zachary Johnson, son of Tim and Stacey Johnson, of Charlotte. A graduate of Lake Norman Charter, he plans to major in computer engineering. After completing his degree, his ultimate career goal is to contribute to the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and leverage it to optimize business practices.  

Kaitlynn Joseph, daughter of Kyria and Joseph Joseph, of Windsor Mill, Maryland. A graduate of Western Tech, she plans to major in agricultural sciences. After earning her degree, she aims to become a commissioned officer in the Air Force and pursue a career in research, focusing on agricultural sciences and agricultural engineering.  

Cameron Mobley, son of Rotronda and Dontarius Mobley, of Jonesboro, Georgia. A graduate of Dutchtown High School, he plans to major in biology. Inspired by the loss of his grandmother, he aspires to become a neurosurgeon. His goal is to make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients while honoring his grandmother’s memory.  

Allarie Monsanto, daughter of Kimarie Engerman and Allron Monsanto, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. A graduate of St. Croix Educational Complex High School, she plans to major in chemistry. Her goal is to work in a lab that creates eco-friendly chemicals and products for the dental industry. She hopes to develop sustainable, appealing dental products that minimize the environmental impact of the chemical industry.  

Najm Muhammad, son of Crystal Johnson-Muhammad and Kaleb Muhammad, of Atlanta. A graduate of Charles R. Drew Charter School, he plans to major in animal science. Fascinated by exotic animals and their behavior, he hopes to balance his music career with a future in veterinary medicine, fulfilling his love for both fields.  

Cayden Neal, child of Cheri and Mike Neal, of Greensboro, North Carolina. A graduate of Dorothy Dot Kearns Academy of Computer and Information Science, they plan to major in computer engineering. Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, they plan to participate in undergraduate research and pursue a Ph.D. in intelligent and cognitive robotics.  

Justin Owens, son of Lissa Pringle, of Greenbelt, Maryland. A graduate of St. Vincent Pallotti High School, he plans to major in criminal justice. He aims to advocate for those who feel unheard and make positive changes from within the legal system, while also giving back to his community.  

Eric Payne, son of Camille Banks-Prince and Eric J. Payne, of Clemmons, North Carolina. A graduate of West Forsyth High School, he plans to major in criminal justice. After earning his undergraduate degree, he plans to pursue a Juris Doctor and return to his hometown to practice law as a criminal defense attorney. His ultimate goal is to serve as a judge in his community.  

Trinity Richardson, daughter of Clifford and Carol Richardson, of Durham, North Carolina. A graduate of Hillside High School, she plans to major in political science. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she plans to attend law school at either North Carolina Central University or Howard University. Trinity’s goal is to work in corporate law while serving her community by taking on pro bono cases.  

Courtney Salmon, son of Paul Salmon, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A graduate of Jack Britt High School, he plans to major in liberal studies. Motivated by the disproportionate impact of medical malpractice on Black women, he aims to raise awareness and advocate for healthcare reform. He is passionate about making a difference in his community by addressing this issue through legal action and public education.  

Kanaan Smith, son of Kecia and Alan Smith, of Greensboro. A graduate of James B. Dudley High School, he plans to major in finance. After earning his degree, his goal is to start a venture capital/private equity firm focused on investing in Black-owned businesses.  

Peter Smith III, son of Evonne Smith and Peter Smith Jr., of Dorchester, South Carolina. A graduate of Woodland High School, he plans to major in political science. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to attend law school and become a licensed attorney, advocating for equal opportunities in rural communities. His dream is to build a community center in his hometown that offers access to technology, exercise facilities, a pool, a library and other essential resources.