Bennett Student Selected as One of 73 HBCU All-Stars
Bennett Junior Asheley Taylor was selected by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as one of the 73 HBCU All-Stars for 2016 for her accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement.
“I am honored to be chosen to represent my institution in the HBCU All-star program because I believe that being proactive doing things and leading by example is the first step to getting our institution further up the list of top HBCUs,” said Ashley, who is majoring in psychology. “I believe that Bennett is a great institution and the genuine love I have for my school was reflected in my essay. Although I am a junior credit wise this is only my second year here at Bennett College and I have seen a tremendous amount of growth that has taken place in my life.”
The All-Stars were selected from more than 300 students who attend HBCU’s in 24 states, the District of Columbia, Ghana, Nigeria and the Virgin Islands.
“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.”
Over the next year, the students will serve as ambassadors 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, the students will share proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.
They 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 Deputy Under Secretary of Education and Acting Executive Director White House Initiative on HBCUs Kim Hunter Reed. “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.”
Taylor has been involved in campus life at Bennett. She served as sophomore class secretary for the 2015-2016 academic year and was also involved as a Student Ambassador, member of the Psychology Club and the Student Union Activities Board FOCUS group. This year she serves as president of the Student Ambassadors and Vice President of the Psychology Club. Among her honors and achievements are being selected as a Tom Joyner Foundation Scholarship Recipient and as a Summer Medical/Dental Enrichment Program Scholar.
She is the daughter of John Taylor of Durham.
