WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Sept. 8, 2022 — West Liberty University’s Office of DEI awarded scholarships to three deserving African-American students at the first home football game on Thursday, Sept. 8 as the Hilltoppers took on Alderson-Broaddus at the West Family Stadium. Kick-off was at 6 p.m.
Dr. Monique L. Akassi, special assistant to the president for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Strategic Initiatives, assisted honored guests and donors to present the awards on the field at 6:20 p.m., between the first and second quarters of the game. The awards, presenters and scholarship winners are as follows:
- The Brantley Foundation Academic Scholarship, presented to Wisdom Jenkins of Orlando, Fla., by donor Arlene Brantley of Atlanta, Ga. Brantley also serves on the WLU Board of Governors;
- The Carole Lynn Harris’ Academic Scholarship, presented to Savannah Turner Davis of Wheeling, W.Va., by Stephanie Shaw of Columbus, Ohio, 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 Dr. 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 three new academic scholarships geared toward African-American students over 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.
Donations are still being accepted to add to this DEI scholarship fund.
For more information on the scholarships or donating to this fund, please contact Dr. Akassi at officeofDEI@westliberty.edu or call 304.336.8292. For all the news from Hilltopper Athletics, please visit hilltoppersports.com.
