N.C. A&T Announces 2025 Dowdy Scholars Cohort

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Oct. 9, 2025) — North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its 2025 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 2029.

This group of high-achieving students representing North Carolina, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Texas and Virginia enter the university with an impressive average GPA of 4.21, demonstrating both academic excellence and a commitment to leadership and service. They will pursue studies across six of the university’s academic colleges — the College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, Willie A. Deese College of Business and Economics, College of Engineering, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, and College of Science and Technology — further strengthening the interdisciplinary impact of the program.

“It’s an honor to welcome this year’s Dowdy Scholarship cohort,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., dean of the Honors College. “This outstanding group of scholars whose talent, ambition and diverse academic pursuits embody the spirit of excellence at our university.” 

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.

This program awards a full four-year renewable scholarship which includes tuition and related fees, housing, meals, and enrichment programming. The program strives to create diverse opportunities that engage students in the integration of knowledge in and out of the classroom. Scholars will be exposed to opportunities of leadership development, social awareness, research with faculty, co-ops and internships, study abroad experiences, and so much more.

This year’s scholars are:

Chloe Barnes, daughter of Che Barnes and Robert Johnson, of Hampton, Virginia. A graduate of Bethel High School, she plans to study computer science. After completing her undergraduate degree, she aspires to become a software architect, designing innovative systems that shape the future of technology.

Kiersten Brown, daughter of Kathleen and Darwin Brown, of DeSoto, Texas. A graduate of Duncanville High School, she plans to major in nursing with a minor in psychology. Her long-term goal is to become a neonatal nurse practitioner, providing quality care to underserved communities while addressing healthcare disparities.

Malachi Brown, son of Sachia and Michael Brown, of Tampa, Florida. A graduate of George S. Middleton High School, he plans to major in business information technology with a minor in finance. He hopes to become a solutions consultant for a leading cybersecurity company and eventually launch his own firm to educate and protect his community in East Tampa.

Ari Copeland, son of Kenya Neal Copeland and Travis Copeland, of Atlanta. A graduate of Druid Hills High School, he plans to major in architectural engineering and a minor in business management. His career goal is to design sustainable, community-centered buildings and eventually establish his own firm that integrates green spaces into urban areas.

Mia Durant, daughter of Andrea and Michael Durant, of Durham, North Carolina. A graduate of Durham School of the Arts, she plans to study economics and receive an undergraduate certificate in data science and analytics. She aims to become an economic consultant specializing in real estate market trends while advocating for growth in underrepresented communities.

Khalid Enahora Jr., son of Khalid and Pauline Enahora, of Acworth, Georgia. A graduate of Harrison High School, he plans to major in computer engineering and minor in Japanese. His goal is to combine his engineering and artistic talents to design video games and eventually launch his own game development company.

Samira Godbolt, daughter of Crystal and Kenyatt Godbolt, of Concord, North Carolina. A graduate of Cabarrus-Kannapolis Early College High School, she plans to major in chemistry. After earning her B.S., she plans to attend dental school and later serve her community through public health dentistry.

Yasmina Issaka, daughter of Dwan Smith-Issaka and Hamidou Issaka, of Greensboro, North Carolina. A graduate of The STEM Early College at N.C. A&T, she plans to double major in health sciences management and liberal studies with a pre-law concentration. Yasmina plans to earn her MPH andJ.D. degree and pursue a career in Healthcare Law, ultimately advocating for healthcare equity and dismantling systemic barriers impacting Black women.

Saliyah Jones, daughter of Elysia and Harris Jones, of Knightdale, North Carolina. A graduate of Wake Young Women’s Leadership Academy. She plans to study agricultural and environmental systems. Jones aspires to earn her master’s and Ph.D., and pursue a career as an environmental toxicologist—eventually opening her own research lab.

Aubrey Jordan-Yarbrough, daughter of Vanika Jordan and Dante Yarbrough, of Lithonia, Georgia. A graduate of DeKalb School of the Arts. She plans to major in political science on a pre-law track. Jordan-Yarbrough’s goal is to attend law school and become a prosecutor and politician, advocating for arts education and representation.

Amanda Leggett, daughter of Jay and Zakiya Leggett, of Raleigh, North Carolina. A graduate of Leesville Road High School. She plans to major in agricultural and environmental systems with a concentration in environmental studies. She aspires to pursue graduate studies and earn a Ph.D. in environmental sciences, with the goal of becoming a college professor or working in government.

Khalil Meikle, son of Kayson Meikle and Vanessa Thomas, of Fayetteville, Georgia. A graduate of Sandy Creek High School. He plans to major in chemical engineering with a minor in business management. His goals include pursuing a pre-med track, designing and developing pharmaceutical products and building an audiovisual business that supports historically Black college and university events and community functions.

Jared Morgan, son of Jonathan and Shona Morgan, of Whitsett, North Carolina. A graduate of Greensboro College Middle College, he plans to major in accounting and aspires to earn his CPA license, gaining experience at an accounting firm before establishing his own practice.

Kendall Penny, daughter of Carla Mitchell-Penny and Brian Penny, of Bear, Delaware. A graduate of Appoquinimink High School, she plans to major in biology with a minor in psychology. Her long-term goal is to attend dental school and earn her DDS, pursuing a career in dentistry.

Alana Pouncy, daughter of Raquel and James Pouncy, of Fredericksburg, Virginia. A graduate of Riverbend High School, she plans to study laboratory animal science. She intends to pursue master’s and doctoral degrees in laboratory science and lead research on ruminant animals to improve quality of life and productivity.

Khamron Pulliam, son of Edmee Martinez and Charles Pulliam, of Fayetteville, North Carolina. A graduate of Cross Creek Early College High School, he plans to major in accounting. He hopes to build a successful career as a CPA or financial analyst and later mentor youth in financial literacy and smart money management.

Christian Reynolds, son of Harmony and Bradley Reynolds, of Houston. A graduate of Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, he plans to major in biology. After earning his degree, he plans to attend dental school through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, serve as a military dentist and eventually specialize in orthodontics and open his own practice.

Hunter Simms, son of Joseph and Kaliq Simms, of Baltimore. A graduate of Loyola Blakefield High School, he plans to major in English with a minor in political science. His goals include attending law school to become a civil rights attorney while also pursuing his passion for acting in theater and film.

Trinity Slaughter, daughter of Michelle and Kareem Slaughter, of Charlotte, North Carolina. A graduate of Merancas Middle College High School, she plans to double major in business information technology and computer engineering. Her ultimate goal is to lead innovative ventures that address complex challenges, while ensuring people benefit from every innovation and opening doors to opportunities that have historically been out of reach, especially for people of color. She envisions herself as a future leader who bridges business, technology, and social responsibility to create meaningful impact worldwide.

Reginald “Trey” Watkins, son of Bianca and Reginald Watkins, of Grayson, Georgia. A graduate of Grayson High School, he plans to major in kinesiology with a minor in biology. His goal is to pursue a career in healthcare where he can diligently serve his community through strengthening and rehabilitation.