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

EAST GREENSBORO, N.C. (Sept. 30, 2026) – North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University has announced its ninth cohort of Cheatham-White Scholarship recipients. The 20 scholars join the class of 2030 as some of the university’s highest-achieving incoming students.

“This cohort reflects the talent, ambition and commitment to service we see in our Honors College scholars,” said Margaret I. Kanipes, Ph.D., Honors College dean. “We take pride in supporting these students as they pursue their goals, build on the legacy of Henry Cheatham and George White, and create legacies of their own.”

The fall 2026 cohort enters North Carolina A&T with an impressive average cumulative GPA of 4.41, with scholars ranking, on average, within the top 5% to 10% of their graduating high school classes. SAT and ACT scores were optional during this year’s selection cycle.

Fifteen scholars hail from North Carolina, with others representing Florida, New Jersey, California and South Carolina. They will pursue studies across 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.

“Each year, we are inspired by the caliber of students selected as Cheatham-White Scholars, and this year’s cohort is no exception,” said Brittany Franklin, director of Scholarship Programs in the Honors College.

“They arrive at A&T having already demonstrated an impressive level of achievement, and we are excited to see how they use the opportunities ahead to shape what comes next.”

The Cheatham-White Scholarship, established in 2018, is named in honor of 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. Both overcame significant barriers in their pursuit of education and went on to careers that included teaching, law and public service. Their lives and accomplishments established enduring legacies of leadership and expanded opportunity.

The Cheatham-White Scholarship is a fully funded, four-year award covering tuition, student fees, housing, meals, textbooks, a laptop computer, supplies, travel and personal expenses. Scholars also receive four summers of fully funded enrichment and networking opportunities, which may include international travel and study.

Beyond its financial support, the Cheatham-White experience is designed to develop scholars throughout their undergraduate journey. As part of the Honors Distinguished Scholars Program, scholars engage in a developmental curriculum that connects academic achievement with research, applied learning and preparation for life beyond A&T. Through high-impact experiences on campus and beyond, Cheatham-White Scholars are encouraged to broaden their perspectives, pursue meaningful opportunities and consider how they will build upon the legacy associated with the scholarship.

This year’s Cheatham-White Scholars are:

Israel Aladekoba, son of Steve and Vera Aladekoba, of Gastonia, North Carolina, is a graduate of Hunter Huss High School. He plans to double major in finance and economics, and aspires to become an entrepreneur and community leader, using his skills and resources to empower and uplift Black communities. His long-term goal is to create programs, institutions, and opportunities that provide education, economic access, and have lasting impact for Black youth nationwide.

Cohen Allen, son of Christopher and Coree Allen, of Tampa, Florida, is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. He plans to major in civil engineering and minor in construction management, and become a civil engineer in the United States Air Force and hopes to develop and maintain the infrastructure that communities rely on. His long-term goal is to mentor high school students interested in engineering and inspire the next generation of leaders in STEM.

Aaliyah Best, daughter of Terence and Keowanna Best, of Wake Forest, North Carolina. A graduate of Wake Early College of Health and Sciences, Best plans to major in kinesiology on the pre-physician assistant track. She aspires to become a sports medicine physician assistant and hopes to help athletes recover efficiently and return to their sport stronger than before. Her long-term goal is to make a lasting impact in sports medicine by improving injury recovery processes and fostering supportive, athlete-centered care.

Isaiah Buffong, son of Jeremy and Lisa Buffong, of Corona, California, is a graduate of Ontario Christian High School. He plans to major in biology on the pre-med track, and aspires to address health disparities by studying how environmental factors contribute to chronic disease. His long-term goal is to become a cardiologist serving the Inland Empire while improving both medical care and environmental health conditions in underserved communities.

Jaelle Garvin, daughter of Theodore Garvin and Drashonta and Cletis “CJ” Brinson, of Greensboro, North Carolina, is a graduate of The Early College at Guilford. Garvin plans to major in political science and Spanish on the pre-law track. She aspires to become a leading civil rights attorney and law reformer focused on educational inequities and mass incarceration. Her long-term goal is to expand access, advance community-centered transformation, and develop young leaders in marginalized communities.

Gianna Giles, daughter of George Giles and Kimberley Giles, Ph.D., of Jackson, New Jersey, is a graduate of Jackson Township High School. She plans to major in environmental studies and minor in political science. Giles aspires to become an environmental lawyer and hopes to work internationally on environmental and social justice issues. Her long-term goal is to make a difference by combatting inequality in environmental policy.

Kayla Graham, daughter of Brian and Melanie Graham, of Greensboro, is a graduate of Northern Guilford High School. She plans to major in accounting and earn her master of accountancy, and obtain her certified public accountant license and become a chief financial officer of a reputable corporation. Her long-term goal is to establish a consulting firm that develops small businesses, serves nonprofits and impacts the local community.

Camille Johnson, daughter of Clifton and Tara Johnson, of Durham, North Carolina, is a graduate of North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics. She plans to major in chemical engineering and minor in physics and become a chemical engineer and reduce industrial-scale waste-treatment costs. Her long-term goal is to partner with community organizations and inspire socio-environmental change through innovation.

Kenadi Johnson, daughter of Antoine and Kenisha Johnson, of Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, is a graduate of Fuquay-Varina High School. She plans to major in bioengineering on the pre-medical track. Johnson aspires to become a trauma surgeon and develop accessible emergency healthcare solutions. Her long-term goal is to pioneer a surgical department in underserved communities that prioritizes accessibility, education and preventive care.

Maya McClain, daughter of Ernest and Tamara McClain, of Charlotte, North Carolina, is a graduate of South Mecklenburg High School. She plans to major in biology on the pre-med track. McClain aspires to become a pediatrician and make an impact on the next generation through quality care. Her long-term goal is to own her own practice and reduce healthcare disparities in the African American community.

Tyrik Myers, son of Ted and Ezetta Myers, of Columbia, South Carolina, is a graduate of the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities. He plans to major in chemistry and aspires to become a researcher dedicated to improving fuel efficiency. His long-term goal is to promote sustainable energy sources with minimal environmental impact.

NaRyah Nelson, daughter of Ryan and NaTale Nelson, of Mount Olive, North Carolina, is a graduate of Goldsboro High School. She plans to study biology on the pre-med track to become a pediatrician and help establish strong foundations of health for others. Her long-term goal is to serve rural communities and increase sustainable healthcare infrastructure in underserved areas.

Jurnee Powell, daughter of Douglas and Carla Powell, of Harrisburg, North Carolina, is a graduate of Jay M. Robinson High School. She is majoring in aeronautical and astronautical engineering while pursuing her passion for aviation, engineering, and space. As a licensed private pilot, she plans to continue her flight training by earning her instrument rating while exploring research and opportunities across aeronautics and astronautics. Her long-term goal is to build a career that allows her to lead, break barriers, mentor future generations, and inspire more young people to see themselves in aviation and STEM.

Alysia Richardson, daughter of Clifford and Tami Richardson, of Charlotte, is a graduate of Olympic High School. She plans to major in animal science and aspires to become a veterinarian and promote animal health through treatment and advocacy. Her long-term goal is to improve animals’ quality of life by strengthening the foundation of animal care. 

Konnor Sloan, son of Andre and Sabrina Love Sloan, of Charlotte, is a graduate of Marvin Ridge High School. He plans to major in finance and minor in business analytics. Sloan aspires to become a corporate banker and eventually enter high-end real estate. His long-term goal is to educate young Black youth on the importance of early financial literacy.

Kamaria S. Smith, daughter of Keith and LaTonya Smith, of Durham, was the valedictorian of Hillside High School’s graduating class of 2026. She is pursuing a double major in business administration and mass media production, aspiring to be a media producer and business leader who is dedicated to promoting diversity within the corporate, theatre and film industries while championing representation for Black women in executive spaces. Her long-term professional goals include earning advanced business degrees, launching a career as an entrepreneurial creator, and actively supporting local nonprofits.

Sean Ellis Smith, son of Franklin and Monique Smith, of Huntersville, North Carolina, is a graduate of Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology. He plans to major in artificial intelligence on the engineering and computer track. Smith aspires to become a data scientist and bridge the gap between technology and human needs. His long-term goal is to give back to his community through service, volunteering and financial support.

Cameron Thomas, son of Ben and Tameka Thomas, of Charlotte, is a graduate of Cox Mill High School. He plans to major in management with a concentration in innovation and entrepreneurship. Thomas aspires to become a residential real estate investor and increase access to stable, affordable housing. His long-term goal is to help revitalize neighborhoods and positively impact families within his community.

Aleeah Tolbert, daughter of Victoria and Omar Tolbert, of Matthews, North Carolina, is a graduate of David W. Butler High School. She plans to major in biology on the pre-med track with a minor in criminal justice, aspiring to become a forensic pathologist and serve as a voice for the deceased while providing answers to their families. Her long-term goal is to become a respected expert in her field who serves her community through public service. 

Cameron Wallace, son of Tyrone and Donya Wallace, of Florence, South Carolina, is a graduate of West Florence High School. He plans to major in physics and become an astrophysicist and expand understanding of the physical universe through research and inquiry. His long-term goal is to inspire other young African Americans to pursue their dreams while contributing to advances in astronomy.