February 2014: Two ECSU students named 2014 HBCU All-Stars

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE-- Two Elizabeth City State University students, Chanae LeGrier and Valerie Edwards join their peers from 62 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who were named 2014 HBCU All-Stars. Edwards, a senior from Whiteville,

North Carolina majoring in aviation science and mass communication, was one of nine students selected in this state. LeGrier, a senior from Suffolk, Virginia majoring in business administration, was one of three selected in Virginia for this recognition.

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU) recently announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, recognizing 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. Currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs, the All-Stars were selected from 445 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

"Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness," said George Cooper, executive director of the WHIHBCUs. "It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities, and we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal."

LeGrier is president of the university chapter of the National Black MBA Association, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honor Society, a Mid-Atlantic Consortium-Center for Academic Excellence Scholar, and a member of the Black Executive Exchange Program.

“This is a prestigious honor and I look forward to everything the program has to offer. This is a great opportunity for HBCU students,” LeGrier said.

In addition to her outstanding academic achievements, Edwards has kept busy by completing 5 internships with the Department of Transportation, College Prowler, Department of Energy, NASA Langley Research Center and one summer research program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Advisement program.

“This is a great opportunity for me to become an official ambassador for my HBCU and to promote higher education to middle schools and high schools in the local community as well as students on campus,” Edwards said.

Over the course of the next year -- through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations -- the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. In addition, the 45 female and 30 male All-Stars will participate in regional events and web chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the WHIHBCUs, other Initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

The White House Press Office, contributed to this press release. For more information, call (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov

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Photo caption: Chanae LeGrier (left) and Valerie Edwards (right) are two ECSU students out of 75 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) students named 2014 HBCU All-Stars.

Photo by

Kesha Williams

Director of Media Relations| University Relations and Marketing

Elizabeth City State University

1704 Weeksville Rd. | Elizabeth City, NC  27909

Phone:  252.335.3686 | Fax:  252.335.3769

Email:  kdwilliams@mail.ecsu.edu | www.ecsu.edu