Winston-Salem State University student David Wilson named White House HBCU Scholar

Winston-Salem State University student David Wilson has been named a White House HBCU Scholar for 2023. He is among 102 undergraduate and graduate students from 29 states and countries who were selected for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and community engagement.

“Our 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona.

HBCU Scholars serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education and their HBCUs. They are offered professional development opportunities, networking opportunities with HBCU Scholars from 70 other schools, and will be able to discuss and devise solutions for issues specifically related to the HBCU community.

Wilson, who is a junior majoring in mathematics, is looking forward to meeting HBCU Scholars from other colleges and universities. “Being a White House Scholar provides students with an opportunity to excel professionally, learn new things and network. I am excited about the networking opportunities that come with the initiative and the guidance we will receive throughout this academic year,” said Wilson.

The HBCU Scholars will gather at the 2023 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, which will be held Sept 24-28 in Virginia. The theme of the conference this year is “Raising the Bar: Forging Excellence Through Innovation & Leadership.”  The conference will feature keynote addresses, workshops, interactive exhibits and a career fair.

HBCU Scholars will be invited to take part in programs, events and monthly master classes. The programs are designed to augment the scholars’ professional development and give them greater access to career opportunities once they graduate from college.

A major component of the HBCU Scholar Program involves a partnership with NASA. During the national conference, the students are invited to present their intellectual property ideas at a NASA-sponsored Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition on Sept 25 at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

Wilson has served in several leadership roles on the campus of WSSU including being a member of the Campus Activity Board for three years. He is currently the Campus Life Committee Chair, and serves on the Homecoming and RAMFest Committees, Ragin’ Rams and the Truth Seekers.

After graduation, Wilson is considering whether to pursue his passion for event planning or for the political realm. “After I graduate from WSSU, I hope to have figured out the path I would like to take in life. I really enjoy planning events, but I also enjoy civic work as I’m extremely passionate about both. If I choose the civic route, I will probably become a congressman,” Wilson said.