2 SC State students named 2024 HBCU White House Scholars
Alexis Day and Aaron Smith’s selections bring the number of HBCU White House Scholars on the campus to four.
“Ms. Day and Mr. Smith are exemplary examples of what it means to be a South Carolina State University Bulldog,” SC State President Alexander Conyers. “While excelling in their academic pursuits, they are highly involved in campus activities.
“They are engaged in a well-rounded collegiate experience that will serve them well in their careers and in service to their communities,” Conyers said. “I congratulate Ms. Day and Mr. Smith on becoming HBCU White House Scholars and thank them for representing SC State so well.”
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) recognizes scholars who have demonstrated academic excellence and a strong commitment to service and leadership in their communities.
Day is a biology/chemistry major with an oncology concentration from Columbus, Georgia. She said she is deeply honored and grateful to have been selected as an HBCU White House Scholar.
“The commitment of the university to nurturing and celebrating the achievements of its students is truly inspiring,” Day said. “Being acknowledged through this prestigious program is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace wholeheartedly.
“I am excited to continue representing the values and excellence that South Carolina State University embodies,” she said. “I am proud to be associated with such a distinguished institution and look forward to contributing to the legacy of excellence it stands for.”
SC State now has four HBCU White House Scholars in its student body. Day and Smith join SC State seniors Victoria Jordan and Kenard Holmes, who were selected for the honor in 2023.
Smith is a senior physical activity management major from Manning, South Carolina. He holds a 3.8 cumulative GPA while serving as a leader in numerous organizations and on the Bulldog football team.
“It is a prestigious honor to be selected as a 2024 White House HBCU Scholar to represent the illustrious South Carolina State University,” Smith said. “I am truly thankful. I’m also thankful for the connections and bonds I have built with many faculty and staff to nominate and send my name through for prestigious opportunities such as this.”
Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, this year’s cohort includes students from 77 HBCUs across the nation. Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons.
More about Alexis Day
Day holds membership in several campus organizations where she holds key leadership positions including Student Government Association Junior Class secretary; president of the Health Professions Society; Dr. Emily E. Clyburn Honors College member; United Voices of Christ Gospel choir member; the Student Orientation Leaders organization’s Miss S.O.L.; and Bulldogs softball team manager. She also is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Additionally, she is involved in Real IMPACT Center Inc. and is an active volunteer for Boys and Girls Club of America. She also serves as a tutor she provides academic support to students in the Department of Biological Sciences.
Day is the recipient of several honors and awards including the following, 2023 Shining Star Award Recipient (Emily E. Clyburn Honors College); Gold Presidential Medallion Recipient; Dean’s List; two-time Miller Society Award recipient; Golden Key International Honor Society; inaugural SCSU Aflac Scholar (2023); Emily Clyburn Honors College General Scholarship Recipient; SCSU Goldwater Research Scholar nominee; U54 Cancer Research Scholar; and FDA MSEIP research program intern.
More about Aaron Smith
Smith already has one SC State degree in his pocket. He graduated in May with his bachelor’s degree in exercise science and reenrolled to complete his football eligibility while finishing the remaining courses for a bachelor’s in physical activity management. He hopes one day to open a gym and become a certified fitness trainer.
As a Bulldog, Smith is a two-time team captain, two-time member of the ALL MEAC conference football team, and three-time member of the All Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Football Academic Team.
Smith also has served as parliamentarian for the SC State Campus Activities Board, Vice president but now president of the Health and Physical Education Club, a member of the Bulldog's LEAD Program, and a member and parliamentarian of the Xi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc.