White House Initiative names two Del State students HBCU Scholars

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities has recognized two Delaware State University undergraduate students as HBCU Scholars.

Inaaya A. Coleman, a sophomore Mathematics Education major, and Juliana Paul, a junior Information Technology major, are among 86 undergraduate, graduate and professional students recognized by the White House Initiative on HBCUs for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, and civic engagement.

Ms. Coleman, of Camden, N.J., is currently maintaining a 4.0 GPA while also serving on the University’s Student Government Association. She notes that the saying “iron sharpens iron” describes the benefit of attending an HBCU like Delaware State University. She said that she has learned that how one faces adversities defines one’s character.

“Growing up in one of America’s poorest cities, I have faced many challenges within my life; however, I refuse to let them define me as a person,” Ms. Coleman said. “At most, these adversities are small road bumps on the journey to my goals.”

University President Tony Allen said that Ms. Coleman has balanced her challenging coursework and the campus life environment with ease.

“As a rising sophomore, Inaaya has already proven herself to be a reliable community builder, and I look forward to how she will continue to develop as a student leader on our campus,” Dr. Allen said. “Inaaya has made the critical connection between co-curricular engagement and academic success, which will undoubtedly keep her on a positive trajectory.”

Ms. Paul, a 3.5 GPA student from Philadelphia, Pa., is the vice president of the Computer Science Club at Del State, as well as an active member of the National Society of Black Engineers and the organization Blacks in Cyber. She is a Lead Tech Fellow and a Teaching Assistant in which she tutors and mentors other students toward their success in STEM. Off-campus, she is involved in organizations such as Code Differently, which provides hands-on training and education through coding classes that give community participants skills that will help them succeed in technology-driven workplaces.

“I am impressed by Juliana’s ability to balance so many leadership positions that require deep technical knowledge, as well as interpersonal and soft skills,” said Dr. Allen. “She thrives in diverse technical and non-technical settings and inserts herself into any opportunity she can to teach and mentor those around her.”

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said the 2021 HBCU Scholars have demonstrated remarkable dedication to their learning, and exemplify the talent that our nation’s HBCUs have nurtured for generations.

“The students who hold this honor are committed to creating a more just and equitable society through their civic engagement,” Secretary Cardona said. “They are leaders and change-makers in their communities, and I cannot wait to learn from them as they serve as ambassadors both for the White House Initiative and their institutions of higher education.” 

The two Del State students and the other HBCU Scholars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative and their respected institutions. They will also participate in national and regional events and monthly classes with Elyse Jones, HBCU Scholar Program Coordinator, Initiative staff and other professionals from a wide range of disciplines.

Ms. Coleman and Ms. Paul will join their fellow HBCU Scholars at the 2021 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, which will take place September 7-10, 2021, in Washington, D.C.