Langston University broadcast journalism senior Aniyah Robinson has been named a 2024 White House HBCU Scholar, the ninth LU student to receive this honor in the program’s 10-year history.
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities announced its 2024 HBCU Scholars on Wednesday, and Robinson was among the 110 undergraduate, graduate and professional students to receive the honor. This year’s cohort was chosen from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants.
“We are very proud of Ms. Robinson for being selected as a 2024 Whitehouse HBCU Scholar!” said Dr. Alonzo Peterson, the Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Her outstanding achievements and dedication have earned her this prestigious honor. The Langston University family is proud of her, and we look forward to seeing her continued success and contributions in the future. Well done!”
Since 2014, the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities has recognized exceptional HBCU students who have excelled in academic achievement, civic and campus engagement and entrepreneurial ethos.
Over the past three years, Robinson has been heavily involved in the LU Gazette, LU’s student newspaper; LU Athletics as an intern; and the LU chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists, which Robinson helped restart. She is also a 2024 Rhoden Fellow.
“I have been given an amazing opportunity to represent Langston on a national level and showcase the greatness that Langston produces,” Robinson said. “As a black journalist, I understand the responsibility of amplifying diverse voices and perspectives in a media landscape that often lacks representation. Personally, I wouldn’t be where I am today without the unwavering support from Langston University’s Communications Department. Knowing the responsibility that I have as a journalist to advocate for the needs of our community is the reason I applied for the program.”
HBCU Scholars serve as ambassadors for the White House Initiative on HBCUs, the U.S. Department of Education and their respective academic institutions for the academic year. As an
HBCU scholar, Robinson will ensure information, resources and opportunities from the Initiative are distributed to LU’s three campuses.
She will also receive professional development opportunities throughout the year, such as monthly master classes hosted by the Initiative and an opportunity to participate in NASA’s Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition. Robinson will also attend the 2024 HBCU Week National Conference from Sept. 15-19 in Philadelphia.
“Overall, this program is a great way to network with industry professionals and other talented HBCU students,” Robinson said. “With the upcoming election, I hope to utilize my platform to encourage students to utilize their voice by voting. Additionally, as a White House Scholar, I aspire to bring greater recognition to Langston University and exemplify the true meaning of ‘From Langston to the World.’”
Langston University is Oklahoma’s only Historically Black College or University. Made up of six academic schools and offering a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs, LU provides students with a world-class education that includes hands-on learning through impactful research and beneficial internships. LU has campuses in Langston, Oklahoma City and Tulsa as well as a site in Ardmore.
