- Posted in All University
- Category: Campus News
LINCOLN UNIVERSITY, Pa. – Lincoln University student Elisabeth Bellevue has been named as a 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
Lincoln University student Elisabeth Bellevue has been named by the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities as a 2019 HBCU Competitiveness Scholar. (Courtesy photo/Charles Green)
“Elisabeth’s achievement exemplifies how Lincoln University educates and empowers students to lead their communities and change the world,” said Lincoln President Brenda A. Allen, who nominated Bellevue.
Bellevue is one of 44 students from 34 HBCUs selected based on their academic achievement, campus and civic involvement, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Bellevue, a senior strategic communications major from Harrisburg, was elected by her peers as the 2019-20 Student Government Association president. She is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Zeta Omega Chapter; the National Council of Negro Women; the Thurgood Marshall Law Society, the Promise Mentoring Program, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
After graduating from Lincoln, she plans to earn a master’s in public policy or public administration and attend law school, with the goal of running for congress.
“I never thought I’d be able to represent my university on this level. I’ve dreamt it, I’ve prayed about it, and I’ve hoped, but of course I had my doubts,” Bellevue said. “Everything works according to the plan of God.”
According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Education, Competitiveness Scholars are recognized for successfully preparing to compete for top opportunities that improve long-term outcomes.
Johnathan Holifield, Executive Director of the Initiative, said “the Initiative’s watchword is competitiveness and these students are fine examples of the depth and diversity of competitive talent at our institutions. We are honored to recognize them.”
In the course of their one-year term, Competitiveness Scholars will learn and share proven and promising practices that support individual and institutional achievement, with the goal of strengthening prospects for career and life success.
Competitiveness Scholars will assemble during the 2019 National HBCU Week Conference from September 8 to 11, which is themed “Enhancing HBCU Competitiveness: Student Achievement. Quality Partnerships. Institutional Performance.” Bellevue will join fellow Scholars in workshops designed to strengthen their leadership, wealth creation and management and civic engagement and will be encouraged to seek out ongoing personal and professional development in the areas of innovation and entrepreneurship.
Bellevue said she is eager to engage with all attendees at the HBCU Week events.
“I look forward to not only connecting with other HBCU student leaders but also connecting with senior officials who are a part of the initiative and how to uplift HBCUs.”