Oakwood University has a rich and storied history of preparing student leaders for success and service, particularly within the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During the year-end “University Think Tank,” on May 20, 2024, the University administration, faculty, and staff furthered this legacy by officially adopting and codifying a specific definition of student success: “Student success at Oakwood University is the holistic development of the student to achieve spiritual, academic, personal, and professional goals to prepare them for service to God and humanity.”
All disciplines are encouraged to continue promoting student success in service, scholarship, and ministry, knowing that these opportunities will enhance students’ competencies and aid in their post-graduation placements. We are happy to share just a few of the most recent success stories.
Celebrating Victory: The Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Champions
Oakwood University’s triumph at the 35th Honda Campus All-Star Challenge (HCASC) is a testament to the school’s academic excellence. The Oakwood University Ambassadors defeated 31 other teams to take home the title and a $100,000 institutional grant. This year marked Oakwood University’s 28th appearance at the HCASC and the school’s fourth win. The winning team, coached by Steven Lai Hing, Ph.D., and led by team captain Jonathan Gunthrope, alongside Hannah Browning, Janiah Hinds, and Grayson Mejia, exemplified dynamic performance, work ethic, drive, and sportsmanship.
Yvette Hunsicker, vice president of corporate social responsibility and inclusion and diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., said, “Congratulations to the scholars from Oakwood University on their dynamic performance and national championship win at the 2024 Honda Campus All-Star Challenge.”
Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., Oakwood University president, expressed immense pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “We are incredibly proud of our team’s achievement and the positive light they have shone on the academic excellence within the HBCU community.”
The School of Theology: Bridging Knowledge and Ministry
At Oakwood University’s School of Theology, the integration of faith and learning prepares students for immediate and impactful ministry. This year, two graduating seniors, Elizabeth “Liz” Adams and Johans Romero, showcased their exceptional research at an annual symposium, highlighting their expertise in biblical languages. “The presentations demonstrated their growing skills in interpreting Scripture through the tools of Greek and Hebrew,” said Gilbert Ojwang, Ph.D., chair of Oakwood’s Religion Department.
Three ministerial theology students — Anthony Anson, Adams Ordena, and James Malcom — engaged in preaching at Atlanta, Georgia, area churches as part of the “Oakwood Comes to You” marketing and enrollment initiative earlier this year. Robert Edwards, vice president of enrollment services and retention, noted, “Having emerging pastors in training at Oakwood participate in the enrollment initiative enabled us to present the best of Oakwood to the Atlanta community.”
In May 2024, 15 undergraduate and four graduate students from the School of Theology participated in Commencement exercises. Many graduates have been assigned to churches or are heading to the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary to pursue a master of divinity. Notably, four women graduated with the bachelor of arts in ministerial theology, all receiving calls to serve, underscoring Oakwood’s commitment to fostering diverse leadership in ministry.
The Department of Social Work: Engaged and Impactful
The Department of Social Work at Oakwood University epitomizes engagement and professional growth. The introduction of the new Master of Social Work (MSW) program has attracted dedicated students eager to advance their education. The first cohort of the traditional MSW degree program welcomed 13 aspiring social work students. The program expanded with the second and third cohorts beginning in the summer, including a one-year advanced standing program.
Partnerships with local organizations, such as the Neighborhood Improvement District and Kathy Mann Realty, provided students with HUD housing certifications and scholarships. This initiative granted 30 $1,000 scholarships to students, and $30,000 to the Department of Social Work, now offered annually.
Oakwood social work students actively participate in significant conferences, gaining exposure to current practices and networking opportunities. They have attended the Alabama Social Work Conference, Alabama A&M University Child Welfare Conference, Alabama Child Welfare Symposium, and Alabama “State of Social Work” conferences. Success stories like Shamaya Dowe’s acceptance into multiple prestigious MSW programs, and Sydney Wilson’s academic excellence highlight the department’s commitment to nurturing future leaders in social work.
Department of History and Political Science: Advocating for Justice
Sophomore Honors Program Scholars Julius Mitchell and Gabriel Morency made waves with their research on systemic injustices in housing policies, presenting their findings at the Southern Region Honors Council Conference. Their work, “The Color of Law: Examining Systemic Injustices in Housing and Policies,” reflects Oakwood’s dedication to addressing critical social issues and fostering scholarly excellence.
Oakwood’s Pre-Law program’s remarkable 100% acceptance rate to top law schools showcases the effectiveness of the University’s preparatory programs. Under the leadership of Marcya Burden-Tiggs, JD/LLM, students have secured admissions with scholarships to renowned institutions, paving the way for future legal professionals committed to justice and equity.
Department of Biological Sciences: Leading in Medical School Acceptances
Oakwood University’s impressive record in medical school acceptances, particularly among minority students, underscores its role as a leader in STEM education. Ranked first in Alabama for minority student acceptances to medical schools (among universities without their own medical school), Oakwood’s partnerships with institutions like UAB School of Medicine and Loma Linda University offer students unique opportunities for early acceptance and professional development.
Craig J. Hoesley, M.D., senior associate dean for medical education at the UAB School of Medicine, remarked, “We felt partnering with Oakwood was a great fit because of the University’s mission, and with the School of Medicine’s presence in Huntsville.”
Oakwood’s STEM program has been ranked fourth among small HBCUs for graduating African American STEM students, and consistently ranks in the top 15 for matriculating African American students to medical school. The biology program also boasts a strong record of matriculating students to other professional and graduate programs.
Department of Math and Computer Sciences: Engineering Success
Oakwood’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) empowers students through professional development and networking. Twenty-four Oakwood math, computer science, engineering, or bio-engineering students who attended the NSBE 49 Conference were interviewed by companies such as Tesla, Northrop Grumman, Apple, and Penn State Applied Research Laboratory. Students gained personal growth in a diverse and professional setting and exposure to new technologies and skills in their field of study. There were 30 internship offers at prestigious places like NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Blue Origin, demonstrating the department’s commitment to student growth and success in engineering and technology fields.
A Legacy of Excellence
As Pollard aptly stated, “Oakwood University continues to punch above our weight class!” The University’s ongoing success stories, from theological leadership to social work innovation, legal advocacy, medical school acceptances, engineering achievements, and national academic competitions, all point to a bright future for Oakwood graduates. With a focus on holistic development and service to humanity, Oakwood University remains a beacon of educational excellence.
As one student summarized his Oakwood experience: “God has great plans for Oakwood students and graduates if they trust and give their lives to Him to learn and to serve.”
Contributors: Leslie Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min.; Marcya Burden-Tiggs, JD/LLM; Clifford Jones, Ph.D.; Jea Joseph; Steven Lai Hing, Ph.D.; Charmaine Mattocks; and Rosalyn Fields Warren.
Southern Union | August 2024