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Virginia State University 
2024 Inaugural HBCU Studies 
Pioneer Award Recipients 
2024 Inaugural HBCU Studies Pioneer Award Recipients 
“Proven commitment to protecting the future of Black Colleges through 
critical understanding of the institutions’ particularities in collaboration 
with efforts to cultivate the HBCU Studies framework.”
The National HBCU Studies Data Collection and Research 
Center at VSU would like to provide a special acknowledgement 
to Mr. Eldon Burton, Director of Government Relations and 
Institutional Advancement for his exceptional work in helping 
Virginia State University become the first HBCU selected to host 
a general election presidential debate. The debate will take place on 
October 1, 2024, at the VSU Multi-Purpose Center.
Pioneer Award Recipients
Ms. Selena Ballou,
I.T. Business Manger Analyst—I.T. Services 
Dr. Tracy Barley, 
Vice Provost of Digital Learning and Extended Studies 
Dr. Wes Bellamy, 
Associate Professor and Department Chair of Political Science and Public Administration
& Executive Director—John Mercer Langston Institute for African American 
Political Leadership 
Dr. Jada Brooks, 
Associate Professor of Family and Consumer Sciences and Coordinator—
Family, Child, & Community Development
Dr. Richard Chew, 
Professor of History and Incoming Chair—Department of History and Philosophy
Dr. Kawachi Clemons,
Professor Music and Executive Director—Center for Creative and Entertainment Arts 

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