GREATER scholars GREATER scholars The VSU Honors College and The Hill Leadership Institute Celebrating Student Success P A G E 1 7 I M P A C T R E P O R T - 2 0 2 3 — 2 5 P A G E 1 6 I M P A C T R E P O R T - 2 0 2 3 — 2 5 In 2024, the Virginia State University Honors College, under the leadership of Dr. Dan Roberts, proudly became the new home of the Hill Leadership Institute (HLI). This transition marked a renewed commitment to advancing core principles of the Hill Fellow experience: leadership principles, civic engagement, and health equity. Under Assistant Director of Talent Development Arnold Westbrook, the Honors College began to reimagine the Institute’s future with a renewed focus on service, wellness, and global connectivity. Honors College leadership implemented a dynamic new framework grounded in “Service Leadership”, incorporating an international education component and an intensified focus on health initiatives, particularly Prostate and Breast Cancer awareness, which align with the wishes and legacy of benefactor Dr. Charlie Hill. Following an application and interview process, twenty-four (24) outstanding students were selected from a variety of academic disciplines. These recruits were introduced to the program through a transformative three-day leadership retreat to Washington, D.C. This immersive experience laid a foundation of self-discovery, teamwork, civic under- standing, and a multidimensional leadership journey. Throughout Spring 2025, Hill Fellows continued to expand their leadership and community engagement through participation in: • VCU Massey Cancer Center programs • RFL School of Business Leadership Conference • The Ukrop’s 10k in Richmond, VA • Campus-wide events for Women’s History Month • Panelists for the TMCF and Dr. Joyce Payne Research Center Financial Well-Being Report • Local volunteerism and service projects connected to health equity and community improvement As the Hill Leadership Institute prepares to launch the 2025–2026 academic year, the recruits have a commitment to teamwork and a fresh curricular framework designed to ignite purpose, promote innovation, and nurture Black excellence through leadership. The vision is rooted in these values: Courage, Honor, Advocacy, Network, Growth, and Excellence (C.H.A.N.G.E.). Before receiving his degree from Virginia State University, Dennis Freeman found him- self on the wrong path and behind bars. After serving his sentence, a judge gave him two options: get a job or return to school. Freeman chose education and became a Trojan. At VSU, Freeman found his purpose and community. He joined the Residen- tial Royal Court, Omega Psi Phi, and Kultured Men Making A Change, an organization focused on mentoring young Black men. As a business major in the Reginald F. Lewis College of Business, Freeman embraced his entrepreneurial spirit and launched a fashion brand. In Spring 2025, he graduated with a degree in Business Management and a 3.17 GPA. “Because of Virginia State University, I was able to escape the situation I was in and elevate my life,” Freeman said. “I am the best version of myself thanks to VSU.” In Spring 2024, mother and daughter Arifah and Erickah Goodwin graduated from Virginia State University, continuing a family tradition spanning generations. Erickah earned her bachelor’s degree in sociology, just like her mother once did. At the same time, Goodwin earned her third VSU degree, a doctorate in Educational Administration and Supervision. Though VSU had always been part of Erickah’s life, she initially enrolled at another uni- versity. After struggling with virtual classes during the pandemic, she transferred to VSU—a decision she calls “one of the best I ever made.” Her mother’s journey began long before. Arifah grew up on the VSU campus, where both of her parents earned degrees. As a single mother, she later re- turned to VSU to complete her sociology degree, often with young Erickah by her side. “There was only one school I ever considered attending,” said Dr. Goodwin. “Virginia State is such a great school—the community is amazing and ex- tremely supportive, and the opportunities are endless.” S P O T L I G H T : Leadership, Excellence, Advocacy, and Development S P O T L I G H T : From Incarceration To Graduation S P O T L I G H T : Generations Of Trojans: Mother And Daughter Graduate Together
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