The University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) is proud to announce that Kyra Edwards has been selected by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) as an HBCU Scholar for 2024. 

Edwards, who is from Roseau, Dominica, joins 110 outstanding students from 77 HBCUs across the nation who were chosen for their exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities. 

As a Finance and Accounting major, minoring in Communications and the 2023 President of UVI’s Association of Black Journalists (UVIABJ), Edwards is the second Communications student to receive this honor in as many years, following Michael Bell, who was honored in 2023 along with Jackeima Flemming, a Marketing major.  

The 2024 cohort of HBCU Scholars marks the 10th anniversary of this transformative program. U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona lauded the cohort, saying, “For 10 years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities … This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.” 

Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and alumni of the program, further enriching their educational experience. 

Aligned with the U.S. Department of Education’s mission to Raise the Bar, students in this program are encouraged to lift their communities, unite others around student success, work to strengthen our democracy, and grow our economy. 

One component of the HBCU Scholar Program is a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and opportunity for the cohorts. This partnership makes the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC). Through the Mini MITTIC program, HBCU Scholars will team with one another to develop ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA intellectual property that can improve their campus and surrounding communities. 

The scholars are also participating in the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference being held in Philadelphia, PA. This year’s conference theme is “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” During the conference, HBCU Scholars will participate in conference sessions designed to engage a spirit of innovation, leadership, and personal and professional development.  

Reflecting on her selection, Edwards shared, “This opportunity motivates me to continue striving for excellence not only in my personal educational career, but also to encourage and empower other young people to pursue and fulfill their dreams. I am grateful to be part of a tradition that uplifts HBCU excellence.” Describing her appreciation for her UVI education, Edwards stated: “I love my school because it provides a uniquely Caribbean community that fosters both academic and personal growth.” 

Dr. Sharon Honore, associate professor in UVI’s Communication Unit, expressed her pride in Edwards’ achievement: “Kyra embodies the excellence we strive for at UVI. Her dedication to both her academics and her leadership roles demonstrates her readiness to take on this national platform and inspire others. It is an honor for the University to have her serve as an ambassador of the White House Initiative on HBCUs and to represent UVI on the national stage.” 

For more information, contact [email protected].