Honors Program Inducts Largest Class in 31-Year History
Alabama A&M University’s Honors Program is celebrating a historic milestone, inducting 147 new members for the 2024-25 academic year—the largest class in its 31-year history. The program also appointed 16 scholars to its Executive Board.
“When I joined the program in 2006, we had just 13 scholars,” said Carla Draper-Holloway, assistant director of the Honors Program. “Today, our growth has exceeded expectations. I am thrilled to see our numbers rise, and I eagerly accept the challenge that such a large class presents.”
Dr. Phillip Blackmon, Honors Faculty Lead and Assistant Professor in the Department of English & Foreign Languages, opened the ceremony, extending greetings on behalf of all Honors faculty and expressing pride in teaching such high-achieving scholars.
Isaiah Thompson, a senior scholar majoring in mechanical engineering from St. Louis, delivered the Senior Charge, sharing his experiences and highlighting the exceptional opportunities and supportive community he found within the program.
The keynote speaker was Dr. Tianna Hall, an Honors alumna from the Class of 2014. Hall shared her journey from Alabama A&M to medical school. She credited the Honors Program with providing her a nurturing environment, challenging opportunities, and lifelong friendships. Despite facing setbacks like not passing the MCAT her senior year, Hall spoke of the unwavering support from her advisor, Draper-Holloway and the Honors community.
“It gave me a strong pillar of support away from home,” said Hall. “It gave me an advisor who was truly invested in my success and my future. It gave me unimaginable exposure to different careers in science, and the membership gave me camaraderie with other high achieving scholars.”
Hall went on to earn her M.S. in Public Health from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Auburn, Alabama. She currently serves as a Board-certified Family Medicine Physician at Ascension St. Vincent’s Primary Care in Gardendale, Alabama.
Draper-Holloway says the charge of the Honors Program is not only to recruit and retain
academically-talented students, but to offer innovative programs and initiatives designed to push students out of their comfort zones and enhance learning.
“This program helps scholars collaborate with on and off campus resources to increase the number of opportunities; and to champion service – so that each scholar can become the absolute best version of themselves and are prepared to lead the world in their respective lanes of expertise.”
Hall ended by telling the 147 inductees, “This program and our beloved University continue to produce numerous community leaders and innovators who leave lasting impressions in the world. Please know that you will be next.”
