For the past 100 years, Xavier University of Louisiana has encouraged its students, from the moment they arrive on campus, to pursue academic excellence and strive toward their career aspirations. Oftentimes, this pursuit of excellence is acknowledged and rewarded by those who recognize the path that Xavier students are on. This year, two Xavierites, Christian Davis and Sydney Vander, were selected to be the 2024-2025 American Heart Association (AHA) Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Scholars.
The AHA HBCU Scholar program seeks to close the gap between health disparities and achieve health equity by increasing the number of Black students who apply and are accepted into graduate science, research, and public health programs. The purpose of the AHA program is to facilitate the likelihood that medical professionals from underrepresented backgrounds tend to practice in communities where systemic obstacles and health disparities are most apparent. Since 2015, the program has selected two HBCU students and given them opportunities and resources to network with each other and other health professionals, provide mentorship and support, and offer valuable research and lab experiences. For Davis and Vander, having the chance to participate in this program was the opportunity of a lifetime.
“Being selected for this opportunity felt like a significant honor,” said Davis. “It was gratifying to see my passion for the sciences and my commitment to addressing health disparities recognized by the reviewers. It reaffirmed my dedication to these fields and motivated me even further.”
Davis is a senior Chemistry/Pre-Dental major and Biology minor. Aside from the AHA HBCU Scholar program, Davis was also selected to be one of AT&T’s 2023 Dream in Black Rising Future Makers. Davis learned about the AHA HBCU Scholar Program from one of the previous Xavier AHA HBCU Scholars and 2023-2024 Miss Xavier, Brayanna “Sunshine” Jones. Davis decided to apply for the program to have the chance to deepen her understanding of research and connect with other HBCU STEM scholars. She hopes to be able to further explore how oral health issues disproportionately affect underserved communities and gain a broader perspective that will enhance her ability to address oral health comprehensively. She felt that this program would deliver just that.
For Vander, the selection for the AHA HBCU Scholars Program felt like divine intervention.
“I feel truly blessed to be selected for the AHA HBCU Scholars Program,” said Vander, “It is incredibly empowering to have my commitment to my professional goals and dedication to serving my community recognized by the American Heart Association. This opportunity has further motivated me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming an outstanding physician.”
Vander is a Chemistry Pre-Medicine major with minors in Biology and Mathematics. Like Davis, Vander learned about the opportunity through her Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Line sister and fellow Xavierite, Brayanna Sunshine Jones. Vander decided to apply to the program to gain more research experience and explore innovative ways to improve the health of her community. Like Davis, Vander was also excited about the prospect of connecting with like-minded HBCU students and building a professional network with future medical colleagues.
“I am passionate about clinical research and see myself incorporating it into my future career as a physician,” said Vander. “Through this program, I hope to grow my understanding of research and develop the skills necessary to perform impactful research.”
Both Davis and Vander credit Xavier with being vital in their academic career and having an immeasurable impact on their journeys toward their career aspirations. For both, Xavier has played a critical role in providing them with opportunities and unique experiences that have challenged them to go above and beyond, to pursue programs like the AHA Scholar Program and many others. For them, Xavier has been invaluable in helping them to achieve academic success beyond the classroom.
“As I reflect on my three years here, I can confidentially say that Xavier has been instrumental in my academic journey,” said Davis. “The university consistently challenges me to pursue academic excellence and strive for personal growth. Its supportive environment has been pivotal in helping me reach this stage in my career.”
“I have been given countless opportunities to grow academically through my coursework and internships since becoming a student here. Beyond academics, I have also received support from so many people here who I now call my family. My experiences at Xavier have helped me grow as a leader committed to giving back to my community,” added Vander.