Whitney Watkins Named Holmes Scholar of the Month
Congratulations to Whitney Watkins, Holmes Scholar of the Month for June-July 2017! Watkins is a third-year doctoral candidate in the Higher Education and Policy Studies Ed.D. program at the University of Central Florida (UCF).
Watkins recently completed a 2-year tenure as president of the Holmes Scholars Council, marked by her heart and passion for equity and diversity. Putting forth all efforts into the Holmes Program expansion, she was excited to see the organization grow.
At UCF, Watkins teaches at least two classes a semester focusing on student leadership and development, often with a heavy focus on diversity initiatives. In addition, she serves as the adviser for two student organizations on her campus and mentors countless individual students from a variety of backgrounds, reflecting her incredible passion for college student development and leadership.
Watkins was recently awarded the “Order of Pegasus” for the Class of 2017 by UCF – the highest honor a student at the university can receive. She was one of three doctoral students on a campus of over 60,000 students to receive the award.
Watkins presented her research at the 2017 AACTE Annual Meeting Holmes sessions and is now just a few days away from defending her dissertation, Exploring the Experiences Contributing to the Success of High-Achieving Black Female Students at a Predominantly White Institution. She prides herself on always bringing an energy and zest to any project she tackles and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Overall, Watkins completely exemplifies the principles laid out in the Holmes mission.
To nominate a Scholar of the Month, complete this form.
Tags: diversity, Holmes Program, research
