Sean Hembrick of Penn State Named August 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month
AACTE recognizes Sean Hembrick, M.Ed., as the August 2024 Holmes Scholar of the Month. A fourth-year doctoral student in higher education at The Pennsylvania State University (Penn State), Hembrick exemplifies the dedication, scholarship, and leadership that the Holmes Scholars program seeks to foster.
From Harlem to Higher Ed: Sean Hembrick’s Journey to Empower Black Scholars
Hailing from East Harlem, New York City, Sean’s academic journey is a testament to his commitment to education and social justice. Hembrick holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and sociology from Binghamton University, a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Queens College (CUNY), and a Master of Education in student affairs in higher education from Texas State University. Hembrick brings a rich interdisciplinary perspective to his doctoral studies.
Hembrick’s research centers on the lived experiences of Black men enrolled in higher education doctoral programs, exploring how they navigate graduate education towards successful degree attainment. This work is not just academic for Hembrick; it is a personal mission to contribute to the diversification and empowerment of future educational leaders.
Hembrick’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, extends far beyond his research. He serves as a graduate college counselor with Penn State’s Comprehensive Studies Program, mentoring undergraduate students and teaching a first-year seminar. His leadership roles in organizations like American College Personnel Association (ACPA) and NASPA (Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education), including his current position as the 2024-2025 president of the ACPA Pennsylvania College Personnel Association, showcase his dedication to shaping the future of higher education.
Hembrick is a recipient of the 2023 ACPA Pan African Network Achievement Awards’ Outstanding Graduate Student Award and an inaugural inductee of the P.A.N. 30 Under 40 Sawubona Class. His selection for the 2024 NASPA Ujima Institute further highlights his potential as a future senior student affairs officer.
A Vision for the Future
As Hembrick continues his doctoral journey, he remains committed to advocating for educational reform and providing continued accessibility for students of color in higher education. His multifaceted approach to scholarship, leadership, and service makes him a standout Holmes Scholar and a promising future leader in the field of education.
To nominate a Holmes Scholar for the Scholar of the Month award, please use this online form.
Tags: diversity, equity, Holmes Program, inclusion
