Cody Gibbs Named White House HBCU Scholar

By Jennifer L. Warren

POUGHKEEPSIE – Only about 111 college-university students in the country hold the lofty distinction of a HBCU Scholar; Cody Gibbs is among this year’s impressive recipients.

HBCU, standing for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, was a place of higher learning Gibbs, a 2022 Arlington High School graduate, was enthused about attending once his collegiate application process initiated. Now, that he has been enrolled in one- Lincoln University in Pennsylvania- for the past two years, he could not be more thrilled with his selection.

“An HBCU is special because it provides opportunities to do things I wouldn’t be able to do at other schools, and I’m also surrounded by people who look like me and have the chance to really spread my wings,” explained Gibbs, a Health Science major, who intends to pursue his PhD and become a home health physical therapist in the future. “Last semester I was selected as ‘Man of the Year,’ one thing I wouldn’t have had confidence to do at other schools; I feel like at Lincoln they really empower us to reach new heights.”

The latest “elevation” Gibbs has attained- being named a HBCU Scholar- is a testament to not only his academic feats, but so too campus leadership, civic involvement and entrepreneurial enthusiasm. Entering his second year as a Resident Assistant, Gibbs is also the President of MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Health Students), something he is passionate about as he develops his health care skill set.

“I feel like by treating people in their own homes, it’s one of the best ways to help them,” said Gibbs about his career aspirations. “It’s their own environment, so it yields the best results.”

Gibbs has been reaping some top dividends himself with his latest recognition. One of two students recognized as a HBCU Scholar at Lincoln, Gibbs received a letter from the White House as well as an official press release from the United States Department of Education, congratulating him on the achievement. The former accolade expanded upon the honor being a part of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Gibbs’ selection will afford him the special opportunity to take part in the 2024 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program. Those responsibilities and invitations will include; serving as ambassadors for the Initiative and their HBCU, receiving public recognition from the U.S. Department of Education and the Initiative, attending the 2024 Annual National HBCU Week Conference, participating in monthly master classes hosted by the Initiative, and networking with other scholars, federal agencies and private partners to highlight both individual and collective talents. It’s a role Gibbs approaches with pride and does not take lightly.

“This honor is really important to me because it is a testament to all my hard work and commitment to academic excellence at my HBCU,” said Gibbs about being named a scholar.

“The networking piece is really amazing, letting you meet people from all over the nation; HBCU connections run deep, and if I meet someone from any of them, I immediately feel that bond due to the similar experiences we have had.”