(Black PR Wire) ATLANTA –The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCUs) today announced its 2015 HBCU All-Stars, which includes Zoe McDowell, a junior biology major at Clark Atlanta University (CAU) from McDonough, Ga. The All-Stars are 83 undergraduate, graduateand professional studentsfrom 70 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), recognized for their accomplishments in academics, leadershipand civic engagement.

The All-Stars were selected from more than 450 students who submitted applications that included a transcript, resume, essayand recommendation. During the course of the year, the HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the WHIHBCUs by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the role of the Initiative as a networking resource. Through social media and their relationships with communitybased organizations, the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential.

CAU President Ronald A. Johnson says, “Ms. McDowell represents the very best of Clark Atlanta University. Her academic record, passion for discovery and her service to others on campus and beyond clearly indicate strong character and a deep capacity for leadership. We are immensely proud of her and this tremendous accomplishment.There is no doubt that she will represent Clark Atlanta well, now and in the years to come.”

McDowell, a former Miss Freshman at CAU, said, “I am so appreciative for this honor and excited to see what the year will entail. I want to thank my campus advisor, Dr. Christopher Bass, for his guidance and direction in the application process and in my success at CAU.” McDowell is a member of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors Program and Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society. This summer, she completed a 10-week research internship in CAU’s Center for Cancer Research and Therapeutic Development. Her long-term goal is to become a pediatric surgeon.

“The Obama Administration is committed to promoting excellence, innovation and sustainability across our nation’s HBCUs,” said Ivory A. Toldson, WHIHBCUs’ acting executive director. “This year’s class of All-Stars has distinguished itself as exemplars of the talent that HBCUs cultivate and noble ambassadors of their respective institutions. We are confident these impressive students will help the White House Initiative on HBCUs meaningfully engage with students, showcase their talent and advance our agenda to advance academic excellence at HBCUs.”

In addition, the All-Stars will participate in this year’s White House HBCU Week Conference in September as well as various national events, web chats with Toldson and other Initiative staff and professionals from a range of disciplines. The All-Stars will have exceptional opportunities to engage with other HBCU scholars and to showcase their individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.

For more information regarding the 2015 HBCU All-Star Student program and application, contact: hbcuallstars@ed.gov and follow @WHI_HBCUs on Twitter.