The Atlanta native earns prestigious recognition for his leadership, academic excellence, and dedication to mental health advocacy.
By Simon Williams
Oakwood University junior and Mr. Oakwood, Matthew Dormus, proudly stands as one of the 2024-2025 White House HBCU Scholars, representing both his university and the state of Alabama in this prestigious program that fosters innovation, leadership, and community impact.
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Oakwood University is celebrating a remarkable achievement by one of its standout students. Matthew Dormus, a junior and the current Mr. Oakwood, has been named a 2024-2025 White House HBCU Scholar. The U.S. Department of Education bestows this prestigious honor on 110 students selected from 77 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for their academic achievements, leadership potential, and dedication to their communities.
Dormus, originally from Atlanta, Georgia, is one of 16 students representing Alabama or an Alabama HBCU in this year’s cohort. The White House HBCU Scholar program offers unique opportunities for participants to engage in leadership development, networking, and real-world problem-solving, culminating in a week-long in-person conference in Philadelphia. A vital program component is its partnership with NASA, which includes the Minority University Research and Education Project Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition. This initiative encourages HBCU Scholars to team up and develop ideas to commercialize NASA technology, aiming to improve their campuses and surrounding communities.
As part of the program, Dormus will travel to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., where he will work closely with NASA, meet with senior White House and government officials, and advocate for key issues. He is also the creator and host of “Meet the Scholars,” a 15-episode video series. This series, a testament to his leadership and communication skills, spotlights his fellow HBCU Scholars.
Dormus’s accomplishments extend beyond his selection as a White House Scholar. On campus, he co-anchors Oakwood’s morning student newscast, “Good Morning Oakwood,” and has been instrumental in addressing student mental health needs. His latest project, “The Story Room,” is set to open on August 18th. This dedicated space, a testament to his commitment to student welfare, will provide students with access to mental health clinicians and resources. Dormus hopes to elevate the project further through the connections and opportunities offered by the White House program.
Dormus’s selection as a White House HBCU Scholar is a testament to his hard work, leadership, and commitment to positively impacting his community. Oakwood University proudly congratulates him on this remarkable achievement and looks forward to the continued success and contributions he will bring to the campus and beyond.