51重口猎奇鈥檚 University (SAU) proudly recognizes its graduates from the 2025-2026 academic year whose perseverance, resilience, and determination exemplify the strength of the Falcon community. These graduates, consisting of three Fall 2025 graduates and one Spring 2026 graduate, all earned accredited degrees. Their accomplishments reflect extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and determination during a pivotal period in the university鈥檚 history.

鈥淭hese graduates have demonstrated remarkable courage and determination in pursuing their educational goals,鈥� said Sophie Gibson, Chair of the SAU Board of Trustees. 鈥淭heir success reflects the strength of their character, the support of the Falcon community, and the enduring mission of 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University to transform lives through education. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to the many ways they will contribute to their communities and professions.鈥�

The graduates, Breann Bannister, Nazir Imhotep, Israel Pennerman, and Nicholas Black, each overcame unique personal, academic, and institutional challenges to reach this important milestone. Their accomplishments reflect not only individual achievement but also the enduring strength of the 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University community.

鈥淭hese graduates embody the resilience, perseverance, and commitment to excellence that have defined SAU for more than 150 years,鈥� said SAU Interim President Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples. 鈥淲hile their paths to graduation were not without obstacles, they remained focused on their goals and completed their accredited degree programs. We are incredibly proud of each of them and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their professions and communities.鈥�

Breann Bannister, 鈥�26
A native of The Bahamas, Bannister earned her degree in Elementary Education after navigating numerous personal and global challenges, including Hurricane Dorian, the COVID-19 pandemic, motherhood, postpartum depression, and significant disruptions to her educational journey. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, she remained committed to her goal of becoming an educator and completed her degree. She credits her children, family, professors, and mentors for helping her reach the finish line.

Nazir Imhotep, 鈥�25
A Sport Management graduate from Chesapeake, Virginia, Imhotep distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A member of SAU鈥檚 track and field team, he competed under Olympian Coach Bershawn Jackson and proudly represented the university at national competitions, including the Razorback Invitational. He also maintained Dean鈥檚 List honors, earned the Meritorious Scholarship throughout his academic career, and served as Marketing Director for Residential Life, where he created innovative student engagement initiatives.

Israel Pennerman, 鈥�25
Originally from Nassau, The Bahamas, Pennerman earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science with a 3.7 GPA. Inspired by environmental and public health challenges in her home country, she developed a passion for disease prevention and biomedical research. Through research opportunities, mentorship from Dr. Tyrell Carr, and participation in programs at North Carolina State University, Pennerman built a strong academic foundation that has already led to acceptance into the Master of Health Science in Biomedical Science program at Grand Valley State University.

Nicholas Black, 鈥�25
An Exercise Science graduate from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Black transferred to 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University in Fall 2023 and quickly embraced opportunities to grow academically and professionally. His studies deepened his interest in athletic performance, injury prevention, and health promotion. Following graduation, Black will begin Army ROTC Cadet training at Duke University while pursuing a master鈥檚 degree in Kinesiology and Recreation Management at North Carolina Central University.

Together, these graduates represent the perseverance and determination that define the Falcon spirit. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dedication, hard work, and faith can transform challenges into opportunities.

As SAU continues implementing strategic initiatives designed to strengthen its future, the success of these graduates stands as a testament to the value of an SAU education and the enduring impact of its faculty, staff, and supporters.

SAU congratulates Breann Bannister, Nazir Imhotep, Israel Pennerman, and Nicholas Black on earning their degrees and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

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For Israel Pennerman, pursuing a degree in Public Health Science was never simply about earning a diploma. It was about gaining the knowledge and skills needed to address health challenges facing communities around the world.

Originally from Nassau, The Bahamas, Pennerman arrived at 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University (SAU) with a passion for science and a desire to make a meaningful impact through healthcare and research.

Throughout her academic journey, she developed a growing interest in disease prevention, environmental health, and biomedical research. Inspired by public health issues affecting communities in her home country and beyond, she sought opportunities to expand his knowledge both inside and outside the classroom.

Her dedication to academic excellence quickly became evident.

Pennerman earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science while maintaining a 3.7 grade point average and consistently challenging herself through research experiences and advanced learning opportunities.

One of the most transformative aspects of her time at SAU was the opportunity to work alongside faculty mentors who encouraged her to pursue her scientific interests.

She credits Dr. Tyrell Carr and other faculty members for helping her develop the confidence and technical skills necessary to pursue a career in biomedical science.

鈥淗aving professors who genuinely cared about my success made a tremendous difference,鈥� Pennerman said. 鈥淭hey challenged me to think critically and encouraged me to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom.鈥�

Those opportunities included participating in research and academic experiences at North Carolina State University, where she gained additional exposure to scientific inquiry and laboratory-based learning.

Through these experiences, Pennerman strengthened her understanding of public health, research methodology, and the critical role science plays in improving health outcomes.

Her hard work and dedication have already begun to open new doors.

Following graduation, Pennerman was accepted into the Master of Health Science in Biomedical Science program at Grand Valley State University, where she plans to continue preparing for a future in healthcare, biomedical research, or medicine.

As she reflects on his journey, Pennerman sees SAU as a place that helped her transform her passion for science into a clear professional purpose.

Her story serves as a powerful reminder that determination, mentorship, and opportunity can create pathways to success and inspire future generations of scientists and healthcare professionals.

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On October 4, 2023, during Homecoming Week on the campus of 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University, HealthLit4Wake (or HL4W) students hosted an event named 鈥淧ut that Heat on鈥�. The purpose of this event was to encourage students to put on their freshest outfits while receiving education on health-related topics such as mental health, STD/STIs, COVID-19, research, and other issues. The purpose of this initiative is to address COVID-19-related health disparities among minority populations through improved health literacy initiatives coordinated by HealthLit4Wake, a multisector health equity collaborative. The students who work within Health Lit4Wake are referred to as Community Health Student Ambassadors (CHSA), partnered with other organizations on campus such as Safe Falcons, Daughters of 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University (DOSA), Delta Research and Education Foundation (DREF), and a few off-campus organizations such as Soy Milk & Hope and Southeast Promise.

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According to the NCDHHS, the workforce in North Carolina鈥檚 local health departments is 80% white, 90% female, with 60% over the age of 45. Nationally, of the public health workforce, and post-millennials were nearly missing from the workforce completely.

鈥淚 am extremely proud of our students for being selected to participate in the NCDHHS Internship Program this summer,鈥� said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. 鈥淭he selection of our students for this program is a testament to their hard work, dedication, and excellence. It also reflects our university鈥檚 faculty, staff, and administrators’ contributions toward creating a more diverse public health workforce.

鈥淥ne of our  is , which starts with training the next generation of public health leaders,鈥� said NCDHHS Secretary Kody H. Kinsley. 鈥淧ublic health and human services are focused on making a difference in our communities and the world. We鈥檙e grateful these students are choosing to spend their time dedicated to making that difference with NCDHHS.鈥�

The students will be working on projects with the NCDHHS. The internship will last ten weeks and include work in their assigned project area, weekly seminars, presentation practice, and an immersion event at the end of the internship experience.

“With this internship program, NCDHHS makes a crucial workforce investment and builds upon our strong partnership with North Carolina鈥檚 HBCUs and MSIs to engage students in learning firsthand about public health and human services careers,鈥� said Angela Bryant, NCDHHS Assistant Secretary for Equity and Inclusion in the Health Equity Portfolio. 鈥淣CDHHS and its Division of Public Health are excited Jeremiah, Jennifer, Hannah and Lee have chosen to join 49 other students and recent graduates in making a difference for North Carolina residents through this internship.鈥�

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In addition to planning events, the labor these students execute includes evaluations with qualitative data. This work includes collecting data from Community Health Workers who use NC CARE360 doing their duty work in neighborhoods and turning that data into a codebook. Doing so helps narrow down the root problems of Covid-19 causes in the community and the needs these families face.

The CHSA鈥檚 also responsible for hosting communication events. Some examples are Ask the Doc and Listening Sessions. The Ask the Doc sessions provide an opportunity for people in the community to get answers in regard to health-related questions and services. The listening sessions help as informational meetings, helping increase the health literacy of the community, not only increasing health knowledge but also promoting the use of health services.

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“I fought for funding for these essential projects because I know they will make a positive difference in our community,” said Congresswoman Ross听听“This week, we are coming back to Washington and putting politics aside to make government work for the American people. From Raleigh to Wendell, these projects address critical needs in Wake County and represent transformational investments in families, students, seniors, and more. I look forward to voting for this package and working with local leaders to ensure these projects deliver tangible results for North Carolina.”

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SAU will use this funding to open its Tuttle Public Health Center (TPHC), now known as the Public Health Education Center (PHEC).听

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“Congresswoman Ross’ advocacy uniquely positions us to build upon our long-term history in healthcare,” said SAU President Dr. Christine Johnson McPhail. “We have the idea that SAU will be the center for providing opportunities for healthcare preparation globally.”

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In addition, the PHEC will support health and wellness education, student research regarding the long-term effects of COVID-19, and related programs that will benefit SAU students and the surrounding community. Funding will be used to support faculty, establish smart classrooms for students, and purchase research and lab equipment.

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“This grant will strengthen our public health program,” said Dr. Mark A. Melton, Interim Provost & Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We appreciate Congresswoman Ross and her efforts to assist SAU with this endeavor.”

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The U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate will vote on the package this week.

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听to read more about Congresswoman Ross’ announcement.

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51重口猎奇’s University and the School of Science, Mathematics and Allied Health is proud to announce that three Public Health majors have been accepted into the听Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program听Cohort听4听for 2021-2023.

As AHEC Scholars, students will have exclusive access to educational and experiential training activities that will give them an advantage in a competitive market. They will also have the opportunity to work with students and professionals in other health professions to enhance their learning experience as well as improve health care quality and delivery in North Carolina.听 As an added incentive after the successful completion of each year students will receive a stipend in the amount of $1,000.

The following students were accepted:

Shaquelle Bain听(Senior)

Dilcia Diaz听(Junior)

Noemi Garo Carbajal听(Senior)

Congratulations to our wonderful Falcon Scholars!

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The School of Sciences, Mathematics & Allied Health would like to recognize听Dr. Kelcy Walker Pope听and three of her Public Health majors,听Ms. Noemi Garo Carbajal, Ms. Malique Webb, and听Mr. Levit Bain, for their participation in the听Duke Cancer Institute Office of Health Equity Community Health Ambassador Training Program.听The Community Health Ambassador (CHA) Training was designed to build capacity within communities to increase knowledge about cancer prevention, screening, and participation in research clinical trials with the overall goal of decreasing health disparities, specifically related to cancer.

Dr. Kelcy W. Pope, Department Chair of Public Health and Exercise Science, states, 鈥淗aving our Public Health students participate in this training opportunity speaks to their commitment to ensuring those who are experiencing health disparities receive the vital information needed to make informed health decisions.鈥�

Read the full article here听鈫�

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We are building at 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University! After an almost two year delay in construction, Interim President Dr. Maria A. Lumpkin and Dr. Derrick Sauls focused on re-energizing this project in October. With the help of Councilman Corey Branch, the City of Raleigh granted the university permits needed to complete Tuttle Public Health Community Center. The project is funded by a Student Aid and Fiscal Responsibility Act (SAFRA) Grant.

The SAFRA grant is awarded through the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program of the Department of Education. The purpose of the Title III/SAFRA program is to assist HBCUs in establishing and strengthening their physical plants, academic resources, and student services to continue to fulfill the goal of equalizing educational opportunity.

The estimated completion date of this project is July 2020.

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51重口猎奇鈥檚 University will host Fresh Check Day鈥� a concept created by The Jordan Porco Foundation and designed to bring the whole campus community together to “check-in” on the mental health and wellness of college students. The event is free and has been organized by the #SafeFalcons Peer Health Educators with collaborating campus departments at 51重口猎奇鈥檚 University, student volunteers, and representatives of The Jordan Porco Foundation.

51重口猎奇鈥檚 University Fresh Check Day will take place April 3, 2019, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Martin Luther King (MLK) Mall Area will be transformed into an expo-like atmosphere to bring together interactive exhibits combined with food, prizes, and giveaways. The booths feature peer-to-peer messaging in a positive, community-focused setting.听

For more information, please visit the

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