Augusta, Ga…Paine College officials proudly announced that the White House Initiative for HBCUs selected Katherine Pamela Sugilio Peralta, a senior business major, as a 2024 HBCU Scholar. Katherine was selected among 110 outstanding students from 77 HBCUs across the nation for exceptional academic achievement, leadership potential, and dedication to community. Katherine exhibits excellence on and off the field. A native of Dominican Republic, Katherine has a 4.0 GPA and helped her team to win the 2023 Softball South Region Championship after playing against top-seeded Carolina University in back-to-back games.

Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones, President, said that she was delighted that Katherine was selected for this honor. "As an outstanding scholar and student-athlete, she is certainly deserving of this recognition. Katherine's participation in the HBCU Scholars Program will further strengthen and support her personal and professional growth to help her reach new heights in the classroom and in her future career."

Since its inception in 2014, the HBCU Scholars program has been committed to recognizing and supporting the brightest and service-oriented minds from HBCUs. Over the past decade, the program has empowered over 500 students, providing them with invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth, mentorship, and networking.

Currently representing 23 states and 11 countries, Katherine was selected from a competitive pool of over 350 applicants. The 2024 cohort includes students from a diverse array of disciplines, including science, technology, engineering, math, humanities, social sciences, and the arts. These scholars have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a strong commitment to service and leadership in their communities. 

Throughout the year, the HBCU Scholars will engage in a series of workshops, leadership development programs, and networking events designed to enhance their skills and expand their horizons. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders, policymakers, and alumni of the program, further enriching their educational experience. 

Athletic Director Selina B. Kohn said Katherine played a pivotal role in the softball team winning their first Region Championship in 2023. "Her maturity and discipline have remained constant components in her success, as well as her contributions to the Athletic Program and community," said Kohn. She represents what I believe are the keys to success in that she is punctual, responsible, and focused."

Known for her interpersonal communication skills, Katherine excels at building rapport with faculty and staff which champions her academic success. "She has shown her commitment to the Paine College Softball Team and the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) as an active participant in community service," said AD Kohn.  She served as the College's Academic Student Marshall and Scholar Athlete-of-the-Year for 2023-2024 academic term.  She is a member of the College's Department of Business Administration Delta Mu Delta Honor Society and serves as the Assistant Secretary.

Katherine was invited to attend the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference that will be held on September 15-19 in Philadelphia, PA. This year's conference theme is "Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet." More information will be provided as Katherine serves as an ambassador of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs.

For more information about Paine College and ways to support student success, please contact Helene Carter, VP of Institutional Advancement, at (706) 821.8323 or via email: hcarter@paine.edu.

Paine College, founded in 1882, is the only HBCU located in Augusta, Georgia. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Paine offers a liberal arts education. Paine is committed to providing educational opportunities to all students in a diverse, caring, and inclusive campus community. Voted among Georgia's best Christian Colleges, Paine is accredited by Transnational Association of Christian Colleges and Schools (TRACS). Paine has a robust athletic program with nine (9) sports that include Women's and Men's Golf, Women's and Men's Basketball, Women's and Men's Track and Field, Women's Volleyball, Softball and Baseball.