The first-ever Najee E. Muhammad Memorial Award is being awarded to Sharqaua Smith, who is pursuing a Bachelor of Specialized Studies with a major in Mathematics Pre-Professional Sciences through University College.
Sharqaua Smith
The award is for an outstanding student who is part of the Diversity Studies Certificate program and who excels in her academic work and in her active participation in campus organizations, with the community and in events related to addressing critical issues of importance in the field and practice of diversity education.
Smith is a peer mentor in the Office of Multicultural Student Access and Retention and a student assistant in Alden Library.In 2013 she won a Pepsi Ohio University Campus Leadership Scholarship.
In summer 2014, she interned at General Mills, where she automated safety inspections, tested new methods, and collected baseline data to weigh costs in comparison to a new product line.
The late Dr. Najee E. Muhammad was an original member of the Critical Cultural Studies in Education program at Ohio University. He passed away last year. The annual Najee E. Muhammad Memorial Lecture as well as the Najee E. Muhammad Memorial Award, were founded in his honor.
“Dr. Muhammad (or “Doc” as he liked to be called) constantly reminded all of us that we were to be ‘…serious, sincere, and committed’ in our studies and praxis. This award honors a student who demonstrates those qualities,” said Dr. Jaylynne Hutchinson, Associate Professor of Educational Studies.
Smith will receive a certificate and plaque as well as a $250 monetary amount that can be applied toward her summer study abroad trip to South Africa. She will receive the award on Wednesday, April 15, at 7 p.m. in Galbreath Chapel at the inaugural Najee E. Muhammad Memorial lecture.
“Please accept our congratulations again on a well-deserved honor, and for being our first recipient of an award that reflects the deep commitments of Dr. Muhammad,” said Hutchinson. “Many students have shared the sentiment over the years that Dr. Muhammad changed their lives as it relates to their understanding and commitment to diversity and to walking in this world with deep integrity. As ‘Doc’ would often say, ‘We stand on the shoulders of our Ancestors…’ and although you did not know him personally, you are standing on his shoulders now as well.”
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