Network of Black Alumni (NOBA)

In 1961, Otis Johnson was the first African-American student at Armstrong University. In January 1965, John Bradley became the first African-American student at Georgia Southern University. In the fall of 1965, Bradley was followed by six undergraduate African-American students: Clavelia Love Brinson, Arlene Marie Daughtry, Ulysee Mosley, Shirley Anne Woodall, Jesse Zeigler Carter and Catherine Davis, a sophomore transfer student who later earned the first bachelor’s degree awarded to an African-American graduate in the University’s history.

A commemorative marker on Georgia Southern University’s campus pays tribute to a special part of Georgia Southern’s history and the University’s first African-American students who courageously paved the way and provided hope for a better way of life for students who followed. View more about the historical marker.

Teia Acker-Moore ’05
President

KeShawn Harris ’16
President-Elect

Ebony Halliburton ‘02
Scholarship- Chairwoman

Dr. Ashley Morris ’09
Community Service – Chairwoman

Denia Watkins ’07
Mentoring & Networking Chairwoman

Kimberly Brown ’13
Black Excellence & Representation Chairwoman

Stacie Coppock ’97 ’05
Social & Fellowship Committee

Tamika Blake ’18
Black Excellence & Representation Committee

Velicia Lowe ’95
Social & Fellowship Committee

Cedric James ’18
Scholarship Committee

Chableau Ford ’07
Mentoring and Networking Committee

Curtis J. Williams ’09
Mentoring and Networking Committee

Tariq Muhammad ’06
Mentoring & Networking Committee

Brandon Smith ’11
Community Service Committee

Shaheen Solomon ’07
Social & Fellowship – Chairman

Makeda Rashidi ’22
Black Excellence & Representation Committee

Angela Sehzue ’03
Scholarship Committee

Facebook

The Facebook group for NOBA is a place for open discussions, networking and event information. Join the conversation and become a part of the group!

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Events

View upcoming NOBA and other Alumni events on the Alumni Events Calendar.

Alfred Owens Scholarship

Established in 2005 by Dr. Deanna Cross, this scholarship memorializes the life of Alfred Owens, the first African-American applicant to Armstrong State University. This scholarship is available to students who are in their senior year who have a minimum GPA of 2.5, who are enrolled at least part-time, and have financial need. Read more

Black Alumni for Georgia Southern Scholarship

Established in 2005, this scholarship was created by members of the Black Alumni for Georgia Southern Alumni Group. Georgia Southern College first enrolled African American students during Winter Quarter 1965. This scholarship is available to actively enrolled students who are sophomore or junior level and are in good academic standing with the University. The recipient must have a 3.0 GPA or high, must demonstrate financial need, and is renewable. Read more

First 500 Scholarship

Established in 2013, this scholarship was created by members of the first five hundred African American alumni who graduated from Georgia Southern from 1967 to 1985. This scholarship was created to provide additional financial assistance to continuing students. The recipient must be an actively enrolled sophomore or junior at the time of application in good standing, having a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher. The recipients shall demonstrate financial need. Read More

Mark C. Clayton Kappa Alpha Psi Scholarship

Established in 2005, the scholarship was created to honor and recognize Dr. Mark C. Clayton, life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, 2004 Kappa Alpha Psi Man of the Year, and founding member of 100 Black Men, Savannah Chapter. The scholarship is available to outstanding students who are classified as a junior, with a 3.0 minimum grade point average. Criteria: Must be a current or rising junior. Minimum GPA requirement of 3.0. Must demonstrate highest level of character and service.

NPHC Scholarship

The National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) consists of nine African American, Greek-lettered organizations collectively referred to as the “Divine Nine.” The Georgia Southern chapter of the NPHC was chartered in 1999 to promote unity, interaction and cooperation. The primary purpose of NPHC member organizations is community action through educational, economic, and cultural activities. In April 2022, the NPHC Park was dedicated on the campus of Georgia Southern as a permanent monument to the contributions made by Divine Nine fraternities and sororities to the institution and the community. The NPHC Scholarship is awarded annually to undergraduate members of the NPHC on the Statesboro campus.

NPHC Park Scholarship

Established in 2021 from fundraising efforts led by members of NPHC organizations, the scholarship serves to recognize outstanding members and leaders from one of Georgia Southern’s NPHC active chapters.

Otis Johnson Scholarship

In the summer of 1963, Otis Johnson made history when he became the first African American to enroll at Armstrong State College. Johnson recalls barricades and state troopers on campus when he arrived for his first day of class, a day he says “changed the institution and my life in profound ways.” Upon his graduation from Armstrong, Dr. Johnson went on to an impressive career in academia, community service and local politics, becoming the 64th mayor of Savannah. The Dr. Otis Johnson Scholarship is awarded to students on the Armstrong campus.