Academic Recognition Convocation

Roy Burrows Jr. is the Outstanding Senior Scholar of the College of Business. Roy is a double major in accounting and business administration with a concentration in finance, maintaining a 3.93 GPA, from Nassau, The Bahamas. He is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society, Central State Honors College, Delta Mu Delta Honor Society, and recently, Golden Key International Honor Society. 

Dr. Michael L. Simmons, chair of the Department of Accounting and Finance and associate professor of accounting, said Roy "commands attention – not only because of his intellect but because of his character, service, and aspirations in life."

Roy's goal after graduation is to become a certified public accountant – a dream he has had since the 10th grade. He enjoys playing piano, organ, and bass guitar. Roy is self-motivated and want nothing but success in his life. He also believes the sky is the limit, and, with God’s guidance, he will accomplish anything and everything he puts his mind to.

Roy said, "Now that I'm about to graduate from college, I can finally see how this dream will soon be a reality because I have a job opportunity at one of the biggest accounting firms in the world."

Lovie-Afi Greene is the Outstanding Senior Scholar of the College of Education. Lovie is obtaining a Bachelor of Science in education. She is active in the Central State and broader communities – volunteering with the National Alliance on Mental Illness on Campus and Dayton Urban Young Life, and serving as a Central State First Year Advocate. Combining her passion for serving others with her academic skills, Lovie created a culturally relevant e-library for students and an electronic resource pamphlet for young adults with disabilities.

Dr. Sandra Sumerfield, assistant professor of reading and literacy, said, "Lovie has an impeccable work ethic and always, always, strives to know more, do better, be better, but not above her peers, but always to be a better version of herself."

Of her time at Central State, Lovie said, "When I came here, I got the chance to thrive in an academic setting, to perfect my craft, and find myself again. During my time at Central State University, I have created a name that filled rooms that I never imagined walking into."

In the fall, Lovie will be heading to Missouri to pursue her master's degree.

Kayla Smith is the Outstanding Senior Scholar of the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture. She is an environmental engineering major, born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. Kayla is a 2022 Barry Goldwater Scholar – the first Barry Goldwater Scholarship recipient at Central State University. Kayla is part of the Central State University Honors College, a Central State University Trustee Scholarship recipient, the president of the Kappa Tau Chapter of Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, and a mentor through the Barry Goldwater Mentorship Program.

Dr. DeBonne N. Wishart, professor of environmental science and environmental studies, said, "Her eloquence, academic independence, curiosity, analysis, and discourse during class not only distinguished her from other students – it was refreshing."

Reflecting on this honor, Kayla said, "Now sitting here as a successful undergraduate at Central State University, I am thankful for the educational expedition and all the experiences that contributed to it."

Upon graduating from Central State University, Kayla plans to pursue her Ph.D. in planetary science to continue studying atmospheric interiors of planets and astrobiology.

Davaughn Major is the Outstanding Senior Scholar of the College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. He is from The Bahamas and is obtaining a Bachelor of Music in jazz studies. Playing a wide array of woodwind, keyboard, and percussion has allowed Davaughn to add his sound and sensibilities to a multitude of musical endeavors worldwide. Davaughn has performed with legendary artists like Giveton Gelin, Ralph Munnings, Sharmond Smith, Dion D. Turnquest, Tino Richardson, Adrian D’Aguilar, Wynton Marsalis, and Duke Errol Strachan. He has served as the assistant jazz band director for The Bahamas National Youth Orchestra, arranger for the Providence Jazz Band and The Bahamas Philharmonic Orchestra, and the 2022-23 Mister College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences. Davaughn has performed with Central State University Jazz Ensemble at Norfolk, Virginia Jazz Festival with Wynton Marsalis, and The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.

Dr. Jennifer Cruz, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department, said of Davaughn's character and strength, "No matter how hard I pushed him, no matter how much I challenged him, he met it every single time with equanimity."

Upon receiving the award, Davaughn said, "I want to thank and express my gratitude to anyone who has been a part of my life and CSU journey. Every drop in the ocean counts. I will never forget those who helped me sail in those difficult times and who deserve a portion of this award."

Ultimately, Davaughn’s artistic vision is to pay tribute to his ancestors and unify others by incorporating universal human experiences into sound. Davaughn has been accepted to a graduate program, which he will pursue in the fall.

CENTRAL STATE UNIVERSITY

Wilberforce, Ohio 45384

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