named in honor of Dr. George Henderson, the Henderson Scholars Program provides access to higher education, educates a diverse group of scholars, and creates opportunities for lifelong service and learning.
Long before the University of Oklahoma was established, the land on which the University now resides was the traditional home of the “Hasinais” Caddo Nation and “Kirikirʔi:s” Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge that this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa, and Osage nations Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma as a result of settler and colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Native people.
The University of Oklahoma recognizes the historical connection our university has with its indigenous community. We acknowledge, honor and respect the diverse Indigenous peoples connected to this land. We fully recognize, support, and advocate for the sovereign rights of all of Oklahoma’s 39 tribal nations. This acknowledgment is aligned with our university’s core value of creating a diverse and inclusive community. It is an institutional responsibility to recognize and acknowledge the people, culture, and history that make up our entire OU Community. Furthermore, the Henderson Scholars Program also recognizes that unpaid and forced labor of Black and Brown people has built institutions across the country in which we learn. Without these communities and ancestors, we would not have access to opportunities to gather and engage in intentional dialogues. We honor the resistance and resilience of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities, let us continue to build our awareness of historical oppression, and let us increase our awareness of contemporary hate crimes.
"This program is a continuation of my legacy here at the University of Oklahoma"
DR.GEORGEHENDERSON
A B L E O
The mission of Student Affairs is to enhance students’ academic success by developing student skills, cultivating diverse, campus life experiences and enriching the university community through programs and services.
Dr. George Henderson is a civil rights pioneer in higher education in Oklahoma. Henderson and his wife, Barbara, were the first African-American couple to purchase a home in Norman. In 1967, Henderson became the University of Oklahoma’s third full-time African American faculty member at the Norman campus. In addition, he has written 35 books and 50 articles, presented papers at over 100 professional conferences, been a consultant to dozens of state and national organizations, and been a keynote speaker at over 200 student meetings.
Photos are from Dr George Henderson 90th surprised birthday party in Beaird Lounge located in the Oklahoma Memorial Union
Henderson Scholars Program (HSP), named in honor of Dr. George Henderson, provides access to higher education, educates a diverse group of scholars, and creates opportunities for life-long service and learning. The HSP annually identifies 20-25 incoming scholars whose cohort will contribute to an enriched educational, cultural, and service-oriented environment at the University of Oklahoma The HSP Educational Priority is to cultivate a community of scholars who are committed to empowering their communities through service and engagement
Scholar Development is a Scholars process of gaining awareness and understanding of who they are as individuals Scholar Development includes understanding who they are in terms of values, beliefs, and purpose as well as their social group identities Demonstrating empathy and compassion, especially for those with very different backgrounds and experiences, is critical in all relationships By exploring their sense of purpose, abilities, privileges, and intersecting identities, Scholars can learn to develop selfefficacy and agency to positively change their own lives and impact their communities
Scholar's holistic understanding of wellness; including the emotional, mental, environmental, financial, intellectual, occupational, physical, social, and spiritual dimensions of wellness Well-Being is conscious, self-directed and evolving, positive, affirming, and inclusive Students will be able to foster their own well-being as well as communities of well-being
Community Care includes a Scholar's awareness of issues impacting communities and the world as well as their capacity and desire to take action to make positive, sustainable change Both components are critical to collaboratively solving our world’s most pressing problems
Articulate their identities.
Demonstrate empathy and compassion in relationships
Describe how they can contribute to making positive change
Demonstrate the competencies needed for their professional development
Define personal well-being. Identify resources to support their well-being
Integrate wellness strategies into daily life.
Foster communities of wellbeing.
Describe the impact of their actions on others
Identify issues facing communities.
Collaborate effectively with others. Advocate for positive change in their communities.
Integrate wellness strategies into daily life
Identify resources to support well-being.
Describe how they can contribute to making positive change.
Demonstrate empathy and compassion in relationships
Collaborate effectively with others Foster communities of well-being.
Identify issues facing communities
Describe the impact of their actions on others
Advocate for positive change in their communities
Talk HSP, Think HSP
LEAD ON:
STRATEGY 1
Foster a student-centered culture across the institution
Tactic 1
Incentivize and reward outstanding teaching and mentorship of students.
Prepare Students for a Life of Success, Meaning, Service, and Positive Impact.
STRATEGY 7
Enhance extracurricular activities to extend learning experiences beyond the classroom
Tactic 1
Design and implement a best-inclass suite of extracurricular and co-curricular opportunities that provide intellectual, social, and emotional growth
STRATEGY 4
Ensure learning experiences outside the classroom, such as faculty-mentored research, service learning, and leadership opportunities for every OU student, undergraduate, and graduate
Tactic 3
Set clear service-learning, volunteerism, and leadership expectations in the student experience for everyone
Tactic 5
Actively support financially constrained students to enable participation in extracurricular activities
Tactic 2
Provide individual and collective awards and recognition for extraand co-curricular engagement that benefit others
Tactic 4
Utilize the FirstYearhousing experience to enrich the social, intellectual, and emational growth of students, including promoting crosscultural engagement in the lives of all students.
VICE PRESIDENT AND DEAN OF STUDENTS
ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT FOR STUDENT AFFAIRS AND ASSOCIATE DEAN OF STUDENTS
BRANDING AND DEVELOPMENT OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
BLACK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BOARD OF VISTORS
SMALL GROUP LEADER
IMPACT TEAM CHAIR
SERVICE-LEARNING & ADVOCACY PEER MENTOR LEADER
PEER MENTORSMiles Kelly holds a Bachelor's degree in Liberal Education from Langston University and a Master's degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma Miles is committed to being a lifelong learner and believes in "Education for Service " His career in higher education has focused ntentionally on creating opportunities for access and supporting students n thriving academically and personally.
Miles's experience at the University of Oklahoma, as the Adams Center Coordinator in Housing and Residence Life and in Student Life as Graduate Assistant in Fraternity and Sorority Programs and Services, couples with his eadership experiences while attending Langston University, have contributed to his development and preparedness for this new opportunity.
Jordan Broiles
Jordan Broiles holds a Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Communication from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master’s degree in Higher Education, focusing on Student Affairs from the Pennsylvania State University. As a scholar, activist, and storyteller Jordan is committed to the work of identity development, community engagement, and the creation of equitable practices that center minoritized experiences.
While completing his graduate program, Jordan actively served as the Graduate Assistant for the BLUEprint Peer Mentoring Program, housed in the Paul Robeson Cultural Center His work focused on offering cultural, social, and academic support to students of color at Penn State
jbroiles3@ou.edu
"With great opportunity comes great responsibility; therefore, learning is an act of service."
IN HSP, WE ALL SERVE A DISTINCT ROLE IN MAINTAINING THE HSP ECOSYSTEM. IN YOUR ....
youwillserveasamentee aswellasparticipatingin theFirst-YearLiving LearningCommunity
SECOND-YEAR
youwillserveasamentor tothefirst-yearincoming scholars.
THIRD-YEAR
youwillserveasasmall groupleaders.
FOURTH-YEAR
youwillhelpwithoverall programbyservingonthe IMPACTTeam
2022-2023 DEMOGRAPHICS
Classification (76 Scholars)
First Year = 17
Sophomore = 23
Junior = 17
Senior = 19
Overall HSP Top 5 Strength
All-Scholar Average GPA
3.54
2022 - 2023 Community Service Hours
2,554+ Scholar Racial-Ethnic
First Generations
CLASS OF 2023 7
CLASS OF 2024 2
CLASS OF 2025 17
CLASS OF 2026 8
Scholars selected to join the program in Fall 2022 will live in the First Living Learning Community on campus. Through our partnership with OU Residence Life and University College, the 25 First-Year Scholars will live together in the same tower and take the OU Foundation course together. The course will focus on academic success and the HSP Curriculum.
First-Year Foundation for College Learning, UCOL 1002 is a course offered by the University but will be required for all HSP first-year scholars Foundations support First-Years in their transition to college through a specific curriculum, a caring instructor who is deeply invested in first-year student success, and a Peer Teaching Assistant who serves as a peer mentor and co-educator in this active learning environment.
College, like space, is a discovery and journey that is ever-changing. The stories we’ve seen in movies, tv shows, and science fiction start with once upon a time and follow a hero's journey. Scholars are the heroes of their collegiate journeys at OU, setting one goal, reaching it, and still imagining “What Possibilities”.
As college students and as Henderson Scholars, they must dare be ambitious, courageous, and compassionate in imagining and reimagining “what possibilities.” Over the next four years, our hope is not that our Scholars simply choose a major and graduate. Instead, we hope they choose how they will commit to empowering your communities through service and engagement By developing their skills in your academic interest and understanding your passion/purpose.
Learning more about ourselves and other Think HSP, Talk HSP
Please rate on the following: (0 = lowest; 5 = highest)
Is there something new that you discover about yourself while on this retreat?
"I’m old! No, but seriously, I realized that I have a lot more to share about my experiences than I thought I did I realized that people look up to me and that my words and actions matter "
"What confidence can mean "
"I discovered more about how important it is to know how you interact with others and how that affects relationships and how to be a better communicator."
Did Space Camp allow you connect with your mentor or mentee?
Is there something new that you discover about yourself while on this retreat?
"The bonding of a camp environment Being able to bond through intense discussions and learning each other’s names was the best part of the event "
"Having the space and vulnerability to get to know each other in a short period of time."
"Being unplugged from my phone at times I felt at peace. "
How committed are you to HSP's mission and contributions to the overall effectiveness of the Henderson Scholars Program?
(0- Not committed / 5 very committed)
My mentor or mentee was not here
Somewha
The purpose of the Henderson Scholars Program IMPACT Team is to ensure the success and betterment of the program. The IMPACT team serves as the liaison between the Scholars and HSP Staff. The Impact Team consists of three Scholars from each class in the program with a total of twelve Scholars on the Impact Team. The Impact Team is an opportunity for Henderson Scholars to take an active role in working with one of the following operational areas of the Henderson Scholar Program:
The IMPACT Team Chair will be responsible for the overall well-being of the Henderson Scholars Program. Though HSP is not an official registered student organization (RSO), the Impact Team Chair will serve as the President of the program.
The HSP Operation Committee assist primarily with overseeing HSP programming and events (internally & externally) through creating and overseeing monthly events that support Scholar’s wellbeing and development and lastly, assist with HSP Alumni Relation(s).
The Branding and Development Committee assist primarily with overseeing HSP interactions with the public (internally & externally) through maintenance of HSP’s social media platforms and designing and disputing marketing materials
TheService-Learning & AdvocacyCommittee assists primarily with establishing connections with local service organizationswhich will help aidScholarsincompletingcommunity service. Additionally, thiscommitteewill focus on opportunities and engage in advocacy work that impacts students
The Small Group Leaders are expected to build community within their respective small group, and overall HSP They are the first member of the leadership team that HSP Scholars will seek for guidance, advice, and support within their assigned small group Small-Group Leaders build the unique qualities, vibes, and aurora of the yearly program
Serving as Peer Mentor Lead, the Peer Mentoring Initiative Chair will assist HSP Staff in mentor & mentee engagement, peer mentor meetings, and mentor-focus responsibilities.
The HSP Peer Mentoring Initiative is a curricular strategy to equip upper-year Scholars with the necessary skills to be effective mentors to first-year incoming Scholars as a means of assisting them socially, culturally, and academically as they transition into the Henderson Scholars Program and the University of Oklahoma.
1. Peer Mentors will gain an awareness and understanding of how to be an effective mentors to positively impact their community
2 Peer Mentors will engage in 1-on-1 mentorship with their select mentee to assist them in successfully transitioning and thriving here at OU
3 Peer Mentors will learn necessary development skills set forth by the CRLA and HSP curriculum that will aid them in becoming better servant leaders on campus and in their community.
Peer Mentors
Assist HSP Staff & Peer Mentor Leaders in providing mentorship to first-year Scholars as they are transitioning, acclimating, and thriving here at OU
Reporting directly to the Peer Mentor Leader, Program Coordinator, and indirectly to the Director, the Peer Mentor specific duties include, but are not limited to:
REQUIRED to attend and complete the 15 hours of Peer Mentor Training, which will be held during PMI Trainings & Meetings. REQUIRED to complete 50 hours of Peer Mentoring Experiences ( 1-on-1 mentor/mentee engagement.
REQUIRED to complete monthly Mentor Logs Per the HSP Community Service requirement, Mentors do not have to complete 40 hours of service but will be REQUIRED to complete 15-20 hours of community service for the academic year 5-10 per semester
MENTORS
16
15 STRUCTURED, TOPIC TRAINING
HOURS
Sixteen scholars completed 50 structured one-hour topic training over the span of a year, which consisted of training sessions to help enhance Scholars being effective mentors to incoming first-year Scholars. Topics include The Role of the Peer Educator (Mentor), Conflict Resolution, Sexual Harassment, Community Resources and Referral, Leadership style, etc HSP Staff and Peer Mentor Lead create facilitation documents with Learning Outcomes to guide each training session After each training topic, Scholars are required to complete assessments and Mid-Year Evaluations Below are the results from each assessment
13 Mentor
Answer = 3)
Participants will become aware of effective mentorship and the role mentors play in the development and supportoftheirmentees
Participants will engage in an activity that will allow them to build their ideal mentor as a means of reflecting on the mentors that want/should be for theirassignedmentee
(No Answer = 1)
Participants will become aware of preexisting conflict resolution strategies and reflect on their own
Participants will engage in an activity that will allow them to practice using conflict resolution skills to equip mentors for potential interactions with their assigned mentee
Participants will gain 3 tangible takeaways that will help them in their engagement with their assigned mentee
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"The importance and impact of a good mentor as well as some of the characteristics that a good mentor should aim to embody"
"Mentorship is essential because all humans want connection and need help"
"You are growing as much as your mentee is growing Mentoring is an energy train, you give energy and it’s transferred to others"
Participants will gain 5 tangible takeaways that will help them in their engagement with their assigned mentee
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"One important thing I learned from this session that Jordan mentioned is that compromise is not appropriate if it violates our human rights "
"The most important things to take away from this lesson are how to approach conflict in a respectful and intentional manner and how to critically think through certain situations when they involve other people"
"The language to use during most situations of conflict resolution and recognizing that it is not always applicable (especially when it comes to identity)"
Participants will become aware of effective mentorship and the role mentors play in the development and supportoftheirmentees
Participants will engage in an activity that will allow them to build their ideal mentor as a means of reflecting on the mentors that want/should be for theirassignedmentee
Participants will gain 3 tangible takeaways that will help them in their engagement with their assigned mentee
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"As an introvert, I understood I needed to chime in at designated talking openings Also, it's okay for there to be silence"
"If someone is vulnerable enough to be emotional in front of us it’s important to do our best to experience that emotion with them or validate them"
"I learned new ways to make significant conversations rather than just surface-level conversations"
12 Mentor
(No Answer = 1)
Participants will become aware of different resources on campus while also reflecting on resources and spaces that have helped them through their time here at OU
Participants will engage in an activity that will test their knowledge of different campus resources while also sharing resources that help them navigate their time here at OU
Participants will gain 5 tangible takeaways that will help them in their engagement with their assigned mentee
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"I did learn some new resources and was reminded of a lot of resources that I haven’t heard since freshman year "
"Learning not just the names of different resources on campus, but also the location of them is important"
"The Unisex bathrooms and accessibility & disability resources
Scholars will be shown a TedTalk on confidence building as a form of understanding themselves and the experiences of others
Scholars will engage in an activity that will allow them to reflect on themselves and how they will show up during this academic year
Participants will gain 3 tangible takeaways to cracking the code on confidence and sparking the confidence of others
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"The process of encouraging confidence in others in day-to-day life The different ways in which you can view and use confidence"
"It’s easy to break someone’s confidence down by making them feel wrong for being themselves or doing certain things"
"Confidence is partially dependent on community care "
12 Mentor
This workshop asks participants to examine their own relationship nonnegotiables and how their personal preferences may differ from others
This 40-minute highly interactive workshop led by GEC staff members includes in-depth discussion on the various types of boundaries, standing firm in your own boundaries, and how to respond when a partner's boundaries differ from yours This workshop requires a space where participants can move around the room freely
Presentation Quality
12 Mentor
AboveAverage 1 Overall Presentation
Excellent 12
Excellent 12
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"It’s important to reinstate boundaries and check in to make sure they haven’t changed, as well as understand your significant others needs."
"How often the circumstances can change a boundary Understanding of others' boundaries without judgment"
Excellent 11
Excellent
What are the two (2) most significant things you learned from this session?
"Not to force pronouns and how to be more inclusive"
"Pronouns are an important part of identity/It is important to respect people's pronouns and not to assume them"
Current community involvement (on-campus & off campus):
Medlife (programming chair), PCS, Pre-Medical Minorities Mentorship, OU Elite Dance, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Chick-Fil-A employee Immediate Care Medical Assistant, LEAD mentor, HSP Peer Mentor Initiative Mentor
Favorite aspect of being a Scholar in HSP:
I love that Henderson is not just another Scholar program It is about becoming a part of a community that strives to guide and aid you through life, while being involved in the community around you I appreciate how we are constantly challenged to expand our minds and ideas with people that come from the same or different backgrounds
Current community involvement (on-campus & off campus):
Presidential Community Scholars PAL, Filipino Student Association President, Henderson Scholars member, Vietnamese Student Association Member, Asian American Student Association Member, The APIDA Leadership Conference Event Coordinator, HSP Peer Mentor Initiative Mentor
Favorite aspect of being a Scholar in HSP:
My favorite part of Henderson Scholars is definitely the community and people. I love coming into meetings and talking to people and seeing what wildly different perspectives and experiences everyone has in comparison to mine There's a real sense of community and belonging in Henderson Scholars that I will never take for granted
Current community involvement (on-campus & off campus):
OU grant writers’ association - Director of Equity, Henderson Scholars Program, Withrow Leadership Scholars and, OU food pantry volunteer
Favorite aspect of being a Scholar in HSP:
My favorite aspect of being a Henderson scholar is getting to be with a group of people who are so inspired to make the change they want to see in the world and are driven to achieve their goals. Henderson Scholars is a refreshingly diverse place where everyone feels safe to be themselves and proud of who they are Seeing my favorite people gather each week to grow themselves and be vulnerable is truly inspiring to me
Outside First-Year Scholar
The Henderson Scholar, Outstanding Freshman Award, recognizes a first-year student who has taken the initiative to get involved in student organizations at the University of Oklahoma while they are adjusting to new surroundings This student has shown potential as both a scholar and leader for future contributions to campus life and the Henderson Scholars Program
Outside Sophmore Scholar
The Henderson Scholar, Outstanding Sophomore Award, recognizes a sophomore student who has taken the initiative to get involved in student organizations at the University of Oklahoma while they are adjusting to new surroundings. This student has shown potential as both a scholar and leader for future contributions to campus life and the Henderson Scholars Program.
Outside Junior Scholar
The Henderson Scholar, Outstanding Junior Award, recognizes a junior student who has taken the initiative to get involved in student organizations at the University of Oklahoma while they are adjusting to new surroundings. This student has shown potential as both a scholar and leader for future contributions to campus life and the Henderson Scholars Program.
Outside Senior Scholar
The Henderson Scholar, Outstanding Senior Award, recognizes a senior student who has taken the initiative to get involved in student organizations at the University of Oklahoma while they are adjusting to new surroundings This student has shown potential as both a scholar and leader for future contributions to campus life and the Henderson Scholars Program
HSP Spirit
The Henderson Scholar, HSP Spirit Award, recognizes a scholar who has displayed a strong sense of pride, sparking engagement and positively impacting the Henderson Scholars Program for the 2022-2023 school year.
HSP Peer Mentor of the Year
The Henderson Scholar, Peer Mentor of the Year, recognizes a peer mentor who has taken the initiative to go above and beyond in their engagement with the Peer Mentor Initiative program and with their mentee.
Henderosn Change Agent Award
The Dr. George Henderson " Change Agent Award" Award recognizes the involvement and accomplishments of an exceptional member of the HSP. This Scholar has demonstrated their commitment to their academics, leadership and service both in HSP and across campus.
Henderosn Change Agent Award
The community care award is given each year to Alumni or campus partners that go above and beyond in collaboration and support of the Henderson Program Their contributions aid in cultivating a network of support for scholars making it possible for HSP to provide access to higher education, educate a diverse group of scholars, and create opportunities for lifelong service and learning
OUTSTANDING FIRST-YEAR SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR
DavidDimandja
OUTSTANDING SOPHOMORE SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR
MalcolmWilliams
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR
PraiseAnyiam
OUTSTANDING SENIOR SCHOLAR OF THE YEAR
LamauriFranklin
HENDERSO
HSP Spirit Award
Hope Word
Peer Mentor of the Year
Subah Chowdhury
Orchid Williams
Grace Lam
Praise Anyiam
James (LJ) Golston Jr.
MacKenzie Toliver
Sara Azzun
Subah Chowdhury
LaMauri Franklin
Josaih Galdean
James (LJ)Golston Jr.
Tekena Harcourt
Xavia Howard
Setara Khan
Kiana Murry
Small Group Leaders
Zoe Gardner
Hope Word
Jordan Gandy
Lauren Roberts
Matthew Williams
Braum Russell
Lindsey Hudspeth
Seth Phung
K’Bree Riggs
Alejandra Sanroman
Karen Santillan
MacKenzie Toliver
Maronda Washington
Malcolm Williams
Xavier Williams
Small Group of the Year (Bae Watch)
Lauren Roberts (Small Group Leader)
Jassmin Flores
Shiloh Sells
Kennedy Hartman
Ishan Bhanot
MacKenzie Toliver
Samuel Emesiani
Lamauri Franklin
Sara Lau
Bryan Flores
Ethan Kinslow
Preston Pratt
ORCHIDWILLIAMS
"IwillbegettingmyMastersdegree throughOUforDiversity Equity,andInclusion!Upon completion,IwillpursueacareerinaHR/PRbusinesstrack"
Rate your experience as a Scholar on a scale of 1 to 10.
1 being the lowest and 10 being the highest.
What event or activity did you enjoy most as a Henderson Scholars.
HSP Meetings
Tulsa Trip
HSP Olympics
HSP Retreat
Do you feel the Henderson Scholars Program gave you what you needed to succeed as a student on campus? Academically and individually?
What are three words that describe your experience in the Henderson Scholars Program?
