Saint Augustine’s University (91�ֿ�) proudly recognizes its graduates from the 2025-2026 academic year whose perseverance, resilience, and determination exemplify the strength of the Falcon community. These graduates, consisting of three Fall 2025 graduates and one Spring 2026 graduate, all earned accredited degrees. Their accomplishments reflect extraordinary perseverance, resilience, and determination during a pivotal period in the university’s history.

“These graduates have demonstrated remarkable courage and determination in pursuing their educational goals,” said Sophie Gibson, Chair of the 91�ֿ� Board of Trustees. “Their success reflects the strength of their character, the support of the Falcon community, and the enduring mission of Saint Augustine’s University to transform lives through education. We celebrate their achievements and look forward to the many ways they will contribute to their communities and professions.”

The graduates, Breann Bannister, Nazir Imhotep, Israel Pennerman, and Nicholas Black, each overcame unique personal, academic, and institutional challenges to reach this important milestone. Their accomplishments reflect not only individual achievement but also the enduring strength of the Saint Augustine’s University community.

“These graduates embody the resilience, perseverance, and commitment to excellence that have defined 91�ֿ� for more than 150 years,” said 91�ֿ� Interim President Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples. “While their paths to graduation were not without obstacles, they remained focused on their goals and completed their accredited degree programs. We are incredibly proud of each of them and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their professions and communities.”

Breann Bannister, ‘26
A native of The Bahamas, Bannister earned her degree in Elementary Education after navigating numerous personal and global challenges, including Hurricane Dorian, the COVID-19 pandemic, motherhood, postpartum depression, and significant disruptions to her educational journey. Through perseverance, faith, and determination, she remained committed to her goal of becoming an educator and completed her degree. She credits her children, family, professors, and mentors for helping her reach the finish line.

Nazir Imhotep, ‘25
A Sport Management graduate from Chesapeake, Virginia, Imhotep distinguished himself both academically and athletically. A member of 91�ֿ�’s track and field team, he competed under Olympian Coach Bershawn Jackson and proudly represented the university at national competitions, including the Razorback Invitational. He also maintained Dean’s List honors, earned the Meritorious Scholarship throughout his academic career, and served as Marketing Director for Residential Life, where he created innovative student engagement initiatives.

Israel Pennerman, ‘25
Originally from Nassau, The Bahamas, Pennerman earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Health Science with a 3.7 GPA. Inspired by environmental and public health challenges in her home country, she developed a passion for disease prevention and biomedical research. Through research opportunities, mentorship from Dr. Tyrell Carr, and participation in programs at North Carolina State University, Pennerman built a strong academic foundation that has already led to acceptance into the Master of Health Science in Biomedical Science program at Grand Valley State University.

Nicholas Black, ‘25
An Exercise Science graduate from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Black transferred to Saint Augustine’s University in Fall 2023 and quickly embraced opportunities to grow academically and professionally. His studies deepened his interest in athletic performance, injury prevention, and health promotion. Following graduation, Black will begin Army ROTC Cadet training at Duke University while pursuing a master’s degree in Kinesiology and Recreation Management at North Carolina Central University.

Together, these graduates represent the perseverance and determination that define the Falcon spirit. Their accomplishments serve as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, dedication, hard work, and faith can transform challenges into opportunities.

As 91�ֿ� continues implementing strategic initiatives designed to strengthen its future, the success of these graduates stands as a testament to the value of an 91�ֿ� education and the enduring impact of its faculty, staff, and supporters.

91�ֿ� congratulates Breann Bannister, Nazir Imhotep, Israel Pennerman, and Nicholas Black on earning their degrees and wishes them continued success in their future endeavors.

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Originally from The Bahamas, Bannister began her educational journey with hope, ambition, and a vision for her future. What followed would test her resilience in ways she never imagined.

During her pursuit of a degree in Elementary Education, Bannister became the mother of two children. While motherhood brought immense joy and purpose, it also required her to balance family responsibilities, financial pressures, and academic obligations simultaneously.

Like many new mothers, she faced challenges that were not always visible to others. After the birth of her children, she battled postpartum depression while continuing to pursue her educational goals.

“There were days when simply getting out of bed felt like an accomplishment,” she reflected.

As she navigated motherhood and academics, another challenge emerged. Hurricane Dorian devastated her home region, creating uncertainty and disruption for her family and community. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which transformed higher education and daily life around the world.

Classes moved online. Isolation increased. The demands of parenting and academics intensified.

Yet Bannister refused to give up.

She attended classes while caring for her children, completed assignments late into the night, and remained focused on her long-term goal despite overwhelming obstacles.

“My children became my motivation,” she said. “They reminded me every day why I started this journey.”

As graduation approached, yet another challenge appeared. Institutional uncertainties created questions about the future for many students nearing completion of their degrees.

During that difficult period, Bannister found support from faculty members who remained committed to student success.

She specifically credits Dr. M. Iyailu Moses for her encouragement and relentless belief in both her and 91�ֿ�.

Today, Bannister proudly joins the ranks of 91�ֿ� graduates with an accredited degree in Elementary Education.

Her accomplishment represents not only academic success, but also resilience, faith, perseverance, and the determination to overcome adversity.

As she prepares for the next chapter of her career, Bannister hopes her story serves as a reminder that setbacks do not define a person’s future.

“Against all odds, I finished what I started,” she said.

As 91�ֿ�’s Spring 2026 graduate, Bannister’s achievement serves as a powerful reminder that determination, faith, and perseverance continue to define the Falcon spirit.

And that achievement is a lesson she will carry with her for the rest of her life.

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In total, 365 full-time students received recognition on the Dean’s List for the Spring 2024 semester, and 85 full-time students earned Dean’s List honors for the Fall 2024 semester. The academic distinction did not stop there—292 full-time students achieved Provost’s List honors for Spring and Fall 2024, while 125 students earned a spot on the President’s List during the same time frame. An additional 50 scholar-athletes were honored for balancing rigorous academic standards with athletic commitments.

“These results tell a remarkable story of persistence, excellence, and community spirit,” said 91�ֿ� Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “Through every challenge, our students have demonstrated a level of resilience that gives us all great hope for the future—not only for Saint Augustine’s but for the communities and industries our graduates will serve.”

As of the current Spring 2025 semester, 47 full-time students earned Provost’s List honors, and 31 students achieved President’s List recognition. Notably, half of 91�ֿ�’s student body has earned Dean’s List honors for the third consecutive semester, a powerful testament to the university’s tireless commitment to academic excellence despite challenges.

“These achievements are a testament to the hard work of our students and the support and dedication of our faculty and staff,” said Dr. Verjanis A. Peoples, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. “We proudly celebrate their successes and reaffirm 91�ֿ�’s mission of preparing ethical leaders and changemakers.”

In addition to celebrating academic honors, 91�ֿ� is proud to recognize three outstanding seniors who have earned top honors within their respective schools:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications: J’niyah Love (Criminal Justice)
• School of Business, Management & Technology: Cameron Moore (Business Administration)
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health: K’Shundra Holley (Public Health Science)

These students will cross the stage during 91�ֿ�’s 2025 Commencement and 94th Baccalaureate Exercises on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Wake Chapel Church’s Life Enrichment Center in Raleigh, NC.

This academic success comes when 91�ֿ� prepares for a resurgence fueled by the spirit, faith, and fortitude of its students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters.

Click here for a complete list of 91�ֿ� students receiving academic honors for the Spring 2024 and Fall 2024 semesters.
 for more information about 91�ֿ� and to support current and future Falcons through the Falcon Pride Initiative.

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Students named to the Dean’s List have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester. Students with a percentage (%) were named to the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester.

Students with a plus (+) were named to the Provost’s List and have earned cumulative GPAs between 3.0 and 3.64.

Students with a carrot (^) were named to the President’s List and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.65 and above.

Students with an equal (=) were scholar athletes with a semester GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Each list only awards to full-time students (who completed the semester with 12 or more credits)

NOTE: Students with an asterisk (*) earned a GPA of 4.0 for the semester. Students with two asterisks (**) earned a GPA of 4.0 for two semesters.

A complete listing of the students follows:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications →
• School of Business, Management & Technology →
• School of Graduate Studies →
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health →
• Early College →

School Arts, Social Sciences & Communications

2025 Outstanding Senior: J’niyah Love

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

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School of Business, Management & Technology

2025 Outstanding Senior: Cameron Moore

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

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School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health

2025 Outstanding Senior: K’Shundra Holley

2025 Department Awardees:

Spring & Fall 2024 Academic Honors:

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Early College

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“De’Carlos Rowell embodies the essence of perseverance and growth that defines the 91�ֿ� experience,” said 91�ֿ� Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “His story is a testament to our faculty and staff’s tireless support and commitment to nurturing student success.”

De’Carlos’ path at 91�ֿ� was not without challenges. Upon enrollment, he started with a modest academic foundation: a 2.3 GPA and an ACT score of 17. Overcoming personal hardships, including losing his great-grandmother, De’Carlos faced academic setbacks, landing on the Satisfactory Academic Progress List with a GPA of 2.1. However, with the guidance and support of faculty and staff, De’Carlos made a remarkable comeback, finishing strong with a GPA of 3.395 and earning a place on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2023 semester.

Post-graduation, De’Carlos is committed to paying it forward by sharing his passion for Theatre with students this Fall with Wake County Public Schools, igniting creativity and inspiring the next generation of artists and performers.

Q&A with De’Carlos Rowell:

What was your initial experience at 91�ֿ� like, and what challenges did you face academically when you first started at the university?

First, I’ve been here since 2019. So, when I first came in, that was a rocky semester for me. When I lost my great-grandmother, I completely fell off. I didn’t know what I wanted left in life. I didn’t know what to expect after that. I started slipping, and that’s, like, 100 percent my fault, but I just lost myself when I lost my great-grandmother. That was, like, the biggest piece in my life. So losing her was kind of, yeah, it was difficult, but at the same time, I was able to persevere.

Can you share the specific steps or resources you used to improve your academic performance at 91�ֿ�, especially considering the unique challenges first-generation and Pell-eligible students face?

I am first generation college student, so thank God for that. Some of the steps that I did take, I listened to my mentors, talked to my professors late night, studied hard, got into the books, and just listened to all of my professors, including the chair the chair of my department, Dr. Kaye Celeste Evans, she played a huge role in that. Professor George Jack played a huge role in that. I did a lot of mentorship programs and a lot of outreach programs. Lastly, I joined a fraternity (Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated), so I have a family for life now.

How did the caring faculty and support services at 91�ֿ� contribute to your academic growth and success?

Absolutely. 100%. Most of my success goes to faculty and staff. Most importantly, Miss Baker and the registrar. She’s my number one favorite. Ms. Ashley Smith here in Trio. Mr. Malik Johnson was in the president’s office, and Dr. Burgess was there when he came. Even when I wanted to give up on myself and felt like I didn’t want to go anymore, they gave me the passion and drive to say, “Hey, Carlos. I believe in you.” So, since they believed in me and invested in me, I feel like they didn’t turn back on their investment because I’m graduating.

In what ways did the hands-on learning opportunities at 91�ֿ� play a role in helping you improve academically?

Tremendously. The library resources. When the writing center was open, it helped me perfect my writing, become better at what I do, and perfect my craft. The books I’ve read enhanced a lot of things that I was learning in my department. It’ll allow me to see theater from a different and broader perspective. Thankfully, I’m grateful to the library. I’m thankful to the Writing Center. I’m thankful to the Food Pantry for moments when I didn’t have too much to have too much, but the Food Pantry was always there.

Can you describe any transformative experiences or moments from academic suspension or satisfactory academic progress (SAP) list to making the dean’s list? How did these experiences impact your outlook on academics and success?

Absolutely. When I first got on SAP, I was at a 2.1 GPA. I took 19 credit hours the following semester, increasing my GPA. It wasn’t easy. It wasn’t easy. I lost a lot of people, last year during this time. I’ve lost over ten people last year. So, yeah, it was tough. It was challenging. First, it messed with my mind and threw me off my game. I was lost. I didn’t know what I was going to do. And like I said, it was even a moment on this campus. I was going to take my own life at one point in time. So it was like being where I am now, and I’m genuinely grateful. To be at the GPA I am now, I’m incredibly thankful. Like I said, I just put my head in the books. I focused hard. I studied hard, and I listened to my department.

As a student who enrolled at 91�ֿ� with a low high school GPA and SAT/ACT score, how did the university support your academic development and help you reach your full potential?

First and foremost, 91�ֿ� believed in me. I won’t say other schools didn’t, but 91�ֿ� took a chance on me—a small kid from Washington DC, from a family of 5, single mom. I’m not going to lie. I’m emotional, but 91�ֿ� plays a tremendous role in my success. And without 91�ֿ� or without that passion and that drive from every faculty member, every staff, every friend that I made, every close brother of mine that I have, and every close sister of mine that I have, I’m incredibly grateful to have them in my circle. Without them, there’s there’s no Carlos.

What advice would you offer to other 91�ֿ� students struggling academically and aiming to improve their performance, especially those who may have faced similar challenges as you did initially?

First and foremost, lock-in. Believe in yourself. The biggest obstacle in your life is yourself. If you get out of your way, lock in on what you have to do, focus on what you have to do, and take your time to perfect your craft, trust me, there’s nothing you can’t do. And guess what? 91�ֿ� will believe in you—the whole step.

How do you feel 91�ֿ�’s approach to education and support services differentiates it from other institutions, particularly in its impact on the academic success of students who may have initially struggled?

First and foremost, because of these programs, the tutoring programs, the library sessions, and the mentorship they have, 91�ֿ� takes the time to get hands-on in the classroom. They make sure that you understand what you’re doing. My professors in my department make sure that you know what you’re doing. Not only do you understand what you’re doing, but you can also elevate that to a whole different level. As I said, 91�ֿ� is that kind of school that takes the time to invest in the students and take the time to be up late at night, long hours, putting in grades, taking the time to, um, review information to make sure we are at our absolute best. And if it weren’t for my professors, if it wasn’t for the resources on campus, again, Carlos wouldn’t exist.

What role did mentorship or peer support play in your journey from academic suspension to making the dean’s list at 91�ֿ�?

As I said, I will highlight this person specifically, Ms. Lindsay Baker. Ms. Baker has been there in every aspect you can think of. She has been a big sister. She is also the adviser of my on-campus organization. Like I said, I had long nights with her and long conversations with her. Many times, I would sit in her office to get a hug. She allowed me to activate the true greatness inside of me, which allowed me to activate the greatness inside my classmates. We did it.

How have you finished your academic time at 91�ֿ� Strong?

I finished both of those semesters with all A’s. During that time, I was experiencing death, um, and mental breakdowns. During this time, I was pledging as a solo, um, on top of doing a full-time job as Food Lion. Um, I’m one of the supervisors there. Being able to do that and finish with eight A’s in all classes is a tremendous honor, and I’m extremely grateful to God, 1st and foremost, for allowing me to get to that level of success.

How can your success story inspire or impact other first-generation and Pell-eligible students facing academic challenges at 91�ֿ� or elsewhere?

Again, like I said, you have to believe in yourself. That’s the very first thing you have to do for you to succeed. Whenever anyone is in this situation, like I was, if you take the time to listen, that’s the first thing I’ve always believed in. If you listen, listening is key. If you listen and take the time to read, engage, and be involved with the campus, 91�ֿ� will be involved with you. So, as long as you invest in yourself, the school has your back 105% of the way.

Click here for more information about the 2024 Commencement.

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Blind Date With A Book begins on Valentine’s Day at noon and continues throughout Black History Month. Do not miss this fabulous book give-away.

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Students named to the Dean’s List have earned a GPA of 3.0 or higher for the semester with no grade below a “C.” The Dean’s List is only awarded to full-time students (who completed the semester with 12 or more credits).

NOTE: Students with an asterisk (*) earned a GPA of 4.0 for the semester.

A complete listing of the students follows:

• School of Arts, Social Sciences & Communications →
• School of Business, Management & Technology →
• School of Public Health and Health Sciences →
• School of Graduate Studies →
• School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health →
• Early College →

School Arts, Social Sciences & Communications

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Back to the top

School of Business, Management & Technology

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School of Public Health and Health Sciences

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School of Graduate Studies

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School of Science, Mathematics & Allied Health

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Early College

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On Friday, November 17, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., the North Carolina Museum of Art will host an event for students from colleges and universities across the state in the East Building. The event includes a free, exclusive visit to the “Turmeric to Tulips: Dutch Art in a Global Age” exhibition. 91�ֿ� Visual Arts Majors Jayla Daise and Bronte Weatherford, pictured above, will be serving as Gallery Guides for this special exhibition. Falcon creatives Imani Cosby and Jania Gibson helped plan the event and will be facilitating College Night activities. All students are welcome to join in the creative play. Admission to the event is free with a College ID.

Need transportation to College Night?
The 91�ֿ� van will depart for the event from the Seby Jones Parking Lot at 5:30 p.m.

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