Doing the Honors: 32nd Annual NAAAHP Conference hosted by Southern University

The 32nd Annual Conference of the National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP) recently took place in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. It brought together students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide, creating an atmosphere of learning, connection, and celebration at the Downtown Hilton.
Students from prestigious institutions such as Spelman, Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, Prairie View A&M, Tennessee State, Texas Southern, and Lincoln Universities gathered in Baton Rouge for a series of professional workshops. These workshops covered essential skills for future success, including dining etiquette, resume revision, and personal development. The conference also featured a career fair where students had the opportunity to engage with major partners like Thurgood Marshall and Procter & Gamble.
At the helm of this dynamic event were two remarkable young leaders. Kristen Montgomery, Miss Honors College and 2nd Vice President of the conference, is a sophomore from Hammond, Louisiana. Bruce Greene, affectionately known as Mr. NAAAHP, represents Plaquemine, Louisiana. The students took to social media to express their sentiments. Montgomery stated, “It has truly been a blessing for the opportunities that were and continue to be afforded to me. I would like to give a special appreciation to those who have helped me make this conference possible.” Greene followed up with a post of his own, saying, “Serving on the executive board this past year has been a tremendous effort… The amazing students I was able to meet as friends and see again, like Prairie View, Texas Southern, Tennessee State, Livingston College, among others… my love for NAAAHP will never stop, and I cannot wait until next year.”
Other honors students who played a significant role in the planning include Bryce Hudson, Shaure Brewer, and Sydney LaFluer. Their dedication and commitment to advancing the NAAAHP’s mission were evident throughout the conference’s planning.
As a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Louisiana, attendees were treated to a taste of the state’s culinary delights. The event center welcomed students with a delectable spread of Louisiana classics, including boudin balls, Cajun jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and more. It was a celebration of not just academic excellence but also the rich cultural diversity that defines the African American experience in the South.
Patin, a junior from Clark Atlanta University and a Vice President of the Isabella T. Jenkins Honors Program stated, “We had an amazing time meeting them (Southern University) and other HBCUs around the country!… That’s on Dr. Isabella T. Jenkins!”
In addition to the workshops and professional development, students had the opportunity to explore the historic Southern University campus, a renowned institution with a deep legacy in the African American community. The NAAAHP’s 32nd Annual Conference in Baton Rouge was a resounding success, reinforcing the importance of education, community, and the pursuit of excellence within the African American honors programs. It served as a reminder of the tremendous potential and promise that these talented students hold for the future.