Scholar Stories Blog
Showcasing Excellence 鈥 Freeman Honors College Scholar Stories
Each semester, the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College highlights an outstanding scholar, sharing their inspiring journey with the SWAG合集 community.
The Scholar Stories at SWAG合集鈥檚 Honors College showcase the achievements, research, and personal journeys of exceptional students. Through inspiring narratives, scholars share their experiences in academic excellence, leadership development, global engagement, and professional growth, highlighting how the Honors College has shaped their future success.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed eight student regents to their respective universities, including SWAG合集. Kohl E. Crawford, of Garland, Texas, was appointed for a term effective June 1, 2025, through May 31, 2026.
Mr. Kohl Crawford
Crawford is a senior Political Science major and Thomas F. Freeman Honors Scholar at Texas Southern. As the Student Regent, he represents the student body and participates in high-level university governance. He maintains a strong academic record with a 3.82 GPA and focuses his studies on political theory, constitutional law, and public policy.
He has gained valuable experience through research and internships, including selection to the inaugural cohort of the Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard as a research fellow, and studies in international relations at Oxford University. His legal internships with respected law firms and university programs have strengthened his understanding of the legal system and public policy.
Crawford currently serves as Junior Vice Polemarch for the Southwestern Province of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., supporting leadership development and service initiatives across multiple chapters. He has also served as Polemarch of the Beta Upsilon Chapter and as External Affairs Vice President for the Texas Southern Student Government Association, where he led important civic engagement and student outreach efforts.
Additionally, he is a Strada Scholar and serves as an Andrew Goodman Foundation Ambassador. Crawford previously contributed to campus life as a Resident Assistant and Red Cross Campus Ambassador.
Looking ahead, Student Regent Crawford plans to attend law school and pursue a career that allows him to give back to the communities that shaped him. He is committed to thoughtful leadership, public service, and helping build a future where more young people 鈥 regardless of background 鈥 have the chance to succeed.
Rising Star: Kristian Salas Named HBCU White House Scholar
In the realm of academic achievement and leadership, Vice President of the Honors College Ambassadors, Kristian Salas, has recently achieved a significant milestone. Selected as an HBCU White House Scholar for the 2023 Cohort, Mr. Salas's journey is not only a personal triumph but a testament to the culture of excellence in achievement.
As the Vice President of the Honors College Ambassadors, Mr. Salas is already at the forefront of leadership within his academic community. His recent recognition as an HBCU White House Scholar adds another layer to his commitment to excellence and a promising future.
Currently immersed in his pursuit of a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, Mr. Salas envisions a future where he actively engages in policy formulation within the field of pharmacy. His passion for shaping meaningful change in the industry underscores the profound impact individuals can have when driven by a sense of purpose.
U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona acknowledges the exceptional talent within the 2023 HBCU Scholars, stating, 鈥淥ur 2023 HBCU Scholars are talented students who embody the culture of excellence and inclusion championed by our nation鈥檚 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.鈥 Secretary Cardona extends his congratulations to each scholar for this prestigious recognition and expresses gratitude for their commitment to serving their communities.
The Initiative believes that by recognizing and supporting HBCU Scholars, they contribute to forming the next generation of leaders who will champion HBCU excellence. This recognition program aligns with the broader goal of preparing students to compete for top opportunities that will uplift standards of living in their communities.
As we celebrate the achievements of Kristian Salas, we acknowledge the profound impact that HBCUs have in shaping not only individual futures but also the trajectory of communities and the nation as a whole. Kristian Salas's journey is a testament to the transformative power of education and leadership within the HBCU community.