Non-Traditional Beginnings to Extraordinary Outcomes: Meet NPHC Scholarship Recipient Sheena Palmer
August 12, 2024
Virginia Union University (VUU) proudly announces that Sheena Palmer, a dedicated nontraditional student, has been awarded the prestigious National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Scholarship.
Sheena Palmer transferred to VUU from Hartwick College, seeking a sense of belonging and a season to focus on personal growth. Currently a junior majoring in Mathematics Secondary Education, Sheena brings a rich and diverse background to her academic pursuits.
“Transferring to VUU was a no-brainer decision; It was time to pour into myself,” Sheena Palmer said.
She holds a certification from Harvard University and has an extensive career history, including roles as a Licensed Practitioner Nurse (LPN), an infant care teacher, the founder of public relations agency S Cubed Productions LLC, and as an instructor for dance and literacy programs. Additionally, Sheena has served in the military but teaches at Trinity Baptist Church RVA as an Adult Christian Education teacher.
Palmer has navigated unique challenges as a nontraditional student, particularly finding peers with similar life responsibilities. Despite these hurdles, her determination and community-oriented mindset have propelled her forward. Growing up in a household that deeply valued community service, Sheena developed a strong sense of responsibility to give back.
Her servant leadership has been evident in several ways, including her role as PTSA President at Thomas Jefferson High School, where her children attended Franklin Military Academy but played for Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHS).
Sheena was tasked with reviving a disbanded organization and successfully rebuilding the PTSA from the ground up, establishing essential documentation, fostering relationships, and securing a new bank account. She reflects on this experience as a divine appointment that enabled her success despite personal challenges at her daughter's school.
“When I was asked to step up, it was really God who ordered my steps because I didn't even have a car at the time but I made it happen because there was a need,” Palmer said.
After years of serving her community, Sheena joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, initially through Zeta Amicae of Richmond, VA, an auxiliary organization for women without a four-year degree. She crossed at VUU in Spring 2024, a milestone she describes as fulfilling a lifelong aspiration.
"I knew I was a Zeta since I was 14 years old. I believed in their values and loved their push into the educational system," Palmer shared.
Inspired by the opportunity and encouraged by the Pan-Hellenic president of Richmond and NPHC Council Advisor Dr. Donté A. McCutchen at VUU, Sheena applied for the NPHC Scholarship.
Looking ahead, Sheena plans to pursue a master's and doctorate. Additionally, she plans to contribute to the tutoring program at VUU and teach at a Richmond Public School. The NPHC Scholarship will support her educational endeavors, covering costs associated with licensing, certification, summer courses, and theology classes.
Sheena extends heartfelt gratitude to the VUU staff and faculty, along with other mentors who have supported her journey, mainly:
- Soror Jacqueline Coley, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated Member and mentor
- Orlando Glasby, NPHC Richmond Metro President and mentor
- Dr. Donté A. McCutchen, NPHC Council Advisor
- Vanessa, accountability partner, and her older sister, who graduated from VUU.
“There are so many people to thank for pushing me to where I am today, and my journey has only just begun,” Palmer said. “At the top of my mind, I think you can’t succeed without the help of others, so I encourage everyone to lean in and find a mentor.”
In offering advice to fellow students applying for scholarships, Sheena emphasizes the importance of confidence, seeking feedback on applications, and not allowing age to be a barrier.
"When applying for scholarships with the NPHC, I advise students to have confidence and not be afraid to have someone review and provide feedback on the application,” Palmer said.
“This is a time to pour into yourself. When you give your time and effort, you will reap the rewards. No matter your age, it’s never too late to start over or start again," Sheena said.
For more information about Greek life and the NPHC Scholarship, please contact NPHC Council Advisor Dr. Donté A. McCutchen at damccutchen@vuu.edu.