For The First Time In Its History, VSU Names Two Female Students, Both STEM Majors, As Co-Valedictorians

For The First Time In Its History, VSU Names Two Female Students, Both STEM Majors, As Co-Valedictorians

Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport earned a perfect 4.0 GPA as Class of 2023 Student Academic Leaders.

Virginia State University has recognized Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport as Class of 2023 Co-Valedictorian. This is the first time in university history that two females, both STEM majors, have received this academic honor. They were recognized as part of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2023.

Joy Watson, who also held the titles of Miss VSU 2022-2023 and 2023 Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, carried a double major in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering Technology while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her college career. Watson will continue her education in graduate school at VSU.

Blaise Davenport maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Cybersecurity and Forensics. She studied abroad in England as a visiting student at Oxford University and won numerous Cybersecurity awards and honors from the Department of Defense. Davenport will continue her education at Columbia University and Carnegie Mellon University on a full scholarship.

Both young women, also former members of the Trojan Explosion Marching Band, exude overall VSU Trojan excellence. Through stellar academic achievements and admirable student life engagement, Watson and Davenport are examples of Greater Happens Here. They are both trailblazers who found their GREATER AT VSU. Virginia State University is proud to call them both VSU Alums.