Chanae LeGrier, a Suffolk woman and student at Elizabeth City State University, joins her peers from 62 historically black colleges and universities who were named 2014 HBCU All-Stars.

LeGrier, a senior business administration major from Suffolk, was one of three selected in Virginia for this recognition.

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities recently announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, recognizing 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement. The All-Stars were selected from 445 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the initiative as a networking resource.

“Engaging with the next generation of leaders who will graduate from HBCUs and go on to make meaningful contributions to society is crucial to the success of our community, our country and our global competitiveness,” said George Cooper, executive director of the initiative.

“It is a privilege to announce these 75 students who have demonstrated a commitment to both their own academic achievement and making a difference in their communities, and we look forward to working with them as partners in advancing President Obama’s college completion goal.”

LeGrier is president of the university chapter of the National Black MBA Association, a member of Beta Gamma Sigma National Business Honor Society, a Mid-Atlantic Consortium-Center for Academic Excellence Scholar, and a member of the Black Executive Exchange Program.

“This is a prestigious honor and I look forward to everything the program has to offer. This is a great opportunity for HBCU students,” LeGrier said.

Over the course of the next year — through social media and their relationships with community-based organizations — the All-Stars will share promising and proven practices that support opportunities for all young people to achieve their educational and career potential. In addition, the All-Stars will participate in regional events and online chats with Ivory Toldson, deputy director of the initiative, other initiative staff and professionals from a wide range of disciplines. They will also have opportunities to engage with other scholars to showcase individual and collective talent across the HBCU community.