by Morgan State U
October 20, 2025
Six Morgan Students, Alumni Named to 2025 HBCUniverse 30 Under 30
BALTIMORE — Competing and excelling on any stage is more than a declaration; it is a north star widely embraced by Morgan students who aspire to achieve to their fullest potential. Six such rising stars from the National Treasure exemplifying this standard have been named among the nation’s most promising young leaders, earning a spot in the 2025 HBCUniverse 30 Under 30 cohort. The recognition highlights exceptional students and recent graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who are making their mark across industries and redefining what’s possible for the next generation of changemakers.
The HBCUniverse 30 Under 30, launched by Venture for T.H.E.M., shines a spotlight on innovators, scholars and creators who embody the legacy of excellence rooted in HBCU culture. Now in its second year, the program connects honorees to a powerful network of peers and mentors committed to advancing opportunity, collaboration and impact.
Morgan’s 2025 honorees reflect the University’s broad strength in academic innovation, research and entrepreneurship:
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Office of Public Relations & Strategic Communications
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
McMechen Hall Rm. 635
Baltimore, Maryland 21251
Temitope Ajibola, a doctoral candidate in Computer and Electrical Systems Engineering, conducts groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence as a researcher at Morgan’s Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS).
Eugene Awagah, a senior in the Graves School of Business and Management, is pursuing his Bachelor of Science in Information Science and Systems, exploring the intersection of data and innovation in business technology.
Aalliyeh Clinton, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the School of Computer, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, is recognized for her dedication to advancing research and representation in the sciences.
Gabrielle Hall, a recent Applied Liberal Studies graduate with a minor in Entrepreneurship, serves as Program Coordinator at the Baltimore Metropolitan Women’s Center, housed within Morgan’s Entrepreneurial Development and Assistance Center (EDAC), where she leads initiatives supporting women innovators and small business founders.
Kayla Jones, who earned her bachelor’s degree in Economics, continues her academic journey at Cornell University’s Brooks School of Public Policy, where she is pursuing a doctoral degree focused on equitable policy design.
David Nyarko, a Graduate Research Fellow and Ph.D. candidate in Electrical Engineering, is contributing to advanced research in renewable energy systems and sustainable engineering solutions.
The HBCUniverse 30 Under 30 program, first introduced during the inaugural HBCUniverse Summit in 2024, was created by Venture for T.H.E.M.—a Maryland-based startup accelerator and social enterprise incubator dedicated to empowering early-stage HBCU entrepreneurs. Through mentorship, non-dilutive funding and strategic partnerships, the organization has supported more than 20 HBCU-founded ventures, built collaborations with 30 partner institutions and drawn hundreds of attendees to its events.
By bridging the gap between HBCU talent and opportunity, Venture for T.H.E.M. aims to ensure that young innovators have the resources to transform ideas into sustainable enterprises.
Morgan’s “30 Under 30” honorees will be recognized during the HBCUniverse Brunch at AfroTech in Houston on October 30, followed by a Metaverse Gala in November celebrating this year’s cohort.
Congratulations to Temitope Ajibola, Eugene Awagah, Aalliyeh Clinton, Gabrielle Hall, Kayla Jones and David Nyarko for earning this recognition and upholding what it means to be Morgan Made.
Contact Information
Office of Public Relations & Strategic Communications
1700 East Cold Spring Lane
McMechen Hall Rm. 635
Baltimore, Maryland 21251