Barber Awarded Manny Cunard Scholarship

Brant Barber, program coordinator for the TRIO STEM Success Program(SSS-STEM) in the Division of Student Affairs(DSA) at North Carolina Central University(NCCU), has been awarded the Manny Cunard Scholarshipfrom the Association of College Unions International(ACUI).

The Manny Cunard Scholarship is designed to support the professional development of emerging higher education leaders by providing the opportunity to attend the ACUI Annual Conference. The scholarship pays for conference registration, allowing recipients to engage in professional learning, networking and leadership development experiences that prepare them for long-term success in the field.

In his role with TRIO STEM , Barber supports the persistence and graduation of first-generation, limited-income or disabled students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) degrees. His work includes coordinating tutoring and academic support services, developing STEM-focused programming and leading recruitment initiatives that align with federally mandated objectives for student success. Through this work, Barber creates pathways for access, retention and achievement for historically underrepresented students in STEM disciplines.

Barber is an up-and-coming higher education professional with a strong commitment to student involvement, leadership development and inclusive excellence. He is currently pursuing a master of science in higher education administration at NCCU and earned a bachelor of arts in history from NCCU in spring 2024. A native of Fayetteville, N.C., Barber previously served as a graduate assistant in the Division of Student Affairs and contributed to large-scale campus initiatives and event planning efforts.

Receiving the Manny Cunard Scholarship affirms Barber's dedication to the profession and provides an opportunity to further develop the skills, connections, and insights needed to advance student engagement and success. His selection reflects not only his current impact at NCCU, but also his promise as a future leader in higher education.