Submitted by Kate Quinones
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 30, 2025) – Bethune-Cookman University (B-CU) proudly announces that 15 of its students have been selected to share $75,000 in scholarship funding awarded by world-renowned, best-selling author James Patterson.
More than 90 B-CU students applied for the prestigious James Patterson Writer Education Scholarship, an initiative founded to support students with a strong commitment to teaching creative writing or becoming professional storytellers. After a highly competitive selection process, 15 students were awarded scholarship support through Patterson’s generous endowment.
About James Patterson and the James Patterson Writer Education Scholarship
James Patterson, author of more than 200 novels with over 300 million copies sold worldwide, is one of the most successful and influential writers of our time. Best known for the "Alex Cross," "Women's Murder Club," and "Maximum Ride" series, Patterson has long been an advocate for promoting literacy and education. Through the James Patterson Writer Education Scholarship program, he seeks to inspire future generations of writers, educators, and creative minds by providing financial assistance to students with aspirations in storytelling, writing, and teaching.
In addition to his literary success, Patterson has donated millions to colleges and universities across the nation to foster education in writing and literacy, ensuring that passionate students have the necessary support to advance their academic and professional journeys.
Meet the 2025 James Patterson Writer Education Scholars
Each of the following scholars exemplifies passion, creativity, and a commitment to storytelling and education:
Amari Carthan, Senior, Biology Major, College Park, GA — Received the scholarship for a short story where the author attempts to overcome the death of a parent.
Anthony Troupe Jr., Senior, Computer Information Systems Major, Middleburg, FL — Received the scholarship for thriller short story “The Watcher”
A’Nyla Smith, Freshman, Criminal Justice Major, Cutler Bay, FL — Received the scholarship for short story, which features a human turned blood-thirsty mermaid.
Brion Stanley Jr., Junior, English Major, Sunrise, FL — Received the scholarship for short story “Déjà vu”.
Camarae’ Bickley, Freshman, Biology Major, Jacksonville, FL — Received the scholarship for horror short story of vampire cousins who must turn assassin (on each other).
Claudette Cyril, Senior, Communication Studies – Interdisciplinary Studies Major, West Palm Beach, FL — Received the scholarship for harrowing short story “Look Dad, I Can Fly”.
Dasani Davis, Senior, Psychology Major, Fort Lauderdale, FL — Received the scholarship for short story of one's first love and unforgettable first "real" Valentine's Day.
Jorge Rodriguez, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies Major, Ponce, Puerto Rico — Received the scholarship for short story “The Wishing Tree,” where wishes are not always fulfilled.
Kamya Evans, Senior, Interdisciplinary Studies Major, Saint Petersburg, FL — Received the scholarship for short story “The Lantern”.
Michael Ogunmola, Sophomore, Double Major in Accounting and Finance, Ibadan, Nigeria — Received the scholarship for short story that paints the picture of an unloved child through the words of a painfully haunting diary.
Nakeisha Rolle, Senior, English Major, Exuma, The Bahamas — Received the scholarship for short story “The Deadly Wish”.
Ruth Labady, Junior, Biology Major, Margate, FL — Received the scholarship for short story featuring two tired (but dedicated) doctors In The ER.
Shakira Brown, Junior, Health and Exercise Science Major with Double Minors in Psychology and Biology, Jacksonville, FL — Received the scholarship for a short story about a doting husband turned monster.
Dwight Holston, Senior, Mass Communications Major, Port Orange, FL — Received the scholarship for mysterious and terrifying short story “Spores”.
Jaylen Nightingale, Sophomore, Criminal Justice Major, Jacksonville, FL — Received the scholarship for terrifying short story on the fictional Emerson College, which is an HBCU Mystery.
A Word from Bethune-Cookman University Leadership
“It’s an honor for B-CU to be among the James Patterson scholarship recipients,” said Dr. William Berry, Acting President at B-CU. “This strategic and generous investment from Mr. Patterson and his family demonstrates unambiguously that when we support enterprising students, we are sowing seeds that will yield a bountiful harvest as our undergraduate writers and educators advance from the college classroom to successful careers.”
Supporting Future Scholars
There are numerous ways to support current and future B-CU scholars. For more information about how to create an endowment fund or award scholarship funding, contact the Office of Institutional Advancement at www.Cookman.edu/Donate or call (386) 481-2951.
About Bethune-Cookman University
Founded in 1904 by Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune, Bethune-Cookman University is a private, historically Black university located in Daytona Beach, Florida. With a mission to develop global leaders committed to service, B-CU continues to empower students through academic excellence, innovative programs, and a rich tradition of cultural and community engagement.
About The Patterson Family Foundation
The Patterson Family Foundation, established by James Patterson, is dedicated to improving access to education and literacy across communities nationwide. Through scholarships, grants, and strategic partnerships, the Foundation inspires a lifelong love of reading and writing while fostering the next generation of creative thinkers and educators.
