WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today after Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools and Paige Blake, Prince George’s County native and a Junior at Bowie State University, were appointed to serve on President Biden's HBCU Board of Advisors:
“With the appointment of Dr. Monica Goldson and Paige Blake, the President has selected two impressive and talented individuals to serve on his HBCU Board of Advisors,” said Congressman Hoyer. “This important announcement comes at a critical time for HBCUs in our country; we must address the every day challenges and barriers that have historically burdened our HBCUs, such as underfunding and lack of equal opportunity for students. We can do this by ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to set young learners up for success and by supporting the mission of their campuses to the fullest extent. We must also condemn bigotry and racism in our country. The alarming and unacceptable bomb threats that targeted HBCUs at the beginning of the year are a testament to this challenge, and together, we ought to do everything possible to promote the safety and security of HBCU students.
“I know that Dr. Goldson and Ms. Blake will be expert advocates on behalf of our community and Fifth District HBCUs in this moment we are in, and I join in congratulating them on their appointments.”
For more information on this Board of Advisors, click here. The White House has provided bios for Dr. Monica Goldson and Paige Blake:
Monica Goldson
Dr. Monica Goldson, Chief Executive Officer for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS), is the dedicated and dynamic leader of the 20th largest school district in the nation. A three-time HBCU graduate, she is committed to creating transformative experiences that propel students to their highest levels of excellence. Dr. Goldson focuses on doing what is best for students and educators, especially amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her longtime advocacy for public education was key in mobilizing the PGCPS community to provide laptops, internet service and technology assistance to families in need while building virtual learning from the ground up. Beyond the schoolhouse, she is a member of Chiefs for Change, a graduate of Leadership Greater Washington, and a board member of Nonprofit Prince George’s and the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Goldson holds a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Florida A&M University, a master’s degree in Elementary and Secondary School Administration from Bowie State University, and a doctorate in Educational Administration and Policy from Howard University. She has two adult sons, both graduates of Prince George’s County Public Schools.
Paige Blake
Paige Blake is a 20-year-old native of Prince George’s County, Maryland. She is a junior at Bowie State University where she majors in Biology and is on the pre-med track. Paige plans to attend medical school to study Neurology to help others with Spina Bifida and other neurological conditions. Paige was diagnosed at age 4 with a rare form of Sacral Agenesis (a form of Spina Bifida). Over time she’s learned the importance of advocacy after having her own share of hardships in her life with her disability. Paige has used her personal experiences to advocate and help others in various ways, such as organizing donation drives with her Girl Scout troop where they sent medical supplies to countries overseas and working with The Congressional Black Caucus and President Obama’s White House Initiative on African American Excellence to advocate for disabled students. Currently, Paige has been named the 2021-2022 White House Initiative HBCU Competitiveness Scholar for Bowie State University. She also is working with The University System of Maryland Student Council as the Director of Student Affairs, where she advocates for students to ensure that present and future college students in the state of Maryland will have positive and equal opportunities.
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