Rhiazia Grant, a resident of Mauldin, South Carolina, has been named one of nine new Clyburn Scholars at South Carolina State University (SC State). She is a first-year psychology major and part of the largest class in the history of the Dr. Emily England Clyburn Honors College. Grant credits her mother’s focus on education as a key influence in her decision to pursue a career in medicine and mental health.
Grant is interested in understanding human behavior and addressing mental health issues, especially in underserved communities. Dr. William H. Whitaker Jr., dean of the Honors College, noted her commitment to academics and service. Grant plans to attend medical school and is considering careers in psychiatry or forensic psychology. She aims to promote mental health alongside physical health.
Grant faced challenges growing up. Raised by a single mother who graduated from Morris College, she learned the importance of perseverance. Financial limitations led her to leave cheerleading, but she focused on academics. She graduated from Mauldin High School with a 4.88 weighted GPA. She served as a senior student ambassador and held officer roles in HOSA and Atlas Club. She won first place in Human Growth and Development at the 2024 HOSA State Leadership Conference and received the Martin Luther King Jr. Achievement Award in STEM from the Greenville Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc…