Living the Morehead-Cain Community Standards
At Morehead-Cain, we believe that leadership is not a moment but a mindset. It is a lifelong commitment to learning, character, and community. Guided by the words of John Motley Morehead III, we invest in scholars who are “endowed by their Creator with the capacity for leadership” and who continually develop that capacity through curiosity, integrity, and service to others.
The Morehead-Cain Community Standards—Leadership as a Lifelong Journey, Conscious Character Building, Engaged Scholarship, and Commitment to Community—reflect the shared expectations and aspirations of every scholar. This year, scholars brought these values to life through their summer enrichment experiences and campus leadership.
Leadership as a Lifelong Journey
Morehead-Cain Scholars recognize that leadership is learned through experience. Whether advocating for policy change, mentoring peers, or collaborating across differences, scholars lead with purpose and humility.
Gowri Abhinanada ’26 put her passion for civic engagement into action by advocating for gun-violence prevention policy. Her commitment to creating safer communities reflects leadership grounded in service, empathy, and courage.
Conscious Character Building
Character is shaped in moments both big and small—through reflection, resilience, and accountability. Scholars strive to act with integrity, seek feedback, and learn from missteps as part of their personal and professional growth.
Nigel Parker ’25 shared about his intention behind co-founding Food for Thought on the Catalyze podcast with host Allyson Horst ’27, and how conversations can foster connection. Together, they explored the everyday practice of empathy and authenticity, values central to character formation.
Engaged Scholarship
Curiosity drives discovery. Morehead-Cain Scholars approach learning as an active, lifelong pursuit and one that extends far beyond the classroom. Through independent research, global exploration, and intellectual risk-taking, they embrace the discomfort that leads to growth.
Willow Taylor-Chiang Yang ’25 conducted research through the Capstone Career initiative, examining environmental and social challenges with a commitment to evidence-based problem-solving. Her work illustrates how intellectual rigor and curiosity can drive real-world impact.
Commitment to Community
At the heart of Morehead-Cain is a vibrant, intergenerational network of scholars and alumni who support one another across time and place. Our community is strengthened by gratitude—for those who come before and those who will follow.
The journey of Pratyush Seshadri ’25 highlights the unique mentorship that defines the Morehead-Cain community. While working at the Smart Surfaces Coalition, an organization led by Greg Kats ’81, Pratyush collaborated on data-driven strategies to make cities more sustainable and resilient. Greg noted that Pratyush stood out among his peers for his technical skills, creative initiative, and leadership, reflecting the Program’s enduring commitment to developing purpose-driven leaders across generations.
The Challenge Continues
Each year, scholars embody the Morehead-Cain Community Standards in new ways through research, creative exploration, public service, and professional excellence. Together, they uphold the Morehead-Cain challenge: to impact—positively and profoundly—the people and pursuits that define their lives.
“This journey has truly been a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the chance to continue learning, growing, and making an impact alongside such passionate and driven individuals.”
Suhan Asaigoli | Class of 2027
Scholars in the News
The Catalyze podcast: So you’re thinking of taking a gap year, with Sachi Akmal ’28
Sachi Akmal ’28 visited campus during a break in her International Gap Year to speak…
- News
Documentary produced by Anna Connors ’24, Aayas Joshi ’26 tracks last remaining wild herd of American bison in Yellowstone
An independent documentary by Anna Connors ’24 and Aayas Joshi ’26 tells the history of…
Gowri Abhinanda ’26 on advocating for gun violence prevention policy
Gowri Abhinanda ’26 has sought to amplify youth voices on gun violence prevention since eighth…
- News
Charting Paths
The Morehead-Cain Class of 2025 honored a group of faculty and staff members from UNC - Chapel Hill on February 14 for their excellence in teaching, mentorship, and dedication to student success.
For the 2025 Faculty Appreciation Luncheon, graduating seniors nominated individuals who have had a significant impact on their education, professional development, and personal growth at Carolina. Sixty-five honorees representing 32 University departments and entities were recognized at the event.