Introducing the Sophomore Selection Initiative
In September 2023, we proudly launched the Sophomore Selection Initiative to integrate outstanding UNC-Chapel Hill students into the Morehead-Cain community to further their leadership development. This initiative aims to spotlight and support individuals who have already shown remarkable scholarship, leadership, and character.
In October, we welcomed fifteen of them into the Morehead-Cain Class of 2026. These scholars, representing five North Carolina counties, six states, and China, are pursuing a diverse array of fields, including statistics, computer science, and biology. Their induction was celebrated at our Fall Banquet in November 2023.
The Sophomore selection process featured a rigorous application review and Final Selection Experience. Candidates were nominated by a wide range of campus community members, including professors, department heads, and staff.
The initiative enables Morehead-Cain to accelerate the journey for these students, offering them opportunities for global experiences, research projects, and impactful internships.
Celebrating ‘Impact Educators’
In January 2024, we honored 445 K–12 educators through the Impact Educator initiative. These exceptional teachers, nominated by our semifinalists, represent fifty-eight counties across North Carolina, thirty-five states, the District of Columbia, and twelve countries. Their commitment to fostering student learning and leadership is vital to our mission.
Leveraging the Morehead-Cain Alumni Network
This year, our recruitment efforts were greatly enhanced by the support of hundreds of alumni and friends. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the 451 alumni who played a crucial role in helping us identify exceptional talent. Your commitment, from reviewing semi-finalist video interviews, to interviewing finalists as a member of our Central Selection Committee, to meeting with finalists in one-on-one conversations for our pilot Finalist and Alumni Connection Experience (FACE), had a profound impact on our recruitment process.
In March 2024, we hosted an in-person Discovery Weekend, where scholarship recipients enjoyed campus tours, engaging discussions with alumni, and a keynote address by Janora McDuffie ’99.
We announced the Morehead-Cain Class of 2028 in May 2024. The class of seventy-three scholars boasts a rich mix of academic interests and geographical diversity, including representatives from twenty-four North Carolina counties, seventeen U.S. states, and eight countries.
Our outreach efforts also included workshops and receptions with school counselors throughout the country, enhancing our connections and expanding our reach domestically and abroad. Additionally, our first Open House event in August 2023 provided 155 students and their families with valuable insights into the Morehead-Cain experience.
The success of our Recruitment and Selection efforts relies on the active participation of our alumni and friends of the Foundation to identify dynamic, purpose-driven leaders. We are deeply grateful for your support in creating transformative experiences for our scholars and shaping the next generation.
Facts and Stats
Introducing the Morehead-Cain Class of 2028
In the fall of 2024, seventy-three scholars from throughout North Carolina, the United States, and the world began their college journeys at UNC–Chapel Hill or abroad through the International Gap Year.
Scholar Journeys
The path to becoming a Morehead-Cain is as unique as each scholar. The path beyond is one’s own to chart. Learn more about scholars of the class of 2024 and their plans.
Lindley Andrew
Siler City, North Carolina
As a North Carolina student, Lindley was nominated for the Morehead-Cain by her public school, Jordan-Matthews High School. At Carolina, Lindley was involved with UNC’s chapter of A Moment of Magic, where she served on the executive team as training coordinator. She enjoyed teaching Spanish 102 students as a peer tutor and working for the To Move Mountains organization, cataloging teacher-training curricula. Lindley participated in the New Roots Oral History initiative and conducted research on how the healthcare system in North Carolina is experienced by the state’s Latinx immigrants. She is currently exploring her passions for youth, education, and Spanish before pursuing graduate school.
Lwazi Bululu
Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa
As an international student, Lwazi was nominated for the Morehead-Cain by his school and Morehead-Cain nominating partner, Groton School. During his time at Carolina, he spent four years serving on the Undergraduate Honor Court, with two years as a vice chair, and one year as chair. He was also a writer for BlackInk Magazine and a member of OASIS (Organization for African Students’ Interests and Solidarity). In his senior year, he contributed a book review in the Global Africana Review, the academic journal of UNC’s AAAD Department. He is currently spending time at home in South Africa before entering the workforce.
Carson Moore
Meridian, Idaho
Carson was nominated for the Morehead-Cain through UNC’s Admissions Referral Program (ARP) after applying for undergraduate admission to the University. At Carolina, he worked as the chief executive officer of The Meantime Coffee Company and as president of the Board. Carson was very involved at Kenan-Flagler Business School, participating in the Luther Hodges Scholars program and Undergraduate Business Symposium Core Committee, and serving as vice president of Consult Your Community. He is currently a real estate analyst at PJT Park Hill in New York City.