Kimberly Fuqua, a 2019 graduate of UNCP, recently graduated from Cornell University with a Master of Public Administration degree focusing on education policy.

A standout student at Cornell, Fuqua was one of three marshals selected from the graduate programs during the May 29 commencement ceremony. She was also one of three Cornell Institute for Public Affairs Diversity and Inclusion Fellow. Fuqua served as co-president of Cornell’s Indigenous Graduate Student Association and Cornell’s Women in Public Policy. She participated in three summer internships, partnering with the Iroquois Nationals Development Group to create an educational curriculum to help Native lacrosse players have a better shot at college.

Additionally, Fuqua was awarded the Community Outreach Award by the Office of Inclusion and Student Engagement and the Cornell Graduate School. The award focused on her work at Akwe:kon, the nation’s first residence hall established for American Indians.