Camille Warner, a Ph.D. psychology candidate, is the recipient of the 2024-2025 Dr. Winslow Sargeant Doctoral Award, presented by Howard University’s Ronald W. Walters Leadership and Public Policy Center. A native of Bay Shore, N.Y., Camille earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of the District of Columbia.

Warner will advance the Walters Center's mission by focusing on the role of cultural socialization and warm-demander pedagogy. Her work may include developing programs and workshops that teach African American students about their cultural history and its connection to political and civic engagement.

“Cultural socialization allows parents to use their knowledge and understanding of their cultural experiences to teach their children how to exist in the current society,” Warner said. “Warm demander pedagogy encourages teachers to approach their students with warm and demanding teaching methods while stimulating their cultural consciousness and ability to critique the world around them.”

The $10,000 award is open to Howard University doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities. The Sargeant Award is made possible by a generous gift from Winslow Sargeant, Ph.D., a former neighbor of Walters. Sargeant, an owner and Senior Strategic Advisor for ITSC Secure Solutions, LLC (ITSC) and Senior Advisor for Globalization and Head of Capital Markets for Genaesis, established this award to support doctoral students preparing for future research endeavors.

Warner will build relationships and collaborate with University faculty to integrate warm-demander pedagogy into courses, ensuring that students are both supported and challenged in their academic and civic development. Additionally, Warner will lead community outreach efforts, encouraging students to participate in local and national politics, voter registration drives, and civic discussions. By doing so, Warner will help students connect their academic experiences with real-world political and civic activities, ultimately fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to these political systems.

“My research can assist in bridging a gap between school, politics, and the African American experience,” Warner said.

Warner’s research underscores the importance of deliberately socializing children to promote leadership in fields related to public policy. As a scholar focused on cultivating culturally conscious African American students, Elsie Scott, Ph.D., director of the Walters Center celebrated Warner’s achievement. Scott said Warner’s dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence have “set a remarkable example for other scholars.”

“All of the evaluators were impressed with Ms. Warner's application. I was especially pleased that she is studying the socialization of children and how this impacts their future political behavior,” Scott said.

Howard University Graduate School Dean Dana Williams, Ph.D., celebrated Warner’s research and the future impact her work will have on students. “Camille’s research is a wonderful example of the range of scholarship our students seek to produce,” Williams said. “We are excited about the opportunity the Sargeant Award provides for others to learn more about her work and how it will help us preserve and improve our democracy.”

Warner extends her gratitude to her department, advisor, and colleagues for their unwavering support, emphasizing that “graduate school and research projects are community endeavors.” She also thanks Dr. Sargeant for his investment in Howard University students to help them cross the last hurdle—completing their dissertations.

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