WASHINGTON – Schwarzman Scholars, one of the world’s most prestigious graduate fellowships, recently announced its eighth cohort which includes Howard University graduate Evan Quaintance (B.A. ’23). Quaintance made history by becoming the third student in Howard University history to receive the scholarship.   

“I extend my personal congratulations to Mr. Quaintance on being selected as one of this year’s Schwarzman Scholars,” said President Ben Vinson III, Ph.D. “His commitment to academic endeavors makes him an exemplar of Howard’s commitment to excellence and service.” 

Quaintance was selected from a competitive pool of over 4,000 applicants to participate in the fellowship at Schwarzman College at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. He is one of 150 candidates selected from 43 countries and 114 universities around the world. As a Schwarzman Scholar, Quaintance will pursue a fully funded, one-year master’s degree program in global affairs. 

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Quaintance is a passionate young leader with a drive to amplify the voices of unheard communities. As a teen, Quaintance worked to reform the juvenile justice system, organized to rename schools dedicated to leaders of the Confederacy, and worked alongside global leaders to strengthen the ties between the African American community and the African Diaspora. Quaintance graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in political science and double minor in philosophy and legal communications. He is looking to expand his experience and understanding of global affairs as well as public policy.  

"I’m excited to embark on the next chapter of my academic journey as a Schwarzman Scholar,” Quaintance said. “This program is a great opportunity to better my understanding of our changing world."  

During his time at Howard, Quaintance served as a member of the 62nd Howard University Student Association and as a program chair of the Men of George Washington Carver, a freshman organization committed to community service and development of young men. As a graduate, Quaintance continues to support the projects he started on campus, including The Howard Union, an organization that is dedicated to fierce debate about the future of the world, as well as an Institute of Politics and Government. 

Aspiring to deepen his understanding of transportation and infrastructure policy, Quaintance is interested in the existing rail network within Mainland China. He is excited to learn about the world and others’ views of the U.S. through interactions with his fellow scholars. 

“I am absolutely delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to Evan on being selected as a Schwarzman Scholar,” said Jerome M. Haynesworth II, Quaintance’s mentor and program manager of the Patricia Roberts Harris Fellowship for Public & International Affairs at the Ralph J. Bunche International Affairs Center. “This well-deserved honor is a testament to Evan’s unwavering commitment, intellectual acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. As a mentor, and advisor for the Howard Union, I have had the privilege of witnessing Evan’s remarkable growth and dedication to his academic and personal pursuits throughout his senior year and after graduation. I am confident that this transformative experience will not only enrich Evan’s academic journey, but also empower him to contribute meaningfully to our interconnected world." 

“The caliber of this incoming class and their potential fills me with optimism for the future,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, founding trustee of Schwarzman Scholars. “This year’s selected Scholars are keenly interested in learning about China, which is now more important than ever in this complex geopolitical environment. They are ready to engage thoughtfully with global issues and eager to make a positive impact on the world.” 

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