A Mississippi State University senior recently became the university’s first recipient of the Hilton Hotel Corporation Information Technology award. The award winner, Nakimuli O. “Kim Davis, is a computer science major and Dean’s Scholar.
“It was shocking and overwhelming to be the first to receive this award,” Davis said.
Davis graduated from Canton High School and is the daughter of Nancy Davis. She plans to graduate with honors next fall and hopes to attend graduate school.
As an MSU student, Davis has participated in organizations such as the Black Student Alliance, the NAACP, serves as vice president of Critz Hall activities and as vice president of Phi Sigma Pi national honors fraternity.
Davis received her award during a campus ceremony Sept. 12. Hilton Vice President of franchised systems Lashell Vaughn, who is an alumnus of MSU’s department of computer science and engineering, presented the award to Davis. A plaque displayed in Butler Hall, home to the department, will bear Davis’ name and the names of future winners of the award. In addition, she received a one-year scholarship, as will future recipients.
Department head Julia Hodges said Davis’ academic performance and leadership skills contributed to her selection for the award.
“The requirements for the award were a good academic record and leadership qualities,” Hodges said. “Hilton also requested that the department select a minority for the award.”
Donna Reese, a computer science professor in the CSE department, said ties between Hilton Hotels and the university have grown stronger in recent years.
“Hilton is working very hard to build a better relationship with MSU,” Dr. Reese said. “Hilton has recognized that MSU has provided them with quality students to their company from the CSE department, so they are trying to attract more of them with this award.”
The award has no set standards on how Hilton will contribute to the department, but they are working on it, Reese said.
“The award is not quite an endowment as of yet, but Hilton Hotels is working hard toward making it one,” Reese said. “Then there will be a set amount of money provided annually for the department, also.”
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