The University of Westminster has established the Lee Andrew & Hattie Ross Academic Scholarship thanks to a generous £20,000 commitment from Dr Shantella Sherman, the Director of the global professional services firm The Acumen Group. The new scholarship will support ten Black and Black heritage students over two academic years, helping to remove financial barriers and create opportunities for students to thrive.
Established as part of the University's Black History Year (BHY) Programme, the scholarship reflects a shared commitment to advancing educational opportunity, celebrating Black excellence and empowering the next generation of leaders.
The scholarship is named in honour of Dr Sherman's grandparents, Lee Andrew and Hattie Ross, recognising the profound influence they have had on her educational journey, personal values and commitment to supporting future generations. By establishing a scholarship in their names, Dr Sherman hopes to celebrate their legacy while creating meaningful opportunities for students who may face financial and social barriers to higher education.
The gift represents more than financial assistance. It is an investment in the ambitions, talents and futures of young people, and a powerful reminder of how one generation's values can help shape opportunities for the next.
The £20,000 commitment will fund scholarships across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 academic years, supporting five students annually with individual awards of £2,000. The scholarships will be available to final-year undergraduate students who identify as Black or of Black heritage, are the first in their immediate family to attend university, demonstrate financial need and show commitment to their academic achievement and personal development.
Subject to eligible applications, the scholarships will support students across History, Biomedical Science, Journalism and Digital Communications, Culture, Environment and Social Change, and Psychology.
Simay Sali Sevik (left) with Shantella Sherman (right)
The Lee Andrew & Hattie Ross Academic Scholarship is an important addition to the University's Black History Year Programme, which celebrates Black history, heritage, achievements and contributions throughout the year. The initiative also reflects Westminster's wider commitment to social mobility and ensuring that students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed.
As part of its Black History Year Programme, the University has also launched the Black History Year Bursary Fund, inviting alumni, partners, colleagues and the wider community to help support Black and Black heritage students experiencing financial disadvantage.
Dr Sherman said: “My grandparents, Lee Andrew and Hattie Ross, were Mississippi farmers who were legally denied access to formal education. Yet they worked tirelessly to instil in their 13 children an enduring love of learning. They saw education as a God-given passport to the world and the imagination, and as a true expression of freedom. They believed it enriches the mind, nurtures patience, wisdom and kindness, and ultimately shapes character. For them, even informal learning held great value. Although my grandfather’s own educational dream was deferred, he lived to see my brother, Robert, and me graduate from college before his death in 1999 at age 91.
"The students of Black History Year at the University of Westminster demonstrate the drive, focus and tenacity that would have inspired my grandparents’ pride and praise to God. I am honoured to establish this scholarship in their names and carry forward their legacy of educational stewardship.”
Dr Deborah Husbands, Reader and Lead for the Black History Year programme, said: “Dr Sherman’s generous support continues to enhance the impact of the Black History Year programme. She recognises the challenges that Black students face while pursuing higher education; her support goes beyond simple words of encouragement. Many students struggle to manage their finances and the high cost of living, particularly in London, which can hinder their ability to fully engage in their studies and reduce their opportunities to feel included in the university community. The scholarship awarded to them alleviates some of this pressure, promoting greater engagement and improving academic outcomes for a student group that has been affected by an awarding gap over several years.”
Simay Sali Sevik, Development Manager at the University of Westminster, added: “Dr Shantella Sherman’s generous gift is a wonderful example of how philanthropy can make a meaningful difference in students’ lives. We hope her inspiring commitment will encourage other alumni, friends and partners of the University to take action and join us in creating more opportunities for Black students through the Black History Year Bursary Fund.”
Launching the scholarship contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 5: Gender Equality and 10: Reduced Inequalities. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Support the Black History Year Bursary Fund by making a donation.
To find out about further opportunities for supporting the University of Westminster, contact the Development Team.
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