Twin Sisters Just Took Top Two Academic Spots at the Nation’s First HBCU
At Cheyney University, the nation’s first historically Black college and university (HBCU), top academic honors will come in twos this year. Twin sisters Tia and Jasmin Criss are graduating as valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
While their accomplishments are remarkable, Tia shared, “It’s sort of surreal, I think, because we weren’t really trying to achieve valedictorian or salutatorian. It just sort of happened that way,” she told CBS News Philadelphia. Their achievements prove that excellence can reside in consistency.
Tia earned the top title with a perfect 4.0 GPA, while Jasmin followed closely with an impressive 3.9 GPA. Both will receive bachelor’s degrees in business administration.
Their path to success began well before Cheyney, as the Philadelphia natives credit their parents for instilling discipline, focus and a commitment to education. These values, along with their history of friendly competition, shaped their academic approach. “We were always happy for each other,” Jasmin told the outlet, acknowledging their competitive spirit.
Even with this strong foundation, the sisters told CBS News Philadelphia their journey at Cheyney included moments of doubt. Jasmin reflected, “Tia and I weren’t really sure of ourselves—sure if we could do it. I was happy they took a chance and saw potential in me.”
One of a handful of northern HBCUs, Cheyney offers 10 majors and six minors and has produced more than 30,000 graduates, including the late Ed Bradley, a “60 Minutes” correspondent for 26 years. Cheyney University is known for its supportive environment and a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Founded in 1836, the university provides “an exceptional foundation for career opportunities in the modern world,” according to cheyney.edu.
Dr. Lakiyah Chambers, Cheyney’s associate dean of students, underscored Cheyney’s student-centered environment, telling CBS News Philadelphia, “This is the product of working hard,” highlighting the perseverance and dedication the Criss twins showed throughout their academic journey.
Tia plans to pursue a career in insurance, like her mother. Meanwhile, Jasmin is considering a more creative path in marketing or fashion. Although their father, Lynn Criss III, passed away in March, the sisters told the outlet that he would be proud of their accomplishments. Both sisters will be pursuing an MBA at West Chester University of Pennsylvania in the fall.
Cheyney University President Aaron Walton praised the twins in a statement, saying, “Their story is not just a celebration of academic achievement, it is a symbol of what is possible when talent meets purpose,” according to The Philadelphia Tribune.
