Tarshena Armstrong • Marketing


Born and raised in Flint, Tarshena Armstrong is a 2004 Flint Southwestern Academy graduate. Yet it could be said her UM-Flint education began back in junior high.

Since 8th grade, Tarshena has been in the Wade H. McCree Incentive Scholarship Program through UM-Flint’s Educational Opportunity Initiatives office, which rewards students who excel in middle and high school. Tarshena was awarded a five-year academic scholarship to UM-Flint. Tarshena is majoring in general business, but plans to focus her degree on marketing. Still, her ultimate goal is to earn a master’s degree in public health and policy allocation. “I really would like to be the CEO of a hospital,” she said.

Tarshena has been working with the Ruth Mott Health Explorers, researching health disparities in Flint and Ann Arbor. “I love it,” she said. “There is nothing that I would rather do than help people.” In addition to her goal of heading up a hospital, Tarshena said, “Someday I want to establish a nonprofit for breast cancer and HIV awareness in urban areas. And have my own clothing line.”

Based on what she’s accomplished so far, there is no doubt Tarshena will make all of her goals a reality. She credits UM-Flint for its role in her efforts. Tarshena says, “There are so many resources here, it’s hard not to succeed.”