Academic Trailblazer: 22-Year-Old Brittany Reave Makes History with Dual Degree in Law and Master's
22-year-old Brittany Reave has etched her name in the annals of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) history as the first student to simultaneously earn a master's degree and graduate as a lawyer. Brittany's exceptional accomplishment stems from her dedication, overcoming age-related challenges, and realizing her dream at NCCU.
Okoro David Emeka 
In a groundbreaking achievement, 22-year-old Brittany Reave has etched her name in the annals of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) history as the first student to simultaneously earn a master's degree and graduate as a lawyer. Brittany's exceptional accomplishment stems from her dedication, overcoming age-related challenges, and realizing her dream at NCCU.
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Brittany's journey began with a stellar academic record from high school, where she accumulated 86 college credits by the age of 17, graduating from Cumberland International Early College High School. Her passion for the law led her to pursue a degree in history at Fayetteville State University, with the ultimate goal of attending law school. However, her youth posed a challenge as many schools hesitated to admit an 18-year-old.
"When it was time for me to start picking schools, a lot of people were hesitant about taking 18-year-olds," Brittany explained. Despite impressive credentials, the obstacle of age hindered her acceptance into several law schools. Undeterred, Brittany persisted, drawing inspiration from legal practitioners who were NCCU alumni and had mentored her since the age of 12.
An encounter with an NCCU School of Law Admissions staff member at a conference in Miami proved to be a turning point. "I was really scared to let him know my age based on the negative feedback I’d received. However, after I shared my age, he responded that ‘I think you will do great at NCCU; you just need a certain level of support,'" she recounted. Brittany's fears were allayed, and she was accepted within three weeks of submitting her application.
Brittany credited NCCU for transforming her both personally and professionally, providing the support she needed as the first lawyer in her family. Inspired by her father, an Army veteran, and her experiences at the NCCU School of Law’s Veterans Clinic, Brittany is committed to assisting veterans with benefit and discharge issues.
Expressing her gratitude, Brittany said, "Just hearing him say that really let me know right away that I would be going to [NCCU]. He believed I was capable of being successful at the school." Looking ahead, she aspires to become a legal historian and hopes to teach constitutional law at a university.
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Brittany Reave's journey serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scholars, demonstrating that determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment can overcome challenges and pave the way for historic achievements in academia.
