rounding communities and that I do the best I can to fix possibly in the world,” Brown that concern,” she said.
said. Woldabyezgi was grateful Pippin said the sympo- for the opportunity to travel to sium boosted her confidence. Virginia, showcase Bulldog “Being a freshman, this pride at the conference and trip was very beneficial to me. connect with peers.
I got to meet some of the top “It further deepened a people in MEAC that inspired bond with the students who me to work harder and be attended the trip with me, fosgreater in all I do,” she said. tering a new level of friendship “I gathered a lot of inspiring amongst us,” he said. “Not words from the speakers about only that, we were afforded the what it is to be a leader as well opportunity to build connecas how to fulfill my role as a tions with other student leadstudent leader here on campus. ers as we shared event ideas, “I gained a better mental- collaborative thoughts, and ity about what it means to be a held an open space for each benefiting leader and not just other as we talked about tradihold the title. I feel like I can tions and collegiate upbringhelp those on campus who ing at our respective HBCUs.”
may have concerns, and I can Tucker-Staley particumake an impact and ensure larly appreciated the informal
sessions, which fostered a collaborative and open environment.
“The symposium offered much more than just traditional lectures or seminars. The informal format of the sessions created a unique platform for active participation, enabling attendees to connect on a deeper level and engage in reflective dialogue about leadership,” Tucker-Staley said. “I left the event with a greater understanding of leadership principles, both in a professional and personal context, and I am eager to apply the knowledge gained to my future endeavors.”
The Dennis E. Thomas Student Leadership Symposium is held each year in conjunction with the MEAC Basketball Tournament. The initiative was established by the MEAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors, and it is named after former MEAC Commissioner Dr. Dennis E. Thomas, who led the conference from 2002 until his retirement in 2021.
The SC State Office of Student Life & Leadership coordinated the students’ trip to the symposium. For more information about student leadership opportunities at SC State, visit www.scsu.edu/ campus-life.
