SC State student leaders exchange ideas with HBCU peers at MEAC Leadership Symposium

ORANGEBURG, S.C. – Four South Carolina State University student leaders recently brainstormed with their peers from other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to hone their leadership acumen.

Trelyn Brown, a member of SC State’s Campus Activities Board; Acacia Pippin, Miss Freshman; Sheridan Tucker-Staley, sophomore class business manager; and Habeniom Woldabyezgi, Mister Freshman, represented SC State at the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference’s (MEAC) recent Dennis E. Thomas Student Leadership Symposium in Norfolk, Virginia.

“One of the most engaged sessions included a financial literacy forum hosted by Wells Fargo which taught us about the importance of financial education, especially as African American HBCU students,” Brown said. “I've also gotten closer with my peers and made new friends along the way as we discussed student leadership experiences and ideas for the upcoming school year.

“Being surrounded with other HBCU students was heartwarming and fun because it shows that we have what it takes to make a change not only in our campus but in surrounding communities and possibly in the world,” Brown said.

Pippin said the symposium boosted her confidence.

“Being a freshman, this trip was very beneficial to me. I got to meet some of the top people in MEAC that inspired me to work harder and be greater in all I do,” she said. “I gathered a lot of inspiring words from the speakers about what it is to be a leader as well as how to fulfill my role as a student leader here on campus.

“I gained a better mentality about what it means to be a benefiting leader and not just hold the title. I feel like I can help those on campus who may have concerns, and I can make an impact and ensure that I do the best I can to fix that concern,” she said.

Woldabyezgi was grateful for the opportunity to travel to Virginia, showcase Bulldog pride at the conference and connect with peers.

“It further deepened a bond with the students who attended the trip with me, fostering a new level of friendship amongst us,” he said. “Not only that, we were afforded the opportunity to build connections with other student leaders as we shared event ideas, collaborative thoughts, and held an open space for each other as we talked about traditions and collegiate upbringing at our respective HBCUs.”

Tucker-Staley particularly 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.