There’s nothing easy about leadership. Tough decisions, doubt and criticism are all familiar companions. Leading during a pandemic or during revolution or unrest adds another level of complexity. These students have chosen to lead in spite of the challenges. Some are working within established organizations and long-celebrated channels (Campus Union or the Old Gold and Black student newspaper). Others have recognized a need and have chartered their own student organizations (the Wofford Anti-Racism Coalition or the COVID-19 Student Response Team). They’re leading as they learn and learning as they lead and setting an example that even those with much more experience can learn from … exactly what you’d expect from Wofford Terriers!
Old Gold and Black editors
Eyon Brown ’21
Jacob Hollifield ’21
Allison Sherman ’21
“To me, leadership is not always so much about how much you say, but how much you do, how present you are, and knowing when to lead and when to follow someone else.”
“Being a student leader through the Old Gold and Black means taking responsibility for unheard voices and using a 100% student-led platform to amplify them. Since 1915, the Old Gold and Black has operated as a megaphone that we pass around campus, Spartanburg and — sometimes — the world. Because I am responsible for carrying this baton for a short time, I lead objectively, openly and creatively to produce — with the help of a phenomenal staff — a publication for the entire Wofford community.
Original members of the COVID-19 Student Response Team
Megan Leonard ’21
Dieran McGowan ’21
Elena Pulanco ’22
“To be a student leader during COVID-19 is to advocate for your peers, to listen well to school and health officials and to be mindful of the impact each individual decision has on the greater Wofford and Spartanburg communities. … Leadership to me is serving others with the common good of the community in mind, living with integrity and listening intently to community members.”
Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion student researchers
Ansley Hardeman ’22
Sandra Lopez ’21
Hector Ortiz ’22
Marcus Reid ’21
Julie Rodrick ’24
Sam Smith ’23
Jay Stevens ’22
Delaney Walden ’21
Jeffery Woodward ’22
“Leadership is being able to transform ideas into a vision by utilizing the strengths of each on the team.”
“Working with JEDI, I have been able to get a better understanding of leadership. Leaders readily inspire others, and at JEDI, professors like Dr. Christine Dinkins make it clear that we are all trying to pursue a more inclusive and equitable Wofford. Because of this inspiration, we are all willing to put in this work and strive to make sure that the voices of all students get listened to.”
“Leadership to me means taking an active role in creating or advancing ideas, whether they be social, political or artistic. Through JEDI I am proud to be taking an active role in that driving force for a more inclusive and equitable community at Wofford and the greater Spartanburg area.”
“Leadership is stepping up and working with others to create a more equitable and inclusive community. While this work is often difficult, it is necessary and requires a team rather than individuals alone.”
“To me leadership is about making the people around you better. Leadership does not require a title, but rather a desire to bring out the best in each situation and person you encounter. Most people see leadership as having power and control, but I believe strongly in servant leadership, in which I am on the same level, doing the same (if not more) work as those that I am leading, providing direction from any position in which I may find myself. Leadership is a daily commitment to achieving goals that are not solely self-serving.”
Entrepreneurs and innovators
Grace Gehlken ’22
Jeremiah Kubilus ’22
Savannah Talledo ’21
“Leadership in business to me is figuring out how to empower others by encouraging them to use their skills and strengths in order to create a product that will ultimately make the world a better place. I believe that just as we all have unique skills and strengths, we are all leaders in our own unique way and have a lot to learn from each other.”
“When those you’re leading know that you care greatly about them, honest and occasionally tough communication streams can open and progress can be made.”
“Leadership to me is all about communication with the goal of executing a creative vision in a collaborative manner. Having the opportunity to be a member of the LAUNCH community has fostered a nurturing community where I can learn to exercise my leadership abilities in an entrepreneurial setting. I am so grateful for all of the opportunities and learning experiences this program has afforded me during my four years at Wofford.”
Campus Union student government
Thomas Cuttino ’23
Dylan Goshorn ’23
Tyrus Peoples ’21
Drew Reynolds ’21
“I have always believed that the best way to lead is to serve.”
“Being a good leader requires balance. Balancing leading a discussion with hearing the voices of others. Balancing social life with duties and responsibilities. Balancing taking responsibility and allocating tasks. Balancing incorporating new thought processes without compromising your values. Leading by example is important, but good leaders are able to balance their lives in a way that they do not get overwhelmed by the challenges they face each day.”
Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)
Henry Lesesne ’21
Eleni Ouzts ’21
Elizabeth Thomas ’21
“Leadership is the art of guiding a collective toward a fundamentally good and worthy goal. There are today and have been in the past those who can influence or manipulate a group for some purpose; however, true leadership requires that this purpose be moral.”
Wofford on Call
Morgan Locke ’21
Abbey Winslow ’21
“Leadership is about being part of a team. You don't always need to be in charge to be a leader. Instead, you should be judging what a team needs from you at any given point and trying to contribute in the most beneficial way.”
Sustainability
Sarah Peak ’22
“I believe that we need leaders who are passionate and will be driven to make a change. On campus, my passion for sustainability has led me to become a leader in working to make Wofford a more sustainable community. In order to make a change, we need leaders who will fight for what they believe, and for me, I believe that we have a responsibility to take care of the environment.”
Wofford Anti-Racism Coalition
Jurnee Jones ’21
Margaret Roach ’21
Destiny Shippy ’22
Naya Taylor ’21
“Being a leader means answering a call from within to take action and having the resolve to see it through. A leader has the ability to recognize people who can offer their experiences and skills in service of a vision that may have begun individually, but that grows collectively. Leadership, like nearly everything in this world, does not work alone."
“I firmly believe that as a leader, I have a duty to be critical, when necessary, of Wofford as an institution as well as to be vocal about issues students face to strive for a more just Wofford and world.”
“Leadership to me is about being a visible and vocal ally. Creating spaces where people can be their authentic selves and allowing room for improvement. Leadership to me is leading by example and with compassion. Hearing all sides and putting your opinions aside to lead and serve as best as you can.”
“The ascendancy of good over evil is not easy. It requires leadership that is steadfast and persistent in knocking down doors.”
Managers of the James-Atkins Investment Fund
Maggie Adcock ’21
Ashlyn Chester ’23
John Fisher ’21
Grayson T. Loftis ’21
“I have really enjoyed being a part of the James-Atkins Fund, and leading it this year has given me the privilege to see firsthand all of the hard work that the portfolio managers and research associates put in to make the fund successful. Seeing all of their hard work and collaboration come to fruition at each meeting is one of the best parts of this position. I am also thankful for Dr. Philip Swicegood's constant wisdom and guidance, which has given me the opportunity to enhance my learning and sharpen my leadership skills throughout this unique semester.”
“It has been such a fulfilling experience to lead the alternative investments team for the James-Atkins Fund. To me, leadership is going out of your way to build confidence and encourage your team, raise a peer's performance beyond what they believed they were capable of and humbly serve. The solidarity and resilience of my team this year have surpassed any expectation I could have had, and it sincerely has been an outstanding experience.”
“Don’t try to connect all the dots looking forward. Follow your gut, and then you will connect them looking backward.”
Student Marketing Team
Ryana Privott ’24
Arnise Wright ’24
“Leadership is about being able to actively listen, then putting forth effort to make meaningful changes in the lives of others. It is about being able to be empathetic. Even though a situation may not directly affect you, it is important to understand that it still deserves your attention. When necessary, leaders are also able to be followers.”
“As a first-year student at Wofford College, the Student Marketing Team helped me continue my work in leadership. I have always been the type of person to volunteer or help organize events. My daily quote is, ‘You will never influence the world by trying to be like it.’ I live by this quote because it reminds me that the only way to leave a positive impact is not by following the public, but by leading them in the right direction. Being a part of the Student Marketing Team has allowed me to express my opinions that will promote the college in a positive light to our prospective students, current students and alumni.”
International programs global ambassadors
Isaiah Franco ’23
Jordan Holmes ’21
“In high school, there was an organization that constantly spread the message, ‘If not me, then who?’ While I did not get the chance to participate, this quote has been so important to me since. For me, leadership is taking on the responsibilities that others avoid. These responsibilities that at first seem so daunting can be chipped away after starting, because if one person takes the lead, others are sure to follow.
“Effective leadership involves listening to others more than wanting people to listen to you.”
Student Athlete Advisory Council
Karen Majewski ’22
T.J. Neal ’22
Elena Pulanco ’22
Kelsey Thompson ’21
Alexis Tomlin ’22
“I think being a leader is an important skill I have developed as a student-athlete, however, I have learned there are different types of leaders, and sometimes being the most vocal or the best skilled on the team doesn't make you a leader. Leading by example, being the best person you can be and setting the standard for others is the best way to lead those around you. If you are putting out positive energy on and off the field, others will follow."
“Being a leader doesn’t mean you have to be the most outspoken. It’s all about being available to the people when in need.”
“Being a leader means advocating for those around you. Whether your actions are big or small, it's about ‘working with’ toward change to better the experience for all.”
“Leadership means personally setting a good example so that I positively impact and motivate my teammates to accomplish a common goal. It’s about setting a common standard of performance and ensuring that each and every one of my teammates lives up to our common goal.”
“For me, leadership is about being in tune with those around you and being adamant in your representation of your fellow students by voicing their concerns and needs. Ultimately, our job as a student leader is to strive to make the Wofford experience better for everyone on campus.”
Bonner Scholar leadership team
Marissa Barrera ’21
Olivia Free ’22
Brandon Molina ’22
“As a Bonner Scholar, being a leader is being a bridge builder within the Wofford community and the Spartanburg community. Both of these communities have so much to offer, and a more sustainable environment for all can arise if the relationship is healthy. This is the motivation behind my work in the community."
By Jo Ann Mitchell Brasington ’89