Meet Isaiah Smart.
He came onto Valdosta State University’s campus grounds in August of 2010 and has made a significant difference on campus regarding organizations and helping his fellow colleagues. Knowing Isaiah Smart personally, he has definitely made some positive marks within my life and the lives around me without even graduating yet! With his involvement around campus via organizations (listed below), there’s no second-guessing why he is a “campus celebrity”. He has seen physical changes on campus grounds such as the tearing down of Converse Hall to make room for the present Psychology building, to the newly renovated Palms Quad. But there are three main changes that he would like to see to better our campus:
1. Better minority representation in faculty and staff. To do this, Isaiah believes we should “reestablish the Diversity Affairs Department in which they reinforce rules to make sure ALL minorities are included.”
2. Stronger school spirit. This could be achieved by “bigger collaborative efforts by diverse organizations and administration considering the student body more”.
3. More integration among the student body. “Collaborative efforts by diverse organizations and an enhanced care to talk to people that are not of our same ‘background’” is a way Isaiah believes this could be achieved.
When I asked Isaiah how he would like to be known on campus after he graduates, he left me with this statement: “I want to be known as an agent of change. Meaning I want people to know that when they hear me or see me I have a purpose and I am working towards something bigger for the people around me. I want to know that something I’ve done has paved the way for someone else within the next few years. I want to be known for my hard work, being genuine, and being selfless.”
Organizations:
Freshmen year: Brown hall counsel president- RHA, Deep release, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), BlazeFM 90.9- DJ, Emerging Leaders
Sophomore year: deep release, RA- Treasurer for RHA, Orientation Leader 2012, Treasurer for APO, BlazeFM 90.9- DJ, NAACP, Drop Out Society (DOS), Collegiate Men of Valdosta State University (CMVSU)
Junior year: APO – Membership Development Chair, CMVSU- Secretary, RA- Orientation Leader 2013, On Tap Magazine, Spectator, Student Government Association (SGA), National Residence Hall Honorary (NRHH), Media Arts Geniuses (MAG)
Senior Year: CMVSU Secretary, NAACP- employment and economic empowerment chair, SGA chief of staff, Spectator, MAG, Orientation leader 2014, APO