I look forward to letting people know I am here for them, and their education, and am ready to advocate for changes we feel would be beneficial to our success.
When Imani Barbour, ’25, first arrived at Bridgewater State University she already had goals in place and an idea how to reach them. The ambitious freshman wanted to make a difference and opted to double major in social work and sociology.
“I entered college as an advocate,” said Imani, now a senior. “My majors are both heavily focused on the environment and about helping other people. I have dedicated my life in service of others.”
She jumped right into campus life, becoming president of BSU’s African American Society, a resident advisor, and eventual head resident assistant.
Her efforts working in resident life caught the attention of the department’s Director Justin McCauley, as well as Christina McCauley, executive director, Center for Student Engagement.
When President Frederick W. Clark Jr. enlisted the support of Student Life to nominate potential student-representatives to the state’s Board of Higher Education, Imani was one of the first who came to mind.
“We asked colleagues to provide suggestions on who they felt would be a good candidate and Imani was one of those considered,” Christina said.
Upon being nominated, Imani was quick to respond.
“I love doing anything that gets my voice heard on issues I see happening all around us,” she said. “Hearing that (people) thought I was a good candidate to represent state colleges and universities on a large scale felt empowering.”
Imani applied and went through the interview process and last semester learned that she was selected to serve as a student member on the Board of Higher Education.
“I was extremely nervous...but when they said, ‘Congratulations!’ I just smiled from ear to ear,” she said. “I kept saying thank you and that I look forward to beginning this project with them.”
Imani began her term July 1; it extends through the end of May, when the next student-representatives are selected.
As a student member, she looks forward to learning how the board does its work regarding the rules and regulations within higher education. She will serve in an advisory role on the board and attend its Student Advisory Council meetings.
“I look forward to letting people know I am here for them, and their education, and am ready to advocate for changes we feel would be beneficial to our success,” Imani said. “If I can make one person feel seen or understood, I know I did the job I came to do. This position provides an opportunity do that.”
Students can reach out to Imani with questions or concerns by emailing ibarbour@student.bridgew.edu.
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