Students honored as 'emerging leaders'

Michigan State University’s Black Faculty, Staff, and Administrators Association (BFSAA) recently hosted their eighth annual Outstanding Leaders Awards. Two BSN students, India Stubbs and Dajua Avery, were nominated and received the Emerging Leaders Award and Scholarship. 

The BFSAA aims to not only promote change for Black Faculty, staff, administrators, and students but to develop opportunities across all university environments and units and to promote academic success for Black students.

Students are nominated by Black employees at MSU for their leadership that influences and creates positive change for their unit, campus, or community wide. 

Stubbs was nominated by the Director of Student Affairs and College Registrar Krystal Owens. Stubbs made an impact at the College of Nursing’s Scholarship and Award Banquet, where her drive to succeed impressed Owens. 

“Stubbs drive to take control of her future and be successful inspired me. She is relentless in achieving her goals,” said Owens. “Stubbs showcased her tenacity to achieve by taking control of her academic success by finding resources on her own, finding scholarships to attend a study abroad in Ghana.”

For Stubbs, this award gives her motivation to continue her goal in providing equitable care for the Black community. 

“Receiving this award motivates me, being recognized by the community that I hope to serve someday,” said Stubbs.

Assistant Professor Rhonda Conner-Warren commented on Avery’s aim to provide pediatric care, particularly for children facing chronic health conditions.  

“During our Black Student Nursing Association session, I always inquire about members' aspirations as nurses. At one such session, Dajua shared her passions for pediatric care,” said Conner-Warren. “Dajua's pursuit of this opportunity reflects her commitment to grow as a student nurse. This was a suitable award to nominate her for after having several conversations regarding her educational and professional plans.” 

It renewed Avery’s faith in herself and reassured her nursing is her path. 

“The nomination came as a shock to me,” said Avery. “This not only gives me confidence in myself but reassures me that I am on the right path for my life.” 

Avery was nominated by clinical instructor Anne Kuzma. 

Krista Walker, the college’s assistant dean for college diversity, equity and inclusion said these efforts are focused not just on diversifying MSU’s student body, but also on recognizing future leaders poised to transform how we deliver equitable care.

“During a time of social change and persistent challenge in the diversification of the healthcare workforce, this award emphasizes the significance of CON’s initiatives to reach historically underrepresented students.” Walker said.