Academy Leaders

Students are coached by academy leaders, who are upper-level students serving as positive role models, motivating, guiding, and supporting MLK scholars toward academic and social success as they navigate their educational experience at WMU.

Tier 1 Leader

Jazmine Grays

Hometown: Flint, Michigan
WMU email: jazmine.z.grays@wmich.edu 
Major: Business Leadership Strategies & Event Planning
Minor: Interior Architecture & Design
Year in school: Junior
Intended graduation date: Spring 2027
Clifton Strengths: Belief, Developer, Input, Futuristic, Harmony

I chose WMU because it is very diverse, student-driven, and has lots of communities that are meant to make Western feel like home. 

Tier 2 Leader

Srijani Basu

Hometown: Khulna, Bangladesh
WMU email: srijani.basu@wmich.edu 
Major: Computer Science
Year in school: Doctoral Student
Intended graduation date: Spring 2029
Clifton Strengths: Strategic, Learner, Futuristic, Individualization, Input

I chose WMU because I found good research opportunities that aligned with my interests.

Tier 3 Leader

Alexander Long                                   

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
WMU email: alexander.c.long@wmich.edu 
Major: Public Administration
Year in school: Master's Student
Intended graduation date: Spring 2026
Clifton Strengths: Input, Adaptability, Arranger, Intellection, Maximaizer

I chose WMU because it was close to home, yet far enough away. I also had a good biomedical sciences program.

Program Assistant

Keira Casey- Higgins                               

Hometown: Kalamazoo, Michigan
WMU email:  keira.a.casey-higgins@wmich.edu
Major: Social Work
Minor: Family Science
Year in school: Sophomore
Intended graduation date: Spring 2028
Clifton Strengths: Learner, Futuristic, Communication, Consistency, Analytical

I chose WMU because of the Kalamazoo Promise and other scholarships that I received.