Academy Leaders and Staff

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: Senior
Intended graduation date: Spring 2027
Clifton Strengths: Strategic, Futuristic, Input, Connectedness, Communication

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

Keira Casey-Higgins

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

I chose Western Michigan University because of the opportunities, resources, and support that were available to me. The academic scholarships I received made college more affordable and showed me that my hard work was recognized. Being a Kalamazoo Promise Scholar and having access to programs like Seita Scholars also gave me additional support and opportunities to grow. Most importantly, WMU felt like a home away from home. I felt welcomed, supported, and surrounded by a community that genuinely wanted to see me succeed. 

Tier 3 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.

Graduate Assistant/ Tier 1 Leader

Malitta Dillard                    

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
WMU email: malitta.m.dillard@wmich.edu 
Major: Higher Education Student Affairs
Year in school: Master's Student
Intended graduation date: Spring 2027
Clifton Strengths: Input, Adaptability, Arranger, Intellection, Maximizer

I chose WMU for its opportunities and resources.

Program Assistant

A'Miah Winston                           

Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
WMU email:  amiah.j.winston@wmich.edu
Major: Arts Administration
Year in school: Senior
Intended graduation date: Spring 2027
Clifton Strengths: Arranger, Relator, Activator, Responsibility, Empathy

I chose WMU because I was drawn to the space and the opportunity to grow. I appreciated the faculty and the experiential learning opportunities.

Student Engagement Ambassador

Khloe Prince                          

Hometown: Lansing, Michigan
WMU email:  khloe.m.prince@wmich.edu
Major: Public & Nonprofit Administration
Minor: Sociology, Geographic Information Science
Year in school: Senior
Intended graduation date: Spring 2027
Clifton Strengths: Strategic, Restorative, Command, Connectedness, Relator

I chose WMU because the campus felt like home the first time I visited.