Leaders

Participants are coached by academy leaders, upper-level students who serve as positive role models and guide them toward academic and social success as they navigate through their educational experience at WMU.

Academy Leaders

Amyre Dennis

Tier: Fourth tier 
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich.
WMU email: amyre.r.dennis@wmich.edu 
Program: organizational change leadership
Year in school: graduate
Intended graduation date: fall 2022
A little about myself: I graduated from WMU in 2018 with a bachelor's degree in global and international studies. I really enjoy traveling and learning about different cultures. My first job out of college was teaching Englishin Lampang, Thailand. I am now a graduate student at WMU in organizational change leadership.

Michon Jenkins

Tier: Second tier 
Hometown: West Bloomfield, Mich.
WMU email: michon.l.jenkinsmuhammad@wmich.edu 
Majors: music therapy and behavioral psychology
Year in school: junior
Intended graduation date: fall 2023
A little about myself: I have a passion for helping people of all ages reach their greatest potential. Coupled with my love for music, my goal is to become a music therapist for those with special needs. Outside of school I love to read, spend time with my family and friends, and cook/bake. I hope that I can inspire those around me and help them reach their goals.

Priscilla Pinchem

Tier: Second tier 
Hometown: Carleton, Mich.
WMU email: priscilla.c.pinchem@wmich.edu 
Major: sociology
Minor: Spanish
Year in school: senior
Intended graduation date: fall 2021
A little about myself: In the spring 2020 semester, I worked as a teaching assistant for social psychology. I loved being a TA and wanted to work in a position that would enable me to help students succeed. On campus, I’m involved in Sociology Club and Wesley Church. I love meeting new people and I enjoy reading, listening to music, and watching movies and anime. My favorite food is chocolate chip cookies and I’m currently learning to knit (with limited success).

Nishant Sapkota

Tier: First tier 
Hometown: Kalamazoo, Mich.
WMU email: sapkota.nishant@wmich.edu 
Majors: computer science and data science
Year in school: junior
Intended graduation date: spring 2023
A little about myself: My hobbies are watching Netflix and listening to music. I also like to explore around the places here in Kalamazoo on my bike.

Audriana Skonecki

Tier: Third tier 
Hometown: Caledonia, Mich.
WMU email: audriana.i.skonecki@wmich.edu 
Major: biomedical sciences
Minors: chemistry and anthropology
Year in school: senior
Intended graduation date: fall 2021
A little about myself: I am a fifth-year student and have been at Western since 2017. I was a recipient of the MLK G.O.L.D. Scholarship and a part of the MLK Academy. I love to be with family and friends during my free time, traveling, being outside, cooking, and just having a great time. A fun fact is that I will never say no to an iced coffee!  Even though this is my last semester before graduation, I plan to take a gap year and continue working within Multicultural Affairs for Students and at a veterinary hospital. I will start my veterinary application in the new year and gain more experience!

Luther Westcott

Tier: First tier 
Hometown: Manchester, Mich.
WMU email: luther.m.westcott@wmich.edu 
Majors: finance and leadership business strategy
Year in school: junior
Intended graduation date: spring 2023
A little about myself: I love doing all sorts of things but my main hobbies include: going on hikes, working out, making music, traveling, attending concerts, etc. I grew up in a family of five siblings, a dog, and two cats. I love food and enjoy cooking it as well. My favorite band is Tame Impala and I’m more than open to you sending me your music playlist!