Academy Leaders

Students are coached by academy leaders who are upper-level students who serve as positive role models to motivate, guide, and support MLK scholars toward academic and social success as they navigate their educational experience at WMU.

Tier 1 Leaders

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. 

Seanluke Bender

Hometown: Harbor Beach, Michigan
WMU email: seanluke.w.bender@wmich.edu 
Major: Supply Chain Management
Minor: Business Analytics
Year in school: Senior
Intended graduation date: Spring 2026
Clifton Strengths: Significance, WOO, Communication, Individualization, Achiever

I chose WMU because of the Seita Scholar organization and community, my 2nd family and closest ally on campus.

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.