Meet the 2023 - 2024 President
Esther Ekundayo (Student Body President)
Esther Ekundayo is an International Graduate Student from London, United Kingdom.
Currently
taking on her 4th year in the USA, Esther is in the MBA Program, from the College
of Business,
and has a concentration in Human Resources. She recently graduated from Columbia College,
South Carolina in December of 2022 where she was an Resident’s Assistant, Cross-Country
and
Track and Field Scholarship Recipient, was part of the Honors Program, and studied
a BA in
Psychology with a Minor in Leadership Studies. Esther graduated Cum Laude with a 3.8
GPA
and believes that the combination of discipline, faith, and support from her school
is what
attributed to this success. Esther chose Winthrop University because of its academics,
diversity
and campus community. She aims to continue to create a sense of belonging for all
students,
whilst encouraging others to reach their full potential and make the most of the opportunities
the
university has to offer.
Meet the 2023 - 2024 Vice President
Rachel Griffith (Student Body Vice President)
Rachel Griffith is a senior from Columbia, South Carolina, pursuing a double major
in Mass
Communication and Social Work, with a minor in Marketing and a concentration in Broadcast.
Over the years, Rachel has been actively engaged in various leadership roles and activities
on
campus. She has dedicated three years to serving as a Resident Assistant, showing
her
commitment to fostering a positive residential experience for her fellow students.
Her leadership
extends to being the President of the Student Alumni Council and holding the esteemed
title of
Winthrop Homecoming Queen for the 2021-2022 academic year. Currently, Rachel takes
on the
roles of Peer Mentor, Winthrop Ambassador, and a member of the ICONIC Iota Phi Chapter
of
Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, Inc. Her involvement doesn't stop
here, as she
engages in several other endeavors aimed at enhancing campus life. You'll often find
Rachel
around campus, whether in the campus center, residence halls, or scholar’s walk, engaging
in
conversations with different individuals each time. She takes pride in being visible
to her fellow
students, actively building relationships to foster a strong sense of community. Rachel
looks
forward to continuing her active involvement while contributing to creating an inclusive,
engaging, and supportive campus environment that benefits all members of the community.
Sean Pennington (Secretary)
Sean is a Junior mathematics major with a minor in educational studies. He is from
Lexington,
SC. Sean has been an annual member on the Council since the fall of his freshman year.
Last
year he served as the Internal Committee Chair. He is very involved on Winthrop’s
campus as he
is a Close Scholar, Teaching Fellow, member of Pi Kappa Phi, the Vice President of
Greek
Relations on IFC, and has served as an Orientation Leader for the past two years.
He loves
Winthrop University and has a passion for serving others and inspiring future leaders.
Nerena Gause (Student Allocations Administrator)
Nerena Gause is a Junior Social Studies Education major from Loris, South Carolina.
Since her
freshman year, Nerena has been heavily involved in different organizations to serve
Winthrop's
community. She is a Teaching Fellow, Winthrop Ambassador, Resident Assistant, and
she served
as the Council of Student Leaders Representative for the Association of Ebonites last
year.
Nerena’s passion for education has allowed her to establish relationships with her
first year
residents as well as future eagles on campus tours. It is very common to see Nerena
in the dining
hall, residence halls, and campus center hanging with friends and socializing. Nerena
looks
forward to making a lasting impact and connection with the future leaders of Winthrop’s
campus
and giving back to the community she loves.
