Emanya Roach '26

She led her fellow Winthrop University peers as president of the Student Government Association; led through acts of service as a Close Scholar; led voices as treasurer of the Vision of Prayze Gospel Choir.

Now she'll lead the next generation as a first-grade teacher in Ridgeway. 

A native of Columbia, South Carolina, Emanya Roach '26 walked across the Coliseum stage in May with her job lined up and an elementary education degree in hand.

She originally chose Winthrop for its strong reputation for education, but the "it factor" for her? The sense of community.

"Before I was even admitted, I received a handwritten birthday card from the university," she said. "That small gesture made me feel valued and showed me that Winthrop genuinely cared about its students."

She continued: "As a first-generation college student, Winthrop has given me so much and played a huge role in my growth. From my very first campus tour, it felt like a second home. As I continue forward, I will carry with me the meaningful connections, leadership skills, and knowledge I’ve gained here. My advice to future Eagles is to take advantage of every opportunity. It can be easy to stay in your room, I’ve been there, but college goes by faster than you think. Step out, get involved and make it count!"

Roach definitely followed her own advice. While she had already served as a peer mentor, peer coach and ambassador for the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport & Human Sciences, she wanted to make an even bigger difference.

"I felt I had been actively involved on Winthrop’s campus, but I needed more," she explained. "When I found out about the Close Scholars program, I knew that service was what I was missing and that I had to be a part of it. ...I think it’s important to be a servant leader because being a leader is not just about being in charge. A good leader has empathy and compassion and does what’s needed for the betterment of the group."

Roach also took on the role of Student Government Association president, leading her fellow student body of more than 4,000 students.

"As Student Government Association President, I am most proud of helping build trust between SGA and the student body," she said. "I wanted students to see us as more than a group of students in business attire. We were there to advocate for them, create meaningful opportunities for connection, and make sure every student felt heard and represented."