Columbus State University President Stuart Rayfield has selected her newest cohort of Presidential Fellows for the 2026-27 academic year, tapping a cross-section of students and employees to serve as direct channels to university leadership. The fellows gather open feedback from peers and colleagues to help identify campus challenges and streamline processes.
2026-27 Presidential Fellows Roster
The program brings together faculty, staff, and students from various departments across the university. The selected cohort for the 2026-27 academic year includes:
- Dr. Benjamin Baker, associate professor, Department of Strategic Communication, Media & Film
- JB Belle II, senior, Earth and space science
- Jayde Colson, junior, management
- Masiah Jones, junior, robotics engineering
- Whit Gaines, head of library systems and eResources, Columbus State Libraries
- Yvette Maxwell, academic success coach, Center for Academic Coaching
- Lisa Nixon, executive assistant, Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs
- Nathariya Phimsoutham, sophomore, criminal justice
- Dr. Lydia Ray, professor, TSYS School of Computer Science
- Dr. Markus Weidler, associate professor, Department of History, Geography & Philosophy
- Dr. Steven Wright, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, associate professor of counseling education, Department of Teacher Education, Leadership & Counseling
- Devin Yerkins, student account specialist, Student Account Services
Program Objectives and Servant Leadership
Established during the 2024-05 academic year, the Presidential Fellows program operates as the eyes and ears of university administration. Fellows focus on suggesting ways to enhance the daily study and work experience at Columbus State while practicing servant leadership.
“Fellows broaden our reach to all corners of the university by gathering open and honest feedback from their classmates and peers about what it’s like to study and work at Columbus State,” Rayfield stated regarding the initiative.
Previous Initiatives and Campus Impact
Rayfield noted that the fellowship model has already produced concrete operational changes since its inception. Past cohorts have driven several campus initiatives aimed at transparency and community building, including:
- Creating a Campus Leadership Council to build leadership-level awareness.
- Hosting presidential town halls for open dialogue.
- Authoring monthly email updates to strengthen campuswide communication with students and employees.
- Planning events focused on improving civil discourse throughout the university.
These efforts have expanded opportunities, removed barriers, and streamlined institutional processes for both students and employees, according to university leadership.
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