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.
