Westminster first-year and student athlete Teyvia S. (’29) is the student coordinator for Black Excellence, one of the six student identity groups on campus. Black Excellence provides a safe and comfortable space for students from all backgrounds on campus to express themselves and engage with African American culture and experiences. The goal of holding multiple events and programming in partnership with Student Engagement and Belonging (SEB) is to build community with other African American students while connecting through similar roots and experiences of people of all demographics.
When asked about the importance of Black Excellence, Teyvia highlighted the significance of a space dedicated to community and representation, providing all Westminster students with a safe environment to develop skills in advocacy.
“The value of having a group, such as Black Excellence, is bringing representation to Westminster and promoting a positive environment for our communities. It also creates a space for advocacy for our minority groups on campus. Black Excellence allows our student body to address concerns regarding our campus life and society, while symbolizing unity and activism.”
Tevyia started her role in January 2026. She was inspired to seek out a diversity coordinator position to better represent herself and others while attending a predominantly white institution.
“My first semester, as a first-year student gave me concerns regarding our diversity groups and how I can further contribute to them. I felt the need for there to be a leader in the Black Excellence group that represented and reflected the sentiments surrounding our experiences. I reached out to my advisors and arranged for an interview to do just that. In the past, I have been on the other end of this scenario, in which I have not been seen or heard by my place of education. I did not want this to be the case for students at Westminster. Residing in Utah, Westminster remains a predominantly white institution; however, we can still provide support for each of our students. I wanted to be able to be an advocate for myself, and others within our institution, while also sharing African American culture and contributions. Here, we have the ability to silence stigmas and reverse stereotypes in sharing the achievements that come from our heritage.”
Black Excellence has big plans for the rest of the semester, working to provide events that are both informative and engaging for Westminster’s student body. To celebrate Black History month this February, Teyvia coordinated an African American trivia night and Black History Month Gallery, which is located outside of the SEB/ASW Suite in Shaw Student Center through the end of the month. Future events that she has in mind include a movie night and a collaboration with fellow diversity group Raíces Unídas.
“I have been able to plan and orchestrate a Black History Month Gallery event in which our community can learn more about our past, as well as the present impacts of Black leaders in society. Through prizes and trivia, I was able to share a part of African American culture with our fellow peers and faculty. Along with celebrating Black History Month, Black Excellence is also involved in collaborating with our other diversity groups on campus, such as Raices Unidas with ‘Café y Pan’.”
For more information on how to get involved with Black Excellence, Teyvia encourages students to reach out to her at blackexcellence@westminsteru.edu or visit her during office hours in the SEB/ASW suite located in Shaw Student Center. To stay up to date with Black Excellence, follow westminsterseb on Instagram and frequently check student emails for notifications on upcoming events and programming.
–Violet C. ('26)
