GSA Members
2025-2026 GSA EXECUTIVE BOARD
Executive Vice President: Manso Frimpong, fmanso@memphis.edu
Vice President of Student Engagement: Samuel Nii Kpakpo Brown, S.Brown@memphis.edu
2026-2027 GSA EXECUTIVE CANDIDATES
President:
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following question: "What motivates you to serve your fellow graduate students?"
Candidate 1: Carl Amadah
"A leader’s job is to bring out the strength that already exists in the people they serve. That is what motivates me to serve my fellow graduate students.My motivation comes from three places. I came to the University of Memphis from Ghana, and I know what it feels like to arrive in a new place, adjust to a new academic system, and figure out where to find support. I was fortunate to have people who answered my questions, pointed me to opportunities, and helped me find my footing. I want to be that person for others, and to build systems so that no student has to depend on luck to find the help they need.Graduate students at the University of Memphis are remarkable. We are researchers, teachers, parents, professionals, and international students balancing heavy workloads, often far from home. We are an army of lions. What we need is leadership that listens, communicates clearly, and follows through on what students raise. I am not seeking this role for a title. I am seeking it because I believe every graduate student deserves to feel informed, supported, and heard, and I am ready to do the work to make that happen."
Executive Vice President:
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following question: "What motivates you to serve your fellow graduate students?"
Candidate 1: Lena Ahmed
"As a first-generation college graduate, I know how crucial it is for kids to have access to opportunities and a supportive environment. I have had the good fortune to take part in groups and initiatives at the University of Memphis that have helped me advance academically, professionally, and personally. These encounters have inspired me to give back and encourage other students as they pursue their academic goals. I like getting to know new people, hearing about their stories, and figuring out how to change the world for the better. I want to serve as someone who listens, advocates for students, and helps create opportunities that allow everyone to feel valued and involved."
Candidate 2: Jessica Pratt
"My motivation stems from a deeply personal understanding of the isolation that often accompanies advanced academic pursuits, where scholars frequently lack local networks engaged in high-level research and specialized learning. I view these systemic challenges as an operational compass, directing my energy toward establishing intentional spaces for peer advocacy, cross-disciplinary networking, and sustained camaraderie. As a prospective three-time University of Memphis alumna, my dedication to our scholar community is rooted in institutional legacy and a commitment to ensuring every graduate student, regardless of learning modality, feels visible, valued, and empowered. By translating shared experiences into strategic action, I aim to dismantle academic silos and foster a unified, highly connected graduate ecosystem across campus."
Candidate 3: Kaya Phillips
"What motivates me to serve my fellow graduate students is my genuine commitment to seeing others succeed, feel supported, and recognize their full potential. As a doctoral student, I understand that graduate school requires dedication, resilience, and the ability to navigate challenges while balancing academic and personal responsibilities. I believe success should never be a journey that students have to navigate alone. I am motivated to help foster a community where graduate students feel connected, valued, represented, and empowered to pursue their goals. Through leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, I want to create opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships, access resources, and support one another beyond the classroom. I am not running for office simply to hold a position; I am running to make a difference. I want to be a voice for my fellow graduate students, a bridge between students and university leadership, and an advocate for a community where we do not just strive to succeed individually, but work together to succeed collectively."
Candidate 4: Ernest Morgan
"What motivates me is seeing how much a fair, well-run GSA Travel Funding process can change a student’s graduate experience. On the Funds Committee, I heard from students who were doing excellent work but were held back by timing and paperwork and helping them find solutions was the most rewarding part of my year. Serving in the General Assembly showed me that lasting change happens when student concerns are turned into policy. I want to be the person who makes sure every voice is heard, every proceeding is fair, and every graduate student, whatever their college or circumstances, has the support to succeed."
Candidate 5: Sharla Rahman
"I believe graduate school is not just about academic achievements but also about learning, growing, and supporting one another. Throughout my academic and research journey, I have realized how valuable mentorship, encouragement, and access to the right opportunities can be. This motivates me to give back to the graduate student community by helping create an environment where students feel heard, supported, and connected. I want my fellow graduate students to know that I am approachable and always willing to listen to their concerns, understand their challenges, and help them find the support they need. I would love to contribute to making the graduate school experience more rewarding and inclusive for everyone."
Candidate 6: Gerald Joyner
"What motivates me to serve my fellow graduate students is the opportunity to make a difference and help create the kind of academic community I wish I had been more involved in during my undergraduate years and previous graduate studies. Looking back, I wish I had taken greater advantage of opportunities to connect with other students, participate in campus activities, and become more involved in the academic community beyond the classroom. As I continue my doctoral journey, I recognize how valuable those connections and experiences can be, both personally and professionally."
Candidate 7: Md Habibur Rahman
"I am motivated by my passion for student leadership, academic collaboration, and helping others succeed. I want to ensure every graduate student feels supported, represented, and connected to meaningful opportunities."
Vice President, Student Engagement:
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following question: "What motivates you to serve your fellow graduate students?"
Candidate 1: Reni Erven
"What motivates me most to serve my fellow graduate students is the opportunity to advocate for others, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a community where everyone feels valued, supported, and included. Throughout my professional career in social services, I have developed a genuine passion for connecting people with resources, creating opportunities, and ensuring that every voice has a place at the table.I am motivated by the opportunity to help bridge that gap. I want to be a voice for my fellow graduate students, celebrate their accomplishments, and help create experiences that make their time at the University of Memphis both meaningful and memorable. To me, leadership is not simply about holding a position or having a title; it is about showing up, listening, and making a positive difference in the experiences of those around you."
Candidate 2: Chello Gardener
"Being in a unique position to accomplish something not many people have while inspiring undergraduate students to pursue graduate school."
Candidate 3: Bre'onna Aldridge
"What motivates me to serve my fellow graduate students is my passion for helping others, making a positive impact, and creating an environment where everyone feels supported and valued. I understand that graduate school can be challenging, and I believe having a strong support system can make a meaningful difference. I am motivated by the opportunity to advocate for my peers, encourage collaboration, and help ensure that every student’s voice is heard. Serving others allows me to lead with purpose, build meaningful connections, and contribute to a community where we can all grow, succeed, and inspire one another."
Candidate 4: Claudia-Ruthie Austin
"What motivates me to serve my fellow graduate students is the community aspect. Graduate school is difficult, and while our subject of study varies, we can all relate to one another, and that is something that needs constant attention and appreciation."
Secretary:
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following question: "What motivates you to serve your fellow graduate students?"
Candidate 1: Kiana Lane
Each candidate was asked to respond to the following question: "What motivates you to serve your fellow graduate students?"
"I am motivated by the belief that graduate students thrive when they feel supported, connected, and empowered to pursue opportunities beyond the classroom. Research experiences, conference travel, and meaningful mentorship can have a lasting impact on a student's academic journey and future career. I want to serve my fellow graduate students by helping make these experiences more accessible and ensuring students feel that their goals and needs are represented. Serving on this committee would allow me to contribute to a community where students can learn from one another, build connections, and grow as researchers and professionals."
Candidate 2: Mabel Dunyo
"I am motivated by the opportunity to connect students, strengthen our collective voice, and foster a more interactive and supportive graduate community. I believe meaningful engagement builds a stronger sense of belonging and creates opportunities for students to learn from and support one another."