COB students lead during the Black Student Success Summit

Getting involved and applying what students learn in the classroom is part of the College of Business’s formula for student success. Several COB undergraduate and graduate students did just that during the fourth annual Black Student Success Summit.  

“Getting involved in planning events like this helps students build administrative and professional skills and serves as a great resume builder,” said Semaj Solomon, a senior management student. “Professionals don’t always have the same experiences or interests that students have, so when students participate in the process, they bring ideas that represent the current student body.” 

Solomon was the chair of the BSSS’s marketing and communications committee. She said she wanted to be involved because she participated in the summit during her freshman year at ECU. Back then, she said she felt empowered and made many connections after that first summit.  

“It had such a huge impact on me, and I wanted others to experience that as well,” Solomon said. 

Over 200 attendees took part in the Black Student Success Summit this year. Student leaders coordinated speakers, panelists and food and encouraged attendance. Solomon said there were some tough moments, but seeing the summit come together was a blessing. 

“It strengthened my leadership skills,” she said. “I had to lead and delegate tasks, and as someone who plans to become a marketing manager, this aligns perfectly with my career goals.” 

Immersive MBA student Cameron Britton also spent months helping to plan the summit. He had the opportunity to be a panelist for one of the sessions. He said several students have told him how much they appreciated his message during the BSSS. 

“My experience was amazing,” Britton said. “It feels good to know that I impacted others.” 

The Black Student Success Summit brought together students, faculty, staff, alumni and community leaders. Britton said the speakers were engaging and led interactive conversations that formed into meaningful connections. The networking aspect is also key to the COB’s formula for success. Britton is encouraged. 

“The students were not just represented, but intentionally supported, celebrated and invested in,” Britton said. “Community is everything. ECU’s ability to create events that promote community leads to both student and career success.”