On Feb. 6-8, five of Clemson’s accomplished students are traveling to Virginia Tech for the annual ACC Leadership Symposium, where they will participate in a weekend full of unique leadership experiences and professional activities alongside delegates from 17 other universities. This year’s theme — “Grounded in Growth, Strengthened Through Change” — is designed to build each student’s understanding of their individual leadership identity, helping them to meet change head on with adaptability and resilience.
This year’s trip will be led by Kate Radford, executive director of the Center for Student Leadership and Engagement (CSLE), who is confident the experience will be a memorable one for all involved.
“The ACC is such a unique conference — we have delegations coming from all over the country now, so there are both similarities and massive differences within this set of attendees,” she says. “It will be a great opportunity for our students to be surrounded by others who are committed to leadership, who want to grow as leaders, who are leaders on their campuses, and who can provide valuable leadership insight from outside of Clemson University.”
Caleah Christian
- Sophomore
- Middle Level Education with a Social Studies and English emphasis
- Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
- Residential Community Mentor in Calhoun Courts
- Mentor in the CONNECTIONS Living-Learning Community
- Vice President of Women Who Worship
- Chaplain for Clemson Gospel Choir
Christian was especially drawn to the first half of this year’s themed title. “Being able to grow and not stay stagnant is something that I hold dear to me, and I’m excited to see how I can develop further through this symposium. I plan to take what I learn and apply it in a very intentional and disciplined way, both back at Clemson and beyond,” she says.
After graduating in May 2028, Christian aims to begin her career as a teacher, where she will instruct early adolescents in the social studies and English disciplines.
Kristen Evans
- Freshman
- Biochemistry with a Women’s Leadership minor
- Cleveland, Ohio
- Student Organization Consultant for CSLE
- Member of the Clemson University Honors College
- Honors Action Scholar
- Member of the Educational Sessions Committee for the 2026 Women in Leadership Conference
As a freshman, Evans was quick to seize the opportunity of attending the symposium, among many other new experiences on campus. “Right now, I am just wanting to get involved in anything that interests me, and the ACC Leadership Symposium is intriguing because it goes beyond Clemson. I am excited to both expand my network and just get to know this smaller cohort of Clemson students over the course of the weekend.”
Evans will graduate in May 2029, after which she plans to attend medical school to prepare her for a career in the health field.
Myers Gaston
- Junior
- Management and Data Analytics
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Leadership Consultant in CSLE
- Chief Delegate for the Council of College Student Leaders
- Founder and President of Clemson Med-Tech Society
- Vice President of Management Student Advisory Board
- Member of Alpha Tau Omega
Gaston is eagerly anticipating the personal growth the weekend will bring. “I never even thought I was going to end up at Clemson for college, so I have been embodying change since I arrived here,” he says. “My work with student representatives on campus has significantly helped shape my understanding of being a leader, and I am looking forward to deepening this understanding as I expand my network of like-minded peers beyond this University.”
After graduation in May 2027, Gaston plans to pursue a career in healthcare and life sciences consulting.
Jada Poindexter
- Sophomore
- Criminal Justice with a Philosophy minor and a Legal emphasis
- Long Island, New York
- Clemson Honors College Ambassador
- Public Relations and Social Media Ambassador for National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
- Former Welcome Week Leader
Poindexter has a strong leadership background, but she still believes there is room for her to develop further, and the ACC Leadership Symposium is the perfect place to do so. “I’ve always attended leadership camps, but this is one of the top leadership experiences I can get. I’m always committed to learning and becoming a stronger leader, but the foundation of that is knowing my values and my purpose. This opportunity gives me a space to do that.”
Following graduation in May 2028, Poindexter plans to attend law school and become a defense attorney.
Caroline Ruby
- Junior
- Biology major with a Psychology minor
- Mooresville, North Carolina
- Member of Clemson Honors College
- Former Vice President and Current Secretary of Tigers PA Club
- Academic tutor for student-athletes at the Nieri Center
- Thomas F. Chapman Leadership Scholar
- Member of Chi Omega
Ruby’s initial interest in this opportunity was inspired by her friend, Luther Bells, who was one of last year’s student attendees and praised the experience very highly. When she saw the theme for this year, her decision was made. “Change is the one thing that propels me forward in life and offers me so many new opportunities. For this reason, the concept of ‘Grounded in Growth, Strengthened Through Change’ really stuck out to me, and I am excited to make connections and hear all of the different perspectives on these topics from students just like me.”
Ruby will be graduating this May and enrolling in PA school to begin her path to the health field.
