By Jeannine Francis-Brown, Director of Presidential Communications & Special Projects
There is so much I could say about Trevincia, Kierra, and R’Daejah, our first cohort of the Presidential Scholars Program, and the impact they have had on this university and on me. Over the past academic year, it has been a true pleasure to get to know them, work alongside them, and support their growth. From engaging in meaningful assignments to navigating real challenges and approaching their work with purpose, I had the opportunity to coach and mentor them as they developed into confident, capable emerging leaders.
Developing this program for the President was a labor of love and a long-standing personal goal. I set out to create the kind of experience I would have valued as a student, one grounded in real exposure, real responsibility, critical thinking, and intentional guidance.
Watching each scholar grow has been one of the highlights of my year. Their contributions to the Office of the President have been meaningful, and their impact on UVI is lasting. I look forward to seeing how they will make their mark on the world, because if this year is any indication, their impact will be significant.
Trevincia Browne
“My time as a Presidential Scholar at the University of the Virgin Islands has been a truly well-rounded experience. It gave me the opportunity not only to grow as a leader, but also to gain valuable experience in my field of study, accounting.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my experience was serving as an ambassador for UVI in the Office of the President.
In this role, I represented the university at key events and engaged with distinguished leaders, including members of government and the Board of Trustees. Being placed in these spaces gave me great exposure and showed me the level of responsibility that comes with leadership.
In addition, I gained hands-on professional experience by working within the President’s Office, including alongside the Internal Auditor, as well as working with the university’s Chief Financial Officer. These experiences allowed me to apply what I’ve learned in the classroom to real-world settings, and further prepared me for my future career in accounting.
Beyond my role as a Presidential Scholar, UVI as a whole has played a significant role in shaping who I am. Over the past two years, I have grown in leadership, confidence, and discipline. I have learned how to balance multiple responsibilities, take initiative, and make the most of every opportunity presented to me.
To the incoming cohort, my advice is simple: take full advantage of every opportunity, even those that push you outside of your comfort zone. The experiences that challenge you the most are often the ones that help you grow the most.
As I prepare to graduate magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, I am grateful for the foundation UVI has given me. I plan to pursue my master’s degree in accounting this fall as I continue working toward becoming a Certified Public Accountant. My time at UVI has not only prepared me academically, but has also given me the foundation to move forward with confidence and a clear sense of purpose.”
Kierra Enrique
“My time as a Presidential Scholar for me was a golden opportunity that cultivated into a precious experience, rich with knowledge, skills, and connections that will guide me long after my time at the University of the Virgin Islands. I was able to delve into the administrative operations of UVI that you don’t get to see as a student and bring my own vision and perspective through my role as a Scholar and contribute to the growing excellence of my HBCU. Some initiatives I took on included producing promotional videos, informative articles, and social media content that placed a spotlight on various events and programs going on among the campus.
However, beyond my individual tasks, I took great pride in assisting my fellow scholars with their own work and developing a collaborative and friendly environment in the workplace with those around me.
Although this role wasn’t directly linked to my majors in Psychology and Criminal Justice, the growth I experienced has prepared me for the professional world more than any other opportunity. I have expanded my academic horizons and gained a deep sense of purpose towards my university as I worked to improve things alongside UVI staff. In retrospect, I remember hearing about this program and feeling doubtful; it sounded too good to be true, and I worried I was out of my league. My advice to future scholars is to be confident in your skills and, most importantly, your ambitions. Even if you feel underqualified or intimidated, approach the opportunity with determination. If you are truly determined to succeed, you will grow in ways you never expected, leaving you with a profound sense of pride in being part of something greater than yourself.”
R’Daejah Milligan
“The Presidential Scholars Program has given me a unique behind-the-scenes view of the university, allowing me to experience UVI from both a student and institutional perspective. From contributing to the President’s webpage to supporting major initiatives like Homecoming, Charter Day, and Commencement, also I have been involved in both the planning and execution of meaningful projects. One of my most memorable experiences was Homecoming, where I contributed to creating promotional content, actively participated in events, and engaged directly with students.
Through my work, I strengthened my skills in cross-functional communication, project management, organization, public speaking, and creative design, while collaborating with departments across campus and expanding my professional network.
To future scholars, I encourage you to intentionally expand your skill set and seek out opportunities that challenge you beyond what feels familiar. Take full advantage of this experience by investing in your craft and exploring unfamiliar areas, because it is in those moments that growth truly happens. The work you do here will not only shape your abilities but also leave you with a deep sense of pride in being part of something greater than yourself.”
