New Graduate Student Council President Brings Vision of Community and Academic Excellence
Harper brings with him a unique perspective shaped by his professional experience in nonprofit work and his commitment to educational equity.
A doctoral student in Education Policy and Leadership expected to graduate in May 2027, Harper is already making his mark as a ‘double eagle,’ having earned his bachelor's degree in public relations and strategic communication with a minor in education from AU. His professional background as senior director of development, external affairs, and impact at Philadelphia Academies—a nonprofit organization focused on workforce development and academic support—informs his approach to student leadership.
“We are in a time where we need graduate students across different programs to understand their power, and understand their capacity within the School of Education,” Harper explained during a recent interview from his office in Philadelphia. His motivation for running stems from a desire to ensure graduate students have the resources they need to become effective change agents in education.
Ambitious Programming Goals
Harper has several key initiatives for his term, including APA writing boot camps, guest lectures specifically designed for graduate students, and a proposal for a scholarly journal. "I want to explore the School of Education, in partnership with another college on campus, having a journal," he said, noting the potential for collaboration with the College of Arts and Sciences to showcase the work of both master's and doctoral students.
As a former editor-in-chief of The Blackprint, Harper understands “the importance of providing spaces for students to write, share, and ensure that they feel in community as we do this work.”
Building Community Across Distance
One of Harper's unique challenges—and opportunities—is leading as a virtual student based in Philadelphia rather than on AU's Washington, DC campus. He’s addressing this by ensuring programming includes both hybrid and fully remote options, strategically timed around residency periods and graduation when more students are physically present.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
He’s actively recruiting additional council members, currently working with Vice President Samantha Wilkerson, Director of Communications Claudi Kalonji, and with support from Tish Gordon.
A Bigger Community
Harper's vision extends beyond student programming to broader institutional concerns. He emphasized the importance of maintaining inclusive excellence during times of budget constraints and potential restructuring, noting that “without K-12 educators, there are no students that can reach your higher ed institution.”
For prospective students considering AU's School of Education, Harper offers an enthusiastic endorsement: “You will get a first-class, top-tier education with brilliant practitioners” and join “a community of dedicated folk who is going to ask the question and act the change that they want to see.”
With his combination of professional experience, academic commitment, and vision for student community, Harper represents a new generation of graduate student leadership focused on both academic excellence and social impact.