Student, American University
Washington, District of Columbia
Representing: Student Perspective
Taylor Dumpson serves as the chief operating officer and chief spokesperson of the American University student government to university administration and the Board of Trustees. She is responsible for the development and execution of advocacy programs and policies in the interest of the undergraduate student body made up of approximately 7,500 students. Dumpson works with university officials and the student body to further initiatives that make the campus community as inclusive, accepting, and productive as possible for all members of the community.
How did you first get interested in or involved in higher education issues?
"As a child of educators, issues impacting access to education or the lack thereof have always been of the utmost importance to me," Dumpson said. "As a student leader at American University, I have dedicated my undergraduate experience to advocating and advancing the voices of my peers in order to make our institution a better place for all students to thrive. As the student body president, I have had numerous opportunities to engage crucial university stakeholders and lawmakers in conversations surrounding issues impacting higher education for today's students, specifically in regards to campus climate, recruitment, and retention."
Why did you apply to be a part of the Higher Education Committee of 50? What drew you to this opportunity?
"I applied to be a part of the [Higher Education Committee of 50] in order to continue my advocacy on issues impacting higher education in the 21st Century. It is my hope that by being a member of the [Higher Education Committee of 50] cohort, I will be able to amplify the voices of students across the nation and work to develop a solution to critical issues plaguing higher education."
Membership(s) held with other professional associations: