Honorable Mention Winner
James Reynolds
Rollins College Brevard
Senior in Computer Information Systems and English
3.65 GPA

“The exterior of Rollins College Brevard looks the same today as it did when I began my term as president. The inside, however, looks much different.” This is how James Reynolds, 35, sums up his term as Student Government Association president.

Many SGA presidents face the challenges of overcoming student apathy towards school activities and SG in general. Having a school brimming with Non-traditional students—the average Rollins Brevard student is in his early-to-mid thirties with families and full-time jobs—only added to the obstacles Reynolds had to triumph over to increase student involvement in school activities.

“Getting students involved at Rollins Brevard has historically been a challenge,” Reynolds says. “ I was determined to reverse this trend, so I drew upon my years of leadership experience gained in both the military and in community service to solve this dilemma.” Reynolds is a Lieutenant Junior Grade for the U.S. Coast Guard and has been an officer since 1986, serving in a supervisory role for the last 10 years.

To accomplish his goals, Reynolds had to open the lines of communication between the student body and student organizations. Although many past events at Rollins Brevard were well-planned and well-funded, attendance was low because of the lack of publicity. Reynolds placed SGA’s Information Center—a place to post student organizations’ upcoming meetings, calendar of school events, and even pictures of student leaders representing each honor society and major—in a high-traffic location on campus. “[The photographs] had the most immediate positive effect,” Reynolds says. “Now, armed with more than just a name, students could identify and approach student leaders to express concerns, share ideas, and get involved.”

Reynolds’ success in raising attendance at school events is evident in the number of students who contact him or other student leaders about getting involved in events. “Through his tireless efforts, Jim has practically single-handedly raised the level of awareness and participation of the entire student body,” says Dr. Larry Holt, director of academic program and coordinator of computer based curricula.

Outside of school activities, Reynolds has remained a visible leader in the community. He was a volunteer for the 2001 Habitat for Humanity Strawberry Festival, the March of Dimes Walk America, and the Melbourne Art Festival.  He also takes part in Children’s Activity Nights at Satellite Beach United Methodist Church.

Majoring in Computer Information Systems and minoring in English, Reynolds not only is a leader to students at Rollins Brevard but is a role model as well. His academic excellence has earned Reynolds memberships into the Iota Phi Delta Honor Society for Humanities, Sigma Tau Delta International English Honor Society, and Upsilon Phi Epsilon International Honor Society for the Computing Sciences. Reynolds is also a graduate of the prestigious 2001 College Leadership Brevard program and is included in the 2001-2002 Who’s Who Among American College Students.

“[Reynolds] is an exceptional role model for students and exhibits the finest qualities of both leadership and fellowship,” says Sharon Carrier, associate dean. “He has a unique ability to communicate, motivate, inspire, and get the job done.”

Reynolds also manages to find some time for himself, as well. He has surfed for 20 years and takes part in surfing competitions. Reynolds estimates he’s competed in 35 contests nationwide and currently ranks second in the master long board division for Central Florida. Reynolds surfed against 400 other surfers in April 2002 at the Eastern Surfing Association’s Southeast Regional Surfing Championships at Fernandina Beach.

Reynolds’ expenses are covered by the U.S. Coast Guard’s Advanced Computer, Engineering, and Technology (ACET) Program, and through scholarships.  MCB

Contact Reynolds at cgsurfari@aol.com