Taylor Vinson

Sophomore, Communication Sciences and Disorders

Through a variety of impressive activities, sophomore Taylor Vinson is living the public affairs mission through her voice, the pen and community activism.

Taylor is founder and president of the newly formed Untamed Tongues, an all-student performance poetry club devoted to creating a safe place for creative expression, community activism and academic achievement.  “We really strive to be more than just a poetry group. I firmly believe that poetry is activism and that we should act in more ways than our words.”  The group has held study halls open to the campus and will be volunteering at the Youth Writing Conference in May for 5-8th graders.  Taylor and two additional members recently performed on stage at the Gillioz Theater honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday.

As Miss Black and Gold 2014 from the Sigma Theta Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorp., Taylor facilitated “The Outstanding Woman: Women’s Empowerment Workshop” designed for women of color on campus to engage in discussions on professional, social, civil, and civic issues such as building leadership, elevating self-confidence, combating sexism and racism in the workplace, and promoting community activism.

Taylor’s integrity, passion, and insight into diversity, multiculturalism, and social justice has led to multiple opportunities such as serving on the Student-led Diversity Task Force and presenting a session at the 2015 Statewide Collaborative Diversity Conference.  In addition, Taylor is also the Creative Writer for The Black Bear.  For her impact as a student leader, diversity champion and community advocate, we are proud to recognize Taylor Vison as our May Public Affairs Student Spotlight.