KAYLA HARRIS
Beaver County native; Duquesne University graduate student
The New Pittsburgh Courier has learned that Duquesne University graduate student Kayla Harris, known at the university for her vibrant personality and in the community for her social justice advocacy, has been named to the 2022-2023 class of Campus Compact Newman Civic Fellows. Fellows are nominated by their president or chancellor on the basis of their potential for public leadership. Following a rigorous selection process, this prestigious honor is awarded to college students who have created positive change in their communities and beyond.
Harris, a student in the Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program, is a resilient advocate for equity and access to opportunities. From a young age, she has aspired to be a changemaker and create a better world for future generations.
“When I learned that my race and biological sex created automatic setbacks for me in society, it challenged me to understand how other societal systems define us,” said Harris, a native of Beaver County. “People do not get to choose the circumstance they are born into, so I want to work with communities to provide them with better opportunities so that every person has the ability reach their greatest potential.”
Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education, is connecting 173 students from 38 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico to form this year’s cohort.
“I am thrilled that a changemaker like Kayla has been selected for such a distinguished honor,” said Duquesne University President Ken Gormley, who nominated Harris for the fellowship. “Like Duquesne, Campus Compact recognizes the importance of working alongside our neighbors to address systemic challenges. Kayla lives out our Duquesne mission by standing up for equity and opportunity in Pittsburgh—being named a Newman Civic Fellow is a testament to her ability to ignite positive change.”
The fellows will immerse themselves in a year of learning and networking opportunities that emphasize personal, professional and civic growth. The cornerstone of the fellowship is the annual Convening of Fellows, which offers intensive skill-building and networking over the course of two days. Fellows are also offered pathways to apply for exclusive scholarship and post-graduate opportunities.
“We are proud to name such an outstanding and diverse group of students Newman Civic Fellows,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “Their passion and resolve to take action on the wide range of issues challenging our neighborhoods and communities is inspiring and deeply needed.”
Harris arrived at Duquesne as an undeclared transfer student with bigger goals to use medicine to address the societal problems she saw and wanted to learn more about and to make an impact on the world. After much thought, Harris decided on pursuing a double major in Psychology and Women’s and Gender Studies with minors in Sociology and Pre-Medical.
Connecting with the Center for Community-Engaged Teaching and Research (CETR) was a milestone moment for her. “CETR is one of my best takeaways from Duquesne. It has really helped me discover who I am as a Black person, who I am to other people and who I am to America.”
CETR’s Community Engaged Scholars program attracts students who want to learn more about systemic injustice and want to be involved as student-leaders for community engagement at Pittsburgh area non-profit organizations. After a highly selective process, Harris was accepted into the CETR program where she worked alongside Duquesne’s neighbors at the Macedonia Family and Community Enrichment Center which supports families in need of food, housing and educational resources.
On campus, Harris was actively involved with student organizations, taking many leadership positions. She served as a resident assistant in St. Martin Hall and received the 2021 Student Life Leadership Award. “Programming was definitely one of my favorite parts of Residence Life, especially the diversity pillar. I tried my best to make sure my residents understood the importance of diversity on our floor and out in the community.”
Additionally, she served as executive vice president of the Black Student Union (BSU), a Cultural Ambassador, member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Strong Women, Strong Girls and was recognized as a Spirit of Diversity award winner by the Center for Excellence in Diversity and Student Inclusion in recognition of her commitment to academic excellence and diversity and inclusion. In her role with BSU, Harris and the leadership team developed Duquesne’s first-ever Black Cultural Awareness Week in the fall of 2020.
Harris is pursuing her master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Duquesne’s School of Education. Harris has also accepted a position as a graduate assistant with CETR.
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