"The Ralph E. Johnson Exemplary Leadership Award is presented by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs. It is given to students who have exhibited high leadership potential. I am grateful to be a recipient of this award. It is a reminder that my work is being noticed. However, it is also an inspiration of future goals I want to accomplish. I always try to remind myself to not become complacent, so I use this award as an opportunity to better myself and further the impact I have on my community.
Choosing Carolina has easily been one of the greatest decisions in my life. Whether it’s being involved in my fraternity, the Theta Nu Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, participating in an internship at a hospital in sunny South Florida, or working in Student Government with Freshman Council, my experiences at USC have been parallel to none. One memorable experience has been working on my research with autism. My senior thesis focuses on diagnostic experiences for Black families with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Being able to work with families and hear their experiences has truly been a reminder of why I have a passion for health policy and promotion."
— Kaleb Phelps, senior public health major