The MLK Student Leadership Award is an annual award presented to a student who exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging at Blackburn College.
The College established the MLK Student Leadership Award in 2014 to celebrate and highlight Blackburn students’ exceptional community-based work.
The MLK Student Leadership Award honors outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond the scope of their job. Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging are directly linked to Blackburn College’s mission, values, and goals.
2025 MLK Leadership Award Recipient
DaNautica Williams ’25
From the nominations:
“DaNautica demonstrates a strong desire to learn, actively seeks out information by asking questions, explores new ideas, and shows an eagerness to understand concepts beyond the basic level, often going above and beyond. She has great social connections with both students and staff, which helps strengthen our Blackburn community by encouraging other students to do the same.”
“DaNautica demonstrates a “service first” attitude by being positive and engaging each and every day. She does this by being on time, being an active listener, asking questions when needed, keeping a positive attitude and being respectful of others.”
Congratulations, DaNautica!
Previous Winners
- 2025: DaNautica Williams
- 2024: Aryanna Harris ’24
- 2023: Miriam (Mim) Wali-Uddin ’23
- 2022: Mihkyelle Cooper ’22
- 2021: Jameela Brown
- 2020: Nick Johnson ’22
- 2019: Logan Elliot ’19
- 2018: Brandon Lewis ’18
Criteria for the MLK Leadership Award
To be eligible for the MLK Leadership Award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Initiate or engage in activities that positively enhance the educational, social, and social justice impact of the community and/or their workplace;
- Approach academic, social, or social justice arenas with self-determination;
- Exhibit extraordinary commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, social justice, and/or civil rights;
- Exhibit leadership that has significantly impacted the Blackburn community; and/or
- Have persevered to overcome challenges, either at school, in the workplace, or personally
Award winners will be honored at the annual MLK Convocation ceremony. Each recipient of the MLK Leadership Award is given prize money, a certificate, and will have their photo displayed on the MLK Legacy Wall.
Nomination Form
If you know a student who exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging please nominate them.
A selection committee made up of faculty and staff will determine the recipient of the award. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.