Davis & Elkins Leadership Exchange Day Role Swap

Seven students stepped into administrative roles at Davis & Elkins College while President Chris A. Wood and six Cabinet members attended classes, sat in on athletic practice, and ate in the dining hall during the college's expanded leadership exchange program.

Samy, a pre-med major and men's basketball player from Brazil, served as president for the day. He attended a Cabinet meeting, met with Board of Trustees members, and observed how leadership decisions shape college operations.

During lunch, Wood joined Samy and Walid, a Lebanese international student and basketball teammate, for a conversation about geopolitical events affecting their home countries and faiths. Samy is Jewish; Walid is Muslim. Samy reached across the table, clasped Walid's hand, and said, "This is my brother."

Wood said the exchange demonstrated how the college prepares students "for success and for thoughtful engagement in the world." Students gained insight into organizational decision-making, while administrators experienced the daily realities that shape student life.