From the president
Tammatha ("Tammy") Spivey, a first-year student at Wilbur Wright College, is committed to equity, access, and social justice. She views her work through an equity lens, striving to ensure that her fellow students receive the accommodations they deserve and helping the College deliver on its promise to meet students where they are, serve their needs, and help them achieve their goals. During the upcoming academic year, Tammy will focus on get-out-the-vote efforts, equity-related support for students, and other areas close to her heart and reflective of her experiences. Tammy plans to double major in psychology and political science and pursue a career as a lawyer or judge.
Personal Statement
Accessibility, equity, and empathy are the keys to improving society. They can help us better understand one another even when our perspectives diverge. Accessibility to education is important to me, as I have experienced first-hand the difficulties of receiving a proper education. I was born partially deaf. I was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age. I attended 13 different elementary schools. This is why I feel that accessibility to quality education is so vital. Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. This is why I believe in equity over equality. Equity is meeting the personal needs of individuals. It considers backgrounds and differences. Equality is simply about providing. Equity is about accommodating. My strong belief in equity has informed my decision to study law, where I feel I can make a significant difference in achieving equity for all. Understanding others was a driving factor in attending a community college. I believe exposure to non-traditional students expands perspectives. This creates empathy, which can go a long way in better understanding differences, circumstances, and perspectives. These experiences led me to the Newman Fellowship. I will use them to make a difference in my community.