Student Spotlight: Meet Rashawn Mckelvey-Fludd
Rashawn Mckelvey-Fludd, a fourth-year advertising major at the University of Georgia, had pragmatic concerns about finding the best collegiate fit when he was applying to colleges. A native of Atlanta, Mckelvey-Fludd says his decision to attend UGA was in part affirmed by the university’s career prospects and the financial support, but as he was researching, he was really inspired by the stories shared online by UGA students.
“I often watched YouTube videos about the University of Georgia, where students shared their positive experiences,” said Mckelvey-Fludd. “They consistently spoke highly of the school’s community.”
In fact, this is something many UGA students share was a determining factor in choosing UGA during their admissions process.
Now rounding the corner on his fourth year, his collegiate experience could be summed up in the word “community.” This is evident through his involvement in various organizations; involvement including serving as President of the Zeta Nu Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, Georgia DAZE member, ambassador for the Georgia African American Experience, and mentor with Achieve Atlanta. Additionally, Mckelvey-Fludd has found creative expression through the BOLD Modeling Agency and Pamoja Dance Company, a student organization advised by Multicultural Services and Programs.
Being a member of Pamoja Dance Company has been particularly rewarding for Mckelvey-Fludd. It has helped him make new friends, hone his dance skills, and navigate stressful seasons.
“It’s about more than just movement,” he said. “It’s about connecting with the style and culture behind it.”
Community is more than just making friends. Establishing a meaningful community means finding both mentors and mentees. Through his involvement in UGA’s Office of Inclusive Excellence and the Georgia African American Experience program, he’s built connections with fellow Black male students, served as a mentor to first-year scholars, and found a mentor who pours back into himself.
He said that he could not have asked for a better mentor than Marques Dexter, the associate director for the Office of Inclusive Excellence and director of the UGA African American Male (GAAME) Initiative Dexter helped Mckelvey-Fludd determine the right major, which he said was a turning point in his academic journey.
Mckelvey-Fludd encourages students, faculty, and staff to seek out spaces where one feels comfortable and supported but emphasizes the importance of stepping out of one’s comfort zone, meeting new people, and gaining different perspectives. For him, personally, Mckelvey-Fludd shared that the GAAME Program did just that– it helped him feel more confident in spaces that once felt uncomfortable.
“It’s important that the UGA community continues to create an environment where everyone feels like they belong by being kind, listening to each other, and offering support when someone needs it,” he said.
As Mckelvey-Fludd’s journey at UGA nears its final chapter, his involvement on campus and with the Office of Inclusive Excellence has helped him build lifelong connections, strengthen his skills, and discover new passion, all while making a lasting impact on the UGA community. Bringing his story full circle, he now contributes to the same legacy of community that once drew him to UGA.
Written by Amber George, Student Affairs Growth Marketing Manager
