Campus Life | February 28th, 2025
Redefining Student Leadership: Loryn May’s Journey at FAMU
By: Jaedah Davis | Staff Writer
From the moment Loryn May stepped onto Florida A&M University’s campus, she knew she wanted to make an impact. What started as a fun way to get involved with friends quickly became a passion for leadership and advocacy.
Now, as SGA President, the fourth-year mathematics scholar from Pensacola, FL, is ensuring student voices are heard. Her time in office has earned her the Presidential Student Leadership Award, a seat on the Board of Trustees, and a spot on the university’s presidential search committee, all while breaking records. But for May, it’s never been about the titles. It’s about making a real difference at FAMU.
Loryn’s student government journey started during her freshman year in the Senate.
“The Senate is a whole other beast,” she laughed. “It taught me that with being a leader, you’re going to ruffle some feathers. You can’t please everybody, but I have to go with the decisions that I think are best for the student body.”
Breaking Records and Making History
Loryn didn’t just step into the role of SGA President for the 2024-2025 school year. She hit the ground running. Under her leadership, FAMU’s SGA delegation took home the 2024 Most Congenial Delegation award from the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals (NASAP)—a first for the university.
Even with all the wins, Loryn stays focused on what’s next. When she received the Presidential Student Leadership Award during FAMU’s MLK Convocation, she didn’t see it as a sign to slow down but a time to reflect
“Even though the award is a testament to what I have done, this isn’t time to think I am done,” she said. “I’m going to continue being a student leader and continue to lead with integrity and courage and be there for the student body.”
A Seat at the Table
May’s leadership doesn’t stop at SGA. Since May 2024, she’s served on FAMU’s Board of Trustees, sitting in rooms where significant decisions are made. It’s a role that comes with weight and nerves.
“Being in those meetings can be intimidating; before I turn my mic on, my hands are shaking, and my heart is beating really fast,” May admitted. “But I will vote no on things that do not favor the student body.”
She’s also part of the presidential search committee, playing a role in selecting FAMU’s next president during this time. With the changes happening at FAMU, May is committed to ensuring students have a leader who will prioritize their needs.
“I feel like in this time, we’ve just had so many changes, and the student body deserves some type of stability and someone to really look out for them,” May said.
Still a Student First
Despite leading the student body and sitting in high-level meetings, May stays grounded in the reality that she’s still a student who faces the same struggles as her peers.
“Sometimes students fail to realize that I’m literally just like you,” May said. “I go home and talk to my mom just like everybody else does; we’re all literally going through the same thing.”
The balancing act is actual. Like many students, May wonders if she can keep up with her schoolwork while managing the heavy responsibilities of student government.
“Can I do my schoolwork?” she laughs, acknowledging the constant balance. It’s this commitment to both academics and leadership that truly sets her apart.
Beyond SGA: What’s Next for Loryn May?
As much as May thrives in student leadership, her motivation surpasses her current role. She’s focused on a long-term vision in education.
“One of my end goals right now is to be a superintendent of a school district,” May said. “That takes a lot of work, so I really just want to take advantage of the opportunities that are in front of my face right now.”
But if you ask her what keeps her going, it’s not the titles or awards. It’s her family. “My family really pushes and inspires me every day,” she said, getting emotional. “Even if they think it’s the craziest thing, they’re like, ‘Yes, you can do it.”
Leadership in Every Form
Loryn wants people to know leadership isn’t just about holding student government positions. It’s about stepping up in whatever way makes sense for you.
“I feel like a lot of times people think only student leaders are in student government, but I don’t see it as that,” May said. “Being in an organization, that takes putting yourself out there, that’s student leadership. Being on e-boards for different organizations no matter how big or small, that’s student leadership.
If Loryn May has proven anything, it’s that you can make a difference with passion and persistence no matter where you start.
“Doing anything outside of just doing your schoolwork—that’s student leadership. Doing something you’re passionate about, the fruits will be more fruitful.”
