Xavier Dawes and Meghan Fletcher

Transcript

Derek Smith:
Hello and welcome to Baylor Connections. It's a conversation series with the people shaping our future. Each week we go in-depth with Baylor leaders, professors, and more, discussing important topics in higher education, research, and student life. I'm Derek Smith, and today we're talking about a unique position at Baylor, that of the student regent with Baylor's two student regents, Xavier Dawes and Megan Fletcher. In these roles, they, like their fellow board members, work on behalf of the best interest of Baylor University through facilitating and communicating the views and interests of students.
Xavier Dawes is a senior electrical and computer engineering major at Baylor University. He's also minoring in data science and mathematics, and he plans to work in the semiconductor industry upon graduation. Megan Fletcher is a doctoral candidate in higher education and leadership at Baylor. She's earned two degrees from Baylor, a Bachelor of Science in Child and Family Studies in 2020, and a Master of Science in Higher Education and Student Affairs in 2022. And they both, as we said, serve as student regents.
Megan, Xavier, thank you so much for joining us. It's great to have you on the program today.

Xavier Dawes:
Thank you for having us.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yes, great to be here.

Derek Smith:
Well, it's great to talk to you and take us inside your world a little bit. Let's just start there, and, Xavier, I'll start with you. Just to give us an idea, where are a couple areas you found yourself working recently on behalf of your service with the Board of Regents? Where does that take you?

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, so just looking in my year and a half of working with the Board of Regents, I've had the privilege to work on three different subcommittees. My first term, I was on the Academic Affairs Committee and the Finance and Facilities Committee, and then my current term, which is my second term, I'm once again on the Finance and Facilities Committee once again, and then the Student Life Committee. It may be obvious from the name of the type of work we handle in each of these committees, but in each committee, we all do work together to cover every aspect of Baylor.
I guess one of the biggest things and more my favorite committee to hear from is my Student Life Committee. Being a student, I get to enjoy Baylor from the lens of my major and the organizations that I'm a part of, but really hearing from the Student Life Committee, I get to really hear about the wonderful events that Baylor and our student orgs get to put on that genuinely touch the lives of so many of our students.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yeah, so this is early December we're having our conversation here. Back in November, we had one of our full board meetings where everybody gathers on campus, and so that was one of our most recent events, and that was my first time having that traditional experience. My term started in July, and we had our board retreat that took place over the summer, but to actually meet on campus and have the full agenda was a really great experience for me to see the more traditional.
Like Xavier, I also serve on a couple different committees, but outside of even board opportunities, board formal meetings, Xavier and I both had the chance to work with Dr. Kevin Jackson and have a workshop listening group where we were talking about how to expand and enhance the Baylor student experience. We also receive invitations for a lot of campus and university events, and getting the inside scoop on what's going on, which is just really wonderful to represent the student population and also the board in that capacity as well.

Derek Smith:
Another question for both of you, and, Megan, I'll start with you. Let's just say you're home over Christmas break. You see a family member you haven't seen in a while, and they say, "I heard you're a student regent, so what do you do?" Someone asked you that. How would you answer that question?

Meghan Fletcher:
Yes, I love that question. That is actually one that I get on a super regular basis. This is one of the greatest honors to serve in this capacity, and anytime it comes up, it's usually followed by, "Well, what is that, and what do you do?" Both with families and peers and others alike, my snapshot response, I guess, is explaining what a board is overall, that for any institution, there's usually some sort of operating system management, whether that's a board in the medical industry, a business, different things like that, so I maybe touch on that, but then explain specifically at a college or university the unique role that they serve in that capacity, particularly in the relationship with the institution's president and some of the dynamics that play out with that.
That's explaining a board at a university, and then talking about the student regent position is really I see as an opportunity to brag on Baylor and what an incredible symbol that position exists. It's relatively uncommon across colleges and universities in the U.S., and so I very excitedly explained that part where I explain that we have two, one voting, one non-voting member, from the student population that sits on the board and then is making decisions for the preeminent, research one, Christian institution and just what a big deal that is, that position exists and what an honor it is to serve in that capacity. I explain we have meetings, and we make decisions, and vote, and have great discussion, and touch at a high level about what we're doing.

Xavier Dawes:
Yeah, Megan definitely hit all the marks. I would definitely say. I know one thing that I always tend to just say just for little cool points for me is just I always say, "Oh, that it's sometimes confidential," so usually anything that we say in the board since we get to hear everything is that it's really confidential. So, I only get to talk really about it with my other board members and my fellow student regent. But on more side of just more from my second-term regent side, it's just really that ability to vote and just voicing the student perspective at a big table and where a lot of these decisions are made.

Derek Smith:
Megan mentioned there's a voting and a non-voting member. Xavier right now, you're the voting member, and Megan you are waiting in the wings. Is it almost like a chance to sit in and apprentice before you vote?

Meghan Fletcher:
That's exactly how that is.

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, definitely.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yes, it's definitely a learning period. It's like drinking from a fire hose, so much information, all of it's so good and valuable, but taking it all in, taking a seat back. Xavier, other board members, even the president have encouraged your term is two years at the most where some of their board members have a longer learning introductory period, and so they say, "Yes, it's a lot of information, but we want to hear your voice. Even though you're not voting, we want you to ask questions and state things that are coming to mind, are important." So, I've really appreciated that even though this is the introductory year that my voice is really encouraged and appreciated.

Derek Smith:
Visiting with Baylor student regents Xavier Dawes and Megan Fletcher, and Xavier, take us through a distinction that's meaningful. You're a student voice, but you're advocating for the university, correct, and not just a subgroup of it.

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, correct, and so one thing that we have the honor with that Megan definitely mentioned is working with Dr. Jackson, but we also get to work with our student body leaders. For our undergrad students, we have Lily Davis, and then for our graduate students, we have James Howard, and those are the true representation of our student bodies. But for me and Megan as student regents, we are providing a student perspective a lot of times in these meetings.
So, it may seem as a misconception sometimes. It's like, "Oh, when you're student regent, you're going to represent the entire student body," and it's not entirely the case. You're working with your representatives in each of the capacities. You have your vice president from your Student Life Office and then your student body presidents, and with everyone together, we have a unified mission of pushing Baylor forward. So, that really helps everyone be on the same page, but also create a unified voice.

Derek Smith:
Well, that's a great description of it, Xavier. Another question I have for both of you, and, Xavier, I'll start with you, and then, Megan, please jump in. Maybe this is a question you get a lot too, but there's 20,000 students at Baylor, graduate and undergrad. There's two of these positions. When did you learn about it? What was your thought? What were your thoughts when you heard about it, and what was the process like of getting connected into this role?

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, I guess my story is quite funny. When I first heard about the role, I had no clue what a regent was, let alone the student regent. I honestly thought it was like some student leadership council similar to your student governments, but I had the privilege to learn about this position from my engineering and computer science academic advisor, Ida Jamshidi. She's absolutely amazing. She encouraged me to apply and offered to write my first letter of recommendation.
I was able to further learn more about it just from watching the online videos that Baylor posts, and then just doing more of my research and looking to the application itself. As far as the process, it's really simplified. I thought it was going to be a lot of steps, but Baylor takes a very efficient approach to this, and we're really just required to submit an application and answer four short prompts. From there, you'll have the chance to do an interview session with one of the assigned regents from the board themselves. In that opportunity, I was able to elaborate more on myself, who I am, but also some of the things that I'm passionate about Baylor, and so just more of my responses that were from those prompts is just something that I was able to elaborate on and really give a full picture of why, one, I thought I'd be a great student regent, but also just what I'm passionate about, specifically relating to Baylor.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yeah, for me, I had a relationship with some of the previous student regents, particularly those who came from the graduate school. So, hearing about their experience and getting to know them and the type of work that they do in this role was just so interesting to me. I have been at Baylor since 2016, a long time for undergrad, my master's, and now my PhD, and this institution has just given me so much.
I've had the opportunity to work in a lot of different capacities and the ways that I've hoped to give back to the university and further its mission, and so this was one that I had been wholly removed from to this point. Just to work as a fiduciary in this capacity and to promote a place that really means so much to me and has made such a difference was what was really so exciting about the role to me as well.

Derek Smith:
This is Baylor Connections. We are visiting with Baylor University student regents, Xavier Dawes and Megan Fletcher on the program today. I want both of your input on the responsibility and what it's like in a meeting and preparing effectively, and, Megan, I'll start with you. I know that this year is going to look a little bit different for you than next year, but for you to go into a meeting knowing I'm doing what I need to do to do this job well, what are some hats that requires you to put on, and what's it like interacting with a great group of regents that includes CEOs educators, ministers, and people from so many different walks of life?

Meghan Fletcher:
Yeah, the composition of the board is something that is extremely valuable both to the board functioning, the university functioning, and also just my experience. That has brought a lot. Hearing everybody's different perspectives, the different experiences that they bring with decades of a career, and being earlier in my career, being able to learn from them and the types of questions that they're asking, the responses that they're modeling, certainly a high level of preparation is foremost in terms of our responsibilities. Before any committee meetings that we have, before full board meetings, and any other type of meeting or gathering, it is just a level of high engagement that it requires.
We receive our documents, and in order to come ready for those meetings, I read those over and over and over again until I have a working concept of those things. That often leads to additional research, understanding an aspect of a budget, or understanding a department or maybe the personnel component. There are so many factors to consider, and depending on the role that I'm playing, whether it's my committee or another committee, in the case of this year being non-voting, next year being voting, there's different types of or maybe levels of responsibility. But in any case, it is just very important to show up to those meetings, very prepared, very well-read, and familiar with the discussion because that is the foundation for the best decision-making that's going to take place as well.
That has been my experience at this point. Xavier, I'm sure you have things to add. He's the pro at all this too.

Xavier Dawes:
Yes. I think one, Megan, you did a great job covering everything. I think the only thing that I would possibly add is just like mentioned is the hats. One of the biggest things that Megan mentioned earlier is just being really a fiduciary of Baylor, and that's required of all regents, not just the student regent. Essentially, we just need to prepare in terms of just our mindset of furthering Baylor's mission rather than any of our personal missions that we may have.
Then, I know one thing that Megan said was just really just the engagement part. I know this can sound intimidating at times, and that's expected. We learned to grow with it, but the biggest thing is that the board is really stress-free, and everyone present makes it a welcoming atmosphere so that it truly just encourages communication between regents and council members all together.

Derek Smith:
Xavier, I'll start with you on this question. You paint a picture. It's almost in a way like you have another class, and that class is getting to know Baylor with breadth and with, depth. Being on this side of things as a student but as a regent, what has it taught you about Baylor and its place in higher ed, and does that impact you in other ways day to day when you're going about the main reason you're here, which is to get your degree?

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, I guess to start off, I can go into more of just our regents and just the board itself. I think one, just starting off that it's always a phenomenal experience. The regents that we get to meet are extremely wise, and you can tell that they're all brought together by their undoubtable love for Baylor. Usually after meeting them, it's truly hard not to love them, and you really become great friends with them. It's honestly like another class with your friends, and so it never becomes a hassle to us. We enjoy going to these meetings and seeing them.
For me, although we may have different backgrounds, cultures, or even ages, they easily are the group I think about when I hear someone say the Baylor Family. I know that I can also attest that when I meet them, they also are a huge part in a lot of my spiritual growth and character development. Baylor does a great job, especially the board itself, with just incorporating a lot of our Christian mission even in our board meetings.
That may be starting with a devotional, and with those devotionals, we are bringing in students that can speak to their own faith in terms of the spiritual journey that they've been on since they started Baylor and where they're at now. So, we're always learning about one, Jesus' amazing works and the miracles that he has put on, but also what he's doing in each of our students' lives.
By hearing, I guess, well, from our perspective, but also from the other student's perspective, it always touches my life just to see one, the amazing works that he's done in my life and how far I've come, but also just within the three years that sometimes feels like it was a breeze as I'm getting close to graduation, and it's just like, wow, I've am truly blessed to be a part of this program.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yeah, absolutely. To really see behind the curtain at a place that I have known and loved for so long is again, just opportunity of a lifetime undoubtedly. In that glimpse behind the curtain and being behind the scenes, it has just given me such a respect for the leaders that we have and for the work that's done at a place like Baylor. I am just constantly not overwhelmed, but really in awe, or so impressed, or blown away by the extremely complicated nature of institutions overall, but especially at Baylor University in terms of mission, scope, size, these different components, and how well the institution balances those.
That's done with the hands and feet of those on the ground, and like Xavier pointed out, that faith-driven leadership and the way that people are seeking kingdom work and seeking our mission ultimately. So, it is really cool to see and also just pretty startling to go, "Wow, there is so much that goes on at a place of this size," and it's really encouraging consistently in all of my interactions and in our meetings to see how invested our leaders are, both the board members and executive leadership in stewarding all of that.

Derek Smith:
Visiting with Baylor student regents, Xavier Dawes and Megan Fletcher here on the program. As we head into the final two minutes, I want to get to know where your plans take you both when your time as students is through. Megan, I'll start with you. You mentioned you're a doctoral candidate in higher education leadership, two Baylor degrees. Where do you hope to go with that when your time here on campus is done?

Meghan Fletcher:
Yes, I know that's what I say. If everything goes according to plan, a three-time Baylor degree recipient by the end of this. Certainly hope to finish up my degree in the next couple of years. I'm working on my dissertation and will have my defense, and then at that point, hopefully become a doctor.
Next steps, I hope to work in various capacities at colleges and universities. My dream, dream role super far down the road would certainly be working in executive leadership of some sort at an institution, but the place and space and the uniqueness associated with both of those, of a college and university has just made all the difference for me. I'm a first-generation college student and Baylor specifically, but also just college education overall changed my life forever. So, I hope to work in that capacity, work with students, work on behalf of students in various roles in my career.

Derek Smith:
Well, very cool. We can see where this fits in and how it can prepare you for that. Xavier, same question, electrical engineering major, senior year. When your time at Baylor is through, where will you be going?

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, I'm glad to say with the help of our Baylor Engineering and Computer Science Career Center, I'm blessed to say that I actually know where I'm going to be going post-graduation. I'll be working at Texas Instruments in Dallas, Texas as a product and test engineer. I previously worked as an intern for them this past summer, and I'll be returning to my same team, which I'm extremely excited about. I had an amazing time over the summer, and I just look forward to one, adding to the work that they're doing now.
My team specializes in a balance of lab and office work where we do stress testing on many of our wireless devices, and we look for constant improvements in manufacturing processes and sustainability. It's honestly, everything that I did at Baylor, just I'm having fun doing it now in an actual work setting.

Derek Smith:
That's exciting that you know where you're going when your time here is done. Xavier, I have to ask you, we're in the new season with the strategic plan Baylor In Deeds. What does it mean to you as an engineering major to see engineering highlighted so prominently in so many of the future visions that Baylor has for its impact?

Xavier Dawes:
Yes, it honestly brings so much excitement to me. With technology revolutionizing around the world, I'm glad Baylor University is choosing to continue to equip their students to be right in the middle of it and then educating their students with just more tools to continue to thrive in this atmosphere. Although many prospective students may not think of Baylor when they hear engineering schools, I think this really clearly attests that no matter your major at Baylor, you are extremely valued at this school and that they ultimately want to pour into everyone really leaving no students behind. The School of Engineering and Computer Science has grown so much in the three and a half years that I've been here, and I'm excited to see it continue to grow with this highlight in the new strategic plan.

Derek Smith:
Absolutely. Well, that's exciting to see as Baylor moves into Baylor In Deeds. Megan, you'll get to see even more of that as the voting student regent next year. As we close here, I want to ask you both something, a unique viewpoint you have, the idea that you talked about Baylor has become an R1 Christian research university. It's growing in its scope, and I guess the point is staying as a preeminent Christian university, holding tight to Christian values and pursuing excellence in that doesn't happen by accident. It is very purposeful. What does that statement mean to you? Xavier, I'll start with you, then close with Megan. What does it mean to you having seen that close-up?

Xavier Dawes:
It honestly touches my heart, but more so I think it really guided my life. To see a university do it so well, it's easy as a student when you're here four years to truly follow that plan. Through that plan, one, it encourages character development, spiritual growth, but also just more of a purpose question of what do I want my purpose to be not only as a, say, citizen of the United States, but also as a child of God? What do I want to do with my profession, but also as a steward of just Christ?
Just seeing a university just pursue that mission so well, it's easier to follow it and start making that same structure for your own life. I think it really structured my life just from the four years, and I can say that even leaving Baylor as a future Baylor alumni, I know that it will continue to follow me, and I'll be able to, say, fling my green and gold far.
I think it will really just touch the lives of other people that I meet, whether it's in the workplace or just where I live in the future, and I can just really say that Baylor deserves its credit for just the amount of work that they put in with their students to develop them throughout their four years.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yeah, I think you said exactly what has been illuminated, that these things don't happen by accident. Just talking the talk is not enough. It takes continuous daily commitment, and that doesn't come without recognition that we are fallen and we try and we strive for the best. We'll have missteps, and we'll have mistakes. That's in my own life and in any of our lives, and then as an institution, but to continuously walk with humility, to continuously seek the glory of God. That has been really clear to me, especially in the individual people which make up the whole, that Baylor brings in, that Baylor prioritizes, and that's encouraging to see those who are invested in that mission too.

Derek Smith:
Well, Megan and Xavier, thank you so much for painting a picture of this role for us and taking us inside so well, and I hope you all, both as we approach Christmas break, find a little bit of downtime. It sounds like you keep pretty busy, a little time to rest and recharge for the semester ahead. But thanks so much for taking the time to join us today on the program.

Xavier Dawes:
Thank you so much for having us.

Meghan Fletcher:
Yes, we really appreciate it. Thank you.

Derek Smith:
Great to have you both. Student regents, Xavier Dawes and Megan Fletcher, our guests today on Baylor Connections. I'm Derek Smith. Reminder, you can hear this and other programs online at baylor.edu/connections, and you can subscribe on iTunes. Thanks for joining us here on Baylor Connections.