Amidst federal cuts to collegiate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs, Drury’s Black United Independent Collegiate (BUIC) attended the 48th Big XII Conference on Black Student Government. This annual conference brought together student leaders from across the country with the theme “Innovate, Elevate, and Advocate.” Oklahoma State University hosted the event on Feb. 27 to Mar. 1, 2025, providing powerful keynote speakers and empowering workshop sessions.  

Committed BUIC member and fourth-year student, Cris Cuevas, explained that his conference experience allowed him to connect to students facing similar challenges at predominately white institutions (PWIs).  

“It’s hard to feel valued for what you do,” he said, discussing the countless hours of work BUIC members have dedicated to fighting for inclusivity at Drury and beyond. “Being at Big XII with people who share your values and drives…it makes you know what you’re doing serves a purpose.” The conference offered opportunities to develop leadership and advocacy skills, and 

Cuevas explained that it brought together changemakers who “fight the same fight as [him].” 

In an email sent to students and faculty, Dr. Rosalyn Thomas, the Associate Dean of Student Support Services and BUIC advisor, congratulated the award-winning BUIC organization. BUIC left Oklahoma with four awards: the Non-Big XII Council of the Year, the Non-Big XII Freshman of the Year, the Mickey Leland Award, and the Nelson Mandela Award. All of these recognitions are a testament to both the barriers Drury students are breaking and the change they have inspired. 

“The role that me and BUIC members have fulfilled is not only about advocacy and fighting for Black people to be seen, but it’s also about creating a space where we can be comfortable in our Blackness,” Cuevas said.

Experiences at PWIs differ greatly from America’s historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), and isolation among Black students is a leading factor in the contrasting retention rates. Students at the conference felt supported, and Cuevas said that “Big XII [Conference] is about being able to express our Blackness unapologetically without being judged for who you are.” 

Cuevas, and many of BUIC’s attendees, are able return to Springfield, Missouri feeling empowered, seen, and eager to continue their advocacy. BUIC has seen the fruits of their tireless fight, and this was aided by Drury University’s commitment to diversity and the work of Dr. Rosalyn Thomas.  

Photo Courtesy of Black United Independent Collegiate