The National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA) elected Grambling State University’s Kindrell Plains as the South Central Regional Representative at the organization’s 27th national conference in Jacksonville, Fla., on April 11, 2015.

The National Black Graduate Student Conference is a non-profit, student-run and operated organization that helps students develop professionally. This year the NBGSC invited students from around the world to provide opportunities for students to network with employers and recruiters from across the nation. Attendees also participated in amazing personal, academic and professional development opportunities in the form of engaging keynote, panel and workshop presenters, such as Dennis Kimbro who gave a keynote that explored the power of mindset on achievement. In addition, Dr. Breyan and Adam Haizlip led workshops that focused on student empowerment, cultural responsibility and strategies students can use to prepare for life after graduate school.

Plains will helpNBGSA continue to be the premier resource for Black Students, advocates and professionals as the organization works diligently to increase effective recruitment, progression, graduation and overall achievement for all students who identify as Black at institutions across the nation.