Student Engagement

Better Arguments Fellows lead student engagement efforts by facilitating conversations, sharing stories and helping peers practice engaging across difference.

Better Argument Leadership Fellows

The Better Arguments Leadership Fellows program invites student leaders to advance the principles of civil discourse and to bridge divides across campus. Fellows serve as storytellers and ambassadors for Better Arguments at William & Mary, supporting new student orientation and participating in campus and community-based events throughout the academic year.

What Better Arguments Leadership Fellows Do:

Share personal stories that bring the Better Arguments principles to life
Facilitate conversations that model engaging across difference
Support new student orientation and campus-wide programming
Participate in events that extend Better Arguments into the broader community

What Senior Better Arguments Leadership Fellows Do:

Organize and lead regular meetings
Coordinate communication and engagement across the Fellows cohort
Support planning for Better Arguments Week and other programming
Help lead and facilitate the program’s annual retreat

Apply to Become a 2026 Fellow

The Better Arguments Leadership Fellows program is open to undergraduate and graduate students interested in building skills in dialogue, leadership and civic engagement. The application process includes a written application and interview.

Apply Now

Meet the Better Arguments Fellows!

Andrew Bjork '28

Better Arguments has taught me valuable conflict resolution strategies that prioritize growth rather than friction.

Edward Taylor '28

Better Arguments has taught me to lead with human connection when talking to someone, instead of with an objective about a subject matter.

Emily Radick '26

In both personal and professional settings, the Better Arguments framework has given me practical tools to listen more deeply, communicate more thoughtfully, and build stronger connections even in challenging conversations.

Foster Covington '27

The Better Arguments framework has helped me become a better communicator, has given me more confidence in oration and the ability to cooperatively come to agreement.

Jackson Webb '28

The Better Arguments program has taught me more effective ways of communication and has given me more confidence in my ability to talk about sensitive topics with others in a professional manner.

Jason Zheng '26

Better Arguments has shaped how I communicate with people I work with when I have disagreements or a different perspective on how to approach an issue.

Lauren Poteat '27

I think Better Arguments challenges people to think both critically and creatively about the way they perceive arguments and then viable solutions to those challenges.

Maria Haddad '26

Better Arguments has encouraged me to better understand the elements of conflict resolution in my work as a campus and community organizer that goes beyond argumentation.

Mehr Goel '28

Better Arguments has helped me to open my mind to other perspectives and understand more deeply others' ideas and I find myself using the Better Arguments Principles in my everyday life to keep important relationships strong and undeterred by conflicts.

Rebecca Fuchs '26

Better Arguments has helped me show up as a more authentic leader by deepening my self-awareness and teaching me to engage others with empathy across differences.

Yasmin Kudrati-Plummer '27

Better Arguments has greatly expanded my view of contrasting and conflicting beliefs - I have become more willing and ready to engage with those who may disagree with me, and I seek to understand others more.