Transfer Student Spotlight
Gerron Lewis is new to the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and also to Tallahassee. Lewis, a junior transfer student in electrical engineering, moved to the area from Griffin, Georgia. He already holds a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Edward Waters University, where he received the Presidential Scholarship. (This prestigious award goes to less than 161 high school students nationwide!) At EWU, Lewis was named the 2021 National Pan-Hellenic Council Member of the Year for his campus and community involvement.
Why did you choose FAMU-FSU Engineering?
My aunt is an alumna and employee of Florida A&M University (FAMU) who has spoken highly of the school since my adolescence. Also, the infrastructure of the combined engineering college is world-renowned, and I’m confident that the training I will receive here help me achieve my career aspirations.
What inspired you to go into engineering?
My father is an electrical engineer. Since I was a child, he’s nurtured me to be a free-thinker and inspired me with existential questions on things like my purpose and my destiny. Engineering is fitting because it caters simultaneously to my philanthropic soul and creative mind.
What aspect of engineering is most exciting to you?
Interacting with so many passionate individuals is inspiring. Having peers who may later become experts in their respective fields is encouraging because I can learn from their observations and experience.
Are you involved with research yet?
My education at EWU involved training in pure and applied mathematics. As an engineer, I aim to revolutionize energy, inspire the green future and implement climate change reversal. At the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, I finally begin my quest as an engineer.
What are your long-term goals?
My longtime dream—that’s turned into a goal—is to move to Senegal. The musician Akon inspires me because he is committed to bringing solar energy to Africa. I plan to partner with his project and influence millions of people who might otherwise never get the help. Aside from my engineering aspirations, I plan to open a franchise of community youth centers and dedicate libraries to my parents.
What’s important about the HBCU experience at FAMU?
In the absence—or rather, the lack—of legitimate Pan-African group thinking and other distinct, “deciding” features of a culture, the HBCU is unique. Black people from all backgrounds can join one another in education, social action and fellowship. For many students, the HBCU is the first time they have ever seen scholastic passion among peers, and an environment like that promotes overall personal growth. And, the rich, deep history of HBCUs like Florida A&M and my alma mater inspire us to nurture the campus community. HBCU survival is essential for future generations.
Tell more about yourself.
I’ve been a poet and writer since I was eight years old; I hand-copied the material of my favorite artists. I swam, ran track, played in the band, and joined many organizations in high school. I served on the Student Government Association and Royal Court of Edward Waters University. I’m a spring 2019 initiate of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., and some of my best experiences as an undergraduate in leadership are associated with that fraternity. I became a published author of a Black History Coloring Book in early 2021.
What do you like to do when not doing schoolwork or research?
I party like it’s 1999.
What advice do you have for fellow students?
Stay grounded—meaning stay true to yourself and that which you hold most paramount. Be yourself, love yourself and love others. Accept; don’t tolerate. The world is yours for the taking. We’re responsible for our legacy; spread love into the world for unborn souls to experience later.
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