The TCU Student Government Association has a new president: Lau’Rent Honeycutt, a senior marketing major from Huntsville, Alabama. We asked Lau’Rent about his past SGA involvement, presidential goals and some of his favorite things on and off campus.
What brought you to TCU?
I came to TCU because I knew that this school would pour every resource into me. When I stepped on campus, I fell in love with how much people cared for the school and one another. I knew that this school would help me succeed both personally and professionally.
When did you get involved in student government and why?
I got involved in SGA my freshman year. During my second semester, I took part in the DEI committee, which showed me there is a lot of work to be done — work that I wanted to be a part of. That semester we put on the “You Belong Here” campaign, and I was able to see firsthand the impact that had on the minority students at this school. It opened my eyes to how one idea can really help people.
What have your prior SGA roles been?
For two years, I was the house representative for the Neeley School of Business. Throughout my junior year, I chaired the student experience committee.
What student government accomplishments are you most proud of?
I am most proud of so many bills that I’ve been a part of. Helping create DEI and Mental Health Week on campus really created a much-needed spotlight on very serious issues.
Why did you want to run for president?
I ran because I wanted to amplify all voices on campus. My freshman year, I knew that I wanted to leave my mark on TCU by diving into the issue that divides us the most — building one unified campus. I want to do great things for every student here at TCU, and being the president allows me the opportunity to help all of our student body. I have always advocated for every student, and I will continue to do that at this next level.
What does it mean to you to be TCU’s first Black SGA president?
It is a tremendous honor but not one that I take lightly. Being the first Black SGA president is a great step forward that I hope will lead to so many more after me. Our campus and SGA have an uneven history in regard to diversity, and it is a top priority to me and my cabinet to bridge the gap. We must focus on the issues of our campus and do it boldly because everyone needs to feel that they belong at TCU.
What are your primary goals as president?
My goals for president are rooted in action. My agenda starts with bringing in more diverse students to campus by going to local high schools. Next is helping alleviate the cost of textbooks by establishing a book swap program for students. Lastly, I am working with athletics to create new traditions and bolster student engagement.
What do you think the biggest challenge will be and how do you plan to overcome it?
The biggest challenge I foresee is the idea of change. We have an amazing campus as is, but there are things that could create a better TCU for everyone. I am lucky that the administration is so open and trusting of our students’ voices. Even still, it will take me continuously advocating for my initiatives to implement the change we need.
What are some other campus organizations you’re involved in?
I’m in Neeley Leadership Program, National Association of Black Accountants, Leaders for Life, Student Foundation and Dream Outside the Box. There are so many amazing organizations across campus for our students to get involved in.
How has Neeley impacted your leadership development?
Being a part of the Neeley Leadership Program has been one of those milestone moments for me. I have learned so much about myself and my beliefs that will shape me for the rest of my life. Moreover, I learned what it means to be a leader and how I can best lead people. It’s been a truly transformative process.
What are your goals after graduation?
After graduation I hope to move to Los Angeles and work in the media and entertainment industry. I have always had a passion for telling great stories of people’s lives. Since I was young, I have been enamored by how media can be such a powerful force of change and way for us to see and connect with different perspectives! This year I was able to work at both RCA Records and Amblin Partners to learn more about how to create great projects that cause such needed discussion in society!
What do you love most about being a Horned Frog?
The passion throughout campus. Here everybody cares so deeply about this school, each other and the greater world. This is a place where our community makes it feel like we’ve known one another long before we meet freshman year. I love that I can walk around campus and see so many familiar faces. We all bleed purple here, and you can feel it across campus.
More about Lau’Rent
Go-to morning beverage: I love a great smoothie.
A favorite food: Enchiladas or any type of pasta
Favorite spot on campus: I probably have to say the third floor of the BLUU. There is always someone playing the piano, which is perfect for studying.
Favorite movie: Jurassic Park, which is so cool because I worked with Mr. Spielberg’s production company
On your playlist: Take My Breath by The Weeknd
Last show you binge watched: Outer Banks — I binged it in a day!
Hobbies: Soccer, watching TV, reading thriller novels
A professor who has had a meaningful impact on you: Brad Harris, associate professor and academic director, BNSF Neeley Leadership Program, has been one of my closest teachers throughout my life!
Best TCU memory to date: Freshman year rainstorm when my friends who I just met decided it would be a great idea to slip and slide down the grass on the Commons. It was awesome before TCU PD kicked us out.