For Isaac Price, leadership isn’t just a title – it’s a responsibility carried with clarity, humility, and vision. A senior at Whitworth University majoring in political science with minors in Spanish and philosophy, Price has served as student body president and held multiple campus roles, including Residence Hall Senator, Resident Assistant (RA), Community Outreach Coordinator, and Vice President of the Black Student Union (BSU).
But his journey into leadership started far from campus meetings or public speaking engagements. Raised in Hillsboro, Oregon, by a Nigerian mother and a Californian father, Price grew up in a largely white, evangelical environment and was homeschooled through high school.
“Representation wasn’t something I really understood until I got to college,” he reflects. “Being homeschooled meant I was mostly in insulated spaces. It wasn’t until I joined the BSU that I really began connecting with my identity as a Black person.”
His entry into leadership was organic. After joining BSU, he volunteered, stepped into formal roles, and eventually took on the highest student government office.
Being one of the few students of color in predominantly white academic spaces has sharpened Price’s awareness of his presence. “It absolutely influences my motivation,” he says. “I often find myself thinking about how I can advocate not only for underrepresented students but for all students – while still honoring my own identity and convictions.”
That balance of serving all while staying true to self is something Price navigates daily. “There’s tension, especially when you’re in both spaces,” he explains. “I’m a BSU member, and I’m also the student government president. Sometimes, those roles conflict.”
Inclusion, Price believes, is more than a talking point – it’s a lived experience. “To truly bridge gaps across cultures, backgrounds, and beliefs, you have to do a lot of listening and a lot of supporting,” he says.
He credits much of his growth to mentorship from three dynamic women of color in administration at Whitworth: Rhosetta Rhodes, Vice President of Student Life and Dean of Students; Dr. Micki Abercrombie-Donahue, Interim Chief Diversity Officer; and Dr. Shari Clarke, Director of Student Success, Equity, and Belonging.
“They’ve taught me how to lead with strength and strategy, how to stand firm in conviction while navigating institutional realities,” he says. “They’ve been mentors, sounding boards, and anchors.”
Faith, combined with a strong belief in the inherent dignity of every person and a commitment to making each student feel heard, has grounded Price’s work. These values have shaped his approach to fostering an environment where all students feel seen, respected, and empowered.
This model of mentorship informs how Price interacts with underclassmen and aspiring student leaders. Whether it’s offering encouragement, checking in with students of color, or engaging in honest conversations, Price believes deeply in planting seeds of possibility.
“Representation opens doors. Just being visible lets others imagine themselves in these roles,” he says.
His leadership hasn’t been without its challenges. A recent controversy involved a student government-approved speaker who publicly criticized critical race theory. As a BSU member, Price shared the community’s concerns – yet as student body president, he had to uphold the broader commitment to campus dialogue.
“That was hard,” he admits. “But I made sure to tell the BSU, ‘I see you. I support what you’re doing. I have to navigate this role – but I’m still with you.’” His approach: transparency, empathy, and a willingness to hold space for multiple truths.
Faith is a grounding force for Price, guiding his values and decisions.
“It keeps me centered,” he says. “But so does community – my friends, my day-ones – people who knew me before the titles. They remind me who I am.”
Following his recent graduation, Price sees law school or nonprofit work on the horizon.
“I’m drawn to the intersection of policy and human impact,” he shares. “Maybe ministry too – wherever I can serve with purpose.”
His advice to young Black students considering leadership?
“That hesitancy you feel? It’s real – and it’s valid. But you already have the gifts within you. When you show up, even if it feels like you’re standing alone, you’re making space for others to follow. Believe in that. Test it. You’ll be surprised how it shows up.”
Isaac Price’s journey is a reminder that leadership rooted in faith, purpose, and integrity can create lasting impact – and that one student’s voice, guided by values, can make small impactful ripples. Representation doesn’t just matter – it has the potential to change outcomes and is a vital part of building a sense of belonging.