Great Grads 2025: Sydney Randall

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For Sydney Randall, the road to Johnson C. Smith University’s 2025 Commencement has been rich with purpose, persistence and personal growth. As Senior Class Vice President, Randall has emerged as a compassionate leader and driven scholar whose commitment to service and scholarship  defines her legacy.

“I would describe myself as resilient, dependable, and deeply committed to growth,” Randall said. “During my time at JCSU, I faced personal and academic challenges, but I never allowed them to keep me from showing up and giving my best.”

Whether supporting fellow students through student government, engaging in scientific research, or stepping into sisterhood through Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Randall has become known for characteristics of resilience and dependability. 

“My ‘claim to fame’ would probably be my ability to show up and follow through for my peers when they needed support,” she said.

A native of Texas, Randall pursued a demanding academic path in the sciences. The ability to balance lab work, research, and leadership responsibilities came with moments of stress and some sacrifice, but  Randall found strength in practicing self-compassion.

“Sometimes, the workload felt overwhelming—especially during midterms or when responsibilities overlapped,” she recalled. “I had to learn how to manage my time and give myself grace.”

Among her proudest achievements: earning a place on the 2023–2024 Student Government Association Executive Board, becoming a member of the Gamma Delta Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and publishing undergraduate research in the Journal of Parasitology based on work completed in her junior year.

“Everything I went through taught me how to adapt, pivot, and keep pushing, even when uncomfortable,” she said. “I used to pour from an empty cup, thinking I could do it all, but I’ve learned that rest is part of the work.”

Next, Randall will return to Texas to earn her Veterinary Technician License as she prepares for graduate school. Her ultimate dream? To become a wildlife veterinarian and travel the world caring for animals in sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers.

With compassion as her compass, Sydney Randall leaves JCSU ready to serve—on campus, in the community, and someday, across continents.