Campus Compact has named Amarachi Ejimadu, a senior at Principia College, to the 2026–2027 cohort of Newman Civic Fellows. The national coalition selected student civic leaders from around the country, including 39 states, Washington, D.C., and Mexico, for this prestigious yearlong program.
The Newman Civic Fellowship is a yearlong program that recognizes students who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities. Fellows are nominated by Campus Compact member presidents and chancellors, who each select one student whose work exemplifies civic engagement, public service, and community impact.
Ejimadu, a Biology and Chemistry double major, has demonstrated a commitment to civic leadership grounded in science, service, and community engagement. Drawing on her own experiences growing up in a resource-limited community, she is passionate about addressing challenges related to health, poverty, and food insecurity through solutions that are both scientifically informed and responsive to community needs. Her research examines the nutritional composition of cassava products, a staple food for millions worldwide, with the goal of identifying practical strategies to improve health outcomes and strengthen food security.
“Amarachi is a passionate leader who approaches every challenge with humility, curiosity, and integrity,” said Dr. Meggan Madden (C’93), Principia College President. “She understands that complex social issues require solutions grounded in both scientific inquiry and community partnership. Whether conducting research, mentoring younger students, or advocating for her peers, Amarachi consistently demonstrates a commitment to service and a remarkable ability to bring people together around a shared purpose.”
Throughout her time at Principia, Ejimadu has paired academic excellence with active civic engagement. She has served as vice president of the Student Body, advocating for student concerns and supporting campus-wide initiatives; co-president of the American Chemical Society chapter, helping revive the organization after more than five years of inactivity; and a member of the Strategic Enrollment Management Steering Committee. Beyond campus, she interned at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center—the world's largest independent nonprofit dedicated to advancing plant science to improve human health and the environment—and mentors younger students through a pen pal program designed to foster curiosity and interest in science. Across each of these roles, she emphasizes collaboration, accountability, and service.
“Having witnessed the effects of poverty and malnutrition firsthand, I have seen both the challenges communities face and the power of collective action,” said Ejimadu. “My goal is to help develop solutions that combine scientific research with community knowledge so that people can improve health and quality of life using resources already available to them. I'm honored to join a network of students who are committed to creating positive change.”
As a Newman Civic Fellow, Ejimadu will participate in a yearlong program designed to support her personal, professional, and civic growth. The fellowship provides virtual learning opportunities, networking events, leadership development programming, and the Annual Convening of Newman Civic Fellows—an intensive three-day gathering focused on skill-building and collaboration. Fellows are also eligible to apply for exclusive opportunities, including mini-grants to support community-based projects, scholarships, and post-graduate opportunities.
“This group of exceptional students from campuses across the country is such a welcomed addition to the Newman Civic Fellowship,” said Campus Compact President Bobbie Laur. “Now more than ever, it is an honor to recognize student leaders who are applying themselves as changemakers and creating positive impact in their communities. This is just the start of their lifelong journeys as Newman Civic Fellows, and I couldn’t be more excited to watch them continue to grow and pursue their passions.”
Learn more about the Newman Civic Fellowship through Campus Compact.
