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��ܽ��Ƶ-Mansfield student Marvens Ravix has been appointed to the ��ܽ��Ƶ Council of Trustees representing the Mansfield campus.

A junior biology major, Ravix immigrated to the United States from Haiti as a teenager. “Growing up in Haiti, where I lived for most of my teenage years, I faced lots of challenges accessing necessities and witnessing the loss of loved ones to preventable diseases, which instilled in me a sense of purpose and desire to serve,” Ravix said. “My experiences as a first-generation student in the United States, my drive to become a physician associate, and my dedication to enhancing the quality of healthcare to all people have shaped my worldview. Becoming a trustee at Commonwealth will allow me to leverage my experiences and insights to make a meaningful impact on the university community.”

Ravix is a defensive lineman on Mansfield’s sprint football team. Off of the field, he is an active student researcher in biology and a member of the Future Health Professionals Club and the Black Student Union Club, among others. He is also a member of the Army National Guard and the Mansfield Military and Veterans’ Organization.

His academic advisor, Kristin Long, associate professor of biological and allied health sciences, describes Ravix as “ambitious and tenacious.” “Marvens is a natural leader and a team player,” Long said. “His involvement with his local community has had a tremendous impact.”

Among Ravix’s activities that he his most proud of is serving as a mentor for the university’s disability program. “As a freshman, I faced challenges adjusting to college life,” Ravix recalled. “I was trying to figure out how to study effectively, form meaningful friendships, or even ask for help. Fortunately, I had Dr. Long as an advisor. She showed me that success was achievable and her mentorship was invaluable, leading me to become a mentor myself. I wanted to give back and support other students, especially those with disabilities.”