University of South Florida Elects its First Black Woman Student Body President

The University of South Florida (USF) has never had a Black woman student body president… until now.

Britney Deas will become the first Black woman to serve as the school’s student body president when she takes office on May 6. Running unopposed, Deas will also become the first woman in over 20 years to assume the role. 

“I realized that student government is where you can really make a difference, in the lives of your peers,” FOX 13 News reports Deas saying. 

Using the campaign motto “BULL S.H.I.F.T,” Deas’ platform includes advocating for success, health, innovation, finance, and tradition – which is what SHIFT stands for. 

As a Black woman, Deas said “we are often so overlooked.” Her fellow students are responding to her historic feat with comments such as: “You opened doors for many Black girls to come, congratulations.” 

“Killing the game and paving the road for future Black women at USF.”

Deas, a political science major, hopes to go to law school and maybe run for mayor or governor one day. With a passion to make a difference through public service and advocacy, we know it’s only a matter of time.