Asha Marie Larson-Baldwin ’22 was a leader in social justice and diversity issues even before she arrived at Furman University.

Now she is among the 2021 students awarded a Newman Civic Fellowship by Campus Compact, a non-profit based in Boston that works to advance the public purposes of higher education.

“It’s exciting,” she said. “I’ve been nominated every single year I’ve been at Furman. This year in particular, I have felt very supported.”

Named for the late Frank Newman, a founder of Campus Compact and advocate for civic engagement in higher education, the year-long fellowship offers a variety of learning and networking opportunities designed to help equip fellows with the skills and connections they need to forge large-scale positive change in the community. One student per university is eligible for the national award.

Larson-Baldwin was nominated by Furman philosophy Professor David Gandolfo, who said he’s been impressed by her leadership skills which he first noticed when she led a high-profile movement to rename Wade Hampton High School when she was just 16.

“When she sees there’s something that needs to be done, she doesn’t think twice – do I have time in my schedule or am I the right person – she just goes and does it,” he said.

For example, he said, she’s been part of a student-led effort to include diversity in Furman’s Cultural Life Program graduation requirement. She also has leadership roles in campus organizations, including the Furman Justice Forum, and was just elected president of the