Dean Millard ’21 has achieved many accomplishments before even completing his senior year of college. He is currently serving as the first Black Student Body President at Villanova University, is a Senior White House Correspondent with AKSM Media, worked as a 2024 Presidential Debate Runner for ABC News, and was the first Policy Intern for the office of Pennsylvania’s Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis. 

Student Leader at Villanova

Millard’s sights have always been set on student leadership. 

“At GA, I ran to be student body vice president and president and lost both elections,” Millard said. “I could have decided not to pursue running for student government in college, but I moved forward and won each year, serving as Freshman Senator, Campus Climate Committee Chair during my sophomore year, Student Body Vice President my junior year, and Student Body President my senior year.”

Villanova has over 7,000 undergraduate students, so being elected for an all-school student government position is notable. “To earn their trust speaks volumes, and being the first Black Student Body President is very meaningful,” Millard said. 

He aspired to attend Villanova since he was five years old after attending a basketball game with his father, feeling the Wildcat pride and strong energy from the community. Seeing that goal become a reality and becoming a leading voice on campus has been personally meaningful. 

“Being a trailblazer is important to me,” Millard said. “I’ve had a lot of positive engagement and support from professors, students, alums, and past black students who tried to become Student Body President. It’s my goal to be successful and create opportunities for future Black students who want to lead.”

During his time at Villanova, Millard has also found a passion for travel. He studied abroad in Prague, Czech Republic during the summer of 2023, taking two classes and visiting Germany, Austria, Denmark, and Slovakia. It was his first time in Europe and he was excited to visit Paris with his Black Americans in France class during spring 2024. 

Working in Politics

Throughout the past six months, Millard has engaged in distinguished internships and opportunities in politics and media.

“If you told me before today that I would be working a presidential debate, I would have been very surprised,” Millard said. He shared that he received the opportunity through his connections at Villanova and was referred by faculty members, students, and mentors. 

“I did anything they needed, from being a sit-in for an anchor while they prepared the cameras to getting personal items for the moderators” Millard said. “I was right down the hall from the candidates. It was an honor to be in that space.”

Another opportunity in the world of media and politics has been Millard’s role as Senior White House Correspondent with AKSM Media. 

“I began as a Junior White House Correspondent and have since been promoted,” Millard said. “I have White House access and attend events. I was there when the Kansas City Chiefs visited after winning the Superbowl and I’ve seen Biden attend church in Delaware. This position is nonpartisan and we attend events on both sides of the aisle, reporting neutrally.”

This past summer, Millard also experienced government work first hand. When Governor Josh Shapiro visited Villanova during Millard’s sophomore year, Millard was selected by the university to ask the Governor questions, specifically about relevant topics for college students. 

“I made a great impression and remained in touch with the team for over a year,” Millard said. “When summer internships came around, I applied and was connected with Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis where I became his first intern, drafting policies for the administration.”

Millard’s focus was on food insecurity, and he met with the Food Policy Council and many members throughout the state administration to find ways to ensure people in Pennsylvania have adequate access to food. He also worked on policy for early childhood education and after school programs. Millard traveled to Pittsburgh and Allentown with Lt. Governor Davis, learned about his role, wrote remarks for him, and gave tours around the Capitol office. 

“I loved going to work every day,” Millard said. “This experience in Harrisburg affirmed my interest in politics and government, moving forward and leading our Commonwealth to a positive place.”

Looking Back on GA

“If I didn’t have time management or organizational skills, none of this would work because my days are packed balancing my academics, professional life, personal interests, and family time,” Millard said. “Free periods at GA were helpful in developing that skill. In 9th Grade, they were moderated to make sure students were productive, and as I got older, we had free periods on our own, so I learned when to take it easy and when to be productive.” He also shared that he continues to buy a planner, along with using his digital calendar, to organize himself each semester. 

Millard shared how helpful the GA’s Writing Center was to hone his skills and increase the quality of his work. He is also grateful for Mr. St. Jean and his feedback in the writing courses he took with him while at GA.

“The feedback I got at GA helped me understand the areas of improvement for my writing, and now I’m a peer tutor in the Writing Center at Villanova, helping other undergraduate students.” 

Millard encourages GA students to stay in touch with the school upon graduation. 

“Don’t forget where you came from,” he said. “I’m fortunate to have close friends from GA and new friends here at Villanova,” Millard said. “GA played an integral role in my life and I cherish my time there. I’ve gone back to basketball games, to speak to the freshman class, and attend networking events and alumni events. When a community like GA helps you so much, it’s important to give back and get involved.”

Millard’s Motivation 

“People are what motivate me,” said Millard “I’m definitely a people person. I’m an only child and I’m comfortable with being independent but I’ve always appreciated engaging with others, hearing their stories, aspirations, and endeavors. I try to ask how I can assist or advocate for them when they may not have a place to speak up or have representation.”

Millard shared that he was fascinated with history, presidents, and the events that led us to where we are today from a young age. 

“I would appreciate a career where I’m challenged every day to produce a new task, take on new responsibilities, and learn different ways to deliver results,” he said. “Right now, while politics are so polarized, I want to be a bridge builder and bring people together. I don’t judge people based on their party affiliation. I want to come to the table and say ‘We all want progress. What can we do to make that a reality?’ I really believe in people and that we can put our differences aside and achieve wonderful things.”

What’s Next?

While Millard is currently applying to law school, he was also nominated for a Fulbright Fellowship and is applying to be an English Teaching Assistant in the Czech Republic. We can't wait to see what's next.