Dr. Okey Enyia '99

-

 

"My life story consists of seasons where I was either the initiator of strategic career moves or the strategic career move chose me. Lewis University chose me," stated Dr. Okey Enyia, a 1999 biology alumnus.

Influenced by his father, Dr. Samuel Enyia, a retired professor at Lewis, Okey highlights how Lewis prepared him for his future by providing a solid educational foundation coupled with enriching social opportunities. The smaller community at Lewis gave Okey the chance to develop meaningful relationships with faculty and staff.  These mentors impacted both his education and career paths.

"Lewis was intentional about creating spaces for students of color to build community. This was particularly crucial for me, as a Biology major, often being the only or one of the few Black men in the classroom," stated Okey. During his sophomore year, he became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., where he received life-changing support, camaraderie, and mentorship. These relationships helped Okey develop a strong sense of himself and his capabilities and played an essential role in his personal and professional success.

Recently, Okey graduated from George Washington University School of Public Health with his doctorate in health policy. Notably, he was the only Black male in his class to receive a doctorate from the School of Public Health.

Currently, Okey serves as a Health Policy Researcher for the National Institutes of Health. In addition, he is the Associate Vice President for Federal Government Relations at the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is looking ahead to having his doctoral dissertation published in several journals and hopes to expand his research to include artificial intelligence and machine learning within underserved communities.

"I'm looking forward to making an indelible impact on the world stage as a scholar-activist and policy-maker," stated Okey.

His advice to future Flyers with big goals is, "Take full advantage of all of the resources that Lewis University provides. Build meaningful relationships. Have fun! Be intentional and lean into a strong support system, create and maintain a robust self-care regimen, and keep your 'why' top of mind."

While Lewis University may have chosen Dr. Okey Enyia, he alone is credited with immersing himself fully in the education, activities, and mentorship that were available to him.  He is a trailblazer in his field and is clearly working to make a positive impact on our world!

Popular posts from this blog

Traci Gaydos ’02

-
Image
Lights, curtains, action! Traci Gaydos ’02 came to Lewis University to study Theatre and Music. While pursuing her BA in Theatre, she stumbled upon Stage Management. Stage Management was the springboard for her successful career in event production because it provided her with a transferable skillset. “My Lewis Experience was exactly what I needed for that time in my life: highly connected instructors who met my individual learning style and needs, and a department full of folks cheering each other on to success on and off the stage,” explains Gaydos. After graduating from Lewis and interning at the Kalamazoo Civic Theatre, Traci applied to the University of Illinois’ MFA program in Stage Management.   After completing her MFA, she continued in opera and theatre production roles until she landed the Production Manager and Marketing Director role for the University of Northern Iowa’s Theatre Department. Traci stayed in Cedar Rapids for three years before being selected to serv...
Read more

Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN '68 '93

-
Image
Fostering community through service has been part of Lewis University’s mission since its inception. Lewis alum, Garret A. Eisin MSN, RN ‘68 ’93, exemplifies these values through his vocation as a Registered Nurse whose passion is to help our nation’s heroes.  Garret’s story began in 1968 when he graduated from Lewis University with his Sociology degree. By 1969, Garret had enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a medic at Letterman Army Medical Center, San Francisco. After serving as a medic, he enrolled at Saint Xavier University School of Nursing and graduated with a BSN in 1974. Eisen then began his nursing career as a Registered Nurse at Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, where impacted the lives of his patients through his dedicated service. He later returned to Lewis and graduated in 1993 with a Master’s in Nursing. Eisin acknowledged the important role Lewis played in his life in better preparing him to live out his calling as a nurse. Garret stated, “My education at Lewis Un...
Read more

Lewis Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21

-
Image
Black History Month Alumni Spotlight: Jaylen Bush '21 For Jaylen, Black History Month has always been about celebrating the beauties of Black Excellence. Black Excellence is a mindset, and those we highlight this month had, or have, that mindset, according to Jaylen. "Through adversities and tragedies spanning from the darkest days of, not only American history but of our world’s history, Black Americans have fought tirelessly to make all peoples question: 'What kind of country, what kind of world, are we going to be?'" It is Jaylen's hope that we all use this as a time to reflect on ways to, not only celebrate, but also spread beauty and love throughout the world. For him, this is something he is committed to each and every day - especially as he begins his career and paves his own path for excellence. Growing up, Jaylen took part in after-school programs that were sponsored by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). This connection led him ...
Read more