University of Richmond senior named Newman Civic Fellow
University News
Senior Devin Morgan was named a 2025-26 Newman Civic Fellow by Campus Compact, a national coalition of colleges and universities working to advance the public purposes of higher education. The year-long program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential and a commitment to creating positive change in their communities.
"For me, being civically engaged is about treating whatever community you’re in like home and the people who inhabit it like family," said Morgan. "That sense of responsibility pushes me to stay committed to service, whether locally in Richmond, back home in Houston, or abroad."
This is the eighth consecutive year that a UR student has been named a Newman Civic Fellow. Students are nominated by a committee related to their exemplary community commitment. The nomination is submitted along with a letter of support by their campus president.
Sustainability champion
Morgan, a political science major with a minor in environmental studies, has devoted a large part of his undergraduate experience at UR to civic initiatives. He is a Presidential Scholar and Bonner Scholar, which denotes his academic excellence and commitment to sustained community engagement.
During his time at Richmond, he has collaborated with the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter, a grassroots environmental nonprofit, and Shalom Farms, a farm and food justice organization. As part of his work with these groups, Morgan has promoted local food initiatives, led environmental campaigns, and served as a Young Leaders Council member for the Sierra Club.
Morgan is also a champion for sustainability work on UR’s campus. He serves as president of the student club Green UR, leading recycling and waste reduction drives and encouraging sustainable and environmentally just choices on and off campus.
During his junior year, Morgan engaged in an immersive international study abroad program with a focus on analyzing the intersection of climate change with food systems, land use, and water resources.
“Studying climate change across Morocco, Nepal, and Ecuador showed me how deeply connected our global struggles are,” said Morgan.
His personal experiences, including food insecurity at a young age, have fueled his academic and other pursuits.
“These experiences lit a fire in me early on. That fire turned into action,” said Morgan. “I believe real change begins with the people most impacted, and I’m committed to creating solutions that are bold, inclusive, and grounded in lived experience. This work is personal. It’s my purpose.”
For me, being civically engaged is about treating whatever community you’re in like home and the people who inhabit it like family."