The Batten Undergraduate Council (BUC) represents the interests of undergraduate students at UVA Batten and provides organized opportunities for students to connect as they adjust to life at the school. BUC encourages community outreach, student leadership, special events, and professional development, and helps build a close-knit community by providing opportunities for students, faculty, and alumni to interact. In this feature, we highlight BUC President Wyatt Carter and Vice President Emily Pitts.  

Tell us about yourself.

I’m a Public policy major with a minor in German. I grew up in Chesterfield, Virginia, right outside of Richmond. I’m a Batten Ambassador, Bridge to Batten TA and The President of The Batten Undergrad Council.

What unique perspective do you bring BUC, and how does it affect your leadership style?

Everybody has their own unique lens that they bring to the table; outside of Batten I’m involved with America Reads, The Gordie Center, WXTJ, The Jefferson Independent. As a working-student and a student of color -- two perspectives that don’t always receive the most attention – I feel blessed that I have the opportunity to represent

What does BUC have planned for this year?

With the help of Batten Administrative staff we’ve already accomplished some of our goals for this year like: revamping batten orientation, having conversations with Batten Faculty and admin surrounding the Batten Curve impact’s on students, organizing Batten Builds, our school-wide community service event.

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Emily Pitts, and I am a fourth year Batten BA Student from Birmingham, Alabama. I currently serve as the vice president for Batten Undergraduate Council. I am also a media studies double major with a minor in French. My policy areas of interest include public education, public health, and news or political media.

What inspired you to join the Batten Undergraduate Council?

I originally joined BUC because I wanted to get more involved with Batten and I enjoyed how many resources the small major/tight knit community had to offer. I believe that to love something is to want to make it better, and BUC provides me with the opportunity to make a difference on a part of UVA that has given so much to me.

What is your favorite thing about the Batten School?

I love the countless connections and the extensive knowledge of the policy sphere that our professors have to offer. They are experts in their fields and always happy to help students who aspire to have similar career paths. Being a small major, I am able to fully connect with faculty and staff as well as form meaningful relationships with my peers. There are extensive opportunities to work together through group projects but also become genuine friends outside of the classroom.

What else are you involved in around Grounds?

I am currently also co-president of the A Cappella presidents council and a member of the New Dominions, an awesome a cappella group on grounds. I also serve on Fourth Year Trustees, am a member of the International Relations Organization, Alpha Delta Pi sorority, and write for the Cavalier Daily Arts and Entertainment section. Apart from that, I work on the McIntire student events team (not a double agent i promise)

What advice do you have for new Batten students?

Listen to your peers. True leadership does not mean being the loudest in a room or a group project. You’re sitting in a room with future leaders of America, so really take the time to absorb what they bring to the table.