Leadership, Purpose and the Power of Showing Up

As a senior Business Administration major concentrating in management, Runor Agarin has shaped his four years at Bowie State University around leadership, service and personal growth. His student experience spans academics, campus employment, athletics and creative work, giving him a broad foundation for the kind of leader he aims to become. 

He describes his journey as one defined by steady growth and the willingness to take on challenges that push him beyond his comfort zone.

“God has blessed me with so many opportunities across different spaces on campus that have helped me build new skills and figure out the kind of person I want to be,” he said. 

Much of that development comes from his role as the student café executive officer, or student CEO, of Saxby’s. He manages the café’s operations, schedule and promotions while balancing full-time coursework. The experience has strengthened his ability to lead teams, communicate clearly and stay accountable. Athletics also shaped his approach to leadership because both football and Saxby’s required him to put the group’s needs ahead of his own and remain consistent in how he shows up for others. 

Agarin’s involvement extends across campus, and he has taken on roles that allow him to serve and grow in different settings. He is a resident assistant, a Bowie State Premier Scholar, a member of Toastmasters International and part of the Adobe Ambassador Club, where he previously served as president. He also volunteers in several departments and participates in intramural athletics and creative projects that build his communication and project management skills. 

His interest in business began in elementary school during a career day presentation by an entrepreneur who explained the appeal of being your own boss. The idea stayed with him as he explored different career possibilities, and by the time he planned for college, business felt like the most natural direction. Since then, he has worked to develop himself mentally, spiritually and emotionally while planning for his long-term goal of opening an athletic training facility that focuses on whole person development. He envisions a space where training honors the mind, body and spirit. 

Agarin often shares advice with younger students who are navigating their first year at the university. He encourages them to check Outlook regularly, build strong study habits and use a planner to manage competing priorities. He also stresses the importance of meeting faculty during office hours because early relationships often lead to support that lasts beyond a single class. Above all, he wants first-year students to give themselves grace as they adjust to college expectations.

“Imperfect action beats a perfect plan that never gets executed,” he said. 

As he prepares to graduate, Agarin reflects on how far he has come since arriving on campus as an anxious freshman looking for his place. The BSU community has taught him the value of pride, service and stepping forward even when the path is uncertain. He hopes to pass that support on to the students who follow and continue leading in ways that help others grow.