Making Every Voice Count | Bridgewater State University
Source: https://bridgew.edu/stories/2026/making-every-voice-count
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:33
Making Every Voice Count | Bridgewater State University
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Making Every Voice Count
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BSU’s new student trustee aims to ‘push the needle’ on inclusion, identity
I want people to feel comfortable talking to me, someone who can advocate for them at the administration level.
Avery Barry, '27
For
Avery Barry
, ’27, serving as a new student trustee on Bridgewater State University’s 11-member board is more than a role. It’s a chance to represent diverse student experiences and foster inclusion across campus.
“When I first came to BSU, I wanted to make a lasting impression on campus, and this feels like an opportunity to change and push the needle a little bit,” the biology major said.
As a queer person and trans woman, being able to serve as student trustee is especially important to Avery because representation matters.
“The way I perceive my own identity is really important to me
— that
understanding of identity, and how it’s different for everybody … I want people to better understand how they perceive themselves and how it impacts them and how BSU can best support them,” she said. “We all come from diverse backgrounds. It’s important to hear what other people have to say. It only makes our community better.”
During her time at BSU, Avery has been involved in Greek Life as a member of Gamma Phi Beta and served as president of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
This year, she is head resident advisor for Woodward Hall, an intern for Student Engagement, a biology teaching assistant, and a peer mentor at the Pride Center.
Her first goal as student trustee is to connect with the student body, engage in conversations, and learn what students’ concerns are.
“I really want to expand (my availability) and meet different people
— people
I haven’t connected with. I want people to feel comfortable talking to me, someone who can advocate for them at the administration level,” she said.
Eventually, Avery plans to work in public policy, specifically environmental conservation. Her main motivation is community building.
“I really want to work in urban centers with people from marginalized communities … to serve them and find out what is the best way to support those communities. It’s very niche, but it’s something I’m passionate about,” she said.
As student trustee, Avery will further develop skills that directly translate to her career goals.
“In terms of being able to reach out and talk to others, this helps me develop a little more, how to make a convincing argument to change something. I think this is something I will be able to use, both in the future and present,” she said.
During her tenure, Avery’s top priority is strengthening her ability to clearly articulate the needs and perspectives of her peers.
“I want to continue to have a strong pulse on the community that will make me better able to represent the student voice here on campus,” she said.
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email
stories@bridgew.edu
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This is a content holder for the one-button emergency notification system.
Quicklinks
My BSU
BridgeNet
Academic Calendar
Course Search
Register for Class
Pay Bill
Health Services Patient Portal
Student Health Plan Waiver
Info For
Families
Alumni & Friends
School Counselors
Give to BSU
Student Crisis Info
Menu Close
Making Every Voice Count
Share
BSU’s new student trustee aims to ‘push the needle’ on inclusion, identity
I want people to feel comfortable talking to me, someone who can advocate for them at the administration level.
Avery Barry, '27
For
Avery Barry
, ’27, serving as a new student trustee on Bridgewater State University’s 11-member board is more than a role. It’s a chance to represent diverse student experiences and foster inclusion across campus.
“When I first came to BSU, I wanted to make a lasting impression on campus, and this feels like an opportunity to change and push the needle a little bit,” the biology major said.
As a queer person and trans woman, being able to serve as student trustee is especially important to Avery because representation matters.
“The way I perceive my own identity is really important to me
— that
understanding of identity, and how it’s different for everybody … I want people to better understand how they perceive themselves and how it impacts them and how BSU can best support them,” she said. “We all come from diverse backgrounds. It’s important to hear what other people have to say. It only makes our community better.”
During her time at BSU, Avery has been involved in Greek Life as a member of Gamma Phi Beta and served as president of the National Residence Hall Honorary.
This year, she is head resident advisor for Woodward Hall, an intern for Student Engagement, a biology teaching assistant, and a peer mentor at the Pride Center.
Her first goal as student trustee is to connect with the student body, engage in conversations, and learn what students’ concerns are.
“I really want to expand (my availability) and meet different people
— people
I haven’t connected with. I want people to feel comfortable talking to me, someone who can advocate for them at the administration level,” she said.
Eventually, Avery plans to work in public policy, specifically environmental conservation. Her main motivation is community building.
“I really want to work in urban centers with people from marginalized communities … to serve them and find out what is the best way to support those communities. It’s very niche, but it’s something I’m passionate about,” she said.
As student trustee, Avery will further develop skills that directly translate to her career goals.
“In terms of being able to reach out and talk to others, this helps me develop a little more, how to make a convincing argument to change something. I think this is something I will be able to use, both in the future and present,” she said.
During her tenure, Avery’s top priority is strengthening her ability to clearly articulate the needs and perspectives of her peers.
“I want to continue to have a strong pulse on the community that will make me better able to represent the student voice here on campus,” she said.
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email
stories@bridgew.edu
Tags
Student Spotlight
Take the next step
Inquire
Visit
Apply