On a campus brimming with artistic expression, Lynden Hight uses her passion for the arts to bring a new creative outlook to campus. The student-led marketing team at Taylor University, Birrama Creative, has elected Hight as its president for the 2023-2024 school year.
After dropping out of high school, Hight pursued a GED diploma and began working as a teacher in Africa. Hight found Taylor University after an encounter with the Lord, and expected to stay only one semester. Surprised by the welcoming atmosphere, she decided to continue her education at Taylor.
Hight knew her calling was to remain at Taylor and continue to pursue art. Her artwork is a lens through which she views the world, a means of processing emotions and a medium for sparking conversations, Hight said.
As a senior studio art major who desires to serve the Lord in all her creative endeavors, Hight’s experience in various art mediums and worldwide travels contributes to her passion for creativity.
Height explains the impact Taylor has had on her life.
“I thought that I had reached my peak,” Hight said. “Genuinely I thought I cannot get any better than this. I'm living in my dream, and I feel like art has just become my native language now.”
In past years, the Birrama team has created videos that students can watch as well as posters that display designs by its artists. With a unique blend of artistic flair and marketing acumen, students and faculty alike have been attracted to Birrama's innovation, said senior Quinn Miles.
Senior Deokjun Lee is a senior film and media production major, who works on the Birrama Team. He described Hight as a leader with refined taste.
“I admire what personal perspective she has for creativity,” Lee said. “I really admire her art sense. (She’s) like a woman version of Michelangelo.”
While the position of president of Birrama is not a task for the lighthearted, Junior Rylie Newcomer shared that Hight is the woman for the job. Hight explained that the presidency includes managing a heavy workload along with collaborating with other TSO cabinets. She plans to make Birrama even more inclusive by bringing greater diversity and creativity.
As a result of Birrama’s collaboration, Hight said there are great things to look forward to this year.
“We've been able to collaborate with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship,” Hight said. “And I'm so excited for that.”
With the expansion of Birrama into new environments, the community can expect to see new ideas spread across campus. Students have more opportunities to participate in events on and off campus than ever before, thanks to Birrama’s creative leaders such as Hight.
Hight also expressed excitement about this year’s team, composed of individuals from various majors. This team of engineers, computer scientists, graphic artists and illustrators will bring multiple perspectives to the process.
Surrounded by a team of equally passionate creatives, Hight hopes to foster an environment that encourages new ideas, collaboration and the relentless pursuit of artistic excellence. She also dedicates all her work to the Lord, pursuing to represent Him with every brushstroke.
Newcomer, a friend and roommate of Hight, shared how Hight's faith informs her work as president of Birrama and in the greater scheme of things.
“I admire her proximity to the Lord,” Newcomer said. “And she's very good at listening and being aware when things are changing around her and being able to step into that place and fill in just because she's so close to the Lord and listening to what he's calling her into.”
Through her art, leadership and dedication to Birrama Creative, Hight aids in upholding a legacy that will continue to shape and inspire generations of Taylor creatives.
