Head of the class.

• Position: Jay Hawkins of cofounder and chief executive officer of cityzen interviewed - Report - Interview

Former student body presidents talk about the ways their North Carolina schools shaped them--and where they are now

JAY DAWKINS

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HOMETOWN: Fayetteville

SCHOOL: N.C. State University (10)

LEADERSHIP POSITION: Student body president, 2008-09

CURRENT JOB: Co-founder and CEO of Cityzen, a Raleigh-based online polling platform

HOW DID YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE PREPARE YOU FOR THE FUTURE?

My N.C. State experience really reinforced "you get what you give." Between leadership roles in student government and Greek life, a part-time job and engineering classes, I had more than a full plate. I quickly learned that success in anything depends on effectively focusing your time and personal energies.

DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR OR PROFESSOR WHO MADE AN IMPRESSION?

Susan Nutter, head of the N.C. State Libraries, really made an impression, not through her words but through her actions. I'd see her working at the library until 9 or 10 at night. She quietly built this amazing team that prioritized listening to students and constantly trying new things. That led to N.C. State having arguably the most innovative library in the world, and I think serves as a great example for any organization.

TREMAYNE BRYAN SMITH

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HOMETOWN: Salisbury

SCHOOL: East Carolina University (11)

LEADERSHIP POSITION: Student body president, 2010-11

CURRENT JOB: Special assistant to U.S. Congressman G.K. Butterfield: student at The George Washington University pursuing master's degree in political management

DID YOU HAVE A MENTOR OR PROFESSOR WHO MADE AN IMPRESSION?

There have been two hands-full of inspiring people who have poured into me, but one of note would be ECU Dean of Students Lynn Roeder. She's the one who told me that the education and opportunities I was afforded at ECU would undoubtedly lead to my success. And as much as service is a responsibility for those who graduate from ECU, so is being responsible for helping others along the way, to "lift as I climbed."

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO INCOMING STUDENTS?

1. Go to class. Keep your priorities straight. Extracurricular activities are necessary additives, but going to class and doing course work is the main focus. 2. Learn your resources. I was the first male to graduate college in my family. I HAD to find a way to learn what I didn't know. Utilize the resources at hand. Work smart, not hard. 3. Have fun. This period in your life is truly the last bit of childhood you'll ever experience. Find time to sincerely enjoy it. Get out of your comfort zone. Have an open mind--you may surprise yourself.

KEVIN MARTIN

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HOMETOWN: Weddington

SCHOOL: UNC Chapel Hill ('89)

LEADERSHIP POSITION: Student body president, 1988-89

CURRENT JOB: Vice president for mobile and global access policy, Menlo Park, Calif.-based Facebook Inc. (member of the Federal Communications Commission, 2001-09, FCC chairman 2005-09)

HOW DID YOUR EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE...