News from The Mahurin Honors College

Demani Bell arrived at WKU with a clear vision: he wanted to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Musical Theatre, a degree designed to propel him straight into the professional world of acting. A native of Danville, Kentucky, his decision to attend WKU was swift. "It was kind of no places," he admitted with a laugh, explaining how he narrowed his options down quickly. Northern Kentucky University and Campbellsville were the only other schools in the state with a BFA program, but a combination of campus visits and recommendations from friends led him to WKU.

From an early age, theater was woven into the fabric of his life. "I've done theater since about sixth grade," he said. Inspired by Alyssa Ray, an American Idol contestant and fellow Kentuckian, Demani took her advice to heart: "If you want to do this, you need a BFA." His involvement with the International Thespian Society led to a scholarship to participate in the Kentucky Thespian Festival.

Demani's passion for musical theatre remains at the forefront, but his broader vision includes mastering technical aspects of production. "I want to be able to light design, stage manage, build a set, and learn painting techniques," he said. "You can’t just walk into a theater and say, ‘Hey, can you teach me how to do lights?’" His long-term dream is to perform in the Disney College Program after graduation, and ultimately give back to the next generation of artists. "My passion is in GSA," he said, referring to Kentucky’s Governor’s School for the Arts, a program that profoundly shaped his path. "I really believe in pouring into things that have poured into you."

His deep-seated desire to engage with his community is evident in his involvement at WKU. As a campus tour guide, SGA senator, and member of Dance Big Red, he is making his mark across campus. "I didn’t win the election," he said of his SGA role, "but I was chosen as a senator-at-large, and I’ve been serving since." He’s already working on initiatives, including a scholarship in memory of a late musical theatre student and advocating for improved dining options for students with dietary restrictions.

His commitment to civic engagement extends beyond campus. For his Honors Civic Engagement Project, he and his team collected over 100 books from his hometown, inspired by Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The books were distributed at a WKU production for young audiences and donated to the local juvenile detention center, where they support literacy programs for incarcerated youth and their children. "It ended up being kind of a full-circle thing," he reflected.

Despite the packed schedule, Demani has found a home in the Mahurin Honors College Living Learning Community (LLC). "I never would have expected to love it as much as I do," he said. "People think of honors as just the smartest of the smart, always in their books. But my friend group is so diverse—there’s Greek life, arts, faith-based involvement, leadership, everything." The friendships he’s formed through the LLC are what he cherishes most. "We played hide and seek in MHC. We have poker nights. We just have so much fun together."

For Demani, success is not measured solely by personal achievements but by the connections he makes and the impact he leaves. "I love walking around at football games and seeing people I know from different parts of my life," he said. "That’s when I feel like I’ve made it."

With only one semester under his belt, Demani Bell has already built a legacy of leadership, passion, and engagement at WKU. And if his first year is any indication, his journey is only just beginning.