From the president
As a double major in economics and political science at Adelphi University, Shota Mikautadze is actively engaged in academic and leadership roles that reflect his passion for civic engagement and global affairs. He attended the 75th Annual Student Conference on U.S. Affairs at the United States Military Academy at West Point in New York, where he collaborated with peers from prestigious universities and military academies worldwide to develop policy recommendations focusing on economic liberalization, sanctions and global power dynamics. Those strategies were submitted to the Biden White House. Engaging with top economists, military officials and policymakers at the Student Conference on U.S. Affairs confirmed Mikautadze’s commitment to shaping economic and political solutions that promote fairness and stability.
On campus, Mikautadze works at Adelphi University International, assisting international students in navigating financial processes. This experience has strengthened his dedication to educational access and equity, particularly for underrepresented students seeking academic success.
He also serves as treasurer of Adelphi’s Levermore Global Scholars program, where he manages budgets for global initiatives, seminars and student-led projects. In the Levermore Global Scholars program, Mikautadze is part of a multidisciplinary community addressing interconnected, global issues and preparing for a future marked by leadership and social justice.
Personal Statement
Growing up in the Republic of Georgia, attending a German school in Tbilisi, and later moving to the United States, I developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity. My travels to Spain, Canada and Mexico allowed me to witness how different societies function and how childhood environments shape personal and economic outcomes. Two concepts shaped my desire to understand and address systemic inequality: seeing my father wearing a military uniform and becoming acutely aware of war and economic imbalances and disparities in education systems.
My academic research at Adelphi University and through the Levermore Global Scholars program is rooted in economic and social justice, particularly income inequality and financial accessibility. My aim, ultimately, is a career that bridges economics and international affairs while seeking to address these pressing global issues I believe a country's military forces must provide the resources to drive positive change. Many people, understandably, view the military only as a force of conflict; I see the other side of it and value its potential to foster stability, provide humanitarian aid and support economic development. By leveraging these resources, I aspire to improve lives on both a national and global scale.