Biology alumna Layla Locklear was among the handful of American Indians who performed for the Appalachian Energy Mid-Year Summit this past winter. The University hosted the summit on 16 February 2016 in the University Center Annex.

Layla's participation in the summit was in step with her exemplary record of community service and her passion for environmental issues. While still matriculated at the University, Layla received the Community Impact Award, among other awards, and she was involved in the People's Climate March in New York City in 2014. Layla completed a baccalaureate degree in Environmental Science from the Biology Department in 2014.

Layla is not new to the stage. She and her musical family (parents John and Tonya Locklear, and brother Lakota John) have performed at numerous events, both in state and out of state.