Why FSU?

I chose the College of Education at FSU because it is a model of the scholarship, teaching, and theory-to-practice approach that I aim to do in my future career. As a proponent of leadership, I was also interested in working with and studying under some of the top scholars in the world on the topic.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My motivation to pursue a doctorate degree is to contribute to the future leaders of our world. As an undergraduate student, I saw that education was not only a tool for learning, but also a tool for collaboration and change. I saw that this work could help build bridges between different communities and promote people to be caring and understanding. Through my work in higher education and in nonprofit organizations, I want to help build the leadership capacity of individuals and organizations aimed at creating positive change in the world.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

The goal of my dissertation is to contribute to scholarship on black college men. My work looks at how black college men actionize critical hope. As a concept that critiques the convention of regular hope, critical hope aims to create action that helps develop people as investors and change agents in creating a better future. My study looks at how black college men understand this idea and use it within leadership roles they hold on campus to improve their communities.

Career aspirations

I aim to work in higher education as a professor while providing leadership training to local communities.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Try to not do everything according to a standard. Instead, work on doing what you can while maintaining your sense of self.

Accomplishments during graduate career

Moving into my doctoral candidacy, I have achieved many of my goals, including teaching and researching the topic of leadership at the university level. I have also been able to implement theory-to-practice-to-scholarship through publications (New Directions for Student Leadership and “Engaging Black College Men through Leadership Learning”) and conference presentations (NASPA, ACPA, NCORE, ILA, and ALE). I’ve also been recognized through FSU (FSU Academic Leadership Award) and through national organizations (NASPA Coalition for Men & Masculinities Harry Cannon Award) for exemplary work in my studies, and I am a 2023 McKnight Dissertation Fellow.