May 5, 2019
The time of year has come for students to leave campus and return to their homes or embark on adventures across the country and world. While they participate in internships and study abroad programs, some students are preparing for the next school year. Those students are ones who will be participating in student government. One has made it evident that he is eager to get to work on his endeavors as Mr. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. Mr. Jalen Phillips gave me a little insight into where he wants to see the campus at the end of his term, and his thoughts on his position as one of the few Mr. UAPB’s in campus history.
In an over the phone interview with Mr. Phillips, I asked him about what campus issues he wanted to see resolved as Mr. UAPB and his vision for UAPB. Mr. Phillips main goal is to highlight black males on campus. He said he “wants to reestablish the legacy of the black male...and break the stereotypes of black males being statistics...” He pointed to the early male leadership of the school and the male leadership that started this institution. He felt as though the black male, particularly at UAPB, has lost the drive to be the leaders they are and lost sight of the internal gifts they possess. He wants to remind black men what they possess and help them to use what they naturally possess. Mr. Phillips sees the black male starting to be leaders again on and off campus and he wants to be the driving force behind that movement.
Another thing Mr. Phillips wants to see resolved on campus is the living conditions of the freshmen dorms. He points out how it would be easier to recruit and retain students to the University if they know they will be in a safe and comfortable place away from home. This is an issue that has been talked about since before the class of 2022 arrived on the yard. Mr. Phillips has his work set out for him regarding the freshman dorms being renovated or rebuilt and if he can influence the University to begin work on the dorms, he will make a name for himself in UAPB history.
Another topic that was discussed in the interview with Mr. Philips was where he saw Mr. UAPB in the future. First, he wanted to emphasize that he needed support from the campus community, Pine Bluff community, and UAPB alumni. He wants to increase funds for Mr. UAPB so he can put on more programs and expand the influence of Mr. UAPB. Second, he sees Mr. UAPB hosting conferences for other campus kings and he wants Mr. UAPB to visit the White House. While he may not get to see those things happen while he is on campus, he wants to lay the groundwork so that someone one day will be able too.
Mr. Phillips has already shown a passion for wanting to serve his school community. He brings a different perspective to the office by wanting to help elevate the black males on campus and give focus to a class that can be overlooked. From the conversation we had I am confident in his abilities to lead and look forward to him making his mark as Mr. University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.