Q: You have made such an impact as a leader throughout your career. What are you most proud of accomplishing?
A: In my current position as chair of the Prince George’s County Financial Advisory Committee, I assist the committee in assuring that the county counsel’s $30 million fund is utilized wisely and ethically. Companies that come to the county will apply to access a portion of that fund, and as those businesses grow, they repay the loan so that we can recycle the fund in order to help the county grow its businesses. Also, during my time serving as chair of the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) board, we made a fairly large revision to the exam itself to make the exam fair and less dependent upon knowledge gained from being in a particular geographic or socioeconomic level in society.
Q: What influenced your transitions between career paths?
A: I was a professor and chair of the sociology department at Hampton University for about four years, and though I felt happy, I also felt that, intellectually, I had more to offer than the skills I was using at the university. A lot of things, including my desire to become a college president, influenced me to go to law school. My goal was not to practice law indefinitely, but I was aware that law underlies all types of relationships in the United States, and I wanted to understand that process. So, I attended law school and received my degree.
Q: What is your advice to current Juniata student leaders?
A: When I was a student, I served as captain of the football team, sophomore class president, and chair of the black students’ association, which taught me how to communicate, problem-solve, and collaborate with diverse groups of people. Never underestimate the experiences you’re having as a student, because I can promise that you will use those skills again and again.
