Q&A
Why do you belong at IU?
I belong at Indiana University because I demand academic excellence, leadership development, and community engagement from my collegiate experience and IU excels on each dimension.
What do you like most about your major or scholarship program?
I love that marketing is so versatile and applicable to a myriad of disciplines. Nearly everything in life must be marketed to suit an audience's needs. My field of study will never become obsolete.
What is an interesting fact about you that most people would find surprising or unexpected?
I earned my black belt in karate when I was nine years old.
What is your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite place on campus is the Dunn Woods in the campus's old crescent. When the campus first moved to it's current location, the only buildings Bryan, Franklin, Owen, Wiley, Kirkwood, and Lindley Halls formed a crescent around Dunn Woods. It is small patch of forested area that provides an excellent getaway from the hustle and bustle of campus.
What is your favorite thing about Bloomington?
I really value the fact that Bloomington provides an safe place to learn tough lessons. Everything from residential living, community engagement, and leadership development are all readily available for students to experiment with. In many ways, all of these opportunities are available with minimal risk to the student.
Tell us about your family.
My family is foundation. I have an older brother and two older sisters. They live in Indianapolis and Chicago, respectively. My two parents live together in Kokomo, IN. Despite our distance, we remain close-knit. We have our own group chat where we share everything with each other. I rely on their wisdom, insight, humor, love, and support to make through each and every day.
What is the best college experience you have had so far?
The best college experience I've had so far has definitely been being the Polemarch (president) of the Alpha (first) chapter of my fraternity during our 100th anniversary. Because Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. was founded here at Indiana University, several thousand Kappas from around the globe descended upon Bloomington this summer. My chapter Brothers and surrounding chapters helped host these Brothers and create a memorable experience that will last a lifetime.
What do you want to do after you graduate?
I have applied to marketing doctoral programs at numerous schools across the country. I plan to earn my Ph.D. in 5 years, begin teaching and researching consumer behavior for approximately 20 years, and then climb the administrative ladder to eventually become a university president!
What music are you currently listening to?
I listen to a lot of Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West.
What is your advice to students interested in Indiana University?
If you're interested in Indiana University, understand that IU contains a top-notch academic program AND an engaging campus and city community with just as many opportunities to advance academically, professionally, and personally. Seize any and every chance to get involved and develop yourself as an all around global citizen. It is one of the many qualities that separate Indiana University from competition.
Tell us about your favorite class or teacher.
Adam Duhachek has found a way to transfer his passion for consumer behavior into me unlike any other professor has. Not only is his class engaging and informative, he balances an exciting life outside of his professional commitments. I've had the privilege to work alongside him and his doctoral students the past 4 years and his research has captivated my attention and motivated my career path into academia. He is definitely someone I look up to and aspire to emulate professionally.
What fun extracurricular activities have you been involved with?
I have been involved in so many things that I have lost track. I co-founded an interest group titled, the Men of Color Leadership Institute. The organization's purpose is to bring together aspiring male leaders and help organize the annual Men and Women of Color Leadership Conference. I have gotten very involved with the first year experience for incoming students by getting involved with the Admissions Office through the Multicultural Outreach Recruitment Educators (MORE) as Public Relations chair, Intensive Freshmen Seminar (IFS) as a Student Intern, and the First Year Experience Programs office (FYE) as a Student Coordinator for New Student Orientation (NSO). I've been blessed to join the Alpha chapter of my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, and serve as Keeper of Exchequer (treasurer) and Polemarch (president). As a member in the IU Greek community I've served as President and Academic Excellence chair of the National Panhellenic Council (NPHC). Most recently, I was appointed by President McRobbie to his student advisory Board of Aeons. There are several other capacities in which I have served, but fortunately in my last year, I have been able to pare down my involvement to include things that embody my interests and passions. I am currently most active in the Board of Aeons and Kappa Alpha Psi.
