New Student Orientation Day @ St. Philip's College

It's new student orientation day at St. Philip's College! Excited to be back in Texas, and San Antonio ESPECIALLY!

Texas Bound, and Ready to Serve!

It is so amazing how things have a way of coming back full circle. Just over two years ago I had selected St. Philip's College as a research site to participate in my dissertation regarding community colleges and their role in Texas House Bill 5. Now, I'm driving a moving truck to San Antonio, TX and starting my journey later this week as the VP of Student Success at St. Philip's. I'm grateful, and ready to serve!

Thank you, University of Charleston

Thank you to EVERYONE who attended my going away party the other day. In a short amount of time we accomplished some great things for our students. I am grateful to have served with you all!

Saying Goodbye...

This message was sent to my students announcing my departure from the University of Charleston. It has been a pleasure serving this institution.

Greetings UC Students –

Since first joining the University of Charleston is has been my goal as your dean of students to advance the mission of this institution, and support your development as the future leaders of this world. It has been a privilege serving you in this capacity, and to have played such a role in your journey.

It is with great sadness that I announce my resignation from the University of Charleston effective Monday, August 8th.

I am truly honored to have served this University, and will forever be grateful to Dr. Ed Welch and this administration for granting me this opportunity. It has been my pleasure to have been a part of your life, and I encourage you to continue to “live the mission” of the University of Charleston.

Dr. Mordecai I. Brownlee
Dean of Students
Office of Student Leadership & Engagement

West Virginia Student Success Summit

Excited about presenting this morning at the West Virginia Student Success Summit on how to promote student leadership development and civic engagement on K-12 and college campuses.

Powerful Quote to Consider

"We deserve what we decide to tolerate." - Unknown

The Nature of Today's Revolutions

History has shown us that every revolution has had acts of protests, insubordination, and even martyrs. Whether it was biblical in nature, the end of slavery, the fights for women rights, civil rights, same sex rights, etc. (Side Note: Can you imagine how horrific the images and videos we would have all been exposed to if mediums like YouTube and Facebook existed during the times of American slavery???)

It is human nature for revolutions to continue; people will evolve, and t...hat evolution will follow the paths as they always have.

The ONLY difference now is that the revolutions of the world are being televised, and the revolutionist (through social media) are being given the opportunity to tell their own stories.

These stories that we have been exposed to will continue, and stories of various nature will continue to flood the timelines of social media. It is the nature of social media, and it is the nature of today's revolutions.

Student Interaction Through Social Media

I just read a GREAT article this morning published by The Chronicle for Higher Education that I encourage you to read: https://shar.es/1ldA3g

Yes, social media is a great tool for interacting with our students - I know I do! However, that interaction, or should I say accessibility comes with a responsibility. Make the right choice.

Penn St. University Leadership Academy

Had an amazing time this week at Penn St. University, and honored to have been accepted into the Penn St. University Academic Leadership Academy!

Advancing West Virginia With Student Community Involvement

It was such a pleasure working with Kristi Wood-Turner and Lisa Tignor today! Shared ways in which our universities are working to advance West Virginia through our respective student community involvement programs. Community service should be an integral part of our students' academic experience.

Can't Please Everybody...

" I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, which is: Try to please everybody." — Herbert Swope

Photo: Dr. Susan Gardner and I

Susan M. Gardner, PhD and I just wrapped up our last presentation for this year's NASPA Region II Conference! Today we focused on Jennifer Bloom's Appreciate Advising model.

Take away lesson from day 3 in New York

Take away lesson from day 3 in New York: Society has a way of tricking us into survival mode. Think about Maslow's hierarchy for a second. Survival mode is the worst of the worst; it causes us to behave in an animalistic manner, without morals or care for others. We should all control our perceptions, emotions, and actions. We should all fight the urge to become puppets of society

Photo: NASPA President Kevin Kruger and I

Kevin Kruger and I at the NASPA Region II Conference

Take away lesson from Day 2 in New York

Take away lesson from Day 2 in New York: Growing up, every Saturday night at 11 pm cst. was a sacred time in my house. Why? Because it was "Showtime at the Apollo!" After all those years I am now blessed to stay right at a hotel right across the street from a place that played such a pivotal role in my cultural development and exposure to African Americans in the arts. Pay homage where homage is due. God is Great.

Rest well, King...

His contributions to the sport, society, and humanity will remain unmatched. Rest well Muhammad Ali.

Working on New Project!

I'm excited to share that I am working on a project that was inspired by LinkedIn; all in an effort to further the education and development of others. More information coming soon!

Take away lesson from Day 1 in New York

Take away lesson from Day 1 in New York: It is important that we define "success" within ourselves and for ourselves. If not, the world has a definition of success that will manipulate your life - and it will cost you a lot of money trying to attain it.

Photo: Dr. Shaun Harper and I

Shaun R. Harper, Ph.D. and I at the NASPA Region II Conference #NASPA2