Education and employment:
I am a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and am presently in my fourth year of pastoring at the East Mount Olive Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas, after having served 15 years as senior pastor of the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Springfield and 15 years as senior pastor of the Second Evening Star Baptist Church in Alexandria/Boyce, Louisiana.
While in Springfield, I served on the board of directors for Springfield Project Hope, a program aimed at helping low income families purchase affordable homes. I also served as chaplain of the Sangamon County Sheriff’s Office.
Realizing the need of being prepared to meet the holistic needs of God’s people, I pursued and obtained my Associate in Arts, elementary education from Lincoln Land Community College in 2010 and my Bachelors of Arts from University of Illinois at Springfield in 2011. In May 2016, I received my Master of Divinity Degree with a concentration in biblical studies and languages, graduating cum laude.
Today, I am preparing for a total different phase in my ministry, as I am studying for the LSAT test in December. I have successfully submitted my application to the Southern University Law School in Baton Rouge, with hopes of being accepted in the fall 2017.
How has LLCC impacted your life?
All of my achievements since attending LLCC, has been solely due to the resurrected educational fire sparked by the caring, challenging and concern professors during my time of matriculation there. LLCC was literally walking distance from my home, and the scheduling of class allowed for me to take classes before going to my office, during my lunch break and after work, without interfering with my work schedule. I was able to pay for my courses out of pocket without enduring any financial hardships. During my time at LLCC, it was as if it was divinely planned.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
Gaining the status of a first generation college graduate commencing with my AA from LLCC, then going on to receive my bachelor's degree and beyond my wildest imagination attaining my Master of Divinity Degree.
Was there an LLCC professor, advisors, staff member or fellow student who made an impression on you or helped you?
Yes, Professor Tim Humphrey. He saw something in me, and as a non-traditional student, he would always encourage me to reach beyond any surface expectations and go for the gold. He made himself available and shared his wisdom and knowledge even after graduating from LLCC. When I received my BA and M.Div., I immediately emailed him each time thanking him for his unmatched support. He even served as a reference for my entrance into the master's program. Also, my advisor, Ms. Laurie Clemons, she mapped out my courses and told me to stick with the plan and I was sure to graduate. Ms. Clemons was an excellent inspiration to my now successful academic career.
What did you like about LLCC or what is your favorite LLCC memory?
I was featured on the graduation poster and ads. To me, that was an awesome thing!
Is there anything else that you would like to share?
My daughter challenged me to return to school and to finish. I accepted her challenge, and we both have done well academically. I would have never thought that so many people throughout the world have attended community colleges. I hold my head up extremely high representing LLCC with the utmost pride, for it re-launched my academic career.