Justin Keys
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Inaugural Kennard Scholar |
What type of career have you pursued and want to achieve in the future?
Corporate Marketing + Branding (MBA, Belhaven University, 2018)
How did receiving the Clyde Kennard scholarship impact you?
Receiving the Clyde Kennard scholarship impacted me in a multitude of ways. In addition to the monetary award that helped towards tuition, the Kennard Scholars program introduced me to some amazing people and equally amazing opportunities.
Because I grew up in Hattiesburg, I learned about the Clyde Kennard story and his legacy at Southern Miss at a pretty young age. After being selected as a part of the inaugural cohort for the program, I felt even more indebted to continue pushing his mission forward. From the academic enrichment curriculum created for the program, to the uncomfortable yet necessary history that we took a deep dive into, this program was an integral part of my time at Southern Miss. Dr. Eddie Holloway, Dr. Johnell Goins and my Kennard Scholar mentor, Officer Thomas, played a major role for me in this program, and I couldn’t be more appreciative for their guidance, motivation and support.
Early on, I made the conscious effort to make a difference at Southern Miss, just as Kennard did. Becoming involved in organizations that promoted progression and positivity were at the forefront of that mission.
How did your academic pursuits or journey honor Kennard’s legacy?
When I reflect on my time at Southern, I can’t help but think about the giants that made it all possible. Giants like Clyde Kennard who had to fight for something as simple as his education. I believe I honored Clyde Kennard’s legacy by being more than just a student on campus. Early on, I made the conscious effort to make a difference at Southern Miss, just as Kennard did. Becoming involved in organizations that promoted progression and positivity were at the forefront of that mission. In addition to those organizations, having meaningful conversations about Kennard’s story created a space for transparency and true change. To this day, not only is Clyde Kennard’s name being recognized, but his legacy is being honored by the great work of this program.
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