Candace Chambers
Blue & White Flash / News Editor
On the third floor of the Student Center, Phillip Cockrell, Associate Vice President for Student Life, glances out of his office window onto the Gibbs-Green Pedestrian Walkway as college students walk to and from their destinations. The sun’s rays beam onto the displayed plaques and certificates on his walls. With an enthusiastic smile and a colorful bow tie, Cockrell eagerly awaits anyone who needs his assistance with a warm, welcoming spirit. For two months, Cockrell has served as JSU’s Dean of Students and is striving for the ultimate success of students.
A native of Columbus, Miss. Cockrell goes by the name, “Flapp,” a nickname, given by his cousin in high school. He received his undergraduate degree in family studies education from the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, Miss. in 2003. While pursuing his studies, he was involved in the choir, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., and the Student Government Association.
He made history at the university as the first African-American SGA President. This leadership opportunity allowed Cockrell to network with people across the United States.
“That was a huge accomplishment for me. I didn’t think too much about it when I was elected at first. But after thinking more about it, I was like these people, my peers, elected me for a reason because they saw something in me,” he stated.
In 2005, he obtained his Masters of Science degree in educational leadership with an emphasis in student affairs administration from Florida International University. His involvement included working with student leadership, multicultural programs, and studying abroad on a tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland to study higher education practices. He earned his Ph.D. in August of2011 from Jackson State University.
As a first generation college student, he dedicates his Ph.D. to his parents.
“My parents were unable to go to college. My dad only has a third grade education. My mom only has a high school degree. Although they’ve always wanted to go to college, they couldn’t go. I believe going to college and obtaining my PhD. is pretty much theirs.”
Cockrell worked at Ohio State University and Mississippi University for Women before beginning his employment at Jackson State. As a professional, working at JSU is his first HBCU experience.
Some of the areas he will oversee are Housing/Residence Life, Veteran Services, the Center for Service/Service Engaged Learning, and Student Life Operations. He considers it an honor to work at the JSU.
“Being provided with the opportunity to work at Jackson State, with a population of African -American students, who are passionate about their education; I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else besides here.”
His vision for JSU is to continue working with the administration to provide quality educational programs that students can transition into their careers. He is striving to implement Living Learning Programs within the residential halls. He believes students will be able to learn and grow in their personal living spaces. Commuter students will also be able to engage in similar opportunities.
While working at Ohio State University, Cockrell was involved in two Living Learning Programs.
“The faculty was engaged with the students. They would come to the resident halls to do programs. They would come to the resident halls to do academic advising. I see that as an opportunity here at Jackson State.”
Along with Living Learning Programs, he hopes for more available leadership opportunities and advanced uses for technology.
“Now that those students (first-time freshman) have those iPads, academic advisors can come to the residence halls and advise those students. They don’t have to walk across campus. They can actually come into their space.”
On the issue of the Decorum Policy, Cockrell believes that students should always exemplify professional dress and etiquette while attending an institution of higher learning.
“I believe every day that you leave your resident hall, apartment, or wherever you reside, you should look like a scholar,” he stated. “When you dress professionally you feel better.”
He stressed that students should become able to distinguish what is appropriate in preparation for the work force.
Cockrell also loves interacting with students. He enjoys the sense of family and community at Jackson State and often walks up and down the plaza along with having lunch meetings with students in the Heritage and Legacy Dining cafeterias one or twice a week.
“I’ve only been here for two months. But, everyday has been outstanding,” said Cockrell.
Cockrell states that he has an open-door policy. He welcomes students and is willing to discuss issues stating, “I’m just a normal man that wears a suit.”
He added: “Believe in yourself. You’re not in this race alone. It’s gonna be a little hard. But anything worth wanting is worth working for.”
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