FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, Feb. 6, 2007

Former MUW student body president returns to his alma mater

By Jill D. O'Bryant

COLUMBUS, Miss. -- Phillip Cockrell, a 2003 graduate of Mississippi University for Women who served as the university's first African-American student body president, has returned to his alma mater to work in student services.

He recently was hired as the assistant director of student life for diversity education and programs.

"I wanted to come back to MUW because I had such an amazing experience here and to provide others with a similar experience," Cockrell said.
"MUW made me into the person that I am today because of the many things that it has to offer.

One of the things I enjoyed most about MUW as a student was the fact that people really cared about me as an individual. They were my parents away from home, role models, counselors, confidants and encouragers when I needed them. I was not seen as a number or any random student within my classes, organizations, etc. People really took the time out of their schedules to learn about me. Now that I've been away and gained experience, I want to give back to others like my now colleagues gave to me."

In addition to the bachelor's degree in family studies he earned from MUW, Cockrell also earned a master of science in educational leadership (student affairs administration) from Florida International University.

While at Florida International University, Cockrell served in many areas of student services, including assistant residence life coordinator and a practicum student in the offices of financial aid, multi-cultural programs and services and campus life and orientation.

Cockrell also has worked at The Ohio State University where he was a residence hall director.

After conducting focus groups with students and staff to learn more about what type of programs and services they would like for diversity education and programs to offer, his goals are to raise awareness about diversity issues and to create a multi-racial student network or organization where students from all different nationalities could live together to learn about one another's cultures and experiences.

"I am truly enjoying myself so far," Cockrell said about being back at MUW. "I enjoy walking across campus and actually seeing someone I know.

I believe this is what makes MUW so unique -- that we are truly one big happy family."