I always enjoy watching people take action and especially those that are helping others in the process. A few years ago, I received an award from Chris Bosh of the Miami Heat and I had the privilege of meeting Michael Sorrell, the President of Paul Quinn College, and I became an immediate fan. Michael Sorrell is the 34th President of Paul Quinn College. Under his leadership, the school has become one of the most innovative small colleges in America and is rapidly becoming a model for urban higher education by focusing on academic rigor, experiential learning, and entrepreneurship. I was recently reading a thank you note on his page as he was celebrating nine years of his presidency there. I am always amazed how people can have vision and how God makes provision for them to achieve their goals. Here is the thank you letter that he posted on his page. I had to spotlight this incredible business man, father and community leader. I celebrate everything he has done and continues to do for kids of our future. Hat's off to you Michael Sorrell a real person of action!
Nine years ago today, I assumed the presidency of Paul Quinn College. Life looked a lot differently back then as opposed to now. In 2007, we were a school with 15 abandoned buildings, an uncertain future, and I was an unmarried and completely untested college president. Nine years later, we are hailed as one of the most innovative colleges in the country, our campus continues to be physical transformed, I have an amazing family, and the gray in my goatee speaks to the experience that I have gained in this role. Along the way, we have built a nation, shared laughter, shed tears, said good-bye to loved ones and foes, but always held onto the belief that urban colleges and universities should fight for the people both on and off their campuses. So, on this anniversary of me finding my calling, I thank God for what has been and pray for his guidance and grace for what will be; I thank the board, students, staff, and alumni for believing in the dream of the Quinnite Nation; and lastly, I thank all of you who have said the encouraging word, invested in our work, or prayed for us to maintain our strength. My promise to you as we go forward is that we are just warming up. Wait until you see what comes next.
For more information about Michael Sorrell and Paul Quinn College, please visit here.