Alcorn alumnus GeColby Youngblood becomes Southern University’s first year experience coordinator and academic advisor
Alcorn State University alumnus GeColby Youngblood accepted a position that will allow him to be a positive example in the lives of young college students.
Youngblood recently became Southern University’s first year experience coordinator and academic advisor. In his new capacity, Youngblood will be responsible for teaching freshman seminar, a first year college transition course designed to help students develop academic and personal skills necessary to succeed in college and beyond. He will also facilitate leadership and mentorship programs, manage learning communities and serve as an academic advisor for a small population of students.
Youngblood, who graduated from Alcorn in 2010, appreciates his new opportunity and looks forward to setting out on a new career path.
“I feel extremely humbled to have been selected for this new opportunity,” said Youngblood. “I do not take for granted that I could be some students’ first black, male role model. I am grateful to be in such a favorable position.”
Youngblood is no stranger to having leadership roles. After earning a master’s degree from the University of North Texas in 2012, he accepted a position at North Carolina Central University that required him to facilitate first and second year experiences for a cohort of 124 male students by applying intrusive advising techniques and displaying a high degree of care and effort.
“Over the years, mentoring has become a hobby for me. During my college days at Alcorn, I was a brother of the Delta Kappa chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sounds of Dyn-O-Mite band member, Student Government Association 2nd vice president and counselor for various summer programs, mentoring made me feel helpful to others and purposeful to myself. I will work to make a positive, meaningful impact on a campus that has a commitment to educational access, academic success and holistic student development.”
Youngblood has a few plans that he hopes will be effective in accomplishing his goals.
“My plan is to study and observe the student culture, both academically and socially. From my experiences, this factor is critical when understanding the student body, which drives any university. After building a rapport with the students, I will actively support the student leaders and organizations as they practice and plan for their curricular and extracurricular activities. Being accessible is the key to effectively engaging college students.”
