“I met Benny when he was fraternity secretary of Lambda Chi at SEMO. I quickly learned about his involvement on campus and was scared he would not be able to give to the brotherhood what he was giving to the campus and he quickly showed me his ability to fill his plate and multi-task. Benny was president of Lambda Chi, then president of the entire student body. He was hand selected for the president’s Spirit of Southeast Award Recipient and named the All-Greek Fraternity President of the Year. This set the tone for his ability to give back after college. Benny was selected among 14 percent of applicants to serve in national service corps committed to teaching in under-resourced communities and becoming life-long leaders to expand opportunities for all children. In his work with Teach for America he coordinated new Common Core curriculum for 9th and 10th grade students as part of departmental leadership team. Furthermore, he executed strategic after-school tutorial for targeted math growth. He did this while mentoring two first-year teachers and collaborating with administration to support transition into classroom. In his first years he led 130 students to achieve an average of 5-10 percent higher state test achievement than comparable districts in the region. Most recently this last year he led 110 students to 78 percent content mastery. Benny knows and demonstrates “Naught Without Labor” and gives all he can to all that he does. He gave his all to Humphreys County High School in Belzoni, Miss. and is embarking upon his next journey soon! For these reasons and more I nominate him for the 30 under 30.” – Matt Knickman
How, if at all, has your Lambda Chi Alpha experience attributed to success in your field or in other accomplishments?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to make a positive impact in the world, and as an undergraduate I grew aware of the inequities and injustices that exist within our society and around the world. My passion eventually focused toward education: ensuring that every child receives the quality education that they deserve, so I decided to join Teach for America’s Mississippi corps. Teaching proved to be the most challenging responsibility I’ve ever taken upon myself, and there were many moments where I questioned my own capacity to be the quality educator my kids so desperately needed. If it weren’t for my experiences with Lambda Chi Alpha and the opportunities this fraternity has afforded me, I never would have been able to persevere.
Lambda Chi Alpha taught me how to believe in myself, how to believe in my vision for a better future, and how to be bold in working toward that vision. I learned to work across lines of difference, to do what is right, and to be brave in the face of adversity. My fraternity taught me that love is greater than any obstacle we face, and that love will always prevail.
What do you hope to accomplish in your next 30 years, professionally, personally or fraternally?
In 30 years I’ll be 54 years old. I can barely see past 27. However, I do have a vague idea of what I’d like my trajectory to be.
Professionally, I hope to continue working toward a future in which all people are equal despite race, class, sexual/gender identity or religion. Right now, my passion and my career lie in education, but I also have a heart for the LGBTQ movement. In the next five years, I aim to complete graduate school. I’ve been considering higher education and public administration programs, but see myself leaning toward higher ed. I try not to assign myself to one set career path, because I’m almost positive it will not lead the direction I think it will (the past two years have already taught me that).
Personally, I’ve always wanted to raise a family. I want to be able to travel. I want to enjoy this life with my family and friends.
Fraternally, I want to stay plugged into my chapter at Southeast Missouri State, as well as our headquarters, by giving whatever resources as I’m needed and able. Whether it’s volunteering my time, mentoring undergraduate brothers, or making monetary donations (still learning financial responsibility, to be honest), I want to give back to the organization that has given me so much during my short time as a brother.
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