Once you get the privilege to attend a Historically Black College or University (HBCU), it is your duty to pay it forward so that others after you can experience it as well. There are many creative ways to do so. Some donate money back towards scholarships or to academic programs related to their major. Some donate their time by volunteering or speaking to current students. Then some, like 2013 Benedict College alumnus Jacob Koon, donate their expertise. Read Benedict’s press release below to see why he is a leading example of how to repay your HBCU. He has just been promoted from the Director of Residential Life to the new Dean of Students!

Over the years, Koon who is an alumnus of the College has served in many roles to include Residential Life Coordinator, Area Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Residential Life. 

“I congratulate Mr. Koon on his promotion to our Dean of Students, said Dr. Roslyn Clark Artis, President and CEO of Benedict College. “During his tenure as the Director of Residential Life, he focused on student development and implemented several training programs for the Residential Life staff. His leadership on campus represents the BEST of BC!” 

Koon’s motto is, “Education begins at home.” With that idea in mind, he developed several co-curricular activities to ensure a holistic experience for students residing in campus housing. He also created training sessions to increase the Residential Life staff’s understanding of student transition on all levels from high school to first-year students, from freshman to upperclassman, and from upperclassman to life after college. 

“Returning to my Alma Mater and seeing the institution evolve has been a great experience, said Koon. “Dr. Artis, the 14th President and CEO of the Benedict College, has demonstrated that she is a Transformational Leader, and she inspires others to do the same across the campus. Her footsteps are marking grounds unseen.”