It's Been a Long Time, I Shouldn't Have Left You. . . .

Quinnites-

It's been awhile since my last blog.  We've been busy working to prepare for the SACS appeal.  Lots of great stuff is happening.  Here's a quick overview:

1. Atty. Bill Brewer and the law firm of Bickel & Brewer have agreed to represent us in our appeal.

2. Reps. Helen Giddings & Sylvester Turner have marshaled the Texas Legislature's Black Caucus in full support of PQC.

3. Read the DMN articles from this week for full updates on our progress.  I'll tweet the sites later.

4. Great new additions to our staff: Dr. Connie Allen and Men's Basketball Coach Marco Borne.

I've got to run, but I'll be blogging later.

Take care,

President Sorrell

We Fall Down, But We Get Up

Quinnites-

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools notified us by phone yesterday that they voted to remove us from membership.  We are deeply disappointed by their decision and are in the process of appealing.  While the matter is under appeal, the status of the College remains unchanged.  This means that we still are open for business, we can still grant degrees and our students credit hours remain valid.

We feel very good about our chances on appeal.  We have turned the corner at PQC.  Schools that have a 600% increase in applications, eliminate more than $800,000 in debt over the course of the last six weeks, increase donations by 90% in two years and produce a quarter million dollar surplus in the worst economy since the Great Depression deserve the opportunity to finish the work they have started.  We are that school and we deserve the opportunity to finish transforming Paul Quinn College into one of America's great small colleges.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at the school- 214-379-5550.

Always remember, there is no "quit" in the Quinnites.

Take care,

President Sorrell

SACS Update

Quinnites-

We finished our SACS hearing today.  It lasted for about one hour.  The committee asked very sharp and detailed questions.   We feel good about the information that we presented and pray that it was enough. 

Now, we wait for the decision.  

Please keep us in your prayers.

Take care,

President Sorrell

SACS Prayer Service

Quinnites:

On this Wednesday morning at 10:45 am, we are scheduled to make our final presentation before the Committee on Compliance and Reports of SACS.  This is the body of individuals who will determine whether we keep our accreditation.  We are asking everyone from the Quinnite Nation to help us prepare for the most important event in the 137 year history of the College. Here's what you can do to help:

1. Join us Tuesday, June 23rd at 11 am, in the Chapel on campus for a prayer service.  The team that will be representing us will be catching a flight that afternoon for the meeting and we'd like to send them off lifted in prayer.  The service will be short (I promise).

2. At 10:45 am on Wednesday, June 24th, no matter where you are, please stop and say a prayer for our success.  The prayer doesn't need to be loud; it doesn't need to be long; it just needs to be said.

The students and the staff at the College have waited for this moment for the past two years. We have faithfully worked hard and ask that each of you take these few moments out of your days to support us.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call my office at 214-379-5577 and ask for Cecilyn Bryan.  She will provide you with the details for the prayer service.

Thanks and take care,

President Sorrell

Tri-madness

Quinnites-

Well, we made it.  After four months of semi-regular training, the inaugural PQC Triathlon Team completed their first competitive triathlon (I use the word "competitive" loosely).   Our team consisted of Antwane Owens, Margo McClinton, Angela Hodges, Maurice West, Claire Oliver and myself.  Together, we have raised over $7,000 for PQC and even managed to learn some new skills.

Upon reflection of our accomplishment, here are a couple of things that we learned:

1. Austin has a lot of hills;

2. The triathlon tops are very unforgiving and definitely aren't made for those folks who prefer chocolate chip cookies over crunches;

3. Never, ever compete in anything that says "Olympic Distance";

4. No matter how poorly you place, there is always going to be someone behind you.  Therefore, just keep going; and 

5. Our school has a lot of great people who desperately want to see it succeed.  You should join us and either donate money or roll up your sleeves and help.  Sitting on the sidelines is for losers.

I would personally like to think my fellow members of the PQC Triathlon Team.  You are great teammates and even better people.

Take care,

President Sorrell

PS- stay tuned for the pictures.

More Graduation Pictures

Commencement 2009

Greetings Quinnites-

This past Saturday, May 2nd, another class of alums were added to the roll. Our Commencement speaker was renowned author Dr. Michael Eric Dyson.  Joining him in this picture were (from the left)  Honorary Degree recipients Dr. Denny Davis, Dr. Jeffrey Johnson. Dr. Jerry Christian, Dr. Dyson, Bishop Gregory Ingram, Dr. Anthony Sharp, Dr. Ralph West, Dr. Daryl Ingram and President Michael Sorrell.

There will be more pictures to come.

Take care,

President Sorrell

HURRY UP!

Dear Quinnites:

100 $2,000 3.0 50 2009    214-379-5449

We are offering 100 academic scholarships.

They are worth $2,000 apiece.

To qualify, you must have a 3.0 or better and complete your application to Paul Quinn College. This includes all financial aid data.

You have 50 days, excluding weekends, to seize this opportunity. 

All new students entering in the fall of 2009 are eligible.

Call our Enrollment Management Department at 214-379-5449 for more information.

What are you waiting for?  We're waiting on you.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Hollywood comes to the Yard

Greetings Quinnites-

For this year's final "Conversations with the Quinnites" we are joined by Hollywood Super Agent Andrea Nelson Meigs.  Among her clients are Beyonce, Chris Brown, and Cedric the Entertainer.

The conversation will begin tonight at 6:30pm in the Grand Lounge of the Student Union Building.

I'll see you there.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Chrisette Michele joins the Quinnite Nation

Greetings Quinnites-

We continued our Spring Fest Week in grand style today with a visit from recording star Chrisette Michele.  Ms. Michele signed autographs and hung out on the Yard with our students.  Here's a picture of Ms. Michele with the sisters of NCNW (affectionately known as the "High Hats").  

Take care,

President Sorrell

Quinnites Elect New Leadership

Greetings Quinnites-

I am excited to announce the 2009-2010 Student Government Association President is Yessika Aviles and the Vice President is Kimberly Hardy.

Please join me on congratulating these two sophomores on this wonderful accomplishment.

Take care,

President Sorrell

PQC Announces New Scholarship Search Center

Quinnites-

In  our never-ending effort to assist our students, we are excited to announce the new "PQC Scholarship Search Center".  The Center is located in the Financial Aid Office and offers a number of private scholarship opportunities to new and old Quinnites alike.  Students can visit the Center to obtain scholarship applications, obtain websites that offer scholarships or complete scholarship applications.  The Center also provides tips on how to pen winning scholarship essays and secure great letters of reference.  Students are strongly encouraged to complete their 2009-10 Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.  Please stop by our Financial Aid Office to learn more.

Take care,

Prez

Houston Jack Yates High School

Quinnites-

Lee Williams (PQC Director of Enrollment Management) and I spent today in Houston, Texas at Jack Yates High School.  I'm sure that some of you are familiar with Yates High School.  It sits squarely between Texas Southern University and the University of Houston.  Yates also just won the 2009 UIL Class 4A state championship over Kimball High School (coached by my friend Snoop Johnson).  Our reason for being at Yates today, however, had nothing to do with basketball.  We were there to visit our good friend Principal Mumphrey  and to recruit stars from a different Yates stage- the classroom.  Our trip paid off.  We left Yates with a commitment from senior and 5-star academic recruit- Niko Nkululeko.  Niko has agreed to join the fall 2009 incoming class at PQC.  He is our second such commitment in a week (April Cotton from Little Rock's JA Fair was the first).  Additionally, due to Niko's stellar academic achievements (he has a 3.7 gpa and ranks in the top 10% of his class) he will be attending Paul Quinn as a Presidential Scholar. We are thrilled to be the school of choice for Niko and we look forward to adding more students from Yates.  There is a strong Quinnite spirit that runs through the corridors of Yates.  It will only get stronger as time moves forward.

Thank you Niko for being the first, but definitely not the last, member of the modern Yates family to join the Quinnite Movement.  We'll see you in September.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Welcome New Faces

Quinnites-

One of the best parts of writing this blog is the opportunity to connect with some old friends.  As I reviewed the latest list of "followers", I came across the name of LaQuasha Drisdale.  Drisdale is one of my favorite Quinnite alums.  She graduated last year and gained fame on campus for her unique opening prayers at campus functions. (smile)  It's great to see her name.  I'm glad she's back with us.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Spring Break Trip

The team from the Quinnite Nation spent their Spring Break on a "Quinnite Quest" and living up to the "4 Ls of Quinnite Leadership".  These pictures show part of the team that traveled to New Orleans to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.  Our students rebuilt homes, fed the homeless, built fences and painted structures.  We are extremely proud of their dedication to "leaving places better than they found them".

Take care,

President Sorrell

Happenings on the Yard

Greetings Quinnites:

As we head into Spring Break, I hope that everyone will return from their week hiatus renewed, recharged and ready to close out the 2008-09 school year with a fury.  With that wish in mind, here's what's been happening on the Yard:

UNCF Day at Mt. Rose Baptist Church: On Saturday, February 28th, Paul Quinn College Trustee Erma Johnson Hadley hosted "UNCF Day" at her Ft. Worth church- Mt. Rose Baptist Church.  This event allowed us to show off our wonderful students, raise money for the school and continue to solidify our relationship with Tarrant County College District.  Thank you Trustee Johnson Hadley for always being a tireless advocate for the Quinnite Nation.

Media Day:  Our new Director of Communications, Ms. Cheryl Smith, organized our first "Media Day".  The event was extremely well-attended and received. A sampling of the coverage we received can be found in the March 6th edition of the Dallas Weekly and on the following weblinks: http://msnbc.msn.com/id/29413811/ and http:cbs11tv.com/video/?id=39276@ktvt.dayport.com.  

Olympians Grace the Yard:   The husband and wife team of Olympians Oba Thompson and Marion Jones-Thompson spent last Tuesday experiencing life as a Quinnite.  They toured classes, dined in the cafeteria and attended staff meetings.  All of these things led up to them being the inaugural speakers of our new lecture series- "Conversations with the Quinnites".  The maiden voyage of "Conversations" was a hit as it played to a standing room only crowd that included past "Tuesdays in February" speakers Michael Davis and Rich Nichols.  The Thompsons charmed the crowd with their storytelling and obvious affection for each other.

Support the Dream Act: Quinnites believe in fighting injustices wherever they exist.  Once such injustice is the treatment of children whose parents are undocumented workers.  The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) is a bipartisan legislation the would permit a select group of undocumented students conditional legal status and eventual citizenship if they satisfy the following requirements:

1) they were brought to the US before the age of 16,

2) are below the age of 30,

3) have lived in the US continuously for five years,

4) graduated from a US high school or obtained a GED,

5) have good moral character with no criminal record, and

6) attend college or enlist in the military for at least two years. 

Please join us in making your voice heard and sign the Dream Act petition showing your support for these Americans.  Go to http://dreamactivist.org/take-action-2/petition/ and sign up today. 

Red River Honors:  The women's basketball team wrapped up their breakout season by finishing fourth in the Red River Athletic Conference (12-6* most conference wins in over 10 years).  Their peers recognized their efforts by tapping senior Crystal Debose (1st team All-Conference), senior Hannah Debose (2nd team All-Conference), junior Ashley Proctor (2nd team All-Conference) and freshman Tarneshia "Spoon" Burns (Honorable Mention All-Conference) for Red River recognition.  On the men's side, junior Carl Nelson was named the conference Defensive Player of the Year and 1st team All-Conference.  Joining him were honorable mention selections senior Johnathan Alexander and junior Joe Cormadelle.  Please join me in congratulating all of our student-athletes on this wonderful accomplishment.

The Haggerty Family:  It is with great sadness that I ask you to keep Quinnites Andy and Blue Haggerty in your prayers.  The Haggerty family recently suffered the loss of their mother ("Ma Haggerty").  Funeral services were held yesterday at the Greater Mt. Hebron Baptist Church in Dallas.  Quinnites everywhere are keeping the Haggerty family in their thoughts and their prayers.  Stay faithful brothers.

I'll be blogging this week from the annual President's Spring Break Service Trip.  Last year, we visited Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC.  This year, we will be helping to restore the great city of New Orleans.  Look for our updates.

Take care,

President Sorrell

More on Red, Hot & Snazzy

Quinnites including Angela Hodges, new Development VP Connie Boyd, President Sorrell, Ryan Carrington, Patrick Hillard  and Cecilyn Bryan enjoy UNCF's Red, Hot & Snazzy.

Quinnites at Red, Hot & Snazzy

A Few Happenings on the Yard

It's been a busy week on the Yard.  Here are just a few of the things that have occupied the Quinnite Nation:

Pastor G comes to the Yard: Pastor Tyrone Gordon of St. Luke "Community" United Methodist Church will be the speaker in Chapel tomorrow.  Pastor G is quite familiar with our campus.  He is a honors graduate of our "Clifftop Cousin", Bishop College.  We are excited to have him bring us a word.

Rich Nichols & Tuesdays in February:  Lawyer, Agent, Entrepreneur, and Politico.  All of these titles can be used to describe our speaker last night, Rich Nichols.  Nichols closed out our Tuesdays in February program by providing an excellent example of how to live a life that matters.  Last night's program was a partnership between the Lambda Nu Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and my office.  Quinnite Natalie Scott did an excellent job of organizing the program for her sorority.  

Conversations with the Quinnites: Next Tuesday, our new lecture series- "Conversations with the Quinnites"- debuts. This program is an extension of our Black History Month lecture series- "Tuesdays in February".  Our first speakers will be the husband and wife Olympian team of Obadele Thompson and Marion Jones-Thompson.  The program will begin at 7:00 pm in the Grand Lounge of the Student Union Building.  It will be closed to the media.

Crystal DeBose continues to dominate RRAC:  For the second time in the last month, Quinnite baller Crystal DeBose is named the "Player of the Week" in the Red River Athletic Conference.

Lawrence Jenkins Exhibit: Photographer Lawrence Jenkins opened his fantastic exhibit of pictures from President Obama's Inauguration.  Proceeds from the exhibit benefitted the students at Paul Quinn College.

Houston Hosts the Quinnite Movement: Last weekend, I joined Quinnite students Brandon Miller and Ryan Carrington and staff members Lee Williams and Maurice West on a road trip to visit supporters of the Quinnite Movement in Houston.  We visited the outstanding staff and senior class at Yates High School and members of our alumni chapter in Houston on Friday.  On Saturday morning, I was the speaker at the Church Without Walls Men's Prayer Breakfast for Rev. Ralph D. West, Sr. (a member of the Bishop 5+1 Revival).  These opportunities allowed us to touch over 1200 potential members of the Quinnite Nation.  

Triathlon Training: What was I thinking signing up for this?  The running and biking workouts are coming along nicely.  The swimming, however, is a completely different story.  Monday night at our group swimming session, I was placed in a lane with two other people (one of whom was comfortably past my age and significantly shorter).  By the end of the hour workout, she had crushed any self-esteem that I had related to my swimming abilities.  Please keep me in your prayers as I return to the pool tonight.

I'll talk to you soon and remember to:

Leave places better than you found them;

Live a life that matters;

Lead from where you are; and

Love something greater than yourself

Take care,

President Sorrell

Triathlon Update

Quinnites-

Today marked the official first day of triathlon training.  I was joined by students Frances Hood (Miss Paul Quinn) and Austin Howell and staffers Maurice West and Angela Hodges.  We met the rest of the All Tri team at White Rock Lake for a 30 minute run.  I'm happy to report that everyone lived.  Perhaps the greatest threat to our efforts was the 45 degree temperature (and Austin's running tights- smile).

Tomorrow's workout is a one hour bike ride.  We'll resume our group work on Monday at the JCC for a team swim.  I hope you'll grab your swim trunks and join us.  Remember, we are raising money for the school and awareness for the fight against the disparity in cardiovascular care in minority communities.  What could be better?

I look forward to seeing you on the road.

Take care,

President Sorrell

It's a Great Week to be Jasmine Hall

Quinnite Jasmine Hall is on a roll this week.  In addition to her being selected as Paul Quinn College's "Miss UNCF" for 2009, on Monday Jasmine was notified that she had been awarded a Verizon Foundation Scholarship for the 2008-09 year.  The scholarship totaled almost $5,000.

Please join me in congratulating this wonderful Quinnite for her wonderful week.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Happenings on the Yard

Greetings Quinnites-

We've been busy on the Yard this week.  In addition to our normal efforts to improve the campus and campus life, the following took place:

Ms. UNCF: Congratulations to Quinnite junior Jasmine Hall (pictured with PQC Director of Alumni Patricia Johnson), our 2009 Ms. UNCF.  Quinnite Hall did an amazing job raising monies for UNCF through her prodigious fundraising efforts.  Jasmine is a Business Administration Major with a concentration in Accounting.  

First Annual Kelley/Witherspoon Alumni Banquet: Quinnite Alums Kevin Kelley and Nuru Witherspoon, partners in the uber-successful law firm of Kelley/WItherspoon, hosted their first annual alumni banquet this past Friday.  Quinnites Kelley & Witherspoon raised over $11,000 towards the renovation of the Student Support Services Center.  Please join me in congratulating Kevin and Nuru on their generous and undying Quinnite spirit.

Tuesdays in February: Dr. Michael L. Davis was last night's speaker at the latest installment of our Black History Month Program "Tuesdays in February".  Dr. Davis is a Managing Director at JP Morgan Chase and a civic stalwart.  In addition to his work with the Greenhill School and the Executive Leadership Council, Michael is also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Dallas Symphony.  His message of fiscal responsibility combined with the power networking and reading the biographies of important people provided a primer to the young Quinnites in attendance.  Our upcoming speakers are KPMG partner French Taylor and Hollywood agent to the stars Andrea Nelson Meigs.

Quinnite Triathlon Team Takes Flight: Dallas is beginning to take notice of the new Paul Quinn College Triathlon Team.  In yesterday's Dallas Morning News, reporter Leslie Garcia wrote an article about our quest to use fitness to raise money for the college and to raise awareness about the inadequacy of cardiovascular care in underserved communities.  You can read about this aspect of the Quinnite Movement at www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/healthyliving/fitness/stories/DN-nh_alltri_0210gd.ART.State.Edition1.4c396d7.html.  You can also read more about our efforts on the All Tri website- www.alltri.org.  

Quinnite Procter is Player of the Week: Congratulations to Quinnite Ashley Procter on being named the Player of the Week in the Red River Conference.  In the 91-53 thrashing of Texas College, Young Quinnite Procter went for 27 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals. The Lady Tigers stand at 8-3 in conference play.

Things to Remember:

* Dr. Michael Eric Dyson will be the Commencement speaker (May 2nd, Richard Allen Chapel)

* New Fitness Center is open (M-W: 8:00 am- 10:00 pm & Weekends: 11:00 am- 6:00 pm)

* President Sorrell speaks to City of Dallas employees, as part of the City's Black History Month programming, on Friday, February 13.

* Support your local chapter of the UNCF by attending their annual Red, Hot & Snazzy Gala.  The event takes place on Saturday, February 21st.  For additional information, please go to www.uncf.org/Dallas/calendar.asp.

Take care and I'll talk to you soon,

President Sorrell

Tuesdays in February

Quinnites-

Please join us for this week's "Tuesdays in February" program.  Tomorrow night at 7pm in the Grand Lounge of the SUB, we will host two of the leading businessmen in Dallas-- KPMG's French Taylor and Dr. Michael Davis of JP Morgan Asset Management.  Taylor is a Tax Partner in KPMG's Dallas office.  Dr. Davis is the Managing Director, Western Region for JP Morgan's Asset Management institutional business.  Among his numerous accomplishments includes receiving an Honorary Degree from Paul Quinn College in 2007.

We look forward to seeing you this Tuesday in February.

Take care,

President Sorrell

More Quinnites in Action

Quinnites in Action

Mid-Week Happenings at PQC

Quinnites-

Here are a couple of mid-week developments on the Yard:

Introducing Catherine Cuellar. Support for our efforts continues to grow in the corporate community.  Thanks to our Trustee Don Clevenger VP of External Affairs) and longtime friend Brenda Jackson, (Sr. VP of Business Operations), Oncor has agreed to loan us the multi-talented Catherine Cuellar.  Quinnite Cuellar will be handling our e-newsletter and helping update the stories on our website.  Ms. Cuellar is a Dallas native and comes from a family that is very familiar with both sides of the Trinity.  We are thrilled and thankful to have her join our team.

Fitness Center Opening Ceremony. Yesterday marked the grand opening of our brand new fitness center.  The ceremony, which was attended by roughly 40 Quinnites, featured fitness tips and instruction by alum and Enrollment Management Team Member, Maurice West; healthy snacks provided by the Directors of the Enrollment Management Team, Lee Williams and Jene'ya Darson; and press coverage by the Dallas Weekly.  The Center features all new equipment and decor.  Please stop in and visit the next time you are on campus.

We'll see you soon,

President Sorrell

All Tri, All the Time

Quinnites-

We are excited to announce that the following members of the Quinnite family have joined our triathlon team:

Fred Smith (staff)

Crystal Armstrong (staff)

Yessika Aviles (student)

Lee Williams (staff)

We are also excited to announce that Quinnite Crystal DeBose was named the Player of the Week in the Red River Athletic Conference this week.  DeBose, a senior from Missouri City, Texas, made 17 of 28 field goal attempts and 10 of 19 from three point range in victories over Texas Wesleyan and University of the Southwest (N.M.).  Keep up the great work Quinnite DeBose.

Take care,

President Sorrell

Things are Heating Up at PQC

Greetings Quinnites-

It's been a busy week on the Yard at PQC.  Here's just a sampling of the happenings:

1. Michael Eric Dyson to speak at 2009 Commencement! Celebrated author and academician Michael Eric Dyson has agreed to deliver the Commencement Address at this spring's graduation on May 2nd.   Quinnites everywhere are buzzing with excitement.

2. Welcome Connie Boyd to the Quinnite Family.  Veteran fundraising expert Connie Boyd has joined the Quinnite Family as the new Vice President of Development.  Boyd has a long and distinguished track record in fundraising and brings a level of expertise to the job that has not been seen on the Clifftop in years.  We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.

3. Quinnites as "All Triathletes".  In what could be a shock to competitive triathlons worldwide, teams comprised of staff, students and friends of Paul Quinn College will be competing in the Cap Tri Tex in Austin, Texas on Memorial Day weekend.  We will be participating as part of the newly formed All Tri Nonprofit Organization.  The mission of All Tri is  to inspire and prepare individuals to raise donations for the charities of their choice through achievements of personal fitness and athletic triumphs.  To learn more about All Tri, you can visit the website at www.alltri.org.  All money raised by our team will be going to the college.  If you are interested in 1) joining us to train and/or compete or 2) making a donation, please contact Angela Hodges at ahodges@pqc.edu.  This will be the first triathlon for all of us. Please don't let fear keep you out of this fun and worthwhile activity.

Special recognition goes to our first donor: Ann Machen who has committed $300 to our efforts.  Thank you Quinnite Machen.

4. Women's Basketball Continues March.  The Lady Tigers continue their amazing conference turnaround.  After finishing last season near the bottom of the conference standings, the team is fighting for first place in the Red River Conference.  Currently, they are in third place at 7-2.  This turnaround has been made even more impressive due to coaching of Associate Athletic Director Adrianne Swinney.  Coach Swinney assumed the reins of the squad in early January after Coach Bo Bivens was terminated.  Since that time, the women have been on a tear.  Keep up the great work Coach Swinney!

5. Tuesdays in February.  Our annual Black History Month program, Tuesdays in February, returns beginning this Tuesday at 7pm.  This week's topic will be: Remembering Bishop College.  Among the speakers will be Bobby Moten (President of the Bishop College Alumni Organization), Larry Sanders, Pastor of Keller Springs Baptist Church, Karen Young of the IRS and Emerson Latimore, Regional Manager of the Civil Rights and Equal Employment Opportunity Office of the Social Security Administration.

Take care and have a great week,

President Sorrell

Quinnite Academic Stars

Quinnites-

Please join me in congratulating the following students for making the Dean's List for Fall 2008:

Leslie Allen (Freshman)

Yessika Aviles (Sophomore/Junior)

Yolande Baker (Senior)

Cheryl Bonner (Senior)

Cecilyn Bryan (Senior)

Branden Clay (Sophomore)

Ashleigh Ellison (Senior)

Vladimir Fernandez (Junior)

Chavara Hamilton (Junior)

Kimberly Hardy (Sophomore)

Tayler Henley (Junior)

Joe Henry (Senior)

Anderson Hwema (Sophomore)

Patrick Jackson (Sophomore)

Kelli Janise (Freshman)

Joshua Miller (Senior)

Alicia Mitchell (Junior)

Moussa Niang (Senior)

Ronald Ogoke (Senior)

Jewel Pointer (Senior)

Shunetta Reed (Sophomore)

Tomeca Richardson (Senior)

Moika Rolle (Junior)

Genean Sapp (Senior)

Natalie Scott (Senior)

Chris Smith (Junior)

Shanequa Smith (Senior)

Tiffanie Smith (Junior)

Mercy Uzoanya (Sophomore)

Jared Wesley (Freshman)

Charise Williams (Senior)

Yolanda Wright (Senior)

We are extremely proud of these young men and women.  

Take care,

President Sorrell

A Hard Lesson Learned

Quinnites-

Many of you may already know that 16 of us from the school attended the Inauguration of President Barack Obama last week.  I had planned to share the experience with you via this blog. However, I mistakenly deleted the long entry I had composed on that topic.  Therefore, you'll have to trust me when I tell you that it was an amazing experience. 

However, I would be remiss if I didn't thank Washington, DC Mayor Adrian Fenty, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, State Representative Rafael Anchia and the Obama Campaign for their kindness.  These folks made it possible for me and our students to attend this historic occasion.  An extra special "thank you" goes to Paul Quinn College corporate partner American Airlines for providing the airline tickets that allowed our students to witness this special moment in time.

Thanks and take care,

President Sorrell

Happenings on the Yard

Quinnite Nation:

I thought that I would share with you some of the big things that have occurred on campus during the past few weeks.  It's amazing what a small band of committed souls can achieve when they put their minds (and backs) to it.

1. New Fitness Facility: we are in the final stages of Phase I of the renovations to our fitness facility.  Thanks to a grant, we were able to construct a workout concept that is our first step on the path to creating a cutting edge health and wellness program at the PQC.  When the entire health and wellness complex is completed, it will fill a critical need in the Southern Sector of Dallas.  Our complex will be used to help fight childhood obesity and to study the effects of diet and exercise on chronically unhealthy population segments.  While we are still in the early stages of this program, we are thrilled with our first step.  

2. Ms. D Comes to the Cafeteria: our very own Ms. Evelyn Dickerson has taken over the operations in the food service department.  While we are still fine-tuning a few things,  the early poll numbers suggest that Ms. D has found a new career.  

3. New Technology: Over the Christmas holidays we made the switch from analog and pbx based telephones to VOIP (voice over internet protocol).  This will not only improve the reliability of our communications, it will also save us tens of thousands of dollars per year in long distance charges. 

Additionally, almost 70% of the computer workstations on campus have been replaced with newer, more efficient technology.  

4. New Heat Resistant Foliage: Visitors to the campus will notice that we have begun our heat resistant foliage study.  In order to successfully complete this study, we are replacing much of the greenery on campus.  The first grouping calls for planting shrubs along the fence-line of the campus.  These shrubs will eventually grow to be eight feet tall and will completely transform the curb appeal of the college (if the foliage proves to be heat resistant).

5. The Adams Archives: During the 2009 Homecoming activities, we announced that we would be creating the Adams Archives at Paul Quinn College.  This work is being chronicled at http://paulquinnarchives.blogspot.com.  I hope you will check it regularly.  It's great.

6. Security: We continue to press forward in creating a safe and comfortable campus environment.  This semester, we have increased the procedures for visiting our campus.  All individuals who enter the front gate must show identification and be cataloged.  If you are a visitor, you must either be placed on a pre-clearance list ahead of your visit or the Quinnite you are coming to see will meet you at the gate.  Additionally, we have stepped up our campus patrols and increased lighting throughout the campus.

7. SUB: We continue to make strides in freshening our Student Union Building.  During the first three semesters of my presidency we've concentrated on the cafeteria (the new furniture and the mural have been big hits).  Over the last three weeks we have turned our attention to the rest of the building (see item #1 for an example).  It is in this vein that we have radically altered the appearance of the primary SUB hallway with new paint and lighting.  

Another change in the SUB can be be found in the offices of the Student Affairs Team.  They spent their holidays painting, pulling up carpet, pulling off wallpaper and generally creating a warmer and more nurturing environment for our students in the SA physical areas.  

9. Athletics: Congratulations to our women's basketball team for winning both of their conference games in a resounding fashion this week.  The two wins place them in a tie for first place in the Red River Conference.  Keep up the great work!

10. Road Construction: Members of Austin Commercial spent a good bit of their holiday season re-grading the road that leads from the main campus to the students/staff apartments.  This road, which had become hazardous to man and vehicle alike, is now the best surface on campus.  Please join me in thanking Austin Commercial for providing this service pro bono.

11.  Before I Go: 

* I'd like to thank our wonderful corporate partner American Airlines for making it possible for 14 Quinnites to attend the Inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama in Washington DC.  AA stepped into the gap and donated the tickets that are being used to enable our young Quinnites to partake in history.   

* "Thank you" to the AVID program at Percy L. Julian High School in Chicago for hosting me this past week.  Mrs. Gilbert-Mitchell runs a center that is an oasis in the heart of the Chicago frozen tundra.  The AVID program contains some of the brightest young minds in the city and we are excited about the potential of our newly forged partnership.

* Happy Birthday to Quinnites Flora Webb and Jessica Byars.  Both are celebrating their birthdays with parties this weekend.  Jessica's is actually a fundraiser for PQC.  It's being held at "The Apartment", located at 1444 Oak Lawn Ave., Ste. 206.  Doors open at 7pm this evening.

* Always remember the "Four Ls of Quinnite Leadership"(c):

1. Leave places better than you found them;

2. Lead from where you are;

3. Live a life that matters; and

4. Love something greater than yourself

Take care,

President Sorrell

The Quinnites come to the blogosphere

Greetings-

Welcome to the official Paul Quinn College Blog.  The goal of this blog is to create an avenue for the dissemination of information that will be helpful to Quinnites around the world.  Secondarily, I hope that this blog will encourage the exchange of ideas that will ultimately result in the improvement of: 1) the educational experience of our students and 2) the community surrounding the College.  

I look forward to hearing from you and welcome to the Quinnite Movement.

Take care,

President Sorrell