Paul Quinn College

Random Musings from the President

2010-06-18T17:43:00.003-05:00

Quinnites-

Whew. The last six weeks have been a whirlwind. The first week of May saw us unveil the Food for Good Farm at Paul Quinn College. FFG is a partnership between PQC and PepsiCo. It's an exciting project that has allowed us to transform our unused former football field into a two acre urban farm. The farm grows everything from watermelon to corn and beans. It's amazing. The food will be used to feed our students, our community and our city.

Next up, we held Commencement. This Commencement ceremony was particulary emotional because of all the naysayers who believed that Paul Quinn College would never last another year. Not only did we prove them wrong, we continue to grow stronger.

Last week, we recieved a $1,000,000 donation that will allow us to demolish the 13 abandoned buildings on the campus. These buildings have stood on the front of this campus reminding a city of the failings of HBCUs for over 20 years. Well, thanks to the confidence of Trammell S. Crow, we will begin tearing these structures down in July.

The Quinnite nation continues to march on towards our date with destiny. Next stop- the unveiling of the Bridge Program and the First Two Years Experience.

On to the next one,

President Sorrell

Random Musings from the President

2010-05-05T03:21:00.001-05:00

Greetings Quinnites:

Today is a landmark day in the annals of Quinnite history. It's so huge, I can't sleep. So, without any further delay, here's what has me up and out of bed at 3 am:

1. Our newly redesigned website is officially launched. Go to http://pqc.edu/ and check it out. It was designed by Narisha Johnson (go to narishajohnson.com and see who she is and what she does- other than design live websites). It is a ground-breaking website for higher education. You won't see very many college sites with the edge and attitude of the Quinnite site. It's befitting a school that is clearly headed in the right direction.

2. Today, at 1pm on the site of the old Tiger Football Field, Paul Quinn College and PepsiCo unveil the newly created "Food for Good Farm at Paul Quinn College". The Farm is the product of a joint venture between the College and one of the world's premium brands. The partnership is historic. The concept is revolutionary: instead of complaining about what others have not done or taking the easy way out and fleeing, PepsiCo and PQC are digging in and declaring that people simply deserve better and we're going to do something about it. The Farm is so many things and represents so much hope that instead of rambling on about it, I simply invite you out to see it for yourself.

3. Commencement takes place this Saturday at 5pm on the lawn of the Richard Allen Chapel. Our speaker is the legendary Dr. Frederick D. Haynes, III, Senior Pastor at Friendship-West Baptist Church in Dallas.

I'll be back shortly with pictures from today's ceremony.

Until then, I'm on to the next one,

President Sorrell

Random Musings from the President

2010-04-28T19:50:00.003-05:00

Greetings Quinnites:

As Spring is the time for new beginnings, please allow me to introduce our new logo. The new PQC website will debut in about a week. It is as dynamic and thought-provoking a website as you will find anywhere in higher education. When you pair the new logo/website with the new landscaping, you begin to understand why we are so optimistic about our future.

Here are this week's musings:

1. This Monday, May 3rd, Paul Quinn College will be the site for the 2nd Annual Evening of the Classics. This free event is sponsored by the City of Dallas, Council District 8 and the Dallas Symphony and is hosted by Paul Quinn College. It's an amazing evening and a wonderful way to bring the Arts out of downtown and into the City. The music begins at 7:00pm.

2. On Wednesday, May 5th, at noon, we will be unveiling our Urban Farm and announcing our partner in the venture. The event will be a ceremonial planting and a lot of fun. Everyone is welcome as long as they come prepared to plant.

3. Saturday, May 8th, Commencement exercises at PQC will take place. Our speaker will be the Rev. Dr. Frederick Douglass Haynes, III, Senior Pastor, Friendship West Baptist Church and Trustee of Paul Quinn College. Commencement will begin promptly at 5:00 pm and will take place on the front lawn of the Richard Allen Chapel.

4. Congratulations to one of my all-time favorite Quinnites- Kenneth Boston, Class of 2009. Kenneth recently accepted a position with AAFES (the Army Air Force Exchange Service) and will begin with them on May 10th. Kenneth graduated from PQC with a 3.8 gpa and was the SGA President. He is an amazing father to his two sons and husband to his wife. He was the recipient of the very first "Quinnite of the Year" award and has been an exemplary employee of the College for the past year and a half. While we are sad to see him leave, we are incredibly proud of him as he enters the next stage of his life. Good luck Kenneth- keep making us proud.

Until the next one,

President Sorrell

Random Musings from the President

2010-04-24T06:30:00.003-05:00

Greetings Quinnites:

It's been another hectic week for the Quinnite Nation. We are rapidly approaching the end of the school year and I don't know if I've ever seen more construction activity on the campus. The best part is that it is simply the harbinger of things to come. If you are familiar with Gideon's story from the Bible, you'll understand how I can say that it really is a wonderful time to be a Quinnite.

Here are this week's musings:

1. The picture to the right is a sneak peak of our newly remodeled Tigers' Den (our student lounge). The picture on the wall is from the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City. We are still installing the new primary television and the video game stations. We will hold those until late July/early August when the students return. For those of you keeping track, in the last two and a half years we've remodeled the following parts of our Student Union: A) the Cafeteria; B) the Fitness Center; C) the Student Affairs Offices; and D) the Tigers' Den.

2. Off the Bone BBQ in Forest Hills, TX is supposed to be the number one BBQ restaurant in the DFW area. Now, I will preface my following remarks with this piece of background information: my parents owned one of the best BBQ restaurants in Chicago when my sister and I were growing up. While the food was very good, what always made it stand out in my mind was the way that my parents were maniacal about customer service. Everyone was greeted with a smile and my parents would not dream of turning a paying customer away regardless of when they arrived. If the grill was on, we were open. I mention this because last night, a group of friends and I tried to patronize Off the Bone and were turned away. We were part of a five person party and the first members of the group arrived at 7:58. The rest of us arrived by 8:02. They refused to serve those of us who arrived at 8:02 (even though we explained that we were part of the same party). First of all, how does a BBQ restaurant close at 8:00 pm on a Friday night? Secondly, how do you turn away paying members of the same party? I guess Off the Bone doesn't need a $50+ plus order. Perhaps the next time D Magazine rates BBQ restaurants they should evaluate service as well.

3. Congratulations to PQC Trustee Erma Johnson Hadley, the Chancellor of the Tarrant County College District. Last night her daughter and son-in-law hosted an amazing event in Ft. Worth celebrating her ascension to the Chancellor's position at TCCD. Her accomplishment is historic on so many different levels. We are huge EJH fans at PQC. I encourage everyone to find out what we already know- there are few higher ed administrators better than our own Chancellor Erma Johnson Hadley.

4. Phase II of the campus landscape re-design is in full swing. We are about to install the roses for the "Avenue of Roses" and plant the Live Oaks. For those of you who bought into the former look of the campus, you are about to be shocked. The grounds will be "nice" for graduation in two weeks. However, the campus will be "beautiful" come new student orientation this fall and "amazing" for Commencement 2011. We don't call it "Greatness . . . One step at a time" for no reason.

On to the next one,

President Sorrell

Random Thoughts from the Road

2010-04-16T21:24:00.003-05:00

Greetings Quinnites:

I spent the majority of this week on the road driving through the states of Virginia and Mississippi. Both are beautiful, but very different states. Here are a few of this week's random thoughts from my time in transit:

1. Contrary to some of the things that I continue to hear and read, PQC remains fully accredited. I guess the confusion on this fact speaks to the complexity of the subject matter. I just wish folks would call or email me for clarification instead of spreading erroneous information (which only serves to hurt their credibility and unfairly damage my students).

2. Driving through the Mississippi Delta was a journey back in time for me. One part of my family is from Natchez, MS and as a boy, I rode through some of these towns with my grandparents to visit relatives. Even though it has been more than 30 years since I last made that trip in the back seat of my grandfather's car- today as I drove, I was taken back to being a ten year old boy fascinated by the sight of the farmland and the sound of the Blues.

3. I very much enjoyed my visit to Delta State. Very impressive campus and staff. Great facilities. It has to be considered one of the hidden gems in higher education.

4. I also enjoyed meeting my fraternity brothers (Kappa Alpha Psi) from Mississippi Valley State University during my impromptu visit to their campus. They may be from the new school, but their spirit is reminiscent of the days of yore. Keep achieving brothers.

5. It was a bit eerie to watch ESPN's documentary on Allen Iverson ("No Crossover") while in Hampton, VA. As I watched the young Iverson, I could not help but be saddened by what his life has become. I hope that there is time to avoid a tragic ending.

6. Good luck to the PQC Track & Field Team as they compete in the Red River Conference track meet tomorrow. I'm proud of your effort and your pride. You are true Quinnites.

Until next week,
President Sorrell

Random Thoughts on Living in Southern Dallas

2010-04-06T08:19:00.003-05:00

Quinnites-

Just some random thoughts on life south of the Trinity River:

1) Why can't the City of Dallas figure out how to address the stray dog problem in the southern sector? Interestingly enough, for as much time as I've spent in northern Dallas, I don't ever recall seeing a stray dog. Perhaps all of the stray dogs in the northern part of the city are bused to the southern side of the Trinity River. The problem has become so overwhelming, and the animal control people so inept, that it is almost pointless calling them for help. Historically, it is in moments like these where a small cadre of citizen leaders often take matters into their own hands and solve the problems that the government cannot. I wonder what would happen if that cadre of citizen leaders in the southern sector started capturing stray dogs and dropping them off at the animal control shelters (or other municipal locations)? Would that finally bring some attention to this persistent and nagging problem? Or does a child have to be attacked and killed for anyone to care? As an expectant father, that notion sends chills down my spine.

2) It's comforting to know that Simpson Stuart Rd. is safe from the scores of speeding motorists that plague it. Too bad the other streets of the Highland Hills community aren't as safe from drug-trafficking, theft and burglary. I wish there was as much revenue in fighting those versions of crime as there is in curbing routine traffic violations. Maybe then we'd all feel safer at night.

3) Do you ever wonder why there's no police sub-station on the part of Simpson Stuart Rd. where there's actually the most crime?

4) If you would like to see a football field truly become a field of dreams, stop by PQC and witness the transformation of our football field into an urban farm. By mid-summer, our near two-acre plot will be producing more wins for the PQC/Highland Hills community than the football field ever did. If you really want to lift someone out of poverty- plant a garden, not a sports field. It's great if you can have both. But, if you can't, it's always better to choose sustainability over fleeting glory. Hunger pains have a way of staying with you long after the crowd leaves and the cheering ceases. At that point, it's simply you and the cold darkness of an empty cavern. No child deserves that feeling- ever.

5) A non- Southern Dallas thought- congratulations to my alma mater, Duke University, for winning the 2010 Men's Basketball NCAA National Championship. As thrilled as I am for the Blue Devils, I left truly impressed by Butler's brilliant young (33 years old) coach. He is special. I hope that Butler fans understand what they have.

Until the next time,
President Sorrell

Did You Know?

2010-03-24T07:38:00.003-05:00

Did you know that the Paul Quinn College campus is over 140 acres?

Did you also know that there is no reputable grocery store within five miles of the Highland Hills/Paul Quinn College community?

Furthermore, did you know that despite offering to donate the land to any major grocer who would build a store that would cater to the Highland Hills/Paul Quinn College community and our section of the southern sector, we got a grand total of 0 calls from grocers?

As Marvin Gaye used to say in "Inner City Blues"- "makes me want to holler and throw up both my hands".

On to the next one,
President Sorrell

We're Back!!

2010-03-23T08:27:00.002-05:00

Quinnites-

It's good to see you once again on the blogosphere. So much has been happening since we last visited that it's impossible for me to go through everything. However, I did want to catch you up on some of the most recent highlights in the Quinnite Nation.

Highlights

1. Our new First Year Experience Program is going to be unbelievable. It features courses tailored to the needs and interests of the student. You'll be shocked by the caliber of our new Writing Program and Speech Program. The new Bridge Program will get our students off to the best possible start in their college careers. The FYE debuts in August.

2. Lots of new staff hires. Here's just a few of the latest: Lori Price (Director of Writing Program); James "Zip" Summers (Athletic Director); Kelsel Thompson (Dean of Students); and Hope Young (VP of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs).

3. We revamped our Board of Trustees. Our new chair is Bob Weiss from the Meadows Foundation; new Finance Committee Chair Matt Hildreth (Pres. of Amegy Bank); and new Development Committee Chair Atty. Bill Brewer (Partner, Bickel & Brewer).

4. Upgraded the campus and facilities. Among the improvements that have taken place are the following: 1) remodeled the Tigers' Den (the student lounge); 2) renovated the PE classrooms; 3) installed a campus irrigation system, and 4) began phase II of the heat resistant foliage program.

5) We will knock down the first of a series of abandoned buildings scheduled for demolition on the campus this spring.

Things are moving at PQC. In fact, you should schedule a time to come see it for yourself.

Until next time,

President Sorrell

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

2009-07-21T04:37:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-26T10:04:00.002-05:00

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

2009-06-24T16:13:00.003-05:00

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

2009-06-21T19:59:00.004-05:00

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

2009-05-26T07:35:00.003-05:00

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

2009-05-14T17:14:00.004-05:00

Commencement 2009

2009-05-05T18:41:00.003-05:00

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!

2009-04-25T06:48:00.004-05:00

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

2009-04-21T08:09:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-20T18:40:00.003-05:00

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

2009-04-20T16:07:00.002-05:00

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

2009-04-05T18:16:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-25T23:08:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-18T21:36:00.002-05:00

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

2009-03-13T07:25:00.004-05:00

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

2009-03-08T08:19:00.005-05:00

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

2009-02-28T12:17:00.005-06:00

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

2009-02-25T19:02:00.006-06:00

A Few Happenings on the Yard

2009-02-25T06:48:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-15T04:25:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-13T06:26:00.004-06:00

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

2009-02-11T07:14:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-09T20:35:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-06T12:40:00.003-06:00

Quinnites in Action

2009-02-06T12:20:00.004-06:00

Mid-Week Happenings at PQC

2009-02-05T01:49:00.002-06:00

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

2009-02-02T18:15:00.003-06:00

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

2009-02-01T15:26:00.005-06:00

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

2009-01-27T11:15:00.005-06:00

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

2009-01-26T19:17:00.002-06:00

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

2009-01-17T23:27:00.000-06:00

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

2009-01-17T23:09:00.000-06:00

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