Black Student Union chair works in minority recruitment

Nice feature story on sociology major Joshua Patton, a senior from Decatur who leads tours through UGA’s Visitors Center and served as a 2019 orientation leader sharing the best of UGA:

“When people of color come to the university for tours, I want them to see other successful people of color. I want them to think ‘I can see myself doing that. I can see myself in that position. I can see myself getting involved in this organization,’” he said.

“As an orientation leader, I tried to reach out to as many Black students as I could at orientation so that it was a welcoming environment.”

Black Student Union

This year, Patton will be chair of the Black Student Union. His goal is to unify the Black student body.

“I want the Black student organizations to speak with one consolidated voice,” he said.

He wants to make sure events aren’t competing with each other and to boost attendance. Ultimately, he wants Black students to know that “the Black community is another home for you.” He’s committed to making others feel welcome.

And it comes back to Georgia Daze.

“I did Georgia Daze minority recruitment on a smaller scale. I really wanted to do that on a larger scale and reach more students. Give them my experience. Tell them why I loved UGA and why I would like for them to come to UGA. They don’t necessarily have to come to UGA, but I want them to know why college is so important. I’ve experienced so much growth while I’ve been at UGA. I want to give my story to other people when they come to the University of Georgia.”

Extraordinary ambassador for the Franklin College and UGA, Patton exemplifies many of our best hopes for campus and the world – a great young leader with a heart and mind for others.