Judge Robert "Butch" Childers
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Judge Robert “Butch” Childers S.O. What! Success Stories

If never judge a book by its cover was a person, it would be Judge Robert "Butch" Childers. I met Butch when I joined the University of Memphis National Alumni Association Board of Directors five years ago. He became the board president the…
Frank Scott
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Mayor Frank Scott S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever met someone and immediately thought, “He (or she) is going to do something pretty amazing one day.”? Well, as a college student, I met Frank Scott who was also a college student. But his poise and professionalism were different…
Olliette Murry-Drobot
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From Abuse to Advocate. Olliette Murry-Drobot S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever met someone and immediately felt like you’ve known them for years? When I started on this journey of sharing my story over a decade ago, a friend suggested that I meet Olliette Murry-Drobot. We met for lunch, and we both probably…
Jennifer Littlejohn
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Jennifer Littlejohn S.O. What! Success Story

When you are a young college student active in campus organizations. And you have also the enormous responsibility of being a mother.  You don' have typically many people who understand your challenges or share your journey.  Although…
Dr. Barbara Prescott
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Dr. Barbara Prescott S.O. What! Success Story

Have you ever been introduced to someone who you’ve admired from afar, and it was not what you expected? I watched Dr. Barbara Prescott and admired her work. She looked like a nice person, but I had no idea just how kind, considerate,…
Vanessa Peterson
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Big things come in small packages: Vanessa Peterson S.O. What! Success Story

It seems like it was yesterday when Vanessa Peterson (Gray at the time) walked onto the University of Memphis campus with the new class of Emerging Leaders. I was a sophomore, but this girl of small stature had a huge presence. 20 plus…
Tiffany Bellafant Steward
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An Unexpected Journey in Higher Education, Tiffany Bellafant Steward S.O. What! Success Story

Last week I shared how as a high school junior, a few of my friends. And I skipped school and hung out with AKA’s on the campus of the University of Memphis.  One of those women was Tiffany Bellafant Steward who experienced what I felt was…
LáDeia McNeal
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Turning a Positive HIV Diagnosis into a Positive Force for Change: LáDeia McNeal S.O. What! Success Story

When was the last time you had a challenging situation but you were able to look at the bright side or make something good out of it? Well, that’s usually easier said than done, but my friend, LáDeia McNeal does it beautifully.  After…
Almetria Turner
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When Transforming Your Body Transforms Your Life, Almetria Turner S.O. What! Success Story

Can you imagine someone weighing nearly 300 pounds becoming one of your health and fitness role models? As a high school junior, a few of my friends and I skipped a couple of days of school (Shush, don’t tell anyone). We spent those days…