Glenn Wright III, a junior civil engineering technology major at Lincoln University of Missouri, shared his experiences of mentorship and personal growth in an article released on Apr. 15. Wright described how a chance meeting with recruiter Davion Thomas at an HBCU expo in Chicago led him to choose Lincoln University for his undergraduate studies.
Wright said the sense of community and support he found at Lincoln was important to his decision. “It made me realize there’s a family at Lincoln University,” he said. “Like a real family, people here call you out on mistakes but still show love. Friends and staff check up on you, your grades, your mental health, how you’re doing. From the first impression I had with a recruiter, it has felt like family.”
He highlighted the benefits of small class sizes and direct relationships with faculty members during his engineering courses: “I have a one-on-one professional relationship with my professors,” Wright said. “I can ask for help, get directed to tutors in the library, or ask for deadline extensions, and they adapt to my needs because they want me to succeed.” Wright also emphasized taking advantage of opportunities as they arise: “Whether it’s a career fair, a leadership position, or something new, you have to take it,” he said.
Wright’s involvement extended beyond academics; he joined Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., campaigned successfully for student government association president as a sophomore after encouragement from fraternity brothers, and served as a student ambassador recruiting future students.
Lincoln University Cooperative Extension is recognized as the only historically Black college established by formerly enslaved Black soldiers according to its official website. The university features competitive Division II athletics and the Marching Musical Storm according to its official website, offers more than 50 undergraduate and master’s programs according to its official website, maintains a diverse student body from across the nation and globally according to its official website, draws students worldwide according to its official website, and focuses on educating students while fostering community development through its programs according to its official website.
Looking ahead, Wright plans to pursue graduate studies before returning home to Chicago as a civil engineer focused on infrastructure projects. He advised incoming students: “Watch who you hang around with… Take a step back to observe people and opportunities before you dive in.”
