Today’s spotlight is an interview with Constance R. Collins, Ph.D. by Vernon A. Williams, Communication and Engagement Strategist for IU at the IUPUI Campus.  Constance lives in Illinois and is a member of the Neal-Marshall Alumni Club.

When did you attend Indiana University and how would you describe the mood of the campus and the nation during that time period? How do you think it influenced your experience?

I attended Indiana University from 1969-1974 and during that time I received both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees.  The campus was filled with pride as the men’s swim team won the NCAA championship and as we watched Mark Spitz win seven gold medals during the Olympics.  However during this time, the black community at the university was pushing toward an acknowledgement of who we were as black students. We proudly wore large Afros, dashikis and were involved in an active movement toward Pan-Africanism.  Nationally, there was a focus on affirmative action which benefited black students who had for so long been overlooked and discriminated against in the employment and educational environments.  The early 70’s were a time when I learned more about myself as a black person and our history as a people.  During this time, I also benefited from the focus on affirmative action which acknowledged that blacks had been overlooked and had not been given the same opportunities as whites.

What was your most daunting chapter as a student from Gary on the Bloomington campus? What is your fondest memory of Indiana University?

My most daunting experience was a criticism (from one of my professors) of my pronunciation of “pen” and “pin”.  No matter how much I tried, he never felt that I differentiated the pronunciation of these two words to his satisfaction.  To this day, I continue to reflect on the pronunciation of “pen” before attempting the word.  On the other hand, I fondly remember my years as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, the AKA house and the times I spent with black students from my sorority and others.

Delineate your career timeline – from your initial position after completing undergraduate degree to the current? Include points at which you added degrees.

In 1974, I left IU with a Master’s Degree and worked as a speech pathologist in a rehabilitation center.  I later spent a number of years working as a speech pathologist in public education.  In 1987, I attended Penn State University where I graduated in 1993 with a Ph.D. in Communication Disorders.  While enrolled at Penn State, I was also enrolled at Grand Valley State University where I completed post-doctoral work which led to certifications as principal and superintendent.  My career path led me down a road where I became a Special Education Supervisor, Special Education Director, an elementary school principal, an Area Superintendent and finally as a school district Superintendent where I will retire after 16 years in the role.

Some things have changed and others remain the same. Benefiting from your student experience, how would you advise an incoming freshman from a similar background as your own?

I would advise an incoming black student to ‘begin with the end in mind.’  Create a path which will lead to completion of your degree and stick to it.  Be reflective, use your mistakes as growth opportunities and never lose sight of your purpose and goals.   Know that as a black student, there are many who believe that you will not be successful but always remember that the decisions you make today and in the future represent not only who you are as a person, but also as a black person and as a child of God.  The secret to successful college completion really is not a secret at all.  It’s simply hard work, focus and a determination to finish.

How valuable was Indiana University in the formation of lasting friendships and networking? How do you stay connected to friendships that started at Indiana University?

My time at Indiana University was definitely valuable and I have developed long lasting friendships and networks.  Social media, texting, email, phone conversations and making the time to see college friends (while also handling a demanding job) is a priority.  I have always believed that we find time for those things which are important to us.