Q&A with Roland Hemmings, doctoral student and staff member

Get to know our students, and you’ll know what UMKC is all about.

Roland Hemmings, December ‘18
Program: Doctorate of Education
School: School of Education
Hometown: Gonzales, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
UMKC staff: Student Union building operations coordinator

TAASU student leaders at the organization’s annual Freedom Breakfast in January recognized Student Union Building Operations Coordinator Roland Hemmings for his excellent service day in and day out.

Why did you choose UMKC?

It is the right fit, not too big and too small.  I like that the people are friendly, supportive and always available.

Why did you choose your field of study?

Faculty and staff have played a major role in my persistence here at UMKC, my home away from home, hence educational administration.

What are the challenges and benefits of the program?

The main challenges are keeping up with readings and assignments, but this is because of the addition of life and work.

The benefits are having classes with a group of scholars who are passionate about education, change and success.

Since entering college, what have you learned about yourself?

I enjoy being able to support individuals and students to achieve their goals.

What are your lifelong goals?

To be happy. To focus on black male success – we don’t have a lot of people to look up to. I’m part of the Men of Color Campus Initiative, which has a mission to enhance the quality of student life and learning with a special emphasis on male students from underrepresented communities.

What excites you?

Sleep. Intellectual minds. Seeing smiles on my kids’ faces. Giving back – I’m part of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Kansas City.

What’s your greatest fear?

Not being able to provide for my family.

What is one word that best describes you?

Upbeat. Come on, I’m from the land of Calypso, steelpan and limbo. We host the greatest show on earth each year. You just have to be upbeat. Always smiling.

From across the country and around the world, our students come together in Kansas City to study business, medicine, theatre and more than 100 other academic areas. Roos become leaders in their fields and give back to their communities.

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