Alumni Profile: Stanley Ellis credits Henderson State for his passion to serve

Stanley K. Ellis (Class of 1998 and 2000)

Alumni Q&A

Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

My name is Stanley K. Ellis. I graduated from Henderson with a double major in psychology and sociology in 1998. I received my Master of Science in Agency Counseling in December 2000, and I earned my Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Leadership at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in December 2011. I'm currently an associate professor in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS), and Director of Evaluation & Assessment for GME. I am from the small town of Holly Grove, Arkansas. I am married to Dr. Jessica K. Ellis, associate dean of the UAMS College of Nursing. I have three children, Kayron J. Ellis, Kalicia S. Ellis, and Julien Beaumont Maxwell Ellis.

How did your education and experiences at Henderson prepare you for your career path?

My tenure at the great Henderson State University forged my passion for lifelong learning and service to others, especially our youth. As an Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity member at Henderson, I began my service to youth through our national program, Go To High School Go To College. We would go to Peake Elementary and talk with the kids about staying in school, going to high school and then proceeding to college. This was one of the most rewarding things about my time at Henderson and as an Alpha

What were some of your favorite memories from your time at Henderson?

I would be remiss to name just one. My time building lifelong relationships with my peers, my fellow Divine Nine and BPP members, and the relationships that I built with my faculty… I enjoyed it all.

How did your college experience shape who you are today?

The service mentality that was sparked in me during my Henderson days has become who I am today. I am at my very best when I am serving others, especially our youth. There is no greater joy for me than to help our youth to achieve the success they want and deserve.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently during your college years?

I absolutely would have sought out more internships. My time that I spent under the supervision of my mentor, Mrs. Eula Thomas, was invaluable. She was my first internship supervisor. I appreciate all that I learned during that time and how it prepared me for my work as a counselor early in my career.

What motivates you to stay connected with your alma mater?

Were there any specific courses or professors that had a significant impact on you?

Dr. Travis Langley (psychology) walked into class the first day and slammed the door and never said a word. From day one he displayed the profession in addition to lecturing to us about it. I would tell his rationale for slamming the door, but he may be still using this technique, and I would hate to ruin it for the new Reddies. He also continues to brag about how he beat me in laser tag. A great guy and professor.

Ms. Eula Thomas (oral communications) would not allow me to falter in my public speaking. She ensured that I spoke like and acted like a professional -- inside and outside of the classroom. She certainly corrected me when I didn't. Her mentorship and tutelage was invaluable then and still is to this day.

What message would you like to send to future Henderson students?

Seek as many practical opportunities to pair with your in-class learning as possible. Endeavor to build relationships with your teachers and your peers. I have encountered so many people from Henderson in my professional life and they have graciously been part of my professional success. Remember to treat your peers with respect, because you will see them again. Trust.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your Henderson experience?

For many of us who were far away from home like I was, the people in the Arkadelphia community became our family away from our family. The Bufords, the Baileys, the Robinsons, the Johnsons, the Harris' (both sets), and so many others -- they made my time at Henderson that much more enjoyable.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?

I had to Google a list of superpowers for this one. I chose Power Bestowal: Granting powers to others temporarily or permanently. If I could bestow certain powers or abilities to others, then I could build a team of individuals that could help change the political and economic trajectory of our underserved communities and thereby improve the world community.

What is your favorite hobby or activity to unwind after a busy day at work?

I enjoy reading, especially when it is something I can put into practice to improve myself.

What is the most interesting place you've ever visited and why?

National Harbor, Maryland. It just feels serene, freeing, fun.

If you could choose any historical figure to have dinner with, who would it be, and why?

Mr. O.W. Gurley. I would inquire as to how he created Black Wall Street and ask for guidance on how I could recreate what he had done.

If you could listen to only one music genre for the rest of your life, what would it be?

The Blues, of course. I'm from the Delta.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your life or career?

First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All. While this was advice and the Alpha Phi Alpha motto, it espouses that I should work to serve others first, and in doing so, I can change the world.

Do you have any hidden talents or skills that might surprise people?

I might still be able to play the bass clarinet, alto clarinet and clarinet. Might.

What alternative career path could you see yourself pursuing?

Philanthropist. I want to live a life of giving to help others.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring three things, what would they be?

My library. Sunscreen (lol). Hammock.

Who inspires you (not including family members)?

My mentees, like Jamondra Glenn, Montael Williams, Denzel Mayo, Nick Henderson and the others. These young gentlemen make me proud to be associated with them. They are doing things at a very young age that I wish I had been thinking about and engaging in. I am proud to know them and am extremely inspired by their paths to greatness.

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