Brandon Common

Vice President for Student Affairs

My first recollection of higher education was when I was fifteen and my parents and I moved my older sister into her first-year residence hall. After spending a few hours in her dorm, and walking around her campus, I knew I wanted to be a college student one day.

There are so many things to love about higher education. Events like orientation and welcome week introduce new students to our culture while teaching them our unique customs, language, and values. Campus programs, academic and non-academic, help to build community and foster a sense of belonging for students. The exchange of ideas and perspectives, both inside and outside of the classroom, allows students to grow intellectually. Higher education positively transforms the lives of students and positively impacts our society.    

Unfortunately, not everyone has access to higher education, and this is the impetus for why I do this work. My goal is to help all students thrive during their collegiate careers by removing barriers and creating the conditions that matter for their success. 

 

 

Higher education positively transforms the lives of students and positively impacts our society. -Brandon

The most influential person in my life

My mother instilled in me a strong work ethic, taught me the importance of education, and challenged me to always give grace to other people. 

Page-turners

A Promised Land by Barack Obama
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover

Advice I don't leave home without

The only time success comes before work is in the dictionary.

Education

PhD, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign 
MEd, Ohio University 
BS, University of Missouri

Contact Brandon

[email protected]      
225-578-8607
470 Student Union