- Profile of Phillip Humphreys
- Plaudits
- Service Awards
- Colleague to Colleague: Caitlin Roberts reports on the rich history of Greek life at The Beach
- Spotlight on Beach Pride Center
- Unit Activities
- A CLASS Act
- Students Participate in Internships at The Washington Center
- Meet Erin Swetland
- Student Nuggets
- Alternative Spring Break 2009
- Facts About The Beach
- Target Case Study Competition Held
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Philip Humphreys
Profile of Philip Humphreys
In 2009, Upward Bound Director Phillip Humphreys will celebrate the program’s 40th anniversary, his 13th year on campus and his seventh year as director.
“I chose Upward Bound because I learned from working with the Educational Opportunity Program that many students are underprepared when they come to CSULB,” said the Bellflower resident. “I wanted an opportunity to work with students to better prepare them for their university experience. That experience does not have to take place at CSULB; it can be any university of their choice. We try to give participating students the options and choices that best fit them, whether that means attending a big or small campus, or a residential or a commuter campus.”
Upward Bound provides fundamental support to participants in their preparation for college. It offers opportunities for participants to succeed in pre-college performance and ultimately in higher education. The focus is to ensure that all Upward Bound students are given the necessary tools to help them succeed in postsecondary education. “We provide students with the tools—information, academic counseling and personal support—that are critical to ensure that they enroll in postsecondary programs, persist in their studies and earn college degrees,” Humphreys says. “Upward Bound serves low-income, high school students from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree, and low-income, first-generation military veterans who are preparing to enter postsecondary education,” he adds.
Due to his commitment to meeting student needs, Humphreys has served in various student affairs positions at CSULB during his professional career. He had stints as the assistant director/counselor of EOP and as coordinator of the Summer Bridge Program. He currently serves as director of Upward Bound—one of CSULB’s federally-funded TRIO programs that serve low-income, first-generation college students from disadvantaged backgrounds and disabled students. CSULB’s TRIO programs include the Educational Opportunity Program, Student Support Services, Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, McNair Scholars Program and the College Assistance Migrant Program. Collectively, these programs serve more than 4,000 students.
Humphreys points with pride to Upward Bound’s success. “Of the 54 students who graduated from our program in 2009, 96 percent went on to higher education. In 2008, it was 98 percent and in 2007, it was 99 percent. I think Upward Bound has done a wonderful job of helping students get into institutions of their choice.”
Philip Humphreys speaking to a group of Upward Bound students
One of the greatest satisfactions Humphreys derives from his position is the sight of CSULB students graduating. “I love commencement,” he said. “I’ve heard countless stories about students who never believed they had the option of attending college until they came to CSULB.” “At graduation, their younger sisters and brothers have the opportunity to see a university education as a valuable, viable vehicle to productivity. All too often, many of our high school students are being told that they are not college material. Our program’s success rate demonstrates that, with the proper tools and motivation and the right incentives and life skills, these students can be successful.”
Humphreys earned a bachelor of arts in social work and a master of arts in social science from Humboldt State University. He currently is enrolled in a doctoral program in organization leadership at the University of LaVerne.
When he is not working or studying, Humphreys enjoys reading and working out. “I get a huge sense of satisfaction from serving as the director of Upward Bound. It gives me a sense of purpose and accomplishment. I want to help students succeed in whatever choices they make in life. Ultimately, what I want to do is to help provide the nation with future leaders. By preparing productive citizens with degrees that lead to well-paying jobs, Upward Bound exemplifies President Obama’s commitment to invest in the nation’s future.”