THE BEST AND THE BRIGHTEST . . .
Those are the types of students Marcus McNeal would like to help recruit and retain for Wichita State. But he's not a staff member in the Office of Admissions or any other office on campus for that matter. What he is, is focused on the future of WSU.
Marcus is a freshman at WSU majoring in industrial engineering because he likes working with people and looking at processes to make them more efficient. He is one of WSU's best and brightest himself.
But how did this drive begin?
Marcus was only 8 when his parents divorced and, as he progressed through school, he was determined not to become one of the statistics about children of divorced parents. He wasn't going to drop out of high school or end up in prison.
"I challenge myself," said Marcus. "I'm never content with being where I'm at. I have to reach to be the best or one of the best."
From the beginning his mother aimed him in the right direction by sending him to Buckner Performing Arts Magnet Elementary, which was followed by Brooks Technology and Art Magnet Middle School and Heights High School.
Even his playtime focused on finding solutions.
"I always wanted to be the blue Power Ranger," explained Marcus, "because he stayed at the base to figure out the problems plaguing each episode."
Marcus did just about everything in high school: choir, theater, sports, class officer, prom committee, Principal's Advisory Council, Boys State of Kansas and the list goes on.
Outside of school, Marcus also was involved in leadership organizations and community service. When he was just 15, he began serving on the board of directors for Hope Street Youth Development where he frequently worked with the USD 259 Board of Education.
Marcus was the first Youth Mayor of an inaugural program, the Mayor's Youth Council, working with Mayor Carl Brewer. The mission of the council is to provide Wichita youth with the opportunity to weigh in on community issues and learn about city government.
Marcus took advantage of that and was definitely making a name for himself in the political circles. That was important to him because he wants to go into politics after establishing himself professionally following college graduation.
THE NEXT CHAPTER — WICHITA STATE
Marcus was accepted at Columbia University in New York City, but he turned it down. Wichita State was his choice.
"WSU is just different," said Marcus. "It was the fit for me; I'm not just a number. I could get a good education and continue giving back to the community in bigger and better ways. In addition, it is helping with my financial situation."
Marcus works and is receiving a Linwood Sexton Endowed Scholarship and a Dean's Scholar scholarship.
"Your money is not wasted here," said Marcus of his benefactors' support. "It goes to the whole college experience and is greatly appreciated."
Marcus believes education goes outside the textbook and students receive a better education if they get involved.
"The more you learn about all aspects of your university and how, together, they enhance your college experience, the more pride you have as a student," said Marcus.
Marcus also values the opportunities WSU offers. He enjoys being a student ambassador, a position that allows him to meet and speak with donors and friends of WSU and prospective students. He has signed to be a Phi Delta Theta, which he selected because it doesn't typify the frat myths and it follows his mantra of giving back.
"You are required to do community services, follow cardinal principles and maintain a certain grade point average," explained Marcus. "Also, you have to learn about the other houses and are tested on that knowledge."
In addition to Wichita being his home, Marcus appreciates Wichita overall because of its unlimited pool of resources, such as businesses participating in the Cooperative Education and Work-based Learning program and community leaders volunteering as guest lecturers.
"I am a firm believer in giving back," reiterates Marcus. "I like to make an impact, leave my mark."
Marcus is well on his way. Keep your eye on this WSU best and brightest.