I’ve come to appreciate that true leadership transcends positional authority, recognizing that inspiring change can emanate from any role within an organization. These insights, though learned through experience, would have significantly enriched my journey toward becoming a more effective leader and change agent.
As part of my series about young people who are making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Anthony Webster.
Webster has dedicated nearly 15 years of his career in higher education to breaking down barriers to student access and staff success, serving his community, and making a positive impact in his corner of the world to advance the well-being of others. Currently serving as the Director of TRIO Student Support Services, Anthony takes pride in working alongside an exceptional team, providing leadership and oversight to enhance the retention, completion, and holistic success of TRIO students at Eastern Michigan University. Additionally, he actively contributes to various institutional strategic planning committees focused on enhancing advocacy and engagement for first-generation and underserved student populations.
A native of Greenville, Mississippi, Webster’s journey into higher education and student success began during his undergraduate years at Jackson State University, where he discovered his passion while working as a work-study student in the Dean of Students Office. He recognized the importance of accessing resources, building community, and involvement in college life there. Throughout his professional tenure, Webster has remained devoted to empowering students from historically marginalized backgrounds, facilitating their access to post-secondary opportunities, and supporting their transition into adulthood at two-year and four-year institutions.
Webster’s commitment to supporting first-generation, low-income, and students with disabilities stems from his personal experience as a proud first-generation college graduate. He intimately understands the challenges students encounter while pursuing higher education to improve their lives and those of their families. This firsthand experience fuels his determination to dismantle barriers by advocating for system improvements and policies affecting all students.
Before joining Eastern Michigan University in 2021, Anthony served as a student success advocate at Washtenaw Community College, primarily assisting students in Career and Technical Education programs. He also gained valuable experience in enrollment management during his nearly five-year tenure at the University of Michigan Office of Undergraduate Admission. These diverse professional experiences have shaped his career trajectory significantly. In recognition of his dedication, Webster was honored to be named the NASPA Region IV-East Mid-Level Professional of the Year for Michigan in 2023, highlighting his commitment to the student affairs profession.
Having resided in Michigan for over a decade, Webster is a proud graduate of Eastern Michigan University’s Higher Education Student Affairs program and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in educational leadership and policy studies at Wayne State University, with plans to complete his doctorate studies in mid-2024.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Webster finds joy in connecting with friends and family and aspires to travel more. As a Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated member, he is passionate about nurturing leaders and engaging with community members to foster impactful conversations. A quote attributed to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Everybody Can Be Great Because Everybody Can Serve,” deeply resonates with Webster, embodying his commitment to guiding students towards success, promoting equity and inclusivity, and leaving a lasting impact on those he serves. With dedication and determination, he envisions a future of equal opportunities where everyone can thrive and excel on their path to happiness.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit. Can you tell us a bit about how you grew up?
I grew up in Greenville, Mississippi, primarily raised by my grandmother. Born to teenage parents, I quickly learned the importance of community and experienced firsthand the truth behind the saying, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Contrary to common misconceptions, Mississippi boasts development in various areas beyond what’s typically portrayed on television. Growing up, I didn’t think much about what we didn’t have because it was all I knew. While lacking big shopping centers and towering buildings, my childhood was rich with fond memories: riding bikes, racing in the streets, climbing trees, catching fireflies, and playing hide-and-seek with cousins and neighborhood friends during long summer days.
You are currently leading an organization that aims to make a social impact. Can you tell us a bit about what you and your organization are trying to change in our world today?
Currently, I serve as the director of the TRIO Student Support Services (SSS) program at Eastern Michigan University. For context, TRIO SSS is a federally funded initiative by the U.S. Department of Education designed to assist college students who are first-generation, come from limited/low-income backgrounds, or have documented disabilities. Juggling these diverse identities can present significant challenges as students navigate the complexities of higher education toward degree completion. Together with a dedicated team, we strive to alleviate these obstacles through mentorship, resource exposure, and investment in the potential of these young individuals who represent our future. This responsibility is one I deeply cherish, recognizing the journey as I once walked in their shoes and understanding the hardships and isolation that can accompany the pursuit of higher education. Within our program, students never question the availability of support; we foster an inclusive environment and culture of care that encourages them to lean into challenges rather than run away from them.
Can you tell us the backstory about what inspired you to originally feel passionate about this cause?
Unlike many higher education student affairs individuals who may have stumbled into their roles, my journey has been clear since my sophomore year at Jackson State University. Then, I realized my calling to work in student affairs or at least on a college campus. My passion for this field was cultivated early on, as I witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of mentorship, encouragement in moments of doubt, and guidance through obstacles that hinder personal growth. This intrinsic value and impact resonated deeply with me, prompting me to inquire of the Dean of Students during my undergraduate years: “How do I do what you do?” From that point forward, I have steadfastly committed to effecting change and positively impacting the lives of prospective and current college students globally.
Many of us have ideas, dreams, and passions, but never manifest it. They don’t get up and just do it. But you did. Was there an “Aha Moment” that made you decide that you were actually going to step up and do it? What was that final trigger?
Even today, I admit that feeling fear sometimes brings on moments of doubt. Being a first or a trailblazer in any aspect of life can evoke uncertainty. However, my “Aha Moment” arrived when I realized I was forging a new narrative for my family. It became a beacon of hope, illustrating that our past doesn’t dictate our future and motivating me to persevere. Going to college was undeniably one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made, providing me with a platform and access to individuals skilled in nurturing my personal growth. I vividly recall overhearing a conversation between my mother and a friend one weekend when I was home from school. My frustrations about college must have surfaced because I heard her say, “If he doesn’t finish (graduate), I am just glad that he went.” In that instant, I made up my mind not to give up. There was no room for quitting — I was fully committed.
Many young people don’t know the steps to take to start a new organization. But you did. What are some of the things or steps you took to get your project started?
Stepping into my role in 2021, I encountered an organization needing revitalization. Following the challenges of COVID-19, engagement, empowerment, and camaraderie were at a low. While the organization still succeeded, it lacked visibility on campus and across the state. As the third fortunate individual entrusted to lead this organization, I had big shoes to fill, given the legacy of my predecessors. The first imperative for anyone assuming a new role or initiating change is listening to those you serve. Subsequently, assembling a team of dedicated individuals committed to the organization’s mission is crucial. I don’t view them as subordinates but as colleagues and team members. The culture you cultivate is pivotal to the organization’s success. Lastly, I advocate for embracing innovation and taking calculated risks. Fear should not hinder the exploration of new possibilities.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One big thing for me is getting good at what I do. I’ve focused on understanding what students need and building systems to help them succeed, which hasn’t been easy. Because of this, people now come to me for advice and ideas. It’s surprising to find myself in this position of being an expert. While it feels good to help others and make an impact, I still learn new things daily.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
One amusing mistake I made early on was not fully utilizing my resources. Six months into my role as a new leader, I found myself tasked with submitting an annual report highlighting our successes to the federal government. I felt like a deer caught in headlights facing this process.
When I first stepped into my role, I was bombarded with advice and suggestions from numerous people on success. It was overwhelming. Initially, I brushed off offers of help, thinking that the standard “call me if you need me” was just a polite gesture. However, I soon realized that they genuinely meant it.
Thankfully, I didn’t wait too long to accept their offer. It was a valuable learning experience I’m grateful for today. I still maintain connections with those individuals, reaching out to them whenever I encounter challenges or need to bounce ideas around for potential projects or initiatives.
None of us can be successful without some help along the way. Did you have mentors or cheerleaders who helped you to succeed? Can you tell us a story about their influence?
I owe everything to the incredible people around me; they’ve propelled me to become a better version of myself. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my growth. Admittedly, there are moments when the weight of their expectations feels daunting, but I consistently give my all to reassure them of my efforts.
As I navigate the final stages of my Ph.D. journey, I’ve found unexpected champions among my students at the university. They frequently check in on my progress and even hold me accountable for meeting deadlines. I vividly recall a moment early in my Ph.D. program when a student inquired about a class assignment I was working on for class. It caught me off guard, but it reminded me of their investment in my success.
It’s both amusing and heartwarming to me because, as their director, it’s my role to support them. Yet, I cherish their support and encouragement more than anything. Their belief in me fuels my determination to excel, and for that, I am grateful.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
If I had to spotlight one student, who we will call Brady…. Brady holds a special place in my heart as he navigated the challenges of being the first in his family to attend college while juggling academic responsibilities and working to make ends meet. However, during his final year, he faced significant personal and academic setbacks, finding himself in jeopardy.
To matters worse, Brady received notice of an outstanding balance of approximately $2500 at the university, threatening to derail his pursuit of a degree. Brady and I convened regularly to strategize how best to tackle this issue. After weeks of networking, reaching out to colleagues, and exploring resources, we successfully secured the means to settle his outstanding balance.
College is undeniably challenging enough without the added stress of financial burdens. Today, Brady stands on the cusp of graduation with acceptance letters from three graduate school programs. While these moments of success may seem insignificant to some, for Brady and our team, they are nothing short of golden. I understand the impact that earning this degree will have on Brady’s legacy, and I am grateful to have played a part in his journey.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Three things that I believe community/society/politicians can do to address the problems I am trying to solve are 1) Cultivating creative spaces for young people. By providing more opportunities and resources for creative expression, we can unlock the potential of countless talented children who may otherwise never realize their capabilities as artists, poets, or designers. Too often, funding shortages and a lack of support stifle the artistic aspirations of our youth, hindering their ability to flourish. 2) Prioritize early dedication and support for mental health. With each passing year, an increasing number of students arrive on campus grappling with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. While some universities possess the necessary resources to offer support, many others lack sufficient means to address this pressing issue. Investing in early detection and comprehensive mental health services is not only imperative but also demands a broader conversation at the societal level. And 3) Allocate unrestricted funding to underserved communities, particularly Black and Brown communities, to Expand Exposure to STEM Fields: It is crucial to dismantle barriers that prevent students, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, from pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By investing in underserved communities and providing enhanced exposure to STEM fields, we can empower students to overcome their fears of math and science, ensuring equitable access to opportunities and fostering a diverse pipeline of future innovators.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.
Reflecting on my journey, I wish I had fully embraced five invaluable insights from the start despite the wealth of mentorship I’ve been fortunate to receive. Firstly, I wish I had understood the importance of celebrating milestones and small victories instead of rushing to the next task. Secondly, I overlooked the significance of being fully present in each career stage, often fixating on advancement without fully absorbing the lessons each phase offered. Thirdly, I’ve learned the necessity of occasionally prioritizing self-care, understanding that as a servant leader, I must replenish myself to continue giving effectively. Fourthly, I wish I had internalized sooner that rejection doesn’t define my worth, trusting that the right opportunities will align with my path. Lastly, I’ve come to appreciate that true leadership transcends positional authority, recognizing that inspiring change can emanate from any role within an organization. These insights, though learned through experience, would have significantly enriched my journey toward becoming a more effective leader and change agent.
If you could tell other young people one thing about why they should consider making a positive impact on our environment or society, like you, what would you tell them?
If I were to impart wisdom to others, I would encourage them to envision the world they want to inhabit decades from now, considering the legacy they wish to leave behind. Recognizing that our actions today shape the future should motivate everyone to strive for meaningful impact. Our youthfulness is only for a short time, and prioritizing the empowerment and inspiration of future generations should be a collective priority. By instilling this mindset, we can all contribute to building a better world for future generations.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this, especially if we tag them. 🙂
If given the opportunity, I would love to have a private breakfast with Dr. Ruth Simmons, renowned for her leadership as President of Brown University and Prairie View A&M University. Her influence extends widely throughout academia and, in my eyes, earns her the reputation of being a “people’s President.” While I may not know the intricacies of her day-to-day responsibilities, it’s evident from an outsider’s perspective that she prioritized interpersonal connections. This aspect of leadership resonates deeply with me. I believe that understanding and connecting with the people I lead is important, transcending mere knowledge or expertise in subject matters. Dr. Simmons serves as a beacon of inspiration within the higher education profession, and I aspire to emulate her approach. Engaging in dialogue with her would be a privilege as we exchange insights on ways to support and impact the youth as they pursue their college degrees.
How can our readers follow you online?
I am very active in engaged on LinkedIn. Folks can connect with me using this URL: www.linkedin.com/in/websteranthony
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Young Social Impact Heroes: Why and How Anthony Webster Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.