For his advocacy work in the north Gulfport, Mississippi, community where he grew up, a standout University of Mississippi senior has made Time magazine’s list of “A Generation Creating Change.”
Bobby Hudson III, a public policy leadership major, is featured in Time as one of its “30 in 2030: A Generation Creating Change.” A recipient of the Robert J. Haws Scholarship, Hudson said his passion for community engagement and public policy was ignited at the university.
“Ole Miss has shaped me to be more focused on community engagement,” Hudson said. “I have brought to light my passion for community engagement and know what the outcomes of those programs were.
“There are many transferable skills that I have gained. I am really grateful for it. Ole Miss has pushed me to be the best I can be.”
Time magazine interviewed Hudson, along with two students at other universities, for its section on how young change-makers are applying creative solutions to mental health challenges.
The student said he became interested in advocacy work as a student liaison on the Campus Climate Survey working group, which ultimately resulted in the university-wide Pathways to Equity strategic plan. He has also been involved with the Center for Inclusion and Cross Cultural Engagement.
Hudson said he’s been influenced and inspired by Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for diversity and community engagement.
“Bobby has been blazing trails since his first year at the university,” Mead said. “He has proven to be a collaborative leader and role model for his peers. Bobby is also highly determined and cares deeply about engaging and improving his community.”
Though still a student, he established the North Gulfport Advocacy Coalition, a grassroots organization dedicated to educating the public about politics, social advocacy and voter awareness. Hudson has a conviction to reinvest what he has learned at the university back into his community.
“I believe no matter the constraints of traditional society standards, or whatever the obstacle might be before you, if you put your mind to it, nothing can stop you.”
Established in 2011, the Robert J. Haws Scholarship Endowment honors Haws, the founding director of the public policy leadership program and the former academic director of the Lott Leadership Institute. Contributions to the endowment can be online at https://umfoundation.com/makeagift.