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Senior manufacturing engineering technology major. Jordan Branch grew up in Virginia, where his parents divorced when he was six, and he failed English in the 7th grade. It was at this point that the newly appointed Newman Civic Fellow learned his first lesson of accountability. To progress to the 8th grade, he was forced to attend summer school, but his father declined to cover the expenses. Undeterred, Branch took matters into his own hands and embarked on a venture to sell candy to pay for his own summer school. It is this type of perseverance that would help Branch, he says.
After graduating from high school, Branch moved to North Dakota and enrolled in Bismarck State College. He didn’t stay long and found an opportunity to transfer to Millersville University. Since coming to the University, Branch has become vice president of the National Society of Black Engineers, vice president of the American Society of Safety Professionals and vice president of the Construction Club. In addition to being a two-time recipient of the Dalton Smart Humanitarian Award, he recently received the Newman Civic Fellowship Award.
He was nominated for the award by Dr. Len Litowitz, professor and department chair of applied engineering, safety & technology at Millersville University.
Given by Campus Compact, the Newman Civic Fellowship Award recognizes and supports community-committed students who represent the next generation of public problem solvers and civic leaders. Named for Campus Compact founder Frank Newman, the award is a one-year fellowship experience that supports personal, professional and civic development.
“I think it’s important to be a part of this fellowship because I can be a role model for the next generation and show them that you can do anything that you want to do no matter where you come from,” says Branch.
In the fall semester, Branch organized a coat drive where he collected over 250 coats and donated them to the Food Hub.
Branch has a short-term goal of graduating and becoming an engineer. He hopes to earn enough money to one day build a high-tech high school in Richmond, Virginia, a school that would provide hands-on training, be interactive and focus on preparing students for higher education and careers in engineering.
For more information about the Newman Civic Fellowship Award, visit: Newman Civic Fellow.
