First off, a HUGE congratulations is in order, Joseph received third place in Wichita's 2015 "Classic Man"!

Now, some questions.

Q: Why Wichita State?

A: At first I was planning to go to the University of California Riverside, but during the summer I decided to take a trip out to Kansas. My father is a pastor and he gets moved around every once in a while, so, at the time, he was in Wichita. The summer before going off to UC Riverside, I decided to take a tour of Wichita State, and the moment I stepped on campus, it was like coming home. I loved it here, that’s when I met Natalie Toney, a family friend. She helped convince me to go to Wichita State and I’ve been here ever since.

From www.bestvalueschools.com taken by KW Photography

Q: What do you find to be your greatest asset? Greatest liability?

A: I’m not afraid to back down. I believe that’s seen as an asset and a liability. I believe that it’s never necessary to back down, you should fight for everything you want and need. So, it’s my biggest asset, but some people view it as a liability.

From Joseph's Shepard's Facebook page

Q: What are some things that we can look forward to from SGA in the Spring 2016 semester?

A: During the Fall 2015 semester we started a new program called Food Pantry that was put in place to help students, especially international students, get food. This semester, we intend on opening up our space in the Heskett Center and put our plan into further motion. Also, during the first semester a program was implemented for graduates and undergraduates to volunteer at the local Boys and Girls Club as mentors. This semester, we plan on having a celebration for them. We are also trying to start a Day Care Center for our veterans with children. After all they have done for our country, the least we could do is help them with child care when they take their night classes. Our Go-Green initiative is taking flight, as is our attempt to recruit more in-state students.

Q: What do you say to those who question your motives in regards to your demands towards President Bardo?

A: I would say to them that they should read the entire 7 to 8-page demand list that lays out our demands in detail. Also, demands have to be limited, they have to make the impact they are supposed to and they have to benefit everyone. People think I only want to help the minorities, when, in fact, I want to help everyone. I would also tell them to come and talk to me. My office hours are posted on http://webs.wichita.edu/?u=sga&p=/cabinet/profiles/executive_branch/ and I’m always open to listening to the opinions of my peers. Communication will help me grow as a leader.

Q: How did you feel about the poll on twitter?

(for those that don’t know, after the debacle with President Bardo, some of the students were asking that Joseph resign from his position as Student Body President)

A: Well, as some people don’t know, it was posted by a Senator at Wichita State, and a friend, Paige Hungate. I believe that it was a great idea to post the poll to get the feelings of the students and faculty. It called for student engagement and the involvement of the people who like to sit at home on the computer or on their phone; the people we don’t always reach. However, it was open to the public. My mom even had a hand in the voting. So, I believe that it doesn’t show the true feelings of the student body.

From Paige E. Hungate's Twitter profile

Q: How did you feel when over half of the votes said “Yes, have him resign”?

A: I was hurt in a way, but I will not apologize for my actions. Sometimes, we have to do what we feel is right, and not what we feel is popular.

Q: Is there a specific person who influences you? Why?

A: Brandon and Danielle Johnson are the ultimate power couple to me. Power couples are two people who stand by each other’s side and never give up. They recognize issues in the community and work to get them resolved. They are a pillar in this community and very well known. They are the people I strive to be like; they always do the right thing.

Q: Is there a key event in your life that shaped you into the person you are today?

A: There is definitely a time in my life where I was more passive. When I was young, we were very low income, and at times homeless. However, my mother saw how the lower income school treated my older siblings, so she put me into Woodland Hills Elementary School in Lawton, Oklahoma. I was 1 of maybe 5 black kids at that school. It was the last day of school and at the end of the day, there was this long recess before we got to go home. Close to the end, these boys came up to me and jumped me. I ignored it and went to the car where my mom was, she asked me what happened and once I told her she said we were going to go to the administrator. They basically told us that they didn’t believe us. That there was no way that could happen at their school. I vowed that as long as I’m able to speak, I will use my voice to make sure others are heard.

In my own personal experience, Joseph is someone who will sit with you and talk about anything. Even when it comes to a critique of how he’s handling things. He’s a wonderful leader and I’m more than proud to call him my friend and thankful that he took the time to sit down with me and answer my questions. We are very lucky to have him lead us into the Spring 2016 semester. He is unique in his ways, and he’s wholehearted in everything he does.

From Joseph Shepard's Facebook page

Natalie Toney: Program Coordinator at Wichita State University Office of Diversity and Inclusion

"Joseph is a wonderful leader. He’s brave and I commend him for doing what needed to be done. I support him for all that he does. He has a lot of potential and I look forward to his future because I know he is one of our future leaders. I am excited that my children have a positive male leader to look up to.”

Pictured: Natalie Toney and Joseph Shepard from Joseph Shepard's Facebook page

Danielle Johnson: Program Coordinator at Office of Diversity and Inclusion

“Joseph is an incredibly strong, passionate, and caring young man. He was met with adversity and continued to push forward. Joseph had the strength to bring key issues to light that many would shy away from. I have been proud to watch him grow as a leader through the years. I remember when he walked into my office and stated he wanted to run for SGA President. My first question was why. He articulated the importance of creating change and a more diverse and inclusive campus climate. He believes in walking his talk. In order to make a change he refused to just complain about the system, but be a part of the system to change it. Joseph has always put others first and has the biggest heart. This is just the beginning for him. Keep your eyes open as Joseph’s legacy will be amazing. He has already left an incredible legacy at WSU.”

Pictured (left to right): Brandon Johnson, Danielle Johnson, Joseph Shepard from Joseph Shepard's Facebook page

Kiah Duggins: Chief of Staff at Wichita State University Student Government Association

“Joseph if a very dynamic leader. He has implemented a lot of ideas that other people failed to. He has done things that other people are afraid of doing. I admire his ability to not be afraid to challenge the status quo. One of the biggest misconceptions about him is that he’s selfish. Joseph is one of the most kindhearted people I know. He will do anything for the people he loves.”

Pictured: Joseph Shepard and Kiah Duggins from Kiah Duggins Facebook page

Nolan Jones: Neo for Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

"Joseph is the type of leader that not only talks the talk but walks the walk. If he says he is going to do something, he follows through with it wholeheartedly. Joseph likes to help everyone reach their full potential."

Pictured (left to right): Kenny Doan, Ashwin Govindarajan, Nolan Jones, Devon Lockard, Joseph Shepard, Brandon Vann, Corey Lyons from Devon Lockard's Facebook page

These four people have been with Joseph every step of the way, as a mentor, a mentee, or a peer, but always a friend. I thank them for sharing with me their wonderful comments about Joseph, and I know they will agree with me when I say I hope to see him flourish as a leader.