JSU alumnus Damian Murray was recently selected as a Columbia HBCU Fellow. The program affords talented graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities with a rigorous, Ivy League graduate education and a full-tuition scholarship, including a semester stipend of $1,500 at the School of Professional Studies. The Columbus, Ohio native is pursuing a master’s degree in technology management.
“Jackson State prepared me for this opportunity,” says Murray. “Since I am a huge fan of Warren Buffet, Barack Obama and Robert Kraft; Columbia has a special place in my heart. It is an honor to have access to such a prestigious group of alumni.”
The 22-year old completed two study abroad programs during his undergraduate studies at JSU. Murray initially traveled to Shanghai, China through ‘Passport to the World’, a short-term faculty-led program that takes place during the summer. This program sparked his interest in further international study, resulting in a year-long program in Bangkok, Thailand during his junior year.
One of Murray’s mentors and the international marketing and recruitment specialist for JSU Global, Shameka Reed says, “He’s just a very impressive young man.”
She continues, “Studying abroad shows that you have an expansive understanding of the world and different cultures. It also validates an individuals’ ability to assimilate in different environments that have various challenges.”
Since the Technology Management program only takes one year for completion, Murray is already making plans for life after grad school.
“My original plan was to start my own technology company, but now I have decided to pursue being a Schwarzman scholar, where I can further my studies in Beijing, China.”
The Schwarzman scholars experience is anchored in a demanding and innovative master’s degree program in Global Affairs at Tsinghua University. The curriculum bridges the academic and professional worlds together by educating students on China’s expanding leadership role in the world. It also provides scholars with unparalleled learning opportunities with leaders from China and from around the world.
“I am motivated to seek this experience because China is so advanced as it relates to technology,” says Murray. “I want to implement some of their technological findings into our American system.
When asked to give words of encouragement to current students matriculating through the College of Business, he says, “As long as you try, doors will open allowing you to follow your dreams”.