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It’s been scary and unfamiliar, but with the help of good exposure, dedicated mentors and his own persistent streak, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Upward Bound Math and Science student Dierre Littleton is forging a successfully scripted path for his life.

“When I first started college, I vividly recall feeling like this was not the place for me, or that I was not properly prepared to take on higher education,” said Littleton, who is working on his doctorate in higher education administration (PhD) at Saint Louis University, courtesy of a tuition remission for faculty and staff.

Littleton began working July 5 at SLU as a residence hall coordinator for Spring Hall, which holds more than 500 students. He is responsible for the building’s logistics, maintenance, student conduct and programmatic issues.

Littleton earned a master’s in college student personnel services and administration at University of Central Arkansas and a bachelor’s in communication: public relations from Indiana State University. Throughout his college career, Littleton has maintained a 3.5 grade point average or higher.

He was the first one in his family to go to college. “I am thankful that I had a good foundation of caring high school teachers and educational mentors,” said the 2011 graduate of East St. Louis Senior High School. “I’m also grateful for my Upward Bound Math and Science family. It was because of Upward Bound that I was exposed to college at an early age. Being in the program gave me hope and motivated me to pursue my own degrees.”

Upward Bound also exposed him to the process and techniques of applying for college scholarships. It was this experience, coupled with Littleton’s academic prowess that earned three college scholarships. He received the Presidential Scholarship to Indiana State, which covered tuition, fees and room and board. University of Central Arkansas also gave Littleton a full ride to attend its school.
Dierre has always been committed to his educational goals,” said UBMS Program Director Elke Harris-McIntosh, “and with the support from programs like TRIO, it confirmed that educational hard work will pay off!”

The ESLC manages three TRIO Upward Bound Programs, which are administered, funded and implemented by the United States Department of Education. TRIO Programs serve low-income individuals, first-generation college students and individuals with disabilities to progress through post-baccalaureate programs.

“When I finished my master’s degree, I was already thinking of ‘what’s next?’” Littleton said. “That is because of UBMS Counselor Jada Hogg. She showed me tough love. She knew I was intelligent, but she challenged me to do more. She would always say, ‘That’s a huge accomplishment, but what’s next?’”

“That’s why I will never be my own hero, because I will always be looking 10 years ahead of myself,” Littleton continued. “Satisfaction can cause stagnation.”

Littleton is looking down the road to the day he will become president of a college campus.

“I want to be a college president, because when I entered higher education, I did not see a lot of people who looked like me.”

His desire to become a college president was nurtured by Dr. Daniel Bradley, president of Indiana State University.

“I was a presidential scholar, and there was a lot of interaction with Dr. Bradley. He let me shadow him, and he encouraged me,” Littleton said. “I also began to reach out to African Americans in administration in higher education, and they helped me.”

It’s going to take good role models, mentors and a strong belief in yourself to accomplish great things, explained the East St. Louis native.

“I tell young black people to not allow your surroundings to define you or who you will become,” said Littleton. “You are the author of your story.”

Littleton recounts the number of times others expressed surprise when learning he was from East St. Louis, because he is “so well spoken.”

“There is a notion that because I am from East St. Louis that I have to talk, dress or perform a certain way,” he continued. “It’s ludicrous. There is joy, love and compassion in East St. Louis. I had great role models and teachers in East St. Louis who showed me that, and that’s how I am able to reciprocate it in the lives of the young people I meet.”

The SIUE Upward Bound Math & Science program is designed to prepare participants for post-secondary education and motivate their exploration of science, mathematics and related education professionals. Participants receive tutorial instruction in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), along with language arts, foreign language and more. The program also offers a six-week summer residential component, where University faculty members instruct introductory courses in STEM, language arts, foreign language and computer literacy.

With a focus on empowering people and strengthening communities, the SIUE East St. Louis Center is dedicated to improving the lives of families and individuals - from pre-school through adult - in the Metro East. Head Start/Early Head Start and a charter high school are among the programs that offer the community renewed hope and an opportunity to reach educational, career and life goals. The Center also assigns first priority to encouraging, supporting and improving the educational success of the residents of East St. Louis and surrounding urban communities. The Center provides comprehensive programs, services and training in the areas of education, health, social services and the arts.

Photo:
Dierre Littleton is a former SIUE Upward Bound Math and Science student who is working on his doctorate in higher education administration (PhD) at Saint Louis University.