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Be persistent despite challenges, dream big and form your own board of directors. These are just a few instructions that Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center (ESLC) Executive Director Timothy Staples, EdD, gave Collinsville High School students on Friday, June 18 on the Edwardsville campus. 

The students are participating in the SIUE East St. Louis Center Collinsville’s Upward Bound Scholars Summer Academy (UBSA) that runs from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday-Friday through July 16 on the Edwardsville campus. 

“Our Summer Academy is designed to give our students more opportunities for learning and leadership, exposure to college information and tours, and a time to have fun,” said UBSA Program Director Yvonne Hart. “I invited Dr. Staples, because he is an engaging educator who loves young people. He gives students good, important information, and does so in an entertaining way!” 

“I remember getting off of work at the Walmart in O’Fallon and driving to campus trying to make my class in time,” recalled Staples, who talked to students about leadership qualities and how to position themselves as leaders. “I was concerned about what Dr. Earleen Patterson would say. I remember rushing into this very building (Peck Hall) and thinking, ‘I’m not going to make it. It’s hard. I have to work all these jobs.’ Financially speaking, I still don’t know how I made it through.” 

“It’s wonderful to be able to talk with students, and give you hope and encouragement,” he continued. “In those times when I was really low, I couldn’t see myself leaving this campus with a degree. I could not see myself where I am now.” 

Staples earned a bachelor’s in historical studies from the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences in 2000. He completed a master’s in educational leadership in 2003, and a doctorate in leadership and administration in 2017, both from Aurora University. 

In 2007, Staples began his career in student affairs as a residence hall coordinator at Illinois State University. From 2008-12, he served as assistant director of residence life for diversity initiatives and student leadership development at Miami University. From 2012-15, he was assistant director for training and leadership development at American University in Washington, D.C. 

Staples joined SIUE in July of 2018 as the inaugural director of the new Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI), housed in the Office of Student Affairs. He provided strategic leadership for the CSDI, initiating and developing four focus areas for the Center: cultural teaching and learning, cultural affirmation, inclusive excellence, and retention. He was named director of the ESLC effective Sept. 23, 2019. 

“I kept going despite challenges, because I loved learning, education and people,” explained Staples. 

He shared specific problems he faced at college, as well as those involving his home life. “But I was fortunate to have professors and educators who believed in me and wanted to see me succeed, like Dr. Earleen Patterson and Professor Lydia Jackson.” 

 Staples also recalled difficulties as a professional educator. “I wouldn’t be here, if I didn’t connect with certain individuals and sought out people who were willing to pour into me,” he shared, “and keep up with me wherever I moved and whatever situation I found myself.” 

These people, Staples informed the class, are his board of directors. “A board of directors make decisions that are in the best interest of a company,” Staples continued. “Sometimes, those decisions are hard ones. It is important to have people on your ‘board’ who have your best interest in mind. 

“I have a board of directors, and I am on other people’s board of directors. These people call me, especially during hard times. Who is on your board of directors?” 

Other leadership qualities and strategies that Staples emphasized included:

• Do not compromise your values
• You do not have to hold a position to function as a leader
• Do not align yourself with bad conduct
• Develop a plan
• Dream big
• Take positive risks 

 “We all have challenges, but the ability to persevere is in us,” said Staples. “The fact that you’re in this program says something about you. Keep making good choices, and you will be a good leader.” 

Upward Bound Scholars Academy (UBSA) is a TRIO program federally funded by the U.S. Department of Education. UBSA serves Collinsville High School students, ages 14-19, from low-income families and from families in which neither parent holds a bachelor’s degree. The goal of Upward Bound is to increase the rate at which participants complete secondary education and enroll in and graduate from institutions of postsecondary education.  

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) Executive Director Timothy Staples, EdD, talks leadership qualities with ESLC Collinsville’s Upward Bound Scholars.